Mental 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...
Read More“I wanted to live near the ocean,” says Brooke Ransom-Burr, explaining the decision to leave her native Indiana for the northern California coastline. She had just completed a year of service through AmeriCorps and was ready to dive into another stint out west. “I got accepted into a program in...
Read MoreAfter 20 years of working at SAY, Lisa Fatu’s presence has easily become synonymous with youth advocacy. When she enters the room, people know exactly who she is there to represent. “They know that I’m there to support the youth,” says Lisa. “They know that I’m going to share the youth voice...
Read MoreConnecting with vulnerable young people requires a very special skill set: consistency, patience, and a hefty dose of humor. For Dot Iriks, outgoing Director of Housing at SAY, these qualities are just a natural part of her personality. Her “kids”, as she lovingly calls the youth in her program, will...
Read MoreToday we want to introduce you to SAY's Data Director, Heather Sweet! Heather joined our team eight years ago as a Program Manager for our Coffee House Teen Shelter, and then soon after spearheaded the development of what is now SAY's data department. She provides integral support to every single branch...
Read MoreWe are so honored to introduce you to our Employee of the Year, Amanda Meza! Amanda has been an integral part of our team for more than five years. As our Bilingual Housing Services Coordinator and our Human Trafficking Liaison, Amanda is the first point of contact for many of the young people who...
Read More“I say put mental health first. Because if you don't, then you're not going to enjoy your sport and you're not going to succeed as much as you want to.” – Simone Biles Mental health has taken center stage this Olympic season, thanks in part to a few brave athletes who...
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