It wouldn't be summer in the city without Pride and it wouldn't be Pride without Dykes on Bikes roaring down Valencia Street, followed by thousands of women of all shapes and sizes (some of them clothed, all of them radiating with energy). This is an experience that should not be missed; the electricity in the air, the over all good-feelings and acceptance of everyone, no matter how different. And the volume of people is overwhelming - stand at the corner of 16th and Valencia and look South, you’ll see nothing but women for blocks! If you want outstanding customer service, drop by the store during the parade; you'll have the dressing rooms to yourself and we'll do all we can to fit you up. But chances are you'll want to go outside and smile and wave, and be happy that this special place called San Francisco is what we call home.

While you're in the city consider checking out the Frameline LGBT Film Festival which will be showing at venues throughout the city. While we're on the subject of great films, did you know that Therapy has an alumnus who is now a filmmaker? People who have worked at Therapy have gone on to do some amazing things and Hima B. is certainly no exception. She's currently running a kick-starter campaign to finish a film she's been working on entitled, License to Pimp; click here to read more about Hima's project or about Hima herself. We're proud to have worked with Hima but we are even more proud of the work that she has accomplished. That bus monitor lady has more than enough to retire on, go ahead and give Hima a hand! She'll make us all a great movie and raise awareness about working conditions for women in all types of jobs.
Isn’t it amazing how time flies by? Doesn’t it seem like it was just yesterday you were sitting at your desk, watching the hand of the clock slowly tick, daydreaming about the many adventures the electric days of summer had in store for you? For some of us, it’s been years since we’ve been able to partake in the romantic lull of summer months, the easy freedom from daily work but for some, it was just yesterday.
Before we clean out our desks, sign our yearbooks and replace homework with BBQ’s, let’s take a few moments to let our teachers know just how much they are appreciated; a bushel of flowers from a neighbor’s yard, a gift card to a local cafe, a wacky photo to remind them of their favorite student or even a simple, heart-felt card can be the one thing that teacher needs to show that they truly made a difference in someone’s life.

At Therapy, we have always had a soft spot for teachers everywhere, even when they mark us tardy or scold us for blaming the dog for the missing assignments. To show our appreciation for the unbelievably hard work teachers do everyday, Therapy has donated $13,500 to various San Francisco public schools through a wonderful non-profit program, Adopt a Classroom. We’ve been donating to this particular program since 2008 and it’s near and dear to us because of the simple fact that 100% of the donated funds go directly to the teacher and their classrooms.
We chose public schools in the most overlooked and underfunded areas of SF, Hunters Point and the Mission, from elementary schools to high schools; Cleveland and Buena Vista Annex Elementary, Creative Arts Charter School, as well as Balboa and Mission High Schools. Our donations will reach over 1,400 students in 17 classrooms ranging from science to creative arts to language development. Here are just a couple of testimonies from the teachers we donated to:
"I use my Mac Book Pro to plan lessons, update school loop, and project related videos and images in the classroom. I depend on it to do my job well. Last night, my car window was smashed at home and my laptop was stolen. I cannot afford to replace it, but I am devastated because I really need it. I would be very grateful if someone could help me to replace it.” Mary Maher, math teacher at Mission High School.
“I am a fourth grade bilingual teacher with 32 students. At the moment my school is battling through the economic crisis and is losing money for basic supplies like expo markers, art supplies, binders, folders, books, etc. We are limited to the amount of materials we can purchase and if we run out, then we run out. Most of my students come from low income households and find it difficult to bring in these items. I know it`s a long shot, but a computer in my class would be great as well. We only have 10 computers in my school for 400+ students. If I could have a computer available for my 4th grade students in the classroom, they would greatly benefit.” Antoinette Marquez, Buena Vista Annex Elementary
These stories touched our hearts and we are committed to donating, not just in San Francisco, but throughout the Bay Area. We plan on reaching out to public schools in East Palo Alto, East San Jose, East Oakland and other underprivileged areas. The best way to invest in your community is through the education of its children. If you are an educator, thank you so much for everything you do!
“I am really touched and honored that you have given such a generous donation to my classroom. Thank you for believing in the public education system, and in a teacher you've never even met! My students are amazing kids; many make tremendous sacrifices just to show up to school every day. One of my students left her parents in Mexico and is living with her grandparents here to be able to attend school; another commutes over 1 1/2 hours to get to school every day ... I could go on and on. The point is, so many of my students are really motivated to learn. But many lack basic supplies, like pencils, paper, and notebooks. So thanks for helping level the playing field a little bit for them. Your donation is truly appreciated.” Rebecca M. Fulop, Mission High School.
“Many, many thanks for the generous donation! Each year I work with very poor students from the Mission and Hunter's Point. Your generous donation will provide a marvelous boost for the class this year.” Laura Belfiglio Gold, Buena Vista Horace Mann.
“I was so surprised to find notice of your donation in my inbox. I totally forgot that I had even asked for the classroom adoption. After the fired destroyed the library, we had to start over. Now, thanks to generous people like you, our collection is filling out. By next school year, we'll be well on our way to having a new, improved selection for our students to enjoy. I know they really appreciate having such great books from which to choose.” Judith Zimberoff, Creative Arts Charter.
“Thank you so much for your donation! Your generous gift will make a real difference in my classroom. It will allow me to get many items I need like dry erase markers, labels, homework folders and many more miscellaneous items that I usually buy with my own money. Hopefully, that will free up some extra money to build my classroom library or pay for an extra field trip this year that normally wouldn't be possible. I can't thank you enough for making me feel that my commitment to teaching really is appreciated by others.” Maria Elena Romero, Cleveland Elementary.
“Your $1,000 donation will help me very much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Rest assure that it will go to a very good cause! My student population (65%+ qualify for free or reduced lunch), especially, is in need of support and your contribution will go towards supporting them in their education endeavor.” Antoinette Marquez, Buena Vista Annex.
“I was so thrilled to get the notice in my email today that you had responded to my request for the money to replace my laptop. I actually can't believe it! I am currently doing a workshop at my school to help improve the experience of our lowest achieving students, and am feeling totally re-energized by your generosity.” Mary Maher, Mission High School (three blocks from Therapy).
**Therapy provides a preferential pricing for credentialed, public school teachers. Ask an associate for details!
















