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A NOTE FROM DR. CHRISTINE GARCIA
Dear Friends,
It has been a busy time at Side by Side as we continue our work while also holding space for the events of the world that inevitably impact the communities we serve. We are filled with grief over the death of Nex Benedict, a non-binary, indigenous 16-year-old youth in Oklahoma. Nex was a sophomore in high school who maintained straight As and had a bright future ahead of them. They were assaulted in a bathroom at their high school by three of their peers and died the next day.
Our Space, our program for LGBTQIA+ youth, provides a safe and inclusive place where youth can be their authentic selves and feel celebrated. While Oklahoma is far away from the Bay Area, the LGBTQIA+ communities across our country are inevitably impacted. Tragic events such as Nex Benedict's death make the world even smaller and, to many, scarier.
I hope you will consider joining us as we stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ youth as allies and members of the queer community. Please check out the work that Our Space provides through its drop-in gatherings, events, training, and community activities. We are here to affirm and center the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth and look forward to the continued expansion of our services. And then, perhaps, someday, LGBTQIA+ youth will no longer need places such as Our Space because their world feels safe, inclusive, validating, and authentic. And tragedies such as Nex Benedict's death will remain in the distant past.
In Community,
Christine
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Look for Dr. Christine Garcia's perspective in the Side by Side e-News editions. For media requests, contact Katie Rice Jones at [email protected] | |
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Hitting a Mailbox Near You!
We are excited to announce the publication of our 2022-2023 Annual Report. Learn about Side by Side's programs, places, and people who supported Bay Area youth.
To read the Report digitally, click here.
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What Do Side by Side's Christine Garcia, Interim California Senator Laphonza Bulter, and Lady Gaga's Mom Have in Common?
All three women care immensely about youth mental health issues and services. All three were also present at the Born This Way Foundation Town Hall on February 20, 2024, in Oakland. The Town Hall presented a dynamic panel discussion elevating ideas from young people on strengthening mental health in California and beyond.
Many youth struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, and do not receive the support and care they need.
This is why we need more accessible, affordable, and inclusive mental health services for youth such as counseling, therapy, peer support, and education.
One of the organizations that is working towards this goal is the Born This Way Foundation, founded by American artist and activist Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, in 2012.
The foundation is committed to supporting the wellness of young people and working with them to "make the world kinder and braver." The foundation prioritizes the mental health and wellness of young people by working to promote kindness and open and honest conversations about mental health, validating the emotions of young people, and eradicating the stigma around mental health.
To learn more at about the Foundation click here.
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Save the Date for the Guild's
All Sports BINGO!
On April 20, 2024, try your luck at the Glenwood Guild’s All Sports BINGO Dinner held at The Club Restaurant at McInnis
(350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael).
Eventgoers play BINGO games, win fabulous raffle prizes, and walk away with the knowledge that their support makes a difference for at-risk youth served by Side by Side’s Irene M. Hunt School. Tickets are $70 and include a buffet-style dinner.
Since 1966, the Glenwood Guild has supported Side by Side’s programs and services for youth in Marin County.
More details to follow in the March e-News!
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Our Spaces Celebrates
Queer Love Youth Pride
Join Our Space, LGBTQIA+ youth, and our community partners in celebration of Queer Love Youth Pride (QLYP) 2024 at the REACH Ashland Youth Center in San Leandro on June 22, 2024. Take in fabulous performances and enjoy delicious food at this youth-centered event.
There are many opportunities to be involved in this fabulous event. See the flyers below and use their QR codes or click on images to find out more
More details to follow in the March e-News!
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Calling all QLYP Performers, Vendors & Community Partners | |
Bank of Marin Tees Up Another Golf Tournament this June
Founded in 1995 by former Side by Side Board President and co-founder of Bank of Marin, J. Patrick Hunt, the 2024 Bank of Marin Golf Tournament will raise critically needed funds for Side by Side's behavioral and mental health services throughout the Bay Area.
The tourney will be held at the Meadow Club in Fairfax on Monday, June 24, 2024, and will include 18 holes of golf, a hole-in-one competition, on-course refreshments, and tournament pre-/post gatherings.
This is a not-to-miss event!
More details to follow in the March e-News!
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Dr. Christine Garcia Interviewed by KQED News
On February 26, 2024, Christine was interviewed by KQED News' Natalia Navarro on the death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary, indigenous 16-year-old child in Oklahoma, and its impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. Christine calls for advocacy and support for LGBTQIA+ youth.
To listen to the interview, click here.
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Side by Side's Reach for the Stars Gala Featured in the March Issue of Marin Magazine
(click the image to read more)
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Marin Valentine's Ball 2024
Thank you to those who attended the Marin Valentine’s Ball 2024 at the San Rafael Civic Center on February 10. The Ball benefited three local agencies–North Bay Children’s Center, the Godmothers of Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys, and Side by Side. Attendees and Patrons helped raise over $325k for the vulnerable youth of Marin County.
This year’s Ball hosted 370 attendees for cocktails, a seated dinner by Sage Catering, an awards ceremony honoring our very own former Board member, Joy Phoenix, silent and live auctions, and a post-dinner set with Wonder Bread 5. Thank you to our emcee, Liam Mayclem, for his lively banter.
We are thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Ball.
(to view Ball photos: click the image and enter your email and passcode: VB2024)
(Photo credit: Chris Constantine, Wonder Bread 5 lead singer, Jeffery Fletcher)
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