Melissa Stewart, Executive Director of Chops Teen Center
Melissa Stewart, the Executive Director of Chops Teen Club, was our speaker on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Melissa has been with Chops for 23 years, spending much of her time as the Program and Events Director. Melissa is a native of Santa Rosa and is a mother of young adults. She was introduced by Dan Rosaschi, who serves on Chops’ Board. Melissa also gave a shout-out to Rob Sanville, who was instrumental in developing Chops’ current technology system.
The Chops story began with Charles (Chops) DeMeo, a well-known attorney in Santa Rosa, who lived a very frugal life and bequeathed $16 million dollars to the Santa Rosa Community Foundation with instructions to create a safe and productive place for teens. Chops DeMeo lived across the street from Ridgway School and developed an understanding of the special needs of teens in our community. The bequest allowed Chops to own its own building debt free near downtown Santa Rosa! 40% of Chops’ operating budget still comes from the DeMeo endowment. Now, however, the building is getting older and renovations are expensive.
Chops’ mission is to provide a safe, fun, and productive place where Sonoma County teens can connect and discover their true potential. Chops serves Sonoma County youth in grades 7 through 12. Chops’ membership is 1,000, with 500 teens consistently using the facility. They typically see 50-70 kids per day. Teens sign a code of conduct when they become members and are conscientious about the conduct requirements. Chops has several key program areas, including art, college and careers, culinary, leadership and development, music, sports and recreation, technology and gaming, and café and club 509. It has a music and records studio, a night club and café (at the former Lena’s), a sports and fitness center, and a technology lounge with 11 computers. Teens are mentored by program staff, who are experts in their respective fields.
Chops has a new Development Director, Angela Sanville, who has been instrumental in obtaining funding from outside sources. It has recently remodeled its tech lounge, built a new rock wall capable of serving 5 kids at a time, and improved its security and surveillance system. Chops also has an expanded work ready program and has partnered with the Metro Chamber of Commerce, Winter Lights, and Summer on the Square to improve job opportunities for teens. Chops is even more important than ever to help with the ongoing gang and teen violence by giving kids a sense of belonging and security. Chops has an active violence prevention program and works with Santa Rosa Schools to ensure that the schools have what they need to combat teen violence.
Melissa invited us to support Chops by visiting and taking a tour, attending an event, donating, and becoming a board member! Thank you, Melissa, for the great presentation and for working so hard to support teens in Sonoma County!
Click HERE to view a limited time recording of Melissa's engaging talk.
