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Almost four years ago, when my wife Theresa and I moved from Oakland to Santa Rosa, we were looking for ways to become more involved in our new community. That pesky billboard in Boyes Hot Springs kept reminding me: by mentoring, I could fulfill a critical need and make meaningful connections. The more I learned […]

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate thelife-changing impact mentoring has on both mentees and mentors. Tomark this special month, we spoke with Annette Giroux-Smith, MentorCenter Coordinator at El Verano. Annette sees the magic of mentoringunfold every day, facilitating meaningful connections between mentorsand mentees. Here’s what she shared about her experiences: Favorite Part

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and at the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, we have so much to be thankful for. To our 300 incredible mentees, from kindergartners to high school seniors: Thank you for saying “yes.” It takes courage to welcome someone new into your life, and we are endlessly inspired by the bravery and

This month, we are excited to highlight Moon Mountain District AVA for their exceptional support of our programs. It takes a diverse array of community contributions to power our initiatives—from auction donations and event speaking opportunities to financial contributions and promotional support through local businesses. We are deeply grateful for every aspect of this support.

Mentees Alex and Jaymee Shine Light on Breast Cancer Awareness Mentees Alex and Jaymee, participated in this year’s Trashion Fashion Sonoma event for a cause deeply personal to them, crafting a project that not only showcases their creativity but also their commitment to making a meaningful difference. In a touching tribute, this year’s costume is

Meet Itzel. Itzel’s mentorship journey began in the vibrant halls of her first-grade classroom, a journey marked by profound connections and the transformative power of guidance and support. Her path took a pivotal turn with the loss of her first mentor, leading to a life-changing relationship in fourth grade with her mentor, Connie. This relationship

The Transformative Power of Mentorship: Stories from Sonoma’s Mentoring Alliance In the heart of Sonoma, at the Fairmont Mission Inn, new mentors gathered for the Alumni Mentee Panel. It was a convergence of past, present, and future—where stories of transformation, hope, and the profound impact of mentorship were shared. This event, shone a light on

Two plus years ago, my mentoring journey commenced in December, fueled by a deep-seated desire to contribute to my community. This calling didn’t surface spontaneously; it had been simmering within me since 2014. The pivotal moment occurred in July 2015, during Sonoma’s 4th of July parade, where I spotted the Mentoring Alliance—an indelible memory that lingered for years. As

Our program is a beacon of hope and support for its youth, thanks to the diverse contributions of our community members. One such individual is Daniel Casabonne, a successful realtor whose unique approach to philanthropy is making a significant impact to us – and to all of the kids who rely on our program. Daniel’s

Sharon’s decision to become a mentor in Sonoma, even while working and traveling for her job, reflects her deep commitment to making a positive impact on her community. Her initial perception that mentoring might only be possible after retirement changed when she received the simple but powerful advice: “It’s an hour a week.” This advice