Closer than ever!
Over a decade ago, we envisioned a place of our own where kids can skate, create and connect.
I am so thrilled because our final city inspection at the new SOLID Training Facility [TF] is scheduled for this week!
We are closer than ever to opening these doors - giving kids access to participate in our after school clubs, art workshops, homework help, skate clubs, life skills workshops, youth empowerment, trainings and so much more.
It has been a long time coming!
What have we been doing while we wait?
So much!
Every project around the facility has become a learning opportunity and workshop for the youth and young adults on our team. Many of these (paid) experiences have revolved around the trades:
construction
painting
welding
Our young people have increased their knowledge, skills, confidence, ability to problem solve and take on new challenges - each opportunity empowering our guys to build up their resume or find inspiration for potential career paths. For example, after a day working on the halfpipe and improving skills, three of our guys expressed interest in learning more. We introduced them to a free local training program in the trades and all three applied to enroll.
This facility has truly been built by Paterson young people for Paterson young people.
In addition to these in-house workshops, we have also been active out on the slopes of Mountain Creek with our guys. Our partnership with Hoods to Woods has expanded. This winter, we offered two days of riding on a weekly basis! Each Wednesday, after school, was our advanced group; we had a van full of guys who qualified. Saturdays were reserved for our first-timers. It was a blast! There’s nothing more memorable and life-changing than the time we can spend with our guys - meaningful conversations in the van and on the slopes!
We hope to have more good news for you soon.
Stay tuned!
~ steve