Empowering Communities: SBX Youth & Family Services Receives OpenAI Grant

A New Era for the Inland Empire

SBX Youth & Family Services (Sigma Beta Xi, Inc.) is a dedicated nonprofit organization in the Inland Empire. Our mission is to disrupt cycles of poverty and violence. Recently, we were honored to be selected as a grantee of the OpenAI Foundation People First AI Fund. We are one of only 208 nonprofits nationwide to receive this funding, aimed at developing community-driven AI tools.

The People First AI Fund supports organizations that use AI to expand opportunities, strengthen civic engagement, and ensure that technological progress reaches often-overlooked communities. This funding represents a significant step forward for us.

“For more than twenty-five years, SBX has stood with youth and families in the Inland Empire,” said Berenice Zuniga, Co-CEO of SBX Youth & Family Services. “We help them build resilience and leadership despite systemic barriers. An AI tool that strengthens our work and helps families engage with local government will keep community voices at the center of public policy.”

Introducing the AI Civic Engagement Navigator

With the support from OpenAI’s People First AI Fund, we are excited to announce the development of an AI Civic Engagement Navigator. This innovative tool will empower communities to track and respond to local policy and budget decisions effectively.

“The AI Civic Engagement Navigator will transform the complex world of policy into clear, digestible information,” said Darrell Peeden, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of SBX Youth & Family Services. “We want residents to quickly understand what is on the agenda, how items are moving, and where our leaders are headed with their votes and comments. When the community knows what is happening, we can respond in real time, work with our elected officials, and guide agencies in a more collaborative way.”

Making Information Accessible

SBX is designing the AI Civic Engagement Navigator at the intersection of AI, public policy, and community organizing. Our focus is on making public records, city and county agendas, minutes, and budget documents easier to understand for everyday residents. This is especially important for youth and families who are most impacted by these decisions.

“The Inland Empire cannot sit out the next wave of technology,” said Darrell Peeden. “We can either consume AI or create it. Building it ourselves means stronger communities and a stronger local economy.”

Community Involvement in Development

We believe in the power of collaboration. SBX will engage youth, parents, and local partners as co-designers throughout the development process. Our vision is to create a model that can be shared with other regions. This model will demonstrate how neighborhood-based nonprofits can use AI to strengthen democracy by making information more accessible and digestible for the public.

“Advocacy is going to look different in the coming years,” said Peeden. “With the support of the OpenAI Foundation, SBX and the Inland Empire have a chance to help define that future.”

The Future of Advocacy

As we move forward, we recognize that the landscape of advocacy is changing. The AI Civic Engagement Navigator will play a crucial role in this transformation. By providing clear and actionable information, we can empower residents to engage more effectively with local government.

We are committed to ensuring that our community's voices are heard. This project is not just about technology; it is about building a more informed and engaged community. We believe that when people understand the issues at hand, they can advocate for themselves and their families.

For the full list of grantees and OpenAI’s announcement, visit: Announcing the initial People-First AI Fund grantees | OpenAI

Conclusion

In conclusion, the support from the OpenAI Foundation marks a pivotal moment for SBX Youth & Family Services. We are excited about the potential of the AI Civic Engagement Navigator to empower our community. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and violence, fostering resilience and leadership among youth and families in the Inland Empire.

This journey is just beginning, and we invite everyone to join us as we work towards a brighter future.