We are so grateful that you have been a part of this community as we grew and flourished in 2021 and we hope that you’re as excited as we are for what’s to come in 2022. Our vision here at Coombs is a community in which youth feel supported, connected, and inspired. Together, through this community, we have provided transformative programs for more than 350 local youth in 2021. A community made up of the families and children for whom we work, of a passionate staff and dedicated board who work intentionally and tirelessly to make an impact, of committed partners, sponsors and volunteers who provide services, gear, and time that is critical to creating functional and successful programs, and of enthusiastic donors and supporters who make all we do possible through their generous contributions. I learned quickly that Coombs is a community.

We have expanded our programs to support high schoolers at a time in their lives when they need it most, to provide after-school recreation and engagement opportunities for youth, keeping them active and away from screens, and to serve more children with more programs throughout the summer when parents are busy with work and childcare is both challenging to find and financially out of reach for many local families. We are deeply in tune with the challenges and barriers that many of our families face and are creating year-round programming that directly responds to the needs of our community. The relationships and community that the Coombs staff works hard to build and maintain with our families and participants has created an opportunity for us to learn and grow together.

I’ve learned an indescribable amount in my first year here, but the most important lesson has been that while getting kids outside is the foundation of our work, the impact and scope of our programs goes so much deeper. I thought that I knew what the organization was all about- getting kids outside. Exactly one year ago I started my new role as Executive Director here at Coombs Outdoors.

Flatout 2 sofia martinez