abril 25, 2025 Spring Forward Celebrating New Beginnings with Our Community Milestones should be celebrated with joy, connection, and a whole lot of fun—and that’s exactly what our Spring Forward Together event was all about. Held at a local park, the event welcomed youth and families from both Desert Sands Unified School District and Coachella Valley Unified School District for a vibrant afternoon of community celebration. For our newest cohort of youth from Desert Sands USD, the day marked an especially meaningful moment. We hosted a special signing day ceremony, complete with certificates to recognize the official start of their long-term mentorship journey with Friends CV. Following the ceremony, families and staff from both districts joined in for festive activities. Youth enjoyed Easter-themed games, hands-on crafts, and a spirited scavenger hunt throughout the park. Board member Angela Randolph added to the celebration by handing out goodie bags to young participants after an enthusiastic Easter egg hunt. We’re deeply appreciative of the community partners who helped make this day possible. Special thanks to Nothing Bundt Cakes La Quinta, Cake4Kids, and Brandini Toffee for donating delicious treats, and to the 4ShayJ Foundation for gifting each child a glow-in-the-dark helmet and water bottle. A big thank-you to our event sponsor, Truly Nolen, for supporting this meaningful day from start to finish. Spring Forward Together was more than a seasonal celebration. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when we create spaces where youth and families are supported and celebrated. We’re proud of every child who joined our program this spring and look forward to walking alongside them in the years ahead.