This spring and summer, I had the pleasure of working with Beth Southorn and a group of teens from her nonprofit LifeSTEPS. Once a month we gathered at the teen’s apartment complex for their teen club. I introduced them to the Pacific Crest Trail and taught them about the environment. We talked about geography and hydrology, watched hiking movies and made art.
Beth had set up some great opportunities. A muralist helped us produce a fantastic work of art that was hung at city hall where a group of dancers celebrated the teen’s citizenship and leadership. They received a commendation from the state legislature.
Later that summer, we all went up to the Pacific Crest Trail where we camped, hiked, met thru-hikers and swam. It was a fantastic opportunity for the group of teens involved. On my end, I had the opportunity to explore ideas that I had about making the PCT more relevant and inclusive towards undeserved communities and spent some much needed time out of the office.
See a slideshow of the PCT mural project here.
Beth Southorn, of LifeSTEPS, paints Sacramento’s Tower Bridge.
Painting the Pacific Crest Trail mural.
The staff team for the mural project. From left to right: one of the students, the muralist, Jack Haskel (PCTA). Beth Southorn (LifeSTEPS), a representative from the bank that donated funds for the project.
After the first day of work on the PCT mural.
Hiking on the PCT northbound from Carson Pass.
Taking a lunch break and hearing stories from a passing thru-hiker.
Hiking back to the cars. Beth Southorn taking up the back.
In camp with the teens from LifeSTEPS.
Dedicated to strengthening communities and empowering individuals, Beth Southorn leads as executive director of social service organization LifeSTEPS. Since assuming this role in 2001, she has guided the development of numerous educational and outreach programs that help clients escape the cycle of poverty. Beth Southorn stands out as the driving force behind LifeSTEPS’ citizenship education program, which helps clients learn how they can make an impact in their communities. She has also directed the development of financial literacy programs, adult education programs, and after-school resources, as well as emergency assistance safety nets for clients.