Winders resigns from Teen Center

The board of directors of the Valley of the Moon Teen Center announced Monday that Executive Director Celeste Winders has resigned. In a prepared statement, the board said, “We are sure that whatever Celeste decides to do from here on, she will bring the same dedication and work ethic that she has displayed while at VOMTC. The VOMTC will continue with its work with the teens of the Valley and with the construction of our new building. There will be no changes in our operations.”
Winders, in her year as executive director, developed a number of programs designed to nurture the health and creativity of teens and to foster their participation in the community. She developed the Futures Program and the Digital Photography Program. She worked to get a plot in the Community Garden. She participated in the Gang Prevention and Intervention Program and developed good working relationship with the Sonoma County Sheriff.
“My philosophy,” Winders said, “has always been to serve people who need service, to provide service for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get it themselves. I don’t like there to ever be people who feel excluded because of economic hardship. I like to be able to provide service, human services, health services, academic services. I like to be able to address the needs of my clientele and to be able to do that for free. I think this is really needed here over in the Springs. We’re not a wealthy part of town.”
Winders assured those who will greet her resignation with sadness that she will continue to work in the community. “I love my work. I love what I did. I love the kids. So it was a hard decision to make, but I decided it was what was best for the Teen Center, and for my family and for the community, and I think what I bring to the table can be better put to use independently.”
The Teen Center had a large welcoming crew on hand Tuesday morning for delivery of the first section of its new building, being constructed across Highway 12 from its former site, just south of Mountain Avenue.