As a result of a planning process, four key strategic action goals made recently are to: grow responsibly, enhance capacity, focus program integration, and increase geographic diversity. These directions will now serve as our guidelines for tactical goals and objectives. By further clarifying our focus, we are committed to “aligning practice with purpose” in all aspects of our work.

Therefore, Triskeles is further defining its corporate structure by including its youth programs and advisory work in Triskeles Inc. while its philanthropic and donor advised fund services will remain in the Triskeles Foundation.

Triskeles is delighted to announce that Raj Lewis has joined our team as the assistant director of youth programs. Raj brings an active history working with youth, organic gardening, healthy food choices, as well as a deep respect for land and a strong commitment to service. Welcome Raj!

We also welcome Dylana Dillon to support Meaghan Witri in our NYC Sustainable Directions Internships Program. Dylana and Meaghan will ensure expansion of our program this summer while working closely with Urban Assembly and other schools.

The Trudy McAlister Scholarship Fund (supporting 3rd and 4th year students studying acupuncture and oriental medicine across the country) will soon announce its awardee for the forthcoming year.

In addition to the Shinnyo-en Foundation, Triskeles would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Winifred Johnson Clive Foundation for their recent support of the NYC Sustainable Directions Internships Program. This support allows us to expand (in conjunction with Urban Assembly) to not only serve more youth from UA but from the Quaker Seminary and other schools as well. Thus, our program’s exposure in NYC for youth in sustainable/green internships has increased while adding a peace oriented training curriculum. With the Tri-County YMCA, we received a stimulus grant from our county (Chester County) to support and increase our capacity to employ underserved youth this summer in our Food for Thought Program. This gift, in addition to key gifts from the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, the Dansko Foundation, and an anonymous corporate foundation, enables us to: reach many more youth, lengthen our program, and add various educational and vocational components to this program.

We held an event at the Forbes Gallery in NYC on May 7th as a fund and “friend” raiser. Two Urban Assembly students (Kyle and Estefany) spoke about their internships last year, which were made possible through Triskeles. Approximately 60+ people joined us for that evening. We are grateful to our guests and board members - Sarah Heirman, Jim Norris, and Moira Mumma - for helping to make this a reality.