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Be one of our Few Good Men!
The
influence of gangs and their web of violence are on the rise in our community.
Working with youth in Santa Rosa's most high risk neighborhoods, CAP Sonoma
clients are often on the front lines of a war that rages throughout California
as well as rest of the United States. As gangs become more entrenched,
youth are increasingly dealing with the devastating impacts on individuals,
families, neighborhoods and their larger community. To effectively
tackle this growing problem, we must utilize proven strategies that
actively engage high risk youth in connecting to
positive and empowering alternatives. Who is
Responsible? It is not
unusual, in the face of this kind of escalating violence, to feel overwhelmed.
What are the roots of the problem, and why have they not been adequately
addressed? Can we “police” our
way out of the situation? As we
collectively attempt to remedy the situation, many of us realize that the
problem and determination of solutions “belong” to us all.
According to Santa Rosa Police Chief Ed Flint “We cannot arrest our way
out of this problem. It’s going to
take the involvement of the whole community.”
(Press Democrat)
CAP Sonoma is
uniquely positioned to address rising violence in Santa Rosa’s poorest
neighborhoods. For the last 37 years
CAP Sonoma, one of the largest and most highly regarded non-profits in Sonoma
County, has been working to help move low income people out of poverty through
programs such as Head Start, Youth Services, emergency and transitional housing,
and Health Services. The schools we
work in, as well as our after-school sites, are located in the areas most
affected by gang activity, and provide ideal locations to offer alternatives to
risky behavior. Our established
partnerships with schools, fellow non-profits, Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation,
among others, prepare us to quickly move on effective strategies.
What is our goal? We are
seeking $50,000 to enable us to continue
and increase providing gang intervention programming for youth aged 13-18,
as well as for their families. With
these funds we will provide 1 on 1 mentoring, small group counseling, gang
prevention workshops for both youth and families.
Additionally, these youth and
their families will be connected to existing after school programming, community
projects, tutoring, and parenting classes. Become a member of the founding group % Raise a minimum of $1,000 by
whatever means you wish (host a house party or concert, write a letter to ten
friends asking for $100 from each, sell your own artwork, or write a
check). Fundraising ideas provided! Be among the founding members of “A Few
Good Businesses” %Make a tax deductible gift of
$2,000 - $5,000 Your gift will be paired with those from other businesses to
create the $25,000 match needed in order to reach our goal.
Businesses will be included in CAP Sonoma’s “Community Partners” website
page and prominently acknowledges on
marketing materials. Support the fundraising activities of
A Few Good Men Providing a safe environment in which to educate, guide, encourage
and empower youth ~ CAPSC’s
Youth Services To
join A Few Good Men in positively impacting the lives of Santa Rosa’s high
risk youth simply call or email our Director of Development, John
Way @ 544-6911. The Current Roster of Few Good Men: Steve Thomas, CAPSC Board Member & FGM Committee Chair Jim Shelton, CAPSC Board President Drake Sadler, CAPSC Board Member Ruben Rios, CAPSC Board Member "I think that early intervention and prevention programs for our young children from being influenced or involved in a gang lifestyle is crucial. I am living proof of that."
Vince Harper, Director of Youth & Neighborhood Services - CAPSC "Day in and day out, I work with youth and families who are struggling with the devastating impacts of gangs. I am involved in this project for the mother that cried as she told me that her son was involved in a gang and the young man who instead of concentrating in school is thinking about how he will get home safely."
John Way, Director of Development - CAPSC "All too often there are issues of national, international and even local consequence that I feel compelled to have some effect on, but I am only one. However, with the issues facing the youth right here in our community - our neighbor's children, our children's friends, our children, we must do something and I can do this." Efren Carrillo, Community Education Manager - Redwood Credit Union
To
join A Few Good Men in positively impacting the lives of Santa Rosa’s high
risk youth simply call or email our Director of Development, John
Way @ 544-6911. |
All pictures are of actual clients and staff not clip art. Please make a request prior to using in any other format.CLICK BELOW TO DONATE |
A Community
Crisis 
