The Leaven

Our Purpose and Mission

The Leaven’s purpose is to share Christ’s love through the ministry of help in our neighborhoods. One we way we do that is by increasing the academic achievements, self-esteem, and life opportunities for children living in low-income, urban communities by showing love, care and compassion.

How does The Leaven benefit the community?

Increased academic performance — Survey data indicates the PACE Leaven program students show significant improvement in academic and classroom performance, as well as behavior at home.

Reduced truancy and absenteeism — Leaders from the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District have noted exceptional academic improvement from the children attending the Leaven program, as well as a reduction in truancy & absenteeism.

Decreased crime rates — Since the conception and presence of the Leaven program in the P.A.C.E. and Groves/Tabor neighborhoods, there has been measurable reduction in crime in the areas through residents working together with law enforcement, public officials, schools, churches and human service providers.

Revitalized neighborhoods —The community & neighborhoods are empowered. Individuals are engaged in act of helping and active community service. Families are being strengthened and lives are being changed.

Improved Health and Healthy Behaviors to Reduce childhood obesity- We support prevention-oriented health clinics, vision testing, and linkages to health services, healthy nutrition and physical activities in neighborhoods.

Our History

In 2005, community leaders from Parkway Community Church, City of Fairfield, and the County of Solano identified a need to improve the quality of the most under-privileged neighborhoods in the City of Fairfield. They created The Leaven, an after-school tutoring and mentoring program, as a way to show care and compassion for at-risk and under-performing youth. The Leaven Program catapulted a dynamic volunteer force eager to engage in active service in helping their neighbors. Together these volunteers, through a grassroots effort, launched the first Leaven neighborhood after-school tutoring center.

The Leaven now consists of two tutoring centers, one in the PACE neighborhood (corner of Airbase Parkway and Heath Drive) and the Groves Apartment Complex (855 East Tabor). Each center serves approximately 35–40 students. The tutoring program is free to any student in the target neighborhoods and is operational Monday–Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. In four years, The Leaven has already impacted the lives of hundreds of children and their families, as well as making a significant improvement in the safety of Fairfield neighborhoods.

Our Goals

The Leaven has four main goals:

• To increase student success in the classroom academically and behaviorally.
• To inspire and enable students to make better choices for their health and future.
• To involve and equip parents to positively impact their children and their communities.
• To engage faith based groups in the work of active community service.

Our Services

In addition to after-school tutoring, The Leaven provides elementary school children:

• Enrichment Activities
• Recreational Opportunities
• Mentoring

How Can I Get Involved?

• Volunteer once or twice a week at either of our locations. Both tutoring centers operate Monday–Friday, 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Come experience the tremendous kids involved in our program.
• Support The Leaven through designating your employee United Way giving to The Leaven.
• Allocate funds to support The Leaven on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
• Volunteer with foundation and fund-raising efforts.