The Black Child Legacy Campaign (BCLC) is proud to announce an important milestone in our work to end disparities in African American child deaths across Sacramento County: we are expanding to Rancho Cordova and welcoming Project Optimism as our eighth Community Incubator Lead.
Rancho Cordova stands out as a critical area of concern, ranking in the top 10 Sacramento County neighborhoods on several indicators of adverse child and youth wellbeing, including deaths among Black children and youth. With Black residents comprising 11% of children and adults in Rancho Cordova, the data makes clear the need for focused, community-driven action to reduce preventable child and youth deaths.
Since 2015, BCLC has partnered with seven Community Incubator Leads in neighborhoods most impacted by racial inequity to lead culturally responsive, trauma-informed solutions. With new partner Project Optimism, we are building on that legacy in a community where trusted relationships and infrastructure are already in place.
Founded in 2016, Project Optimism serves marginalized youth and families through mentorship-centered, wraparound supports that are culturally responsive and trauma-informed. For more than three years, Project Optimism has been deeply embedded in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, currently serving over 60 students annually across two schools while building strong partnerships with caregivers, school staff and community organizations.
As a BCLC Community Incubator Lead, Project Optimism will coordinate local efforts aligned with BCLC’s four focus areas: perinatal conditions, infant sleep-related deaths, child abuse and neglect, and thirdparty homicides. Their existing partnership with Black Infant Health, mentorship-driven violence prevention efforts, family engagement strategies and crisis intervention work position them to address these interconnected challenges holistically. Over the next three months, Project Optimism will establish the Optimism In Action Coalition, engage existing Community Incubator Lead partners, host listening sessions and pop-ups, and strengthen infrastructure to sustain long-term impact.
This expansion reflects a shared belief that communities hold the solutions—and that lasting change happens when trusted organizations are resourced to lead. BCLC is honored to partner with Project Optimism as we deepen our commitment to ensuring every Black child in Rancho Cordova grows up safe, healthy and empowered to thrive.