2023 was SOLID!
As we continue to look for a permanent home for SOLID Foundation, our empowering programs and community grow stronger.
2023 was a major milestone for us on so many levels. We are grateful to our donors, volunteers and friends who help make it all possible!
Thank you!
- Team SOLID.
10,000+ hours
10,000+ hours
In 2023, we launched our Pushing for Peace initiative. When you add up all the programs and students involved at SOLID in 2023 - it’s over 10,000 hours of quality time with some of the most amazing young people in the City of Paterson, NJ. These 10,000+ hours are a preventative approach to reducing violence.
From our big events to smaller gatherings, 2023 was memorable for numerous reasons. Keep scrolling to learn about many of our favorite moments.
BIG EVENTS
In 2023 we participated in (or hosted) big events on a monthly basis - it was a remarkable year! Some highlights are:
OUTREACH:
Community outreach is one way we connect with youth and young adults.
For example, in 2023, our weekly barbecues at the skatepark served more than 1,250 meals and introduced many kids to SOLID’s various opportunities.
SMALL GROUP GATHERING
Running big events and community outreach is exciting and important! However, our ultimate goal is connecting individuals with SOLID programs which are intentionally limited in size, to focus our attention on each participant.
One new Pushing For Peace program is Create & Connect After-School Club. This twice-a-week activity provides homework help, an art workshop, a meal together and always a meaningful conversation about our S.K.A.T.E.R. Code. Memorable workshops are: film photography, cyanotype print making, watercolor painting, pencil sketching, skateboard painting, video editing, collage design, screen printing, tee shirt design, and many more!
TRIPS ARE THE BEST.
Everyone! Into the van!
One element of our Pushing For Peace initiative is providing opportunities for youth and young adults to experience so much of what the North Jersey and TriState area has to offer.
We love trips to local skateparks, galleries, exhibits, kayaking, surfing and (especially) snowboarding with our friends from Hoods To Woods.
We had some of the best trips in 2023!
SERVING TOGETHER
By serving together, we accomplish our mission of young people radically impact their community and beyond.
There’s nothing more encouraging than hearing a young person ask, “When are we doing that again?” after a service project or volunteer opportunity. In 2023:
We distributed hundreds of pairs of Vans shoes and apparel valued at over $20,000
We stocked the community fridge with the Food Justice Fridge Initiative
We partnered with Project Reconnect at their annual Angel Tree event, providing over 200 gifts to kids
It was a year of empowerment and making a difference!
DONATE TODAY.
It’s the generosity of friends like you that help sustain SOLID into the future! Thank you.