Celebrating Halloween with Sensitivity and Fun!
Halloween is a time of excitement and creativity, especially for our youth. At Side by Side, we believe in celebrating this festive season in a way that is both fun and respectful, particularly for those we support with mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges.
Here are some costume tips to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and inclusive Halloween:
- Avoid Triggers: Be mindful of costumes that might be frightening or triggering for some individuals. Steer clear of overly scary masks, fake blood, or anything that could cause distress.
- Respectful Themes: Opt for costumes that are fun and positive. Superheroes, favorite book characters, or animals are excellent choices that can inspire and uplift.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid costumes that appropriate or misrepresent cultures. It’s essential to respect and honor all backgrounds and traditions.
- Check Costumes: Ensure costumes are safe and comfortable. Avoid long, trailing fabrics that could cause trips and falls. Avoid accessorizing with costume weapons.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that Halloween is an inclusive occasion everyone. Let’s celebrate this Halloween with creativity and community spirit! Happy Halloween from all of us at Side by Side! 🎃👻
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Thank You, Marin Community Foundation!
We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected as one of the 22 organizations in Marin to receive support from the Marin Community Foundation’s 2024 Joy Fund!
About the Joy Fund:
Each year, the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to support their Marin County neighbors during the holiday season. Through its Joy Fund, MCF highlights and supports these exceptional efforts. The funds raised for the Joy Fund from now until the end of the year will be pooled and equally distributed among the 22 selected participants.
Complete list of 2024 participants:
Cedars, Parent Services Project, Performing Stars, Side by Side, Griot Theater, Play Marin, Vivalon, North Marin Community Services, St Vincent de Paul of Marin, Our Sisters Keeper, Opening the World, Jewish Family and Children Services, Homeward Bound, Marin Fostercare Association, Post Partum Support Center, Marin Center for Independent Living, Bread and Roses, Adopt a Family, Mundos DeColores, San Geronimo Valley Community Center, Ritter Center, and West Marin Community Services.
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Brighten a Youth’s Holiday: Select a Gift at Marin Country Mart's Giving Tree!
Each year, organizations and businesses throughout the Bay Area help fulfill Wish Lists for the clients that Side by Side serves. Many of our clients are from low-income families or are transition-age foster youth living on their own with limited resources. Side by Side hopes to brighten our young people's holiday season by ensuring each has a present to unwrap.
We have partnered again with the Marin Country Mart to decorate their tree with Side by Side gift tags. Stop by Marin Country Mart, shop, eat, and witness their tree lighting, then choose a gift tag from their Giving Tree representing a gift for one of our Bay Area youth.
Then shop for your gift at the Mart or elsewhere, and bring it back to the Mart's Post Office unwrapped with the gift tag attached.
Side by Side will ensure the gift gets to the youth you selected.
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Marin Country Mart Giving Tree Lighting Details:
Join Side by Side and Marin Country Mart as we light this year's Giving Tree on
December 1, 2024.
Location: Marin Country Mart - 2003 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, CA 94939
Note: Side by Side team members will have an information table during the tree lighting ceremony to answer any questions.
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Love is in the Air
Save the Date
February 8, 2025
The Marin Valentine's Ball invites you to an elegant evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, fine dining, and auctions, followed by dancing to live music.
Mark your calendar for what Marin Magazine calls the...
"Best Non-Profit
Event of the Year"
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Tentative
Event Program
5 PM
Cocktails
Silent Auction
Golden Paddle Raffle
7 PM
Seated Dinner
Welcome Remarks
2025 Hal Brown Memorial Philanthropy Awards
8 PM
Live Auction & Have-A-Heart Bidding
9 PM
Dancing
Event Details
Marin Civic Center
10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA.
Valet Parking
Attire: Red Formal or Cocktail
Coat Check
Tickets
Available Soon
Your attendance supports the beneficiaries of Marin Valentine's Ball: the Godmothers of Catholic Charities St. Vincent's School for Boys, North Bay Children's Center, and
Side by Side.
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Full House, Full Hearts!
We are thrilled to share that our Playing in the Stars private showing event of Crossing Delancey was a marvelous success! On September 28th, we enjoyed a full house and full hearts as we came together for an unforgettable evening at the Ross Valley Players' Barn Theater.
A special thank you to Christine Garcia, CEO of Side by Side, for her inspiring words. We were honored to have many of our Board members in attendance, making the night even more special. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Side by Side Development team: Sheila Aceves, Betsy Ross (and her husband, Tracy), and Katie Rice Jones. Your dedication and hard work made this event possible. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ross Valley Players’ volunteers. Your efforts behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly.
Thank you all for making this night one to remember!
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Saying Goodbye to a Marvelous Friend & Colleague
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Dr. Tim Norman, a cherished member of our Side by Side community. Since joining SBS in January 2018, Dr. Norman served as a clinical supervisor and colleague for North Bay, TAY Space, and Hunt School. He was a beloved mentor, supervisor, teacher, and friend, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Dr. Norman’s passion for Side by Side and our mission was unwavering. We will deeply miss his humor, insight, and support, and we will carry his spirit with us as we continue our work.
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It's a Sign!
Old sign, new sign, same great agency!
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