So now instead of them playing out in the yard, we have to play in the back or find a game to do inside. Or go to another park.

I was looking for a place like this for Samantha to socialize. Because she's been with adults -- and before she goes to kindergarten -- I need her to socialize with kids her age.

Honestly, I thought (Room to Bloom was going to be) something negative. I was like, "(It's) by Castlemont? No, it's not good. It's East Oakland. It's going to be more crime. We're going to have people out here selling drugs or doing god-knows-what."

But I said, "You know what, I'm going to give it a try."

I was amazed. They get to socialize; they get to do artwork. They do story time. Today we had drums, and she gets to play outside which is the best part. There's not many other options like this.

This (street violence) is a reality. This is where we live. It exists but this is not going to shape you up. Just because you hear this or see this, this is not who we are.

I took a chance to come here, and it was the best choice I've made. And I feel that's healthy because I wasn't stuck at home afraid.

This story was reported by Ryder Diaz.

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