Santa Rosa Active 20-30 Club #50 Funds All New Computers for Chop’s Teen Club in Santa Rosa
Members of the Active 20-30 Club #50 present a $14,131 check that made possible the purchase of all new computers for Chop's Teen Club's revamped tech lounge. (view more photos)
When the Active 20-30 Club #50 of Santa Rosa, CA heard that the computers in one of Chop’s Teen Club’s most popular program areas were in need of replacement, the group took immediate action and the club voted to provide all new computers for Chop’s Tech Lounge.
A ribbon cutting and check presentation took place at Chop’s Teen Club, 509 Adams Street in Santa Rosa on May 25. Active 20-30 Club #50 members presented a $14,131 check to Chop’s Teen Club and unveil the newly named Active 20-30 Club #50 Technology Lounge featuring the new computers. Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane was on hand to speak about the value of teen services and the important resource that Chop’s Teen Club provides youth.
Chop’s Teen Club is a nonprofit enrichment and recreation club for teens in grades 7-12. They provide art, music, technology, college and career readiness, culinary and catering, sports and fitness, tutoring, volunteer opportunities and so much more. 85% of their teen members are socio-economically disadvantaged. Chop’s currently has over 1,000 teen members who need a safe and productive place where they can engage and connect in enrichment programs and receive mentoring by staff trained in youth development. Chop’s is known in the community as a leader in teen workforce development.
Many teens who engage in Chop’s Teen Club’s Tech Lounge don’t have home computers, so the lounge provides them with computer access for homework, gaming, and social media engagement. The teens are supervised and guided by a staff mentor who is always present in the Tech Lounge, and available to help with school projects, research career paths on Chop’s Teen Club’s interactive career exploration website, jobsmadereal.com, along with daily mentoring.
“The Tech Lounge is one of our busiest and highly utilized program areas,” said Chop’s Teen Club Executive Director Diana Curtin. “We are proud to provide our teen members with the ability to stay connected and current with fast changing technology. Having computer access helps them succeed in the classroom. We are so thankful for the Active 20-30 Club #50 and their recognition of the community benefit that Chop’s Teen Club provides. The partnership also means that members of the Active 20-30 Club #50 will provide mentorship to our teens.”
The Active 20-30 Club #50 is a group of young business professionals between the ages of 20-39. Their mission is to provide young adults with an opportunity for personal growth, friendships and leadership development while improving the quality of life for the special needs children in their community. While the club raises funds to serve needs, they also pride themselves on their active volunteerism that accompanies monetary donations.
"Chop's Teen Club gives the teens of this community a place to go, learn and interact with others in a safe, fun and productive environment,” said Wayne Ingraham, Active 20-30 Club President. “This partnership is exciting to me as Chop's is what our mission is all about. To help make their already awesome club even better is something we are proud to be a part of!"
