100 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Education & Youth DONate online mcgives.com opportunities” and this school offers meaningful “extras,” like a learning support center, college counseling and mental health services. Naturally, its Big Idea is to make this education available to as many students as possible. For the current fiscal year, Stevenson School distributed a combined $7.5 million in need-based financial aid to students in Pre-K to 12th grade. Donations will contribute to the Stevenson School financial aid program. “Four years ago, when I found out I was going to be able to attend Stevenson because of a generous financial aid scholarship, I was so grateful and excited to be a part of a place I had always dreamed about attending. The generous assistance I received has made my Stevenson journey an unforgettable and possible experience. Reflecting upon my time here at Stevenson, it has been a remarkable adventure filled with personal growth, academic excellence and countless memories. I’m looking forward to an exciting future that has been made possible by my experiences at Stevenson. Thank you.” -Anonymous, Class of 2023 Tatum’s Garden Foundation Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 200 volunteers Budget: $150,000 991-7113 tatumsgarden.org Big Idea: When Tatum’s Garden opened nearly 10 years ago in Salinas, it ranked as one of the first inclusive playgrounds for children of all abilities in the tri-county area. Kids and caregivers with physical limitations play alongside each other in this welcoming space. One decade later, there are still only a few inclusive playgrounds in the region. That means Tatum’s Garden is in need of an extensive refurbishment project to restore this inclusive park, featuring rubberized play surfaces and a sensory area. Donations will be used to patch the rubberized surface and replace worn-out playground components. Meanwhile, the nonprofit is also at work on developing a second playground in Carmel Valley. “The day my son first came through the gates of Tatum’s Garden, it seemed like he had found his home. Finally, a place where he’s not limited by his autism, but celebrated for his uniqueness. This isn’t just a playground, it’s a beacon of hope, acceptance and joy. Each corner, designed with understanding, lets him explore and grow, fostering new friendships and building communication. He especially loves playing in the sensory area. Tatum’s Garden is a testament to each child’s right to play, learn and belong. To those behind it, thank you for giving my son, and countless others, a world where they can be themselves!” -Theresa Murray United Way Monterey County Year Founded: 2000 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 18 paid, 534 volunteers Budget: $5,490,276 372-8026 unitedwaymcca.org Big Idea: In Monterey County, only 25 percent of children have age-appropriate levels of language and literacy readiness for kindergarten. United Way Monterey County’s Big Idea mobilizes AmeriCorps members, trained in play-based learning, to offer tutoring to low-income preschoolers as an enhancement to their school day. Through five tutoring sessions per week per child, Monterey County Preschool Service Corps work alongside classroom teachers to expand preschoolers language and literacy. Preschoolers who arrive ready to learn in kindergarten are more likely to form a strong foundation for a lifetime of educational success. “I can see excellent progress in my son since Teacher Cynthia started working with him through the Preschool Service Corps program. Not only is my son getting one-on-one tutoring every day, but Cynthia is also helping him learn how to be more engaged and open to making friends. Every day when he comes home, he tells me about the activities he does and what he learns. Every Friday I quiz him on his ABCs, writing his name, and ask him to tell me some short sentences; he is getting better every week. Since he started receiving the help, he has been improving and I feel confident in my son going into kindergarten. I am thankful for the support. We need more teachers like her.” -A. Martinez Western Flyer Foundation Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 4 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $1,640,000 220-8047 Wonder Wood Ranch Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 4 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $142,000 235-2234 wonderwoodranch.org Big Idea: The gentle power of horses is behind Wonder Wood Ranch’s Big Idea. This nonprofit uses equine therapy to help trauma-impacted youth heal. The TAILS (Trauma-informed Animal-assisted, Interactive, Leadership & Life Skills development) program teaches youth who have been trafficked, incarcerated or abused to train and care for rescue horses. This expanded program helps youth develop trusting relationships and find hope for a positive future through the unique benefits of equine therapy. “Wonder Wood Ranch is an important resource in our community, offering equine therapy and outdoor experiences to the most vulnerable youth in Salinas and across Monterey County. Their services are affordable and delivered with skill, love and care by a family invested in the well-being of their community. As director of the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace (CASP), I have trusted Wonder Wood Ranch with the gang-impacted youth we work with and have made countless referrals from partner agencies. As chair of the Juvenile Justice Commission, I hear firsthand from Probation Department staff about how valued their visits into Juvenile Hall and our Youth Center are. There is something very special about the positive impact of horses on our youth and the trauma they carry.” -Jose Arreola spotlight
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