Dear Friends,

Summer is in full swing, although it feels very different than summers past. Usually Sonoma Plaza is bustling with people, and most of us are enjoying large outdoor parties, concerts, sporting events and family gatherings. While we can't do all of those things, at TSS we are focusing on what we can do to fulfill our mission to engage and support teens' work-readiness skills and experiences that empower them to succeed.

 

Following all Covid-19 protocols, we've devised ways to provide programming for teens at TSS and in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club. Starting July 7, we will offer some outdoor activities, including building a container garden in our parking lot, opportunities to c ook for the homeless, completing the Tree of Possibilities project , and hikes. We are excited about the expanded array of activities and services we can offer the valley's teens by greater collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club.

 

Our message last month following George Floyd's murder stated that we were committed to listening and learning about how bias and racism influences our actions and to discover how we can make a difference. Three things came from our discussion so far:  1) we need to educate ourselves on the history of racism and white privilege; 2) we need to arm our teens with information and tools to help them deal with prejudice they may face in the workplace or in their everyday lives; and 3) we need to add board members of color to reflect our community and provide perspective on all we are doing.  

 

We realize there is much more to do, but we are tackling all three of these things on the organizational level now. TSS and the Boys & Girls Club are jointly facilitating a teen council which will be teen-led and provide a safe place for teens to talk about anything goin g on in their lives, ch allenges they face, how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected them and their families, and how they can act to create change.