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How Health & Fitness Programs Build a Better Community


DSAL Boxing participants pose in front of the Boxing Ring with smiles on their faces

Imagine living in a community where everyone feels safe, healthy, and happy.


This is what we are working towards in Unincorporated Alameda County - our home - which faces high rates of chronic disease, crime, school dropouts, mental health issues, teen pregnancy, and unemployment. To overcome these challenges, we empower our community with the transformative strength of free Health & Fitness programs, accessible to all.


These programs help kids grow into strong, healthy, and successful young adults who are inspired to give back to their communities, and help adults get out and build supportive connections and reinforce strong, resilient minds and bodies.


Mens Soccer participants pose in front of the Sunset Futsal courts, building community and staying fit

Health & Fitness Programs Matter More Than You Might Think


When kids participate in Health & Fitness programs, they gain more than just physical strength. These programs provide a safe place for children to learn important life skills like teamwork and anger management, make new friends, and feel like they are a part of something bigger - a community. Our classes help kids build discipline and self-confidence. These activities also offer a fun way to stay active and healthy, supporting strong cardiovascular systems, healthy body-mass, and good blood flow to the brain, which increases the ability to focus and learn!


After one session of moderate physical activity the flow of oxygen to the brain increases and neurotransmitters increase, helping memory and higher thinking

Benefits for Participants


Health & Fitness programs have many proven benefits, especially for youth:


  • Less Likely to Use Drugs: Kids in these programs are 49% less likely to use drugs.

  • Higher Test Scores: Regular participation in physical activities helps kids perform better in school.

  • More Likely to Attend College and Earn Better Pay: Engaging in sports and fitness increases the chances of going to college, which in turn increases opportunities for higher-paid careers.

  • Lower Healthcare Costs: Staying fit leads to lower medical expenses in the future.

  • Lower Crime Rates: Involvement in structured activities keeps kids away from crime and risky behaviors, which increases the safety of the area.

  • Healthier Bodies: Regular exercise promotes better physical health.

Participants report having fun, feeling healther, becoming stronger, and learning better sportsmanship

Building a Safer Community


When we invest in Health & Fitness programs, we create a safer and stronger community. By guiding young people towards healthy habits, we help them avoid dangerous paths that lead to higher crime rates. Coaches and mentors in these programs act as positive role models, teaching kids how to manage their emotions, make good decisions, and develop a strong sense of community.

Participant quotes

The Impact on Alameda County

In Alameda County, our Health & Fitness programs have made a significant difference in keeping our community on a healthy path. Since 2021, we have served thousands of residents, providing free and inclusive activities.


Self defense participant practices in one of our workshops

Our efforts helped build the Sunset Futsal Park, which quadrupled the number of participants building community and learning life-skills in our soccer programs.

We also expanded the HAS Boxing & Fitness Gyms to offer a safe place for families to stay active and healthy, incorporating workshops like our women's self-defense class to further support and protect our community.

Positive Outcomes


Individuals in these programs report feeling healthier, stronger, and more connected to their community. They learn about sportsmanship, cooperation, and how to manage their emotions in healthy ways. This positive environment helps them avoid trouble and create a brighter future for themselves.


Wrestling participants having fun together while they build community and stay fit

A Brighter Future for All of Us


Our investment in Health & Fitness programs is not just about physical health - it's about building a community where everyone is safe, supported, and hopeful. By providing these opportunities free of cost, we are helping to ensure that our youth grow into healthy, successful adults who feel good about contributing positively to society.


Together, we can create a community where everyone has the chance to thrive. 

Join us!


 

Fratelli’s Pizza and Catering smile with one of their handcrafted pizzas

Small Business Spotlight - Fratelli’s Pizza and Catering

Authentic Neapolitan style Pizza


We are Fratelli’s Pizzeria & Catering, a family owned and operated business specializing in Neapolitan style pizza and Italian food reflected in the name “Fratelli’s” which roughly translates to “Siblings” in the Italian language, this blossoming new business was founded only this year by 4 siblings.  With each of our four owners having worked in the food and beverage industry for more than 30 years each, our experiences range from front to back of the house, and cover different foods and cultures from around the globe, giving us the skills to start our own business and share our passion for making food with the world.


Our family migrated from Mexico to San Francisco in the 1990s where we lived for a short time, but have since moved to San Ramon, California and have called this city our home for many years. 


Our master chef Mauricio has been making all styles of pizza for more than 30 years.  His passion is in providing authentic pizza in the style of Napoli, or “Neapolitan style".  In the spirit of authenticity and providing the very best product for our customers, our flour is imported directly from Italy and our “secret recipe” dough is handmade from scratch, with each pizza made to order onsite.  


In March 2024, after having been founded only one month earlier, we competed in the Neapolitan Pizza category at the Las Vegas Pizza International Expo where he placed a respectable 25th out of 100 contestants. Next year after having been in business for a full year, we hope to place in the top 5.  Veronica, Maria and Claudia, the three sisters, are the heart  that makes Fratelli’s daily operations successful.


Come try our pizza, we look forward to meeting you!


 

Rex (Flordy) Nduenga gets ready to run the bases at DSAL summer camp

Summer Camp Participant Rex (Flordy) Nduenga is DSAL’s Athlete of the Month


This was Rex's third year attending DSAL Summer Camp!


Rex always brings a can-do attitude to camp and his behavior and positive attitude towards others is exemplary. He is always willing to jump in and try any new activity, and he supports and assists others when needed. Our coaches agree, it has been great having Rex in summer camp. Watching him mature and reinforce strong community bonds has been rewarding!


"This a great way to interact with others and have a good time. My favorite part about participating in this program is playing soccer, and I like the workouts.

The program provides a fun and safe environment for youth, so in that way, I see that it contributes to a healthier and safer community. Participants are supervised and have a safe place to go, so they can stay out of trouble.


I have noticed positive changes in my life since starting the program - without it I would be home alone, or playing video games. I like to interact with other kids, so the hardest part of the program for me is when I have to go home.”


Join us, and contribute to a healthier and safer community!



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