Christmas Card

     What a fine looking bunch!  This is our staff team at Ramp It Up.  We all looked so nice, I thought I would take advantage of the moment and take our Christmas Card picture (a strategy I also employed for my family picture that evening).  In case you don't know them, allow my to introduce my amazing staff:
From the left:

• Arlys, our Financial Manager.  Kind, caring and detail oriented, Arlys keeps our books clean and our paper trail running smoothly.  She hides in our upper office and is deeply cherished by the rest of the staff.
• Orion, Skate Park Manager.  Orion is still in High School but still has the energy and the maturity to do a fabulous job of connecting with the younger kids while keeping our skaters safe.
• Kelli, Joel's Place Program Manager.  Simply put, I would be lost here without Kelli.  She brings a level of fun and creativity to the center that I do not possess.  She is outstanding at developing the staff and connecting with the youth.
• At the center of the back row is Mark, our Youth Development Coordinator.  Mark is quick to listen to what the kids need and eager to help them achieve their goals....I also destroyed him in a badminton match, which boosts my confidence when I see him.
• Keturah, Cafe Manager.  Keturah is feisty, perfectly willing to go toe-to-toe with the youth who forget their manners at dinner.  I have learned that you cannot be timid if you want teenage boys to eat well.  Keturah is no mean lunch lady, however, as she is quick to laugh and lavishly generous of her time and resources.
• Jay, Staff.  He wants a better title but he hasn't earned it yet.  Jay is the newest member of our team but has wasted no time in diving into making friends with the kids, starting up epic dodgeball games and learning how to skate.
• Me.  You already know lots about me.  I like to write.  I like to plan.  I was the only one who wore a tie that night...Yup.  That's about it.
• Leah, Front Desk.  You know what is said about the importance of first impressions.  Leah is our first impression at Joel's Place.  She welcomes people in with a smile and sincere greeting.  She knows everyone's name.  She goes out of her way to help people feel welcomed.

   On behalf of the myself, the staff here at Joel's Place, the dozens of volunteers, hundreds of donors and over 900 youth who have used our facility this year

                  Have a Merry Christmas and 
                  a Joy-filled Holiday Season!