Every Young Person Deserves to Make It Home Safely.
Founded from a mother’s love and a promise that one young man’s story would not end in silence.
The Ocasio Feliciano Foundation for Safer Futures was founded from a mother’s love and a promise that one young man’s story would not end in silence.
His Story. Our Promise.
On January 4, 2023, Ocasio “CioDaDon” Feliciano was taken from our family by gun violence at just 17 years old. He was more than a headline. He was a gifted musician, entrepreneur, athlete, creator, dreamer, and a young man whose future was filled with limitless possibilities.
His life changed ours forever.
Rather than allowing tragedy to have the final word, we chose to transform unimaginable loss into meaningful action. Today, the Foundation exists to ensure that Ocasio’s legacy becomes a catalyst for safer communities, stronger families, and brighter futures for young people everywhere.
A young person’s story should never be defined by their last day.
What We Believe
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream, to grow, and to make it home safely. Our work is rooted in prevention—not simply responding after tragedy strikes, but creating the conditions that help young people thrive before violence ever reaches them.
Mentorship
Connecting young people with caring adults who guide, encourage, and invest in their futures.
Social-Emotional Learning
Equipping youth with the confidence and emotional skills they need to navigate life’s challenges.
Financial Literacy
Building the financial knowledge and skills that open doors to independence and opportunity.
Arts & Music Education
Honoring Ocasio’s creative spirit by giving young people space to express themselves and grow through the arts.
Community Partnerships
Working alongside families, organizations, and institutions to build networks of support around every young person.
Youth Leadership
Creating opportunities for young people to step into leadership roles and shape the communities where they live.
Advocacy & Community Impact
Courageous Advocacy
We also believe that lasting change requires courageous advocacy. Too many families have watched laws, systems, and inaction silently steal the futures of our children. We are committed to working alongside communities, educators, policymakers, and partners to advance common-sense solutions that protect young lives while creating environments where every child has the opportunity to flourish.
Beyond Awareness
The Foundation’s work extends beyond awareness. We create experiences that inspire hope, strengthen resilience, and encourage meaningful conversations through:
- Education
- Storytelling
- Literacy initiatives
- Community engagement
- Cultural programming
Together, we are turning pain into impact.
Together, we are building safer futures.
Be Part of the Change
Join the Movement
Every gift helps us create safer futures through mentorship, education, advocacy, and opportunity. Together, we can ensure more young people have the chance to make it home safely.
Whether you volunteer, partner with us, advocate alongside us, sponsor a program, or donate, you become part of a movement dedicated to protecting futures, empowering youth, and building communities where every young person is seen, valued, and given every opportunity to succeed.