OCF Blog

Grief is a universal human experience, but it is also deeply personal. The fires in Southern California remind us of the profound impact loss can have on individuals, families, and communities. During such times, it is essential to create spaces where grief can be expressed, understood, and ...

My career in leadership coaching is a natural extension of my experiences, including my time as OCF's interim Executive Director. During this period, I mentored rising leaders, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence in their abilities, and develop the skills needed to lead effectively. These experiences deepened my passion for helping others discover their potential. Now, as a coach, I partner with my clients to explore their whole selves, recognizing them as naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. Together, we uncover what resonates most deeply with their values, empowering them to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 

As part of this commitment, leaders from the MBK Yonkers chapter participated in The Council for Boys and Young Men Facilitator Training, a program focused on equipping educators with strength-based methods to manage group dynamics, address behavioral challenges, and promote safe, healthy behaviors. Attendees included educators, counselors, and school staff from Yonkers’ schools. The training emphasized prevention and intervention strategies that minimize classroom disruptions, maximize group cohesion, and nurture students’ personal growth...

We are all connected. One Circle Foundation is grateful to showcase the transformative work of our partnering organizations and Circle facilitators worldwide in empowering youth. Through their dedication and dynamic implementation of Circles, our partners create safe, inclusive spaces where young ...

As the chill of November sets in, you might start noticing a sudden abundance of mustaches sprouting up around you—on friends, coworkers, even your local barista. But these are more than just style statements; they’re part of the annual Movember movement, a month-long campaign where men grow mustaches to raise awareness for men's health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Movember isn’t just about facial hair—it’s about sparking conversations, supporting critical health causes, and making a positive impact. We asked Christopher Emmanuel...

We are all connected. One Circle Foundation is grateful to showcase the transformative work of our partnering organizations and Circle facilitators worldwide in empowering youth. Through their dedication and dynamic implementation of Circles, our partners create safe, inclusive spaces where young ...

Our return to in-person training in the Bay Area this month was a huge success. It was a joy to be with our community again face-to-face. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this Girls Circle Facilitator Training to life. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Running a Circle group is an excellent example of how a facilitator can be an “askable adult” and foster adult-youth communication. As I think about the importance of Let's Talk Month, I remember participating in The Council for Boys and Young Men Facilitator Training and providing additional training for the facilitators.

Through a collaborative process involving our board, staff, facilitators, and valued partners, One Circle Foundation has reimagined and refreshed our Vision and Mission statements to better align with the needs of this moment. This process allowed us to reflect on our purpose and direction as we continue to empower youth and strengthen communities.   We’re excited to share this renewed vision as we move forward with clarity and purpose.  OCF VISION: Youth thrive worldwide through compassionate connections and healthy relationships within their communities.   OCF MISSION: Prepare caring adults with excellent accredited training, user-friendly activity guides, and innovative approaches to facilitate research-based Circles for transformational youth development. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. Youth mental health is important and often underestimated. Adolescence is a pivotal time where biological, psychological, and social changes occur, often simultaneously. It is important for us to recognize that youth need our help and support. We must be the approachable and askable adults they can turn to when they need a listening ear.