11/21/2024
Dear Fellow Youth Advocate, OUR YEAR-END APPEAL FOR UNITY OF PURPOSE
As I sit at Model Bakery in the midst of the pre-hustle and bustle of the Holidays writing this letter, I am feeling Blessed, Honored and Privileged to be exposed to multiple conversations of patrons and “passerbyers!” In a Town that is politically divided 50-50 on so many issues, we still make time so spend time together developing relationships in ‘Unity in Diversity” - a phenomenon that seems to be a “lost art” in Our Country! When I was growing up we were known throughout the World as 'The United States of America!’ Today we seem to be known throughout the World as the “Divided States of America” with devastating results within and abroad!
Throughout the 20 years that we have been in existence as a Youth Advocacy Center and in the 53 years that I have been personally advocating for Our Youth, we are in one of the most dangerous times and places ever, because hostility is being nurtured, and reigns high on all levels!!
As I look up to the sky above the buildings, wondering how we got here, I reminisce. I wonder how we got from coming out of World War II embracing each other, saluting the Flag, singing “My County Tis of Thee”, “America,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the “National Anthem” to “Our Flag” being linked to a political candidate by many, and Patriotism becoming wrongly defined as a synonym to Nationalism! When and how did symbols of my “Beloved Country” become distorted and questionable, rather than cherished attributes!
When and how were personal interest groups given the power to ‘’politicalize,” “polarize,” and “prioritize” issues of the day that seem to intentionally and strategically distract, divide, and distort our most precious Values, Beliefs, and Foundations?
I had the opportunity to attend Foothills Elementary School on Veteran’s Day and watch Students and Community members pay tribute and show respect, admiration, and appreciation to all of Our Veterans through poems, songs and the raising of the specially designed, centralized and highlighted School Flag Monument in a dedication ceremony! I had the privilege to hear stories of valor, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication in Protecting “The Home of the Brave and Land of the Free,” and other Countries in jeopardy! I had the opportunity to remember the one for whom I am named who died in the Service of his Country!
There is a song that has become more and more precious to me as the years have gone by Steve Darmondy - “In The Time That Remains.” The question that I have for YOU today is, what are we going to do to unify and bring examples, models, and experiences of love and compassion back to “Our Country” IN THE TIME THAT REMAINS! I have much less time than I had when I began My Advocacy Mission more than a half century ago. We must pass “The Torch” - “Our Legacy” and mentor “Our Kids” by our daily life, our example, and especially, the way we treat each other!!
With that continual Mission in mind, we are very excited to roll out Napa Valley Youth Advocacy Center’s newest collaboration with The QA Commons, Palisades Continuation High School, and The Roger Trinchero Family Foundation!
QA Commons’ Mission is to ensure today’s learners are prepared for the changing dynamics of the workforce and economy. And NVYAC’s Mission is to provide a distinctive community for healthy youth engagement where every youth is embraced and empowered! Together we provide a priceless blend of knowledge, skills, tools, experiences, service, passionate Community Member Wisdom, and Heart!
Michelle Deasy, Executive Director of QA Commons and Designer expressed
“The Program” beautifully below:
Empowering Disconnected Youth: Pathways to Opportunity & Success
“Imagine a future where every student, regardless of their background, graduates high school not just with a diploma but with the skills, confidence, and clear direction to thrive in any career path they choose. This is the vision behind QA Commons’ 2024-2025 employability project at Palisades Continuation High School in Calistoga, CA.
In partnership with the Napa Valley Youth Advocacy Center (NVYAC) and with generous funding from the Roger Trinchero Family Foundation, this nine-month program will empower youth facing challenges to overcome barriers and ignite their passion and unlock doors to a brighter future through hands-on career exploration, skill development, and confidence-building exercises that will prepare them for success as they move into the working world.
Students who have not thrived in a traditional education setting are at a disadvantage as they transition to adulthood. Academic attainment gaps, low self-esteem and confidence, and lack of direction and purpose tend to restrict these students to low-wage jobs with little opportunity for advancement, perpetuating cycles of economic disadvantage and instability. By integrating career exploration and employability skills into the curriculum, continuation high schools can better support students in achieving long-term success and socioeconomic mobility.
Employability, simply defined, is the ability to secure paid work. It deeply impacts financial security, lifestyle, and personal identity and can be seen as a form of cultural capital. Many aspects of career success, such as understanding the “hidden” rules of the workplace, are often taken for granted by those already successful. These unspoken norms—ranging from punctuality and appropriate attire to navigating workplace power structures and networking—are essential for professional success. To ensure progress, it’s crucial to demystify these norms and equip learners with the skills to thrive in their careers. This project aims to help continuation high school students master these behaviors, enhancing their employability, long-term socioeconomic mobility, and overall quality of life.
This project brings together key community organizations to empower these youth to break the cycle of disadvantage and prepare for meaningful careers and opportunities. Supplementing QA Commons’ national expertise in employability skills and workforce readiness is the Napa Valley Youth Advocacy Center (NVYAC), which provides mentoring, mental health support, and life skills development, helping youth build healthy relationships, improve their well-being, and prepare for future success through community connections and advocacy. The SoroptImists of Calistoga, who have previously partnered with NYVAC and Palisades on student mentorships, are expected to be engaged.
We wish to thank “The Village” - Our Supporters - for Connecting, Embracing, and Supporting Our Youth, and keeping our Mission Alive and Well! It is this powerful phenomenon of together helping them to skillfully transition the knowledge that they have developed in school into practicality, and “The Artfulness of Building a Life,” that is one of the greatest factors in making
“The Difference to An Abundant Life!!”
Wishing you all the Most Wonderful Holiday Season as we Express Thanksgiving and Actualize The Precious Gifts of Christmas!
With Great Appreciation and Admiration,
Tom Amato, Executive Director
P.S. Napa Valley Youth Advocacy Center is constantly looking for Community Members with compassionate and unifying hearts who wish to share their experience and wisdom toward creating a “World of Harmony” through listening, a quest for understanding, and a mission of meeting basic human needs. Multitudes of “Our Kids” long for a caring, non-judgmental, openminded adult in their lives who will walk beside them through the difficulties in navigating life in a world of turmoil! Imagine such a world as a Kid! How do I know who is telling the truth? How do I make choices with so many “sides?” Who do I trust when people I respect highly are on opposite sides of an issue? How do I navigate major transitions? How do I deal with situations and circumstances our of my control?
P.O Box 137 St. Helena, CA 94574 707-888-7557 [email protected]
https://nvyac.org/
