Eoba/Smartmoves

About Eoba/Smartmoves

The East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA/Smartmoves), located in Oakland, California, is a youth-focused organization providing comprehensive programs for individuals aged 5-20. Founded in 1987 by Stanley Garcia, a former professional boxer and long-time Oakland resident, EOBA/Smartmoves is deeply rooted in the East Oakland community, having served over 60,000 youth and their families for more than three decades.

EOBA/Smartmoves operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to fostering mental and physical wellness, academic achievement, and essential life skills development in young people. The organization offers a diverse range of programs tailored to different age groups. After-school programs are available for children aged 5-13, while internship/mentoring and boxing programs cater to youth aged 14-20. A core component of the boxing program is a commitment to community service; youth members are required to volunteer a minimum of four hours per month to maintain their gym membership. This cultivates a sense of responsibility and civic engagement among participants.

Location and Accessibility

EOBA/Smartmoves is situated at 816 98th Ave, Oakland, California, United States of America, making it easily accessible to residents of East Oakland and surrounding areas. The facility serves as a central hub for youth development and community engagement.

Training Programs and Classes

The organization offers a multifaceted approach to youth development, incorporating eight dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, environmental, occupational, and financial. This holistic perspective ensures that participants receive well-rounded support and guidance. Beyond boxing, students engage in a variety of sports and activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and golf, through rotating clubs and field trips. These activities promote physical fitness, teamwork, and social interaction.

EOBA/Smartmoves boasts a comprehensive boxing program that goes beyond physical training. It instills discipline, courage, and perseverance in its participants while actively challenging and countering negative stereotypes associated with the sport. The program aims to empower young people and equip them with valuable life skills.

Enrichment Programs

Recognizing the importance of academic success, EOBA/Smartmoves provides robust academic enrichment programs, including literacy tutoring and college readiness support. These programs aim to enhance students' academic performance and prepare them for future educational opportunities. The facility offers a variety of creative and engaging programs:

• Creative Design: Students can explore their artistic talents through visual and digital arts programs.
• Culinary Instruction: Participants learn healthy recipes and develop essential cooking skills.
• Organic Garden Club: The 20+ year-old organic garden club teaches youth about sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits.
• Science Projects: Hands-on science projects encourage curiosity and critical thinking.
• Technology/Media Instruction: Participants gain valuable technology skills in media production.
• Theater Production: The theater program fosters creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.

Community Engagement

EOBA/Smartmoves is deeply committed to serving the broader community. The organization offers several community programs, including free summer Friday night events called Town Nights, providing a safe and engaging space for families to come together. Furthermore, the food pantry distributes healthy groceries to families in need, addressing food insecurity within the community.

Coaches and Staff

The current interim Executive Director of EOBA/Smartmoves is Dawna Williams, supported by a dedicated team of coaches and staff members who are passionate about youth development. The team is committed to providing high-quality programming and mentorship to the young people they serve.

Recent annual programming included 18,900 hours of academic programming, 9,450 hours of enrichment programming, and 7,126 hours of youth boxing coaching. These figures demonstrate the significant impact EOBA/Smartmoves has on the lives of young people in East Oakland.

EOBA/Smartmoves provides a very good program for after school and during the summer. The curriculum helps the children learn a lot, and the facility assists them with their homework.

In conclusion, the East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA/Smartmoves) is a vital resource for youth and families in East Oakland, offering a comprehensive range of programs designed to promote physical and mental well-being, academic achievement, and essential life skills. The organization's long-standing commitment to the community and its holistic approach to youth development make it a valuable asset to the region.