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Hanna Boys Center

Nestled in the heart of the peaceful Sonoma Valley, located one hour north of San Francisco, Hanna Boys Center has been providing a “haven of hope” for struggling young men since 1949. Serving troubled boys between the ages of 13 and 18, the center draws youngsters from as far away as Washington State and North Carolina, though most come from the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Named for Archbishop Edward J. Hanna, the center was founded by Monsignor William J. Flanagan and Father William L. O’Connor as part of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Originally conceived as a residential school for underprivileged youth, Hanna Boys Center now caters to at-risk boys with a variety of challenges.

With an average resident population of 100 boys, the Center nonetheless receives up to 600 inquiries each year and has strict guidelines for admission. Families are charged tuition based upon their financial situation. No boy is ever turned away for financial reasons.

Hanna Boys Center provides its students with full-time residential treatment and educational services along with health care, physical education, sports and recreational opportunities. The on-campus school is fully accredited, and some students also attend classes and sporting events at Sonoma Valley High School.

To learn more, visit Hanna Boys Center

2011 Star Award Winner

Squire Fridell has been a wonderful friend, volunteer and supporter of Hanna Boys Center over the past several years. In a community that has so many wonderful and necessary causes, Squire finds the time to give back in countless ways and we are all better because of the energy and time he and wife Suzy, share with many of us.

Squire (right) is pictured here with Kris Van Giesen, Hanna Boys Center's Director of Development.

2010 Star Award Winners

 

Gary Nelson (on the right) accepting the SVF's 2010 Star Award along with Hanna Boys Center's Chief Development and Community Relations Officer Kris Van Giesen (left). 

Gary, along with Les Vadasz (not pictured), came up with a wonderful idea of developing real and meaningful (and paid!) summertime work opportunities in our community, helping to prepare the young men for their lives ahead.

Gary and Les donated countless hours of their own time and staff time, as well as their own resources, in order to allow 15 Hanna students the chance to work at local businesses, including;  the Sonoma Mission Inn, Sebastiani and Sons, Nelson Staffing, Price Pump, Imagery Winery, Braccos Old Barn, and a handful of others.