20 Years of FIERCE Advocates: Walking Alongside Families, Building Community Power
Twenty Years of Walking Together
FIERCE Advocates has never been about programs alone. It has always been about people. About showing up, listening deeply, and building spaces where families feel seen, supported, and powerful.
As we mark 20 years of FIERCE, we pause to reflect not just on how far we have come, but on why this work matters now more than ever.
Since 2005, FIERCE has walked alongside Black and Latinx families in Richmond and across Contra Costa County. What began as Building Blocks for Kids (BBK) has grown into a community rooted movement grounded in healing centered care, leadership development, and parent led advocacy. Two decades in, that commitment remains unwavering.
Becoming an Anchor While Staying Rooted
For Executive Director Sheryl Lane, celebrating FIERCE’s 20th anniversary was a moment of pride and clarity.
“It demonstrated that we have become an anchor institution in Richmond, having evolved from our base firmly rooted in the Iron Triangle neighborhood to now partnering with families throughout Contra Costa and beyond.”
That growth came from being honest about what FIERCE does best and having the courage to evolve.
“We have navigated what it means to show up in community and make the necessary pivots, realizing what our strengths are, connecting community engagement, services, and advocacy.”
Those choices allowed FIERCE to deepen its impact without losing its soul.
A Celebration That Looked Like FIERCE
When it came time to celebrate 20 years, FIERCE chose joy and togetherness over formality.
“What was meaningful is that it is what we set out to do, to be in shared space with community members, local residents, and families instead of a fancy gala.”
The celebration felt unmistakably like FIERCE. Children ran through giant bubbles. Youth laughed with painted faces. Ballet folklórico dancers filled the space. Staff and community members joined line dances in the street.
“The day felt like it truly showed who we are as an organization, what we aspire to continue to be.”
In a time when many communities are carrying heavy burdens, choosing joy was intentional.
“We took the time to celebrate, especially during these challenging times when joy is most especially needed.”
Showing Up for Families, Again and Again
When Sheryl reflects on the year, what stands out most is consistency.
“What makes me most proud is that we continued to grow our presence in the community, so that people realize that we are here with them.”
That presence showed up across advocacy, wellness, and leadership.
FIERCE supported displaced Stege Elementary families through connection and community activities. Parents strengthened their voices through a comprehensive Advocacy Bootcamp in partnership with First 5. A new cohort of Community Education Leadership Institute fellows graduated and stepped into appointments on city, county, and school district committees.
FIERCE also continued to create spaces for restoration. Latina Sanctuary grew as women gathered in healing and connection. Brilliance of Brotherhood expanded into a dedicated space for Black boys and men to learn, build, and grow together. The second annual Black Women’s Sanctuary Conference centered rest as essential.
And through CoCo Doulas, FIERCE remained present for Black birthing people and families.
“More than 270 babies have been born to date since the program launched, and we graduated our largest cohort of doula trainees.”
Looking Ahead With Intention
As FIERCE looks toward its next chapter, Sheryl is energized by what is ahead.
“In 2026, FIERCE will begin implementing our new strategic plan and our Birth and Beyond framework.”
This next phase brings a renewed focus on collaboration, so families can experience the full scope of FIERCE’s work.
“From parent led organizing to wellness spaces for restoration and collaboration, we want community members to experience all that we offer.”
At the heart of this vision is a deep belief in community leadership.
“We deeply believe that the community members and residents we work with are all emerging leaders with the potential to collectively build empowered, wellness centered communities.”
Carry the Light Forward
For 20 years, families have relied on FIERCE for support that is warm, culturally affirming, and grounded in real community needs. Today, families are carrying more than ever, balancing work, childcare, housing challenges, health concerns, and the emotional weight of caregiving in systems that do not always make space for them.
You can help carry the light forward.
Support FIERCE by participating in our programs, spreading the word about our work, or making a gift to our year end campaign. Your support sustains the programs that help families heal, grow, and thrive and helps ensure the next 20 years of care, leadership, and collective empowerment.
Together, we will continue walking alongside Contra Costa families, rooted in joy, resilience, and community power.
