Thanks to you, 2018 ended on a very positive note as we met our challenge grant and are ready to roll up our sleeves and kick into high gear for 2019. [Of course, it is never too late to  make a donation! ]

Certainly, Teen Services had a few challenges at the end of the year with the loss of the No Name Café (NNC); things change and we adjust. That happens with a small, vibrant nonprofit doing big things. We are pleased that the Sonoma Valley School District values our Ready to Work (RTW) efforts at Sonoma Valley and Creekside High Schools, and one of our 2019 goals is to expand that program to reach even more young people.

To mitigate other impacts from the NNC loss, this year we are also aiming to:

• Expand the product line and services of Lovin' Oven to provide additional work experience for more teens. You will hear a lot more about that over the next two months, but here is a teaser: Ever consider enjoying a savory pie on Pi Day?

• Explore opportunities for another social enterprise to provide additional on-the-job training for our RTW graduates.

• Further develop our Career Awareness activities that will provide opportunities for teens and young adults to explore a variety of employment opportunities open to them.

Plus, here are two big events to mark on your calendar:

• The Grand Opening of Operation Bicycle - Sunday, February 10, 12:00 - 2:00 pm at our new location, 207 Nino Marco Square, just north of TSS on Hwy 12. Come join us to see our new digs. There will be treats supplied by Lovin' Oven and gift bags while they last. The official ribbon cutting will take place at 12:45. Big thanks to Rabobank for sponsoring the party!

• Cowboy Cab - Sunday, June 9, 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Cornerstone. Mark your calendars now.

On a personal note, thank you to the entire Teen Services community for being so welcoming. I'm blessed to have such an amazing staff and board. What a gift it is to be part of such an extraordinary organization.

Again, our thanks for your continued support,