Our First Open House!

Photo Credit: Mya Rose

Last month TFD hosted our very first Open House Fundraiser! We wanted to give our donors a chance to view the space and meet the youth they have made such an impact on. Our group of 4 mentee alumni employees planned this entire event over the Summer with our Treasurer, Karina. They worked hard to plan the layout, decor, food, invites, and more, all while applying their creative skills learned at TFD!

The event went smoothly and it was a blast! From dinner and conversation, to mentees expressing how TFD has impacted them, and presenting the work they have created. New connections were made and old ones strengthened. Opportunities like this are something we strive to provide. After this incredible experience, we are so excited to be hosting our second Open House Fundraiser at the end of Sept. Want to join us? You can RSVP Here!

It is a pleasure getting to build impactful relationships with those who have helped TFD become what is it and we are grateful for each and every one of you who supports this DREAM!

If you would like to partner with TFD, you can do so by visiting the give page on our website.

Thank you!

Photo Credit: Mya Rose, Amie, Mariah

Amie Isfan | One Year Later

Video Credit: Kevyn Tapia

Amie has been a part of TFD since September of 2021! She began her journey here as a mentee in Fall ‘21 mentorship and shortly after joined staff as our Social Media Coordinator. One year later, Amie is preparing to enter her freshman year of college at Temple University and plans to major in journalism! She also plans to take on virtual jobs assisting other brands with their social media planning. We’ll miss working with Amie but we are so excited to support her in this next chapter!

“The easiest way to get somewhere in the creative field is to make connections. Network.”

- Amie Isfan

Photo Credit: @mya_rose7

Maya Hill | One Year Later

Video Credit: Kevyn Tapia

Maya Hill is a past mentee from Forest Park. Maya first got connected with TFD through workshops hosted in the Firehouse space back in 2020. Shortly after, the idea for a mentorship program came to life, which Maya then began in Spring ‘21. Now, she is our Executive Assistant here at TFD and is in school to become a physicians assistant! We are so proud of Maya and we are excited to continue to support her in her journey!

“No matter who you are or who is impacting you at the moment, you should do what you want to do.”

- Maya Hill

Photo Credit: Mya Rose

D209 Student Walk-out

Photo Credit: Mya Rose

Our D209 teachers have been working without contract and after many failed attempts in reaching an agreement with the PTU, our D209 teachers have put in a strike date for Friday, Feb 18th. After our monthly school board meeting yesterday, our students felt ignored when sharing their concerns, so today they decided to do a walk-out in support of their teachers advocating for a fair contract and to see a change with their schools.

Each school’s walk out looked differently. We weren’t able to make it to East’s today but we did make it to PMSA’s. After chatting with several PMSA students it came out that they were hoping to make their presence known on the 5th floor. However, they were met with locked doors and security. So instead they opted to walkout of the school, to then again be met with locked doors. Someone ended up pulling a fire alarm, forcing everyone in the building to exit. It was an opportunity for the students to showcase their love and support for their teachers.

As an organization we fully support our youth and the ways they choose to have their voices amplified. We don’t sit on any side, but any opportunity that allows for our students voices centered we are for.

Photo Credit: Mya Rose & Jasmine