Side by Side

10/10/2026

What a season of impact at Side by Side! 💙

This fall, we proudly dedicated our San Anselmo campus as the J. Patrick Hunt Campus, honoring the lasting legacy of a champion for youth and families. We also gathered with friends at our East Bay Cocktails & Community reception to share how our behavioral health, housing, and community programs are changing lives across the region.

Our staff recently came together for an inspiring all-agency meeting focused on learning, connection, and celebrating outstanding contributions. We're also grateful to share that Side by Side received a grant from the BAPHR Foundation to support LGBTQ+ youth and participated in BART's Community Resource Fair to connect families with critical services.

And one more exciting update: Reach for the Stars: 80s Prom Night is officially SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and helps young people and their families thrive. ✨

Read more here: https://conta.cc/4AUOSdw

10/09/2026

🌈 What an inspiring Night of Pride!

Side by Side's Beatriz Behrens and Sheila Aceves were proud to join Horizons Foundation for a special evening honoring CEO Roger Doughty and his 24 years of visionary leadership. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and State Senator Scott Wiener made surprise appearances to present proclamations recognizing Roger's extraordinary contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Congratulations to Horizons Foundation on an inspiring evening celebrating community, generosity, and a shared commitment to the LGBTQ+ community! 🏳️‍🌈

09/30/2026

Connecting Our Community to Mental Health Services

We remain committed to connecting our community with the mental health services and support they need. Last month, Lito Briano, office manager for our Santa Rosa office and a member of the North Bay leadership team, represented Side by Side at the VOICES Fall BBQ Community Gathering.

VOICES events like the Fall BBQ gathering are community-building events where youth, service providers, and community partners come together for food, activities, relationship-building, and access to resources. These gatherings help strengthen connections between local organizations and the young people we serve.

09/29/2026

Thank you, , for featuring our campus dedication in Giving Marin. We’re deeply grateful for your support and for helping us share this milestone with the community.

New name honors Hunt family legacy Side by Side hosted a special campus dedication ceremony Aug. 28 to officially rename its San Anselmo campus the J. Patrick Hunt Campus, honoring...

09/24/2026

The Reach for the Stars: 80s Prom Night invitation has dropped, and we wanted to share it far and wide!

It's time to pull out your best retro look, relive the magic of the 80s, and make some new memories on the dance floor. Think neon colors, big hair, your favorite throwback tunes, and a night filled with nostalgia and community.

Complete your Prom Night look with a pre-ordered corsage or boutonniere. Floral is available for advance purchase and will be ready for pickup at the gala. Please click the ticket link to order.

Don't miss your chance to party like it's 1985. There are only a few tickets left, and they're going fast! Like, duh. Tickets - onecau.se/rfts26

09/22/2026

Side by Side recently welcomed friends to a special East Bay reception: Cocktails & Community at the historic Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California.

Guests from across the East Bay gathered to enjoy beverages, light bites, and an engaging conversation about the impact of Side by Side's behavioral health and community programs.

Hosted by CEO Christine Garcia, the evening highlighted the many ways Side by Side's programs support youth and their family members in the East Bay. Panelists De'Misha Barker, Program Director of Transitional Housing Services; Larry Woodland, Interim Regional Director, East Bay; and Caitlin Gulseth, Our Space Peer Specialist, shared insights into programs including Real Alternatives, Community Counseling, and Our Space, providing a closer look at how these services create stability, strengthen mental health, and expand opportunities for young people and their families.

We were also honored to have team member Lito Briano join us to represent Community Counseling North Bay and speak about the growing need for accessible behavioral health services in the North Bay.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful evening of learning, connection, and community.

To learn more about our programs visit: https://www.sidebysideyouth.org/programs/

09/16/2026

🎶 Totally rad alert! 🎶

Betsy Ross, Development Manager, is already bringing the 80s energy for Reach for the Stars: 80s Prom Night and getting ready to party like it's 1985! ✨

Neon? Totally.
Killer 80s jams? You bet.
A righteous night supporting an amazing cause? Like, absolutely!

Betsy says don't be a space cadet... 🎟️ Prom tickets are selling out fast! Grab your tickets before they vanish faster a ZotZ candy.

So tease that hair, and get ready for a gnarly night of music, memories, and fun. This is one party you won't want to miss!

Get your tickets now and let's reach for the stars together! www.onecau.se/rfts26

09/10/2026

Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring the Future.

On August 28, we officially dedicated our San Anselmo campus as the J. Patrick Hunt Campus, recognizing the extraordinary legacy of J. Patrick Hunt, co-founder of Bank of Marin and longtime supporter of children, youth, and their family members.

We were honored to celebrate alongside members of the Hunt family, community leaders, and supporters as we reflected on Side by Side's 130-year history and looked ahead to the future.

This dedication ensures that Mr. Hunt's commitment to strengthening our community will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this meaningful day possible.
(Photo credit: Desire to Inspire Studios)
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09/08/2026

Big hair. Bold fashion. Epic music. There's something about the 1980s that's simply irresistible. Whether you lived through it or have always admired its unforgettable energy, join us at Reach for the Stars: 80s Prom Night for a totally awesome evening you won't soon forget.

Dust off your prom-night glamour, gather your friends, and get ready for an evening of nostalgia, dancing, and fun, all while making a difference for the young people Side by Side serves.

Details:
Reach for the Stars: 80s Prom Night
October 24, 2026 | 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
📍 Side by Side's Irene M. Hunt School J.E.T. Gym
🎟️ Tickets: $175 per person
Get your prom tickets here: onecau.se/rfts26

Need proof that the '80s were iconic? Just take a look at this throwback class photo of our Director of Development!

We'd love to see your favorite '80s photos, too. Send us your best throwback for a chance to be featured in an upcoming post!

09/07/2026

🩵 September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month 💜

At Side by Side, we believe that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and connected.

Su***de is preventable, and conversations matter. By learning the warning signs, checking in with friends and loved ones, and connecting people to support, each of us can help create a safer, more compassionate community.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available: 📞 Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline 24/7.

Together, we can foster hope, connection, and support for young people and their family members throughout our communities.

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