New York Times best selling author Ellen Hopkins is this week's guest on It's Your City produced by Access Carson City Television. Hopkins discusses her books, including "Crank" as well as founding the nonprofit Ventana Sierra in Carson City along with her daughter Kelly. The house opened June 1.
Go here for Ellen's biography, and here for information about her many books.
According to its website, Ventana Sierra Inc., is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides independent living, vocational training, and resources that allow disadvantaged youth to further their education toward career and life goals.
Through their various careers in social work, the news media, and children’s publishing, the founding members of Ventana Sierra became acutely aware of the plight of young adults who desired college or career training, but were financially unable to accomplish their goals. Some were transitioned out of foster care or shelters, or turned out by caregivers, unwilling or unable to continue providing for them, its website states.
Ventana Sierra was formed specifically to help highly motivated young people like these to build solid career paths toward a more positive future. The application process is stringent, the expectations high. Those who enter the program must commit to a minimum of two years substance-free, and maintain a 3.0 GPA if they choose a college track, according to the website. Those entering career apprenticeship programs must receive regular above average reviews by their mentors.
In exchange, participants will receive housing, tuition and books, transportation, medical care and life skills classes.
Apprenticeships will be under the supervision of trained professionals, willing to share their expertise. Our objective is for every participant to leave the program equipped with the skills they need to walk, proudly and productively, into a brighter future.
Ventana Sierra has two upcoming events. The first is Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Governor's Mansion. Opened to the entire community, the program is aimed at opening discussion about how adults and young people can create strong communities. Hopkins will do a reading and offer her book "Crank" as part of a Read it Forward campaign to share with teenagers.
On Oct. 26 there will be a Monster Ball costume party for adults 18 and over. The ball features costumes, entertainment, photo booths, craft sales and more at the Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Carson City.
Next year, Ventana Sierra will offer a three-day literary festival and advanced writing workshop the weekend of June 6, 2014 in a fundraising partnership with the Carson City Library.
Be sure to check out Ventana Sierra's website here, where you can also find applications and information about the services to find housing and temporary housing for young adults in need of a safe place.
It's Your City is a weekly program aimed at keeping you informed about city government and other organizations and happenings around Carson City, Nev. The program is produced by ACCtv Public Access Television in Carson City.