What is Chop’s?
Why is the Teen Club called Chop’s?
Who can join, how much does it cost?
How can you afford to have the membership only cost 1.00 per year?
How many members does Chop’s have?
How does a teen become a member?
How do you make sure the teens are safe?
How many staff work at Chop’s and what are the requirements to become a staff member?
What is the purpose of Chop’s?
What does Chop’s Teen Club have to offer?
It is such a beautiful facility; can I have a party or meeting there

What is Chop’s?
Chop’s is a multi-use recreation facility designed for teens.  Chop’s is located in downtown Santa Rosa and is open opposite school hours to give teens a safe and positive place to belong and participate in activities they decide on when they are not in school.  Chop’s has been open and serving teens since October of 2001.

Who can join, how much does it cost?
Membership is open to teens in the 7-12 grades with a Santa Rosa address or who go to a Santa Rosa School.  The cost is at least $1.00 per year.  We encourage families who can afford more to pay what they think is suitable for an annual membership.  Chop’s is open opposite school hours.  

How can you afford to have the membership only cost 1.00 per year?�
The interest from Charles “Chop” DeMeo’s gift (bequest) pays for about 70% of the annual budget and Chop’s staff and Board of Directors work hard to fundraise for the other 30%.  Our fundraising efforts allow us to keep the membership at $1.00 per year so no teen is turned away for lack of finances. 

 How many members does Chop’s have?
Chop’s has a little over 1000 members who utilize Chop’s for the many activities and services provided. 

 How does a teen become a member?
Teens in 7^th -12^th grades that either go to a Santa Rosa school or have a Santa Rosa address are eligible for membership.  To become a member, the teen needs to complete the Member Form, have a parent or guardian sign it, and agree to the Chop’s Code of Conduct.  The Member Form can be downloaded from the website under the Forms section or you can come into Chop’s to complete the form.  Once the form is completed, the membership fee of at least $1.00 is paid (we encourage families who can afford more to pay a fee they think is suitable). 

 How do you make sure the teens are safe?
The teens are well supervised at Chop’s.  When Chop’s is open for drop-in activities, each program area has a staff member assigned to oversee that area.  There is also a supervisor that acts as a rover throughout the building.  The supervisor is available to trouble shoot issues, take people on tours, connect with and mentor the members, and provide overall supervision.  All staff have been trained in youth development and make it a priority to ensure everyone is emotionally and physically safe.  The Chop’s member behavior guidelines are based on respect for self, others, the equipment and the facility.  Members are given ample opportunity to follow the behavior guidelines.  If a member decides not to follow the behavior guidelines, an Incident Report is completed and the parent or guardian is notified with a phone call.  If a member receives 2 Incident Reports within a month, the member is suspended for at least 1 week.  A notice of concern is mailed to the home and a parent meeting with Chop’s staff and the member is required for the teen to re-enter Chop’s.  At the parent meeting a behavior contract that outlines the expectations of the member are agreed upon and signed.  Our goal is to help each member be successful and every effort is made by staff to support each teen in achieving success. 

 How many staff work at Chop’s and what are the requirements to become a staff member?
Chop’s employs 3 full-time and 18 part-time staff.  All staff must pass the Department of Justice fingerprint clearance and have First Aid and CPR certification.  They are trained in youth development and the Chop’s behavior guidelines.  The staff is committed to Chop’s program goals (see “What is the Purpose of Chop’s?” below).  They share the philosophy that the different program areas are vehicles for empowering youth to be their best selves.  All staff members have gone through the selection process and have been chosen based on the unique talent they bring to the Chop’s Team.  Staff members are selected based on qualifications related to program needs. 

 What is the purpose of Chop’s?
The mission is “to provide a fun and safe environment where teens can be themselves and together have the freedom to explore who they are”.  We are a prevention-based organization that is open opposite of school hours to give teens a positive place to go when they are not in school.  Chop’s uses the youth development asset model as the foundation for program-planning. The model acknowledges that all youth progress through critical developmental transitions, and that optimum healthy development is best achieved by promoting assets or strengths in youth, families, communities and schools. Based on the Search Institutes 40 Developmental Assets, Chop’s focuses on 3 main program goals:

• Providing and Demonstrating Caring Relationships
• Setting High Expectations
• Opportunities to Shape Their Future

 What does Chop’s Teen Club have to offer?
We provide the following activities and services designed to meet the unique needs of teens:

• An “out of the school day” drop-in program for teens that focuses on respect for self and others and on developing a sense of belonging. Chop’s provides a safe place for teens to connect with friends and be mentored by staff, as well as participate in FREE activities such as dodge ball, basketball, volleyball, art, sewing, billiards, ping pong, the tech lounge, homework, board games and more.
• Enrichment activities and workshops designed to promote health while teaching and improving skills in the following focus areas: Art, pottery, sewing, sports, tutoring, technology, music, sound recording, culinary, barista, dance, field trips, and more.
• “R U Ready” Workshops that focus on work readiness skills and career exploration guidance.
• Opportunities for teens to help prepare, cater and assist at the following events: Halloween Carnival, Art Gala, Unveiling Handcar Event, Open House, and the Variety Showcases.
• Evening activities on the weekends including, Open Mic Nights, Movie Nights, Dances with a live DJ, LAN parties, Basketball Nights and more.

It is such a beautiful facility; can I have a party or meeting there?
Yes you can!  We provide rental space when we are not open.  Please call Melissa at 284-2467 x17 for more information.