BU PROGRAMS
Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos currently operates twelve community programs. Each lies on different parts of the life cycle. From elementary youth to elders within the incarcerated community, we are here to provide specialized community support during all developmental stages of life. Our work seeks to counter oppression, trauma, cultural misappropriation and spiritual bankruptcy by maintaining a position and place of love and understanding.
PRISON PROJECT
An advocacy, direct service, and educational program dedicated to ending mass incarceration and giving hope and resources to incarcerated individuals.
ELEVATE YOUTH PROGRAM
Helping our youth realize their sacred purpose through advocacy, direct service, vocational training, cultural education, and healing.
ADULT RE-ENTRY PROGRAM
State parole and probation-approved programs that provide comprehensive and culturally-based re-entry services to formerly incarcerated individuals.
FOOD PANTRY PROGRAM
Weekly food distribution to community members throughout Santa Cruz County.
BU PRODUCTIONS
A custom screen-printing shop that offers vocational training to at-risk community members.
WALTER GUZMAN RETREAT CENTER
Nestled in the redwoods and built by the community, our retreat center engages people across the country in reconnecting with their roots through ceremony, cultural education, and community building.
TINY HOME VILLAGE
In an effort to combat houselessness, our tiny home village provides transitional housing to previously incarcerated individuals, artists, students, and those who are in need of temporary housing.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Annual community events that center around culture, advocacy, art, and belonging.
COMMUNITY ARTS
Barrios Unidos is filled with murals, sculptures, and art made by the community. We hold annual exhibitions and engage artists in culturally rooted art workshops.
JUVENILE HALL PROGRAM
A weekly class inside Santa Cruz Juvenile hall providing education and healing to our incarcerated youth.
BU AUDIO ENGINEERING
Music programs for youth, adults, elders and community members who want to express themselves artistically.
