Delayed but Still Determined

It’s a wonder so much can change in such a short time. 
 

Just two short weeks ago things at the Youth Outreach were booming: Jessica and Anna were doing their final preparations for the TBRI training in Anaheim, CA, the RISE After School Program had 27 students enrolled (which is the most we’ve seen in more than 4 years), and the THRIVE program was seeing lots of success in both connecting with students as well as developing a really strong community with the weekly volunteers. 
 
​Unfortunately, as the COVID-19 virus began to spread throughout the United States, everything changed. On March 11th we got word that the TBRI training in Anaheim would be rescheduled, to an undetermined date, following recommendations from the CDC due to concerns for health and safety. Shortly after that came the announcement of school closures statewide until April 28th resulting in the cancellation of all Southside Youth Outreach programs until then. All of this, as I’m sure you’ve also experienced, left us trying to figure out what to do. 

We are happy to report that our mission to help build strong, young lives is continuing to move forward and we still need your help!"

We are happy to report that our mission to help build strong, young lives is continuing to move forward and we still need your help! During this time, we are hard at work developing our programs so that once they resume, they’re better than ever! We’re also thankful for the advancement in technology over the years which provides us with new ways to connect with students and their families that we’ve never been able to before. ​

​At a time when it’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up, we’re choosing to keep working to help meet the needs of our community. It doesn’t look like what we had planned for these next few months, but what in our lives does right now? This is precious time that shouldn’t be wasted. We are determined to make sure that we are prepared for the great work that lies at the end of this, and we ask that you join us. Thank you for your commitment to build strong, young lives amidst great challenges. We are so incredibly thankful for your prayers and support. ​

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Anna Jennings

Anna is the Program Manager and the RISE After School Director. She has a Bachelors Degree in Human Development and Family Science and loves working with kids, baking, and reading. ​