Newsletter: January 2025
As we begin this new year, we want to express our gratitude and share updates from the close of 2024 along with what's upcoming.
Also, in the wake of the recent fires that have deeply affected Los Angeles and VenturaCounties, we are reminded of the importance of community. How we come together to support one another profoundly shapes the world we choose to co-create. This spirit of connection and collaboration is at the heart of what we are building at Mesa.
We’re grateful to have you with us on this journey as we build a stronger, more compassionate community together. Please stay in touch and we’ll do the same.
With gratitude and care,
Dan Parziale
Standing in Solidarity with Those Impacted by the Fires
The devastating fires across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties have deeply impacted our region, affecting many of us directly, including friends and family. It has been impressiveseeing how our community has sprung into action - gathering essential items for donation, opening their homes to those who have lost everything, providing pastures for displaced animals, and organizing monetary relief efforts. We also want to recognize our firstresponders who work tirelessly year after year to protect us from wildfires. This includes the incarcerated firefighters, many of whom are young adults, who have been an important part of LA and Ventura County's firefighting efforts.
If you’re looking for ways to help, we encourage you to support the following local organizations and funds:
Ventura County Community Foundation
Anti-Recidivism Coalition Firefighter Fund
California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund
Volunteers Needed!
Point-In-Time Count
The annual Point-in-Time Count is a nationwide effort to document the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night, providing critical data to guide local and federal resources and strategies.
Our county needs volunteers to assist with the 2025 Homeless Point In Time
Count on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
This count is essential for securing funds for local homeless shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, rental assistance programs, street outreach, and more.
Mesa Over the Holidays
This holiday season—our very first atMesa—was a time of hope, connection, and the full range of emotions for our participants and staff. There were moments of joy, laughter, and shared meals, as well as times of tears, struggles, and sadness. Some participants were able to spend time with family or friends, while others found comfort and belonging at Mesa.
From our House Manager Sheila’s lovingly handmade stockings to decorating the tree, making pozole, hosting a participant-organized Christmas party with a White Elephant exchange, enjoying roast duck (purchased and cooked with so much joy and pride by one of our participants), and cookie/ornament decorating, to Christmas morning brunch and games—it truly felt like a warm, supportive space for everyone.
A number of organizations, groups, and individuals made this holiday time extra special with impactful gifts including stocking stuffers, clothing, a Christmas tree and decorations, hand-made quilts, gift cards, and funds to host celebrations.One of our participants shared, "It is such a blessing to be surrounded with so much care."
Thanks to You, We Met Our Matching Gift Appeals!
We are filled with gratitude for your generous support of Mesa and our mission to create a safe, loving, and supportive community for young adults facing homelessness. Thanks to you and others who share our vision, we successfully met our year-end matching gift appeals! Our Board pledged a matching gift of $116,500. Additionally, a couple offered to match $5,000 in giving made by first-time donors. With your help, we secured both of these gifts and raised an incredible $124,467 in December!This support is more than just a financial milestone—it’s a profound investment in the futures of the young adults we serve. Also, it’s a testament to your belief in their potential, resilience, and promise.From all of us at Mesa, thank you for being a vital part of this journey. Your generosity is changing lives.I'd Like to Support Mesa
Staff Highlights
We're excited to share that three amazing individuals have joined our team!
Dr. Gina Petrus has accepted the role of On-site Therapist and Program Manager. Dr. Petrus is a licensed clinical psychologist with decades of experience with youth and young adults. She will be leading our Programs team and developing our Mental Health andWellness programming.
Angela Evans and Derry Brooks have joined our house management team. Angela has valuable experience in housing and homelessness services. Derry was the InternationalCommunity Impact Director of Youth With a Mission before joining Mesa.
Welcome to the team Dr. Petrus, Angela, and Derry!
Volunteer Updates
We are working with Code for Good on building a Volunteer Portal and Management tool.This new platform will streamline how we manage volunteer interests, event calendars, sign-ups, and onboarding. We plan to launch the portal this spring! Even if you’ve previously filled out our volunteer questionnaire, signed up with us a while ago, or volunteered in various capacities, we’ll ask you to log into the portal and update your information once it’s live. In the meantime, reach out to hi@mesafarm.org, or fill out our existing questionnaire, link below. We appreciate your support!
