“The biggest aspect of this role is providing compassion, empathy, and support,” says Garrett Crane, Lead Youth Advocate for SAY’s Housing Services team. “While it can be emotional and difficult, it is the most rewarding work experience I have ever had.” Garrett joined SAY almost two years ago, originally starting as...
Read MoreWe are so honored to introduce you to Alfonso Jacobs-Coleman, an incredible human and SAY’s Fall Employee of the Quarter! Alfonso is the staff member who stays awake overnight in our Dream Center Emergency Shelter, a role that he has held since the very first day this shelter opened. Over the...
Read MoreIn April of 2020, SAY opened the doors to our Family Cottage: a housing opportunity for young adults ages 18-21 who are experiencing homelessness or unstably housed while also pregnant and/or parenting a young child. The Family Cottage offers supportive services tailored for youth who are interested in strengthening their parenting...
Read More“The day we opened the shelter was the day I didn’t have to turn away a youth.†-Lisa Fatu, Director of Youth Crisis Services Today we celebrate the sixth anniversary of our Short-Term Emergency Shelter, which opened on April 11th, 2016. This shelter is the only dedicated ‘transitional aged youth’ (TAY)...
Read More“My favorite tool is curiosity,†says Emma Grace Fairchild, Program Coordinator for SAY’s Tamayo Village. “Instead of making an immediate judgement, try asking an immediate question: ‘Why did it happen this way? What made you make that decision?’†Emma Grace approaches all aspects of life with this kind of introspection, and...
Read MoreA chance meeting at Spring Lake is how Mildred Williams first learned about SAY. Mildred had recently moved from the East Coast and was enjoying a sunny walk when she struck up a conversation with a friendly couple. After learning about her interests, they recommended she look into SAY. Mildred...
Read MoreMental health struggles aren't the only critical issues that have risen since the start of the pandemic. Human trafficking has also increased across the United States. In California, 4,970 signals were made to the Human Trafficking Hotline in 2020, up from the 4,820 signals made the year before. During the...
Read MoreDespite every unpredictable obstacle presented in 2021, SAY's dedicated staff members continued to be of service to the young people of Sonoma County. Being here during the most difficult of times is how we show up for our youth. ...
Read MoreCongratulations to Kitu Jhawar-Terris, Program Manager of SAY's School Mental Health & Grief Services, for being selected as SAY's Employee of the Quarter! "Her honesty and transparency make her team feel supported and cared for," shared Brooke Ransom-Burr, Director of Counseling. "I love working beside her, and am constantly inspired by...
Read MoreSamuelu Poueu is used to having hard conversations. As Property Manager for Tamayo Village, Sam is responsible not only for the upkeep of the buildings themselves, but more importantly, for ensuring that the youth who live onsite follow the terms of their rental lease agreements. Often, this means navigating through...
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