WE-Empower Family & SIMBA/NALA Playgroup

WE-Empower Family &
SIMBA/NALA Playgroup

A 10-week coaching project that strengthens family bonds by identifying core values and utilizing the 4-Quadrants of Life—health, wealth, relationships, and spirituality. Through Empower Group sessions and the CBTC® model, participants gain tools for personal growth and self-awareness, alongside SMART goal setting, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The SIMBA/NALA Boys & Girls Playgroups support African American children aged 4-10 in developing a strong self-identity through self-discovery sessions led by experienced mentors.

WE-Empower Family

Rooted in Culture, Ready to Heal

WE–Empower Family (WEF) is a culturally grounded 10-week coaching intensive designed to strengthen the mental, emotional, and relational well-being of Black and African American families, while remaining inclusive of other historically marginalized families in Oakland.

Rooted in Culture-Based Transformative Coaching® (CBTC), the WEF model supports both caregivers and children through a parallel process that uplifts family systems from within. Caregivers build tools for emotional regulation and advocacy, while children explore identity and expression through SIMBA/NALA Playgroups.

After the 10-week experience, families remain connected through the WE–Empower Family Alumni Association (WEFAA) — a year-round community of learning, leadership, and healing.

Together, WEF creates measurable change in parenting confidence, school engagement, family connection, and long-term community resilience.

SIMBA/NALA Playgroup

The SIMBA Boys and NALA Girls Playgroups are parallel rites-of-passage experiences for children ages 5–10, offered alongside the caregiver coaching sessions in WEF.

Through culturally grounded storytelling, play-based learning, and group reflection, children build confidence, strengthen peer relationships, and explore their emotional and cultural identity.

Youth ages 11–12 who complete the program may return as Junior Facilitators, supporting younger participants, modeling leadership, and reinforcing their own development in the process.

Trauma-Informed Mental Health Support

As part of our long-term healing approach, WE–Empower Family now offers culturally responsive mental health support for alumni families through our new Clinical Director, Colette Katuala and our partnership with Focused Clinical Solutions.

These services are trauma-informed, family-centered, and exclusive to graduates of the WEF 10-week core program. Support includes optional virtual or in-person sessions, group therapy opportunities, and referrals for specialized care—all grounded in cultural humility and healing justice frameworks.

This collaboration reflects our belief that community care and clinical care must work together to support the full wellbeing of families.