At Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY), our supporters come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, each contributing to our mission in unique and meaningful ways. One of those dedicated supporters is James Merrick, the new leader of our Community Impact Council (CIC) for 2025. James has been an integral part of the CIC, bringing fresh energy, passion, and a vision for deepening community engagement.
We sat down with James to discuss his journey, the role of the CIC, and how the broader community can get involved.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
James: I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and have lived in D.C. for about 11 years now. I have a professional background in communications and marketing. I serve as the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the Melanoma Research Foundation, a national nonprofit based in D.C. We focus on educating people about melanoma, funding research, and advocating at the federal and state levels.
Outside of work, I’m a huge foodie, I love exploring new restaurants across D.C. Recently, I tried Kyōten, a fantastic sushi spot in Georgetown. Traveling is another passion of mine; I aim to visit all 50 states and every continent!
Q: What inspired you to get involved with Sasha Bruce and the CIC?
James: I had heard about SBY for several years through friends who were CIC members and had attended events such as gardening at Bruce House, Project Home build days, and the annual gift wrapping party. However, what really solidified my commitment was visiting one of the SBY homes last year and hearing directly from one of the youth participants. His willingness to share his experience in such an authentic way made it a no-brainer for me to want to get involved and give back. Additionally, I’ve been impressed by the dedication of the SBY staff I’ve met. Their commitment to the mission is evident, which further solidified my desire to be part of the CIC. Being part of the CIC is also fulfilling because it’s a group of professionals in DC who are committed to ensuring all youth have safe housing, a good meal, someone to talk to, and all the other resources they need to be successful.
Q: What motivates you, and what do you think might motivate other CIC members to volunteer, donate, and advocate for SBY?
James: I’m particularly motivated to ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ youth community, especially trans youth, have the support they need, given the current challenges they face. SBY provides a crucial safe space for at-risk individuals in the LGBTQ+ population, offering trauma-informed, affirming services in both Prince George’s County and DC, they ensures that LGBTQ+ youth can access stable, barrier-free support. More broadly, I believe we are all motivated by caring about SBY’s mission and wanting to do more, especially when programs like SBY are facing potential threats. The CIC wants to raise awareness and generate more donations because of what’s at stake.
Q: What do you think are common misconceptions about youth experiencing homelessness?
James: I think the biggest misconception is placing blame directly on the youth. It’s crucial to understand that there are often many complex reasons why someone might be facing homelessness. Instead of blame, we should focus on providing them with housing, resources for education and workforce development, and mental health support. These are real individuals who deserve our support and resources just like everyone else in the community. The community can better support them by getting involved in any way possible, even in small ways, such as volunteering at a gardening event or simply having a conversation to understand their experiences. It’s important to remember that supporting these youth ultimately supports the entire community.
Q: Can you highlight some of the key moments or successes the CIC was especially proud of in 2024?
James: In 2024, the CIC hosted a successful holiday drive, providing a gift to every young person at one of the SBY homes. We’ve donated our time to coordinate staff appreciation initiatives and trivia nights with a packed house! We welcomed four new members to the CIC as a direct result of these events, which is a significant achievement. Our Super Bowl squares fundraiser in February was very successful, engaging 30 local neighbors.Over the last two years, the group has helped raise more than $18,000 through peer-to-peer fundraising to the SBY Rapid Response Fund as well as in-kind donations (including art from Guayi that was placed at a new SBY home for young parents). Additionally the CIC helps with partnerships through local businesses.
Q: What are some goals for the CIC in 2025?
James: This year, we’re focusing on expanding our reach and making it easier for people to get involved. A few key initiatives include:
Engaging Younger Donors: We want to break the misconception that philanthropy is only for those who can give large sums. Even small contributions, $5 or $10, can collectively make a big difference.
Community events: We’re planning more interactive fundraisers like trivia nights and happy hours, and we’re exploring new outreach opportunities like hosting tables at local farmers’ markets to raise awareness.
Corporate partnerships: We’re working on building relationships with local businesses to establish donation matches and long-term partnerships.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to make a difference in their community?
James: Just start; no action is too small. Whether it’s volunteering for a local event, making a small donation, or simply sharing information about Sasha Bruce Youthwork with your network, every bit helps. Showing up, listening, and supporting organizations doing important work is incredibly powerful.
Q: How can others get involved with the CIC?
James: We’re always looking for new members and supporters! Whether you want to join the CIC, attend an event, or help spread the word, there’s a place for you. Stay tuned for upcoming events like trivia nights, happy hours, and volunteer opportunities. The best way to stay informed about upcoming events and how to get involved is to check the Sasha Bruce Youthwork website and social media channels. For more information interested individuals can also reach out to Jasmine Thakurdas, Assistant Director of Development at jthakurdas@sashabruce.org or James Merrick, Community Impact Council leader at jamesamerrick@gmail.com
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James and the CIC are helping drive meaningful change, ensuring that Sasha Bruce Youthwork can continue providing life-changing support to youth in need and the community. We are so grateful for their dedication and can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!
