Project AWARE’s First Annual Gala Awards

November 13, 2025

Project AWARE, a grassroots nonprofit organization, held its inaugural fundraising gala on November 8, 2025, marking twenty years since its founding by Reginald Washington. Washington established the organization while incarcerated to provide emotional literacy and restorative justice programs to marginalized youth—skills he lacked during his own involvement with gangs that led to imprisonment. The celebration featured keynote speaker Chef Jeff Henderson, who similarly transformed his life after incarceration by discovering his culinary passion and becoming a successful executive chef and bestselling author.

Who is affected

Youth in San Diego County detention centers, schools, and neighborhoods
Marginalized communities throughout San Diego County
Young people at risk of gang involvement
Award recipients including Jason Druxman, Mindy McCartney, Karen Normile, Dr. Joey Estrada, Linda Ledesma, Malcom Warfield, and Catherine Butler
Youth awardees: Zakyra Reed, Reality Robinson, Bianca Figueroa, Razhane Moore, and Jack Phanora
Project AWARE organization founded by Reginald Washington

What action is being taken

Project AWARE is offering programs in youth detention centers, schools, and neighborhoods throughout San Diego County
The organization is providing emotional literacy skills, restorative justice programs, credible mentorship, and leadership development

Why it matters

This work addresses critical gaps in supporting at-risk youth by providing the emotional tools and mentorship needed to break cycles of incarceration and violence. The organization targets communities that are frequently marginalized and offers interventions at critical points—in detention facilities, schools, and neighborhoods—where young people can learn alternatives to destructive behaviors. The twenty-year milestone demonstrates sustained community impact and validates the restorative justice approach of using lived experience to guide vulnerable youth away from the criminal justice system.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint