United Playaz

Peer Leaders, Balboa High School

"United Playaz' focus on young people was birthed with Peers folks at the helm: they always put youth first."

United Playaz (UP) is a violence prevention and leadership development organization that has dedicated 25 years to providing youth with positive role models and activities to engage in as an alternative to involvement with gangs, drugs and other high risk behaviors. UP provides services on school sites, in the community and at our youth center in the South of Market. UP’s motto is “It takes the hood to save the hood.”

"United Playaz congratulates Peer Resources on its 40^th Birthday! Peer Resources was one of UP’s first partners on this journey and we have always appreciated and respected their work. United Playaz began in1994 after repeated violence between gangs, turfs and different ethnic groups at Balboa High School. United Playaz was born from the collective efforts of the young people themselves and adult allies committed to making the school a safe place for all. The demands of the youth continue to be UP’s core services, providing youth with positive role models and activities to engage in as an alternative to involvement with gangs, drugs and other high-risk behaviors. UP has been happy to support youth, no matter how long or short they stay with us. We have been extremely proud to watch young people soar when they move on to work with other CBO’s, attend college, work for the school district or pursue their passions elsewhere. UP knows that youth are wise beyond their years and only need the support and guidance of caring, invested adults to help them heal, grow and reach their full potential. UP now has chapters worldwide and through the recent purchase of the UP Clubhouse, UP will continue to be a beacon of hope for young people in San Francisco. United Playaz feels blessed and honored to serve with the people and believes strongly in our motto that “It takes the hood to save the hood”."

United Playaz