What is TAYstock? TAYstock is an annual event held by the Penny Lane Centers TAY Drop-in Center programs in both the Antelope Valley and in Commerce. The purpose of TAYstock is to gather community members and providers in one spot with the purpose of providing resources, information, donations and some fun and food to our community and its members. TAYstock aims to deliver information that will be useful to the TAY (Transitional Age Youth, 16 - 25) community that can help to answer any questions they may have about where to go for certain resources, aid, shelter or work.
This year, the AV TAY team held its annual TAYstock on 11/23/2024. It collaborated with community providers to deliver resources to our community, whether they were of TAY age or not, as you never know who may know someone who could benefit from these resources. Present were providers from schools, LGBTQ+ centers, DMH, vaccine clinic and many others who showed up to support our TAY centers and to assist the community. We had food, games, donations, raffles, music and activities going on for kids and grown-ups alike. We had many participants come and enjoy the event, and even had a few new TAY participants register for services.
TAYstock was once again a success. The event is something many providers and community partners look forward to every year as an important venue to reach out to our communities. Penny Lane strives to continue the success of this and prior years and build on it to continue to reach those members of the community that are struggling to find resources, that may need a place to shower and do laundry, that may need a place where they can go and have a meal, or a place where they can be at with no judgment and with people willing to help. That is what the TAY center is and what it strives to be day in and day out.
On Saturday, November 23rd, Penny Lane Centers (PLC) hosted a heartwarming Thanksgiving Drive-Through event, embodying the spirit of gratitude, generosity, and community. Volunteers from PLC staff, board members, and the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity arrived early that morning to prepare for the event, creating a festive atmosphere with music and hot cocoa as donations were organized for distribution.
The event's goal was to ensure that no one in the community would go without a holiday meal. With cars lined up around the block and clients walking through, the event served as a symbol of togetherness, providing both food and holiday cheer to those in need.
The success of the Thanksgiving drive-through demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of giving back, especially during a season when many face challenges. As a result, families will share holiday memories and enjoy full bellies, furthering Penny Lane's mission of transforming lives.
-Judy Grant, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos below!
The YAYA for November 2024 goes to Ophelia! Ophelia received the YAYA award for her strong work ethic and her empathy towards other staff. She efficiently handled the chart audits in preparation for the arrival of the Joint Commission and is always ready to assist staff with task completion regarding documentation. Ophelia’s dedication to Intensive Services has positively impacted everyone on our Team.
Congratulations Ophelia!
-Mark Cruz, Penny Lane Centers
This year, 123 participants shared their experiences in our Rise Up Overall Survey, reflecting on the impact of our conference. Attendees rated their experiences using a scale from "Strongly Disagree" (1 point) to "Strongly Agree" (5 points). We are thrilled to report that all surveyed questions received an impressive average score of 4.80 or higher, showcasing the profound resonance of the event with our community.
From gaining fresh perspectives to understanding the transformative power of storytelling, participants highlighted how the conference inspired them to reflect on their own stories as catalysts for social change. Attendees also praised the event’s organization, facilitation, and relevance to pressing societal issues. These responses reinforce the importance of creating spaces where narratives can ignite awareness, empower voices, and drive advocacy for marginalized communities.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
-David Oganesyan, Penny Lane Centers
