By Kathy Chouteau
In the “City of Pride and Purpose,” Golddie Williams is on a mission to ensure that every family has a champion. Williams, a long-time Richmond resident and founder of the nonprofit Got Goals!, is preparing to host the next installment of her “Parent Wellness Retreats” this May, following plans for a successful, high-demand session booked solid for this weekend.
Launched in 2007 at Coronado Elementary, Got Goals! began as a youth-focused initiative to help children envision a future beyond their immediate fears. However, Williams soon realized that to truly support Richmond’s youth, the organization had to pour into the people raising them.
Who takes care of the caregiver?
The retreats are designed as a “respite” for parents, guardians, and even teachers who spend their days pouring into others. Williams, who raised three children as a single mother in Richmond, knows firsthand the exhaustion that comes with advocacy and caregiving.
“As a single parent…I always had them in great programs. But as I sat in the car…waiting for them, I realized, ‘What about me?’ I need these resources too,” Williams said. “Caregivers give out all the time. Who takes care of the caregiver?”
The May retreat offers more than just a break; it provides a comprehensive toolkit for parental success. Attendees can expect mental health support with sage advice from speakers such as Dr. Sabrina Robertson, Zelon Harrison and Zion Garcia; advocacy training providing guidance on how to navigate the school district and “escalate” issues effectively; financial literacy, with practical workshops on wealth-building and budgeting; and self-care, including on-site chair massages, continental breakfast and catered hot lunches.
Funded by Richmond, built for community
The Parent Wellness Retreats are made possible through a City of Richmond ECIA grant. This program is part of a larger $90 million community benefits agreement established in 2014 between the City of Richmond and Chevron Richmond connected to the refinery modernization project. Williams was awarded a $10,000 mini-grant specifically to fund these parent-centric events. While the funding is a vital start, Williams notes that the high demand for these services means she is constantly seeking additional donations to keep the programs free for the community.
Those who participate in the retreats will be invited to continue their journey through the Got Goals! Parent Academy, a monthly program offering ongoing workshops, tools and community support.
“My goal is that the Parent Academy is year-round,” Williams shared. “What that will look like is a retreat…They’ve had that day, and now they’re part of a parent army.”
Building a “parent army”
Got Goals! Looks to transform individual parents into an organized “movement.” By bringing parents together in a cohort, Williams believes they can better advocate for transparency and resources within the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD).
Williams emphasizes that advocacy is a right, not a privilege reserved for those with degrees. “We’re bringing them in saying, let’s just stop the trauma…Now, let’s get you gamed-up so that you’re an active part in your child’s life and other children’s lives in this community.”
How to join
Beyond the retreats, Got Goals! continues its work with Richmond youth, focusing on college readiness, and where that path takes them. Williams previously hosted the “Rap Academy” at RPAL, teaching project management and engineering through music production.
Registration for the May 2026 “Parent Wellness Retreat” will open as the date approaches. While the location is currently TBA, a Richmond spot is under consideration that can accommodate larger crowds. Interested parents are encouraged to monitor the Got Goals! website or Facebook page for updates.
