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Sonoma Valley Teen Services gets Impact100 grant

During the second annual meeting of Impact 100 Sonoma, Sonoma Valley Teen Services was awarded the $100,000 for it's Living Skills Program.

"I am so excited and in complete shock," said Rebecca Hermosillo, executive director of the Valley of the Moon Teen Center.

The Skills for Life Program proposes to establish strategically relevant career pathways for Sonoma Valley youth by teaching teens to gain self-respect and purpose through imparting real job skills. The program is already on its feet with Lovin' Oven, a bakery and food purveyor based out of the Teen Center's commercial kitchen. The four teens who started the business began by selling pies during the holidays and now sells a full array of items at the Tuesday night farmers market.

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, the Willmar Center for Bereaved Children and Social Advocates for Youth were also finalists for the grant.

Impact 100 Sonoma was formed in 2009 when 100 woman came together, each giving $1,000 to create a $100,000 grant. Nonprofits apply for the grants and, after hearing presentations from the selected finalists, the women vote democratically to determine which organization will be awarded the money. This year the group had 157 members, meaning Impact 100 will also name a handful of Sonoma Greater Impact Community Grants recipients who will receive between $3,500 and $15,000 for specific projects. 

Impact100 Sonoma is currently inviting additional women to join the organization. Information about Impact100 Sonoma may be found at www.impact100sonoma.org or by calling 939-5007.