HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2026_Open Session_Item 18 (Akoma Center)_Gardner-Odums, Christina_From:CHRISTINA GARDNER-ODUMS
To:PublicComments
Cc:info@akomaunitycenter.org
Subject:Public Comment in Support of Akoma Unity Center Lease Renewal
Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 9:31:21 AM
Caution - This email originated from outside the City - Verify that the Email display name and Email address are consistent. - Use caution when opening attachments.
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Christina Gardner-Odums, and I am writing in strong support
of the lease renewal for Akoma Unity Center.
Akoma has had a meaningful impact on my family and on the lives of my
two daughters. Through Akoma, they gained access to mentorship,
educational opportunities, and community involvement that extended
beyond what traditional school systems and other community resources
were able to provide for them.
Akoma exposed my daughters to enriching programs in sustainability and
agriculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, coding, robotics, digital arts, and
other innovative learning opportunities that broadened their educational
experiences and career interests.
One of my daughters volunteered with Akoma and later became an
employee of the center after graduating college. My youngest daughter
participated as a scholar for several years, later became a mentor in
Akoma’s Teen Mental Health Program, and is now away at college
majoring in forensic psychology—an educational path influenced in part by
the experiences, mentorship, and opportunities she was able to learn from
and participate in while at Akoma Unity Center.
Akoma has been more than an after-school program for our family; it has
been a place of growth, empowerment, and opportunity. The center has
helped shape my daughters into confident, service-minded young women
and has been a tremendous blessing to our family and this community.
I respectfully urge you to support the continuation of Akoma Unity
Center’s lease so it may continue serving scholars and families throughout
San Bernardino.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Christina Gardner-Odums