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.
Since its launch in 2015 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, The Center has managed BCLC in partnership with the Steering Committee for the Reduction of African American Child Deaths, with seven locally rooted Community Incubator Leads leading its work in the neighborhoods most impacted by racial inequity. With new partner Project Optimism, BCLC is building on that legacy in a community where trusted relationships and infrastructure are already in place.
Rancho Cordova stands out as a critical area of concern, ranking in the top 10 Sacramento County neighborhoods for 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 targeted, community-driven action to reduce preventable child and youth deaths.
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.
This expansion reflects a shared belief that communities hold the solutions—and that lasting change happens when trusted organizations are resourced to lead. We are 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. Visit blackchildlegacy.org to learn more.