A Message from Ted Fong, Program Director, SASF Strive for Strength
The past 25 years have seen dramatic changes in our economy and culture, making it difficult for young people to thrive. Social media, academic pressure, student debt, the high cost of living, and divisive politics have reached a tipping point in America.
According to a 2023 Harris Poll, 45% of people ages 18 to 29 are living at home with their parents, the highest level since the 1940s. While having your kids around is nice, we want them to be independent. 74% of the survey respondents agree that younger Americans face a "broken economic situation that prevents them from being financially successful."
In July 2024, SASF conducted a survey and focus groups to understand these problems better. (Read the report)
There is some good news. Despite the hand they've been dealt, young people today are energetic, open-minded, and creative. When they have problems, they talk about it. When they see opportunities, they go for it. They know how to use technology to solve problems. Compared to my generation, they are more progressive and socially aware. They value authenticity. But they can’t escape the complicated environment they live in. That's where Strive for Strength comes in.
Our mission is to mentor young people to develop good habits and make wise choices in a chaotic world that has too many choices. We are focused on five Core Areas:
- Financial Literacy and Economic Security,
- Mental Health and Wellness,
- Career Development,
- Building Healthy Relationships, and
- Basic Skills for Living Independently
Our first program in 2025 is the Financial Literacy Boot Camp. It starts on February 5, 2025.
For more than 30 years, SASF has mentored young people, my kids included, through sports, Teens Create Dreams, the original Strive for Strength, Sports for Life, and SPARK. As the new Program Director for Strive for Strength, I am building on the original program started by Julie Ota and her daughter Tricia Ota in 2007. Please consider being a Strive for Strength mentor or sponsor so the program can offer more services to our participants.
With your support, we can set our young people on a path to a bright future!
Ted Fong, MBA
Program Director
SASF Strive for Strength
sasfprograms@gmail.com
New! S4S Financial Literacy Boot Camp Feb 5 - 26, 2025
Hosted by SASF Strive for Strength, this four-week boot camp teaches young all about money and what it takes to live independently. Limited to 15 participants plus one parent each. Register now!
Register for the Financial Literacy Boot Camp
Save the date! The 2025 SASF Golf Tournament is on May 5th at The Reserve in Stockton
We are excited to announce the SASF Golf Tournament is back for 2025! The SASF Golf Committee looks forward to having as much fun as in 2024. Mark your calendars for the SASF Golf Tournament on May 5,2025. We hope to see everyone next year for another memorable time of golf at the Reserve and a prime rib dinner after golf at SASF prepared by our SASF Kitchen Crew.
Registration opens December 20, 2024. Registration fee is $145/person and includes breakfast, green fee, cart, range balls, and a prime rib dinner at SASF.
2024 Golf Tournament Recap
The Creative Space Holiday Food & Craft Fair is on Sat, Dec 21st
The Holidays are finally here and you know what that means. ‘Tis the season to shop for your loved ones (for yourself too) and spread some holiday cheer!
The Creative Space is hosting their 4th annual Holiday Food and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 16th right here at SASF! You’ll have the chance to shop over 100 food and craft vendors visiting from all over Northern and Southern California!
This is a family friendly event! There will be many holiday items: Hawaiian, Asian, Anime, Sanrio, Disney themed crafts made by local makers, accessories, handmade jewelry, intricate art pieces, apparel, home goods, pastries by your favorite local bakers, great food vendors from different cultures, a live DJ, arts and crafts station for kids, and so much more!
Be sure to stop by the Holiday Food and Craft Fair to check off everyone left on your holiday shopping list!
Donations
We are extremely grateful to the many individuals, families and businesses who continue to support and donate to SASF throughout the year.
- Bill Tom for Fishing Derby
- Bill Tom for Sports for Life
- Paul and Rosaline Lau via United Way (SMUD)
- Bradley Crandell via United Way (State of California)
- David Hironaka via United Way (State of California)
- K S Mori via United Way (State of California)
- K S Ng via United Way (State of California)
- Jeanie Voong via United Way (State of California)
- Dan Yamanaka via United Way (State of California)
- Frances & Mark Koop
- Sergio & Catalina Guillen for Sports for Life
Consider Donating Through Chris Wong's PG&E Community Connect Giving Fund
Growing up with SASF, Chris is giving back through PG&E's match program which matches donations dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Chris is SASF's sponsor for PG&E’s Peer to Peer Fundraising Community. As a PG&E employee, he invites you to donate to a cause that he cares about. PG&E employees select the nonprofits that they support through Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and PG&E matches contributions to eligible organizations.
"I grew up in this program, first in summer basketball league and giving back as a basketball coach and referee. This organization does so much for the communities of Sacramento and Elk Grove. Their dedication to youth development through sports and leadership programs include teen women empowerment, a talent show completely organized by youth, and basketball, ages 7-18. They have added new programs to address teen mental health, and sports programs and a fishing derby for special needs youth. Pickleball for Seniors continues to grow by leaps and bounds. An anticipated program with SMUD includes classes on the use of modern and efficient kitchen equipment."
"Join me and my friends who participated in SASF programs and are now giving back in different ways. Donate via the PG&E YourCause website using the Guest option."
SASF's Standard Online Donation Method
Donate Online
2024 SASF Sponsors
Thank you for your generous support!
Subscribe to SASF's email newsletter to get the latest information
Read previous SASF newsletters