We Were
Abundant Beginnings was more than a program—it was a way of being. From 2013 to 2024, we held liberatory learning spaces for Black and Brown children in the Bay Area.
We gathered families in circles of joy, co-created curriculum, and ran Forest Freedom School in the woods. We helped young people feel seen and free to be themselves. We helped them raise their voices—leading teach-ins, marching with megaphones, and learning the language of social justice before they could even spell it. And we built tools to help educators and parents do the same.
We Are Becoming
We are no longer operating in the same way—but the work didn’t end. Like compost, we are breaking down and transforming.
Some of what we planted continues to grow through others…
Educators tending learning pods rooted in our methods
Families carrying forward rituals of care and connection
Our not so young people are showing us new ways to live our values.
Curriculum showing up in living rooms, kitchens, and classrooms
Abundant Beginnings is paused, not gone. The seeds we scattered are still sprouting.
If you listen real hard you will still hear chanting in the forest.
What’s Next?
We are taking time to listen to what wants to come next.
No rush. No hustle. Just presence and care.
We imagine…
Sharing our curriculum as a living resource
Supporting new community-rooted learning spaces
Offering facilitation, consulting, and adult learning
Connecting with a network of people carrying similar dreams
This next version may take a different shape—but it will grow from the same roots.
Stay in Relation
We move at the speed of trust.
If this work moved you, if you felt the rupture of our transition, or if you're called to carry it forward we’d love to stay connected. Please sign up for updates below.
Or feel free to email us at info@abundantbeginnings.org. For those interested in receiving updates from our restorative justice circles process please contact STRONGHOLD at karena@wearestronghold.org.
With Gratitude
To every child who taught us how to listen. To every parent, caregiver, and co-dreamer who said “yes.” To every family who marched with us and every young activist who took a megaphone. To every teacher who dared to imagine differently.
You are the continuation.
You are the work.
Thank you,
Shayna and Dylan