Bay Area ST

Adult Liaisons for Bay Area Service Teens play a crucial role in guiding and inspiring our teens through their journeys in service, leadership, and creativity. With their support, teens build confidence, acquire new skills, and learn the importance of giving back to the community. Many liaisons actively participate in philanthropic programs, collaborating with teens to assemble kits, create cards, craft items, and make cozy blankets. Others work alongside volunteers at the resale shop, teaching teens about customer service, merchandising, and teamwork. Additionally, some liaisons manage administrative tasks that keep the auxiliary running smoothly, ensuring every program is organized and effective.

Roxann Zamora, the coordinator, oversees the teens’ activities and provides guidance throughout the year. Renee McCoy serves as the Bay Area Service League Board representative, offering leadership and support that enhance the connection between the auxiliary and the League.

Together, these Adult Liaisons provide an environment where teens feel encouraged, empowered, and inspired to engage with their community.

Pictured left to right, top to bottom:
First photograph: Teresa Teaster and Linda McCormack, Cause for Paws Liaisons

Second photograph: Donna James, Leslie Schwanke, and Melanie Lovuola, Crafted with Care, Cause for Paws, and Project Snuggle Liaisons, respectively.

Third photograph: Carole Perry (Ready for School Support), Priscilla Magnuson (Resale Shop Volunteer Coordinator), Judy Gordon (Birthday in a Box), Trudy Kennedy (Birthday in a Box), Teresa Teaster (Cause for Paws), Leslie Schwanke (Cause for Paws), Melanie Lovuola (Project Snuggle), Barbara Weitenhagen (Auxiliary Treasurer), Roxann Zamora (Coordinator), and Renee McCoy (Director of Bay Area Service Teens).

Not pictured in the third photograph: Stephanie Comin (Basic Kneads), Lisa Lin (Basic Kneads), Linda McCormack (Cause for Paws), Donna James (Crafted with Care), Laurie Jachimiec (Notes for Folks), and Elizabeth Arceneaux (Service Hours).

Children living at the Bay Area Turning Point and The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. shelters receive specially crafted items from Bay Area Service Teens. Members create these items during their meetings through the Crafted with Care philanthropic program.

Each design is inspired by a holiday or seasonal celebration, reminding them that, despite their temporary circumstances, joy and hope remain now and in the future as they transition to a new way of living each day.

Project Snuggle is a key philanthropic program through which Bay Area Service Teens supports children entering domestic abuse shelter care. Many of these children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing, often leaving home suddenly and without personal belongings.

To ease this difficult transition, Bay Area Service Teens prepare soft fleece blankets for each child when they arrive. These blankets provide comfort and security when everything else feels uncertain. They are warm, personal, and something each child can immediately call their own.

Teens gather monthly after a membership meeting to create them as a group, ensuring program partners Bay Area Turning Point and The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. always have blankets available for new residents.

Project Snuggle offers children warmth, safety, and a reminder that their community cares for them when they need it most.

Children often experience profound and enduring consequences as a result of domestic violence, even when they are not directly targeted. Exposure to violence within the home can disrupt emotional development, elevate levels of anxiety and depression, and undermine a child's sense of safety in daily life. Many affected children report sleep disturbances, difficulties concentrating in school, and obstacles to forming healthy relationships. For some individuals, the trauma persists into adulthood.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize that children are frequently silent victims. Support, stability, and small acts of comfort can significantly support their healing.

Bay Area Service Teens play a crucial role in supporting young survivors through partnerships with The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. and Bay Area Turning Point. These teens oversee two philanthropic programs specifically designed to provide comfort and joy to children entering shelter care.

Project Snuggle provides soft fleece blankets to children when they arrive at a shelter. These blankets offer warmth, reassurance, and a sense of personal belonging during a period of significant uncertainty.

Crafted with Care delivers monthly themed mementos that celebrate holidays and seasons. These handmade gifts enhance the atmosphere of a child’s temporary home and remind them that the community values their well-being.

Through these programs, Bay Area Service Teens help restore meaningful moments of comfort and normalcy, which are essential for every child, particularly during periods of crisis.

On Sunday, September 27th, Bay Area Service Teens held their first regular membership meeting of the 2026-2027 year at Saint Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church. During the meeting, members approved several important business items.

After the meeting, new members received their branded shirts. Many stayed behind to support various philanthropic programs, and a group of volunteers helped unload pumpkins for the church’s upcoming pumpkin patch.

It was a fulfilling and productive afternoon.

Bay Area Service Teens brighten others' lives through their Cause for Paws philanthropic program. A key initiative is assembling Pet Adoption Kits at the end of each membership meeting. These kits provide essential items for dogs and cats, helping new families welcome their adopted pets.

After assembly, the kits are delivered to Bay Area Pet Adoptions and Pasadena Animal Shelter, where staff distribute them to adopting families.

Cause for Paws demonstrates the teens’ commitment to creating positive beginnings for animals and their new families.

Bay Area Service Teens continue to make an impact through their philanthropic program, Birthday in a Box. After each membership meeting, the teens assemble kits filled with everything a child needs to experience the joy of a birthday celebration. These boxes include party essentials that allow a child, who may not otherwise have the opportunity, to be celebrated and feel special on their big day.

This program partners with Communities In Schools - Bay Area, where Bay Area Service Teens support selected campuses in both Clear Creek ISD and Dickinson ISD, ensuring that students facing challenges receive moments of happiness.

Adam Rekik and Michael Metz brought big energy to the Resale Shop last week, jumping right in alongside adult volunteers Priscilla Magnuson and Terry Overcash. Whether they were sorting, organizing, or keeping the back room moving, this crew made teamwork look easy.

It’s always great to see our teens working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with League volunteers and making a real difference for the shop and the community it supports.

The First Day of Fall is here, and we’re ready for crisp air, cozy routines, and all the small moments that make this season special.

Bay Area Service Teens wish everyone a bright and beautiful start to autumn.

Bay Area Service Teens wish everyone observing the holiday a meaningful Yom Kippur.

May this day of reflection bring clarity, peace, and renewal.

May the year ahead be filled with strength, compassion, and purpose.