Support 25 years of youth voice
Dear Friends,
The Neutral Zone is celebrating 25 years!
It has been 25 years of creating a vision, finding a home, building our skills, developing structures, and facilitating program opportunities for thousands of youth in our community to thrive.
We know it has been worth it. As we walk through the building, we see youth in a space they call their own. They share their ideas–and realize them. Through projects, initiatives, and community work, we build meaningful experiences to support youth to lead their communities with equity and justice.
On October 7th, we hosted our 25th Anniversary Street Party featuring a stellar lineup of teens and alumni musicians and performers, interactive murals and art projects, live silk-screening, and most importantly alumni returning to NZ. It was a special moment for us to pause, connect, and recognize the valuable contributions of all of us who have worked so hard over the years as volunteers, staff, board, and community.
We asked our alumni why NZ has mattered to them. Here are a few of their comments:
I started working at a Neutral Zone when I was a sophomore in high school up until I was 23 years old. Everyone I worked with gave me so much knowledge for growing up that I’m still using to this day.
Sonya Robbins, NZ ‘02
I felt seen at the Neutral Zone, I could be myself. It was a safe place to get away from the pressures of school or home and provided an outlet for whatever emotions I was feeling.
Adam Cross, NZ ‘05
I just read that question and started tearing up. I'm a better writer, better community member, better leader and collaborator and human for my time there.
Harper Jocques, NZ ‘08
I think of community. The Neutral Zone gave me a space to be myself when I couldn't be who I wanted to be at school or home. I spent much of my time exploring myself, my identity, and my path in life.
Aidan McClogan, NZ ‘13
NZ is where I found my voice as an artist, community member, and citizen; met some of my closest friends, and often felt most alive as a young person.
Issac Scobey-Thal, NZ ‘16
Our letter today is full of gratitude to you. We shine a light on all of you who have believed in us, supported us, and continued offering endless encouragement. We hope you will continue to invest in young people by making a gift again this year.
Thank you for allowing us to continue showing up, supporting, and honoring our young people daily.
Thank you for 25 years of trusting us,
Lori Roddy, MSW
Executive Director
Group photo after an alumni reflection on October 7th
ALUMNI & FAMILY DONATION MATCH
Don't forget - we have received an alumni challenge match of an amazing $25,000 from donors Ashley and Jon Oberheide. This means that all donations made by alumni teens and alumni families through the end of the year will be DOUBLED. Use the link below or the link in the RSVP form to make your alumni gift today!
TELL US YOUR ALUMNI STORY
Click to let us know what you're up to and share memories of NZ. We would love to hear from you and have the chance to feature your experience of NZ!