San Francisco, CA – Jon Osaki, Executive Director of the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC), will receive the 2008 Juvenile Justice “Hero” award for his outstanding work supporting youth in San Francisco. The award will be presented by Public Defender Jeff Adachi at the Fifth Annual Juvenile Justice Summit: “Less Talk, More Action: Solutions for Safe Schools and Safe Streets” on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.
As the executive director of JCYC – a nonprofit community organization that supports the needs of San Francisco’s children, youth and families – Osaki has built a continuum of services, which supports children and youth from the time they are toddlers to the time they are ready to move onto college. Osaki has galvanized community support to expand JCYC’s programs to include after-school programs, a youth leadership development program, a college access center, career internship program and mentoring services.
A native San Franciscan, Osaki participated in JCYC as a youth and attended the organization’s summer day camp. Upon reaching high school age, he became a counselor for the summer day camp and ultimately became coordinator for JCYC’s summer programs. Prior to becoming the organization’s executive director, Mr. Osaki held a variety of positions with the JCYC, including health educator for the Asian Youth Substance Abuse Project and project director for the New Ways Workers program.
In addition to his work within the Japanese American community, Osaki has worked extensively with other communities throughout the city. Under his leadership, JCYC’s programs have received national recognition for achieving outstanding outcomes for youth, and the organization is often called upon by the city to implement new initiatives for children and youth.
“Jon is being honored for his exemplary leadership in serving youth, particularly those from immigrant and other vulnerable communities, achieve successful outcomes,” said Public Defender Jeff Adachi. “He has given unselfishly and deserves recognition for his many contributions to the future of our children in this city.”
The summit will be held at the San Francisco Public Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin Street, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Osaki is scheduled to receive his award at 1:00PM. Hosted annually by the Public Defender’s Office since 2004, the summit will draw over 250 youth, parents and city leaders to discuss and pose solutions to juvenile justice issues both locally and statewide.
