Dwayne Aikens, a visionary community leader, founded WELO on the principles of empathy, empowerment, and sustainable change. Aikens, drawing from his own experiences, recognized the transformative potential of community engagement. Growing up in a neighborhood facing various challenges, he saw firsthand the power of collective action and the positive ripple effects it could create.

WELO, an acronym for “We Empower, Lift, and Overcome,” began as a grassroots initiative with a mission to break the cycle of generational challenges. Aikens’ journey from a concerned community member to the founder of WELO is a testament to the belief that one person can ignite change. Today, WELO stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience.

Our vision is to help disadvantaged youth realize their full potential and live up to their abilities. Through positive team-building, educational and service oriented enrichment activities we empower youth to take an active role in determining their future.  To ensure long-term transformation and success we have expanded our mentoring services by launching Mentoring on the Fly. This program allows kids ages 8 through LIFE mentoring until they can pay it forward. It is highlighted by We the Scenario Career Exploration Podcast Channel. This Podcast highlighted all the positive things that is needed to make the kids feel loved, safe and special. People always knew when there was something good coming from the organization. We truly make sure that no child is left behind.

This organization was started by 3 young men that truly wanted to see their community flourish. So they decided to do something about what they felt needed to be dealt with. Dwayne Aikens Jr., Trestin George, and Lamont Robinson created WELO in 2010 as an avenue to engage youth through sports education, service learning, and civic involvement. While focusing on youth is our priority, we also believe in the importance of building a strong foundation.  To help foster those efforts, we work closely with parents, teachers, and other community organizations to support youth development and assist in strengthening our communities.  

WELO has programs implemented that has made a major impact on the community. The community is starting to change for the better due to these programs:

Mentoring Programs

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Mentoring On The Fly Scholarship Program (Male Age 10 through LIFE) (Female Age 8 through LIFE) Life Skills, Coaching Career, Exploration Weekend, Group Outings and Parental support

WELO Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention Program (Grades 6th through 12th)

• Drug Prevention and Intervention
• Anger Management
• Building Healthy Relationships Through Strengths Based Coaching Practices
• Tier II Trauma Informed Support

The S.E.T (Social & Emotional Trauma) Groups

The mission of this group is to allow students that may be experiencing trauma to come together in a safe and nurturing environment to address and recognize the social and emotional triggers that may be affecting their behavior at school or in life.

​We-Turn-Ship:
​Year-round internship program for high school and college students that provide them with nonprofit
organization work experience(s).

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​​Community & Educational Programs

Language of Leaders Institute Summer Day Camp Program (Age 4 through 14)

• Social and Emotional Intelligence Development
• Career Exploration Fieldtrips & Guest Speakers (ex. Google, Cal-trans, Bart, & Professionals)
• Holistic Art Program (ex. Dance, Yoga, and Visual Arts)
• Civic Engagement & Environmental Stewardship Service Learning

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We Cycle 4 Us (Youth and Adults)

• Quarterly Community Beautification Projects/Cleanups at Arroyo Viejo Park

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​Comprehensive Sports Programs

Bay Area Lions Sports Program (Youth ages 4 through 14)

• Youth Tackle Football Team (Snoop Dogg League)
• Youth Cheerleading Team

The partnerships with the City of Oakland and many of the businesses in the community have added much value to the community and the organization. The organization is growing but the reputation is better than Pristine. It has grown to be a leader in the local communities and is a model for other organizations now. Dwayne and his co-workers have done a really good job of getting the word out those that don’t know the things they do and have done. Kids are coming to the organization by the Boatloads.

V. Impactful Projects

WELO is working with the City of Oakland on a Parks Beautification project. This project is to make the Parks more safe and beautiful for everyone to use and enjoy. They are doing new additions that will definitely bring more people out to enjoy the beautification.

Dwayne has the trust of everyone in the community. He is the go to person when anyone has questions or concerns. He is the man that makes things happen. People are always coming to him when they need help. This is from the City officials to the people in the community. This is another reason the organization has a halo protecting it.

The information for the community to reach out to the organization has all the information/forms you need. Once the form is filled out, someone will be in touch with you in 24hrs.

When you volunteer with WELO they have several programs you can go through in order to do your part for the community. They have

High School Program

It is our goal to provide high school students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, mentoring and career exploration opportunities within a non-profit setting, while giving back to others. Students in grades 9-12 can donate their time and skills in a number of ways:

• Engage with participants (grades 4-8) in creative, recreational and educational activities
• Plan, promote and host late night events
• Work with other high school students in our We-Turn-Ship Program

By participating in this volunteer program, teens gain community service credit needed for graduation, professional experience in a non-profit setting, exposure career exploration events and the chance to collaborate with peers from all over the bay area.

​Board of Directors

​The Board provides governance to the organization, represents the organization in the community, and accepts fiscal responsibility for the effective use of the resources of the organization to fulfill the Mission.
The Board of Directors is responsible for defining the organization’s mission, setting policy and developing the strategic direction for the organization. We are looking for individuals to join the Board whose areas of strength include: fundraising, public relations, marketing, education, youth development, financial management, non-profit, and law.

​General Volunteers

​If you got the time we have the opportunities. From mentoring our youth to helping us with our annual fundraising events, we are always in need of awesome volunteers.
Complete the Volunteer Interest Form and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you.
We look forward to your involvement in We Lead Ours.

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