Letter from Our CEO

Dear Friends,

As I write this, the Bay Area is experiencing a tremendous rainstorm, causing much flooding and damage and creating chaos in our daily routines. I’ve heard myself complain at least twice about the traffic snarls and worry numerous times about the safety of loved ones. And yet, not far behind my frustration and anxieties lies much gratitude for the bounty of water our parched earth receives as the winds and rains whip about. I am grateful.

It has been a stressful and challenging time for many of our youth. We have held them as they work to build their successes despite overwhelming odds against them. Their tenacity inspires us as we work to help them achieve.

Nothing beats the smile on a young person’s face when they are overcome with pride at what they set their mind to do.

None of this would be possible without you, dear friends. Your unflagging support of our Mission, despite the odds, allows us to be there for our youth, no matter what. And so, much as the winds and rains whip about, nourishing the trees, I am grateful to you. During this season of thanks, I thank you for being there for our youth. No matter what.

Christine Isana Garcia PsyD

Chief Executive Officer

Side by Side

Our Stance

Events

December 2024

Select a Gift from Marin Country Mart's Giving Tree!

We are excited to partner once again with Marin Country Mart to decorate their tree with Side by Side gift tags. Visit Marin Country Mart, choose a gift tag from their Giving Tree, and select a gift for one of our Bay Area youth. You can shop for your gift at the Mart or elsewhere and then return it unwrapped with the gift tag attached to the Mart’s Post Office.

Side by Side will ensure that your gift gets to the youth you selected.

Join Us at Marin Country Mart Giving Tree Lighting!

Join us for a festive evening featuring Side by Side, the Marin Girls Chorus, kids’ crafts, and the unveiling and lighting of the Giving Tree!

Our CEO, Christine Garcia, will speak just before the tree lighting!

Details:

Date - December 1, 2024

Location - Marin Country Mart

2003 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, CA 94939

Note: Side by Side team members will have an information table during the Giving Tree lighting ceremony to answer any questions about our gift-giving program.

February 2025

Get Your Tickets Here

Become a Table Host or Sponsor

The Gift of Giving

Donate Gifts to the TAY Space Holiday Store

This holiday season, TAY Space is once again seeking donations of unwrapped gifts to stock their holiday store. Donations of new or gently used items, for all ages, such as candles, frames, books, blankets, clothing, games, toys, kitchen supplies, etc., are

gratefully accepted.

The store will be open from December 10th to 13th, from 12 PM to 4 PM, allowing TAY Space youth to shop for gifts for their loved ones. Donations can be dropped off at the TAY Space office (810 Fifth Avenue, Suite 100, San Rafael, CA 94901, attn: Laura Taylor)

by December 6, 2024.

Thank you for your generosity!

Fulfill a Youth's Holiday Wish

Each holiday season, Side by Side collaborates with schools, organizations, and businesses across the Bay Area to fulfill Wish Lists for our clients. Many of these young individuals come from low-income families or are former foster youth living independently with limited resources. Our goal is to ensure every young person has a gift to unwrap, bringing joy to their holiday season.

If you are unable to attend the Marin Country Mart event (above) but still wish to purchase a gift for one of our youths, please use the QR Code to access our Amazon Wish List.

Giving Tuesday is December 3!

Since 1895, Side by Side has been a beacon of hope for young people facing adversity. Join us on this Giving Tuesday in our Mission to create safe, inclusive spaces for all youth. Your support can make a world of difference.

This year, Jacqueline and David Spielberg, who have been dedicated supporters of Side by Side since 1997, have generously offered to match any donations received between now and December 31, 2024, up to $20,000.

Donate now to Side by Side's Giving Tuesday so we can benefit from this generous offer at the button below

or the QR Code.

Donate NOW for Giving Tuesday

In the News

North Bay HR Leaders Reveal Top Employment Challenges and Solutions in 2024

North Bay Business Journal talks with local human resources leaders, including our very own Tim Schulte, about what employees really want from the workplace and top challenges and solutions such as return to the office versus hybrid schedules.

Click here to read more

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