School is in session and events return

With the school year in full swing, and the fall season right around the corner, look for events and activities to ramp up at Safe Schools Desert Cities.

First up is the annual Gay-Straight Advisor Luncheon scheduled for Saturday, September 18. This will be our first in-person event to occur since the COVID-19 pandemic began. GSA advisors and co-advisors are invited to enjoy lunch, meet the board members and other advisors, and learn about available resources and services from SSDC. Contact your district liaison or connect with me for information.

Also coming up is Barry Manilow’s A Gift of Love V Christmas concert, benefiting a select number of local charities including SSDC. The concerts are scheduled for December 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. Purchase your tickets today and please don’t forget to choose SSDC as your preferred beneficiary. SSDC is deeply honored to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of this wonderfully entertaining event.

Other events in the works include Palm Springs Pride & Youth Zone, Rainbow Youth Summit, and Pride Prom. To check out our complete events calendar, visit SafeSchoolsDC.org.

On a somber note we remember the life of Jim Gross, a tireless champion of youth who volunteered his time and energy with SSDC for many years. He served as a board member, treasurer, and committee member. Past president and former board member Doug Hairgrove who knew Jim well wrote a heartfelt memorial on Jim’s life and his dedication to our LGBTQ+ youth. I invite you to take a few moments to read it here.

Please stay safe and strong. And, as always, thank you for all you do.

Eric Ornelas
President,
Safe Schools Desert Cities

Free school lunches from DSUSD

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will continue reimbursing schools for free meals to all students regardless of their income throughout the 2021-2022 school year. This is a continuation of the program that provided free meals to all students during both the 2020-2021 school year and the summer months.

Learn more

Upcoming GSA Advisor Luncheon

GSA Advisor Luncheon will be held on September 18. This is a wonderful event to meet and network with the other GSA Advisors from several school districts and SSDC board members. At the event learn about upcoming events and share ideas to help with your school’s inclusive climate.

Services from Martha's Village

Martha's Village & Kitchen offers a variety of services for families and individuals in need. Located in Indio, this nonprofit organization has been assisting the homeless and hungry since 1990 and continue to provide food, shelter, education, and more.

Learn more

National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you know anyone who is struggling or you would like to raise awareness, please feel free to share this number 1-800-273-TALK (82255). Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24. We hear you, and help is available.

Help change lives

SSDC invites you to contribute in making a difference in the lives of the desert's LGBTQ+ youth. Your support helps to cultivate and uphold a safe, welcoming, and secure place for LGBTQ+ students to be themselves, learn, and thrive—all of which may lead to saving a life.
We thank you!

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Upcoming events

We're looking forward to celebrating our community with fun-filled events, including the Rainbow Youth Summit, Pride Prom, and the Youth Zone during the Pride Parade. Check out our online calendar for all our events and activities.

See events