2025 Year in Review

How Community Came Together Through Urban Triage Events

Seen. Unseen. Held. Celebrated.

Throughout 2025, Urban Triage brought people together through moments that were joyful, grounding, and transformative—and through work that often happens quietly, behind the scenes. Across housing stability, youth empowerment, food justice, and the celebration of Black excellence, our events reflected what we believe to be true: when the unseen is acknowledged and the seen is supported, communities thrive.

What follows is a reflection on the gatherings that shaped our year—and the collective care that made them possible.

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February

Emerging Adults Transitional Home Community Open House

Honoring Black History Month With Action

We began the year by opening the doors to possibility. The Emerging Adults Transitional Home welcomed neighbors, partners, and supporters into a space intentionally designed for young people ages 18–21 transitioning out of foster care.

This was more than a tour. It was an invitation to witness what stability looks like when young people are seen not as statistics, but as futures in motion. Held during Black History Month, the open house honored legacy, resilience, and the unseen labor required to create safe, affirming housing for youth in transition.

Black History Month Celebration

Joy as Resistance. Community as Legacy.

Our Black History Month Celebration was a night of music, connection, and collective joy. With DJ Brooks setting the tone, community members danced, laughed, and built relationships with the people behind Urban Triage’s work.

A portion of food and beverage sales directly supported our programs—reminding us that celebration and impact are not separate. Joy, too, is a form of care.

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May

Black Brilliance Gala

A Night Where Excellence Took Center Stage

The Overture Center for the Arts transformed into a masquerade of brilliance for our second annual Black Brilliance Gala. Through powerful performances and intentional recognition, the evening honored Black leaders, creators, and changemakers whose impact is often felt long before it is publicly acknowledged.

Proceeds supported our Hemp Specialty Crop Program and Supporting Youth Transitional House—investments in economic opportunity, sustainability, and long-term housing stability.

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September

Back-to-School Supply Giveaway

Because Preparedness Is a Form of Protection

As the school year approached, we gathered to ensure young people had what they needed to begin with confidence. The Back-to-School Supply Giveaway was filled with small moments that mattered—students choosing supplies, caregivers exhaling with relief, and volunteers showing up with care.

What’s often unseen is the stress families carry into a new school year. What we made visible was community stepping in—together.

‍4th Annual Harvest Fest

From Soil to Soul

More than 3,000 people gathered at our urban farm at the Farley Center for Harvest Fest—a day rooted in land, nourishment, and belonging. With live music, performances, children’s activities, and free food, the event celebrated the deep connection between food justice and community wellness.

Harvest Fest reminded us that the work doesn’t end at the harvest. It lives in the relationships cultivated along the way.

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November

1st Annual Alumni Reunion

Honoring the Journey—Past, Present, and Becoming

For the first time, Urban Triage hosted an Alumni Reunion bringing together participants from our Housing Program, Supporting Healthy Families, and Emerging Adults House.

This gathering centered reconnection and reflection—stories shared over food and music, laughter layered with truth. It honored not just where people are now, but everything they carried to get there.

Community Movie Night

Kicking Off the Season of Hope

Our screening of Wicked for Good launched the Season of Hope Giving Tuesday campaign. The evening supported youth in transition and community agriculture while creating space for collective joy.

It was a reminder that sometimes what people need most is to be together—to laugh, to feel held, and to remember what’s possible.

Free Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway

Nourishment With Dignity

In partnership with Heritage Catering, Urban Triage provided free Thanksgiving meals to families across the community. This effort centered dignity, warmth, and access during a time when connection matters deeply.

Behind every meal was unseen coordination, care, and commitment—made visible through shared nourishment.

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December

Community Giving Tuesday Celebration

Closing the Year With Gratitude

We closed 2025 gathered at Glou Glou Wine Bar, with hosting by Glou Glou, catering by Heritage Catering, and music by DJ Bouncybear. The celebration honored collective generosity and highlighted support for our Youth in Transition and Agriculture programs.

It was a moment to pause, give thanks, and recognize that lasting change is fueled by community showing up—again and again.

Looking Ahead

Each event in 2025 reflected what happens when people come together with intention. When the unseen labor is honored. When joy is allowed to coexist with hard work. When community care becomes the foundation for stability and growth.

As we move forward, Urban Triage remains committed to building pathways to thriving futures—through housing, food justice, youth empowerment, and relationships that hold people long after the event ends.

Thank you for being part of what makes this work possible.

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