Summer Break: When Our Community Steps Up

photo credits: West Marin Community Services & Youth Leadership Marin

Well, here we are…officially rooted in summer. It's a time when we're all heading in different directions. Graduations are finished, schoolbooks closed, and many people plan for a slightly softer summer schedule: travel, camp, BBQs, hikes, and rosé. It tends to be a time when we (try to) take our foot off the gas and let our shoulders drop a bit as the stress of rushing through our days gives way to sun-drenched leisure.

But this isn't everyone's scenario.

The Hidden Summer Challenge in Marin

For many families, summer is complicated. Some have two working parents, while others are managed by single parents. There are numerous situations where it's a struggle to create a patchwork of care and support for kids, and then to pay for it. It's when consistent food programs lag and kids' sense of community frays. Mental health challenges peak.

For thousands of Marin's at-risk youth, the end of the school year creates a dangerous void.

Sarah Martinez, Executive Director of one of our long-term grantees, Youth Leadership Marin, puts it simply: "When school ends, our work triples. These kids don't disappear just because there's no bell schedule."

When Others Rest, Our Grantees Scale Up

While many in our community check vacation calendars, our funded organizations are ramping up their most intensive programming of the year:

Canal Community Alliance extends its programming to run 10-hour days, providing everything from academic support to job training, ensuring immigrant youth have a safe, productive environment during the summer months.

Youth Leadership Marin launches its intensive summer cohorts, where at-risk teens learn leadership skills, complete community service projects, and build the confidence that will carry them through the school year ahead.

West Marin Community Services runs full-day programming in areas where transportation challenges make accessing traditional summer opportunities nearly impossible.

These organizations (and many others) don't scale back for summer—they scale up, often doubling their staff, extending their hours, and stretching their already tight budgets to meet the increased demand.

The Real Cost of Summer Support

As you might imagine, providing comprehensive summer programming costs nearly double what these organizations spend during the school year. Staff work longer hours, facilities require extended use, meals must be provided for entire days, and transportation needs increase dramatically.

Still, They Rise to the Challenge

But here's what inspires us: year after year, they do it. The agencies we support plan for these seasonal challenges and pull together the programming and support that our youth need to thrive, to have the summer they deserve.

Yes to long lazy days, water play, a healthy infusion of nature and art…and fun! At the same time, we're keenly aware of the challenges our youth face. We're filled with gratitude for the hard work Marin agencies do to ensure a thriving young community.

And knowing that our community steps up when it matters most? That makes the summer we're experiencing that much sweeter.

So, thank you! Our grantees couldn't do it without your support! And as you enjoy the season's pleasures, know that your support is helping ensure that every young person in Marin has access to the opportunities and care they deserve, no matter the season.

photo credits: West Marin Community Services & Youth Leadership Marin

If you're working with at-risk youth in Marin, discover how our grants can amplify your impact.

Want to support our agencies? Join our mission with a donation.