118 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Health, Wellness & Food DONate online mcgives.com “After moving to the north coast of Big Sur, I started going to the Big Sur Health Center for health care services when needed. Each time I entered the clinic, I have been met by very friendly staff. I have received excellent service and professionalism from the physicians, physician assistants and nurses for over 25 years. They take time with me to deal with any underlying symptom or ailments with their thorough inquiry and examinations in a congenial manner. I have experienced nothing but respect, dignity and quality care. As an African American female, I am quite sensitive to health care biases having experienced them at other clinics, but not at Big Sur Health Center. When I leave after an appointment, I feel like I have been well taken care of and that is comforting.” -LaVerne McLeod The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County Year Founded: 1971 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 9 paid, 1 volunteers Budget: $735,000 649-3505 blindandlowvision.org Big Idea: The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County’s Big Idea will establish a semi-permanent location in Soledad or Greenfield. After its clients struggled to travel to the Pacific Grove clinic, this nonprofit entered an expansion phase. Now a new support group at Soledad’s Hartnell Education Center that opened as part of the Alliance on Aging’s HUB project are experiencing rapid increase in attendance. Today, two-thirds of the nonprofit’s clients come from Salinas. Donations will help support this expansion to serve the Salinas Valley community, including South County. “From the very start of contacting your Center to the excellent care I received during my visit and personalized guidance in helping me choose the right tools, I have felt cared for, valued, and respected. My initial phone contact with Marisa was extremely friendly, kind and informative. My subsequent meetings with Dr. Wendt and Martha were excellent, and the home visits were truly, truly helpful. Thanks to your financial assistance, I now have two excellent lamps which I’m putting to good use as I read, write, draw, play music and just enjoy the much improved lighting. I look forward to future home visits and trying out new devices, all while knowing I’m in good hands. I can’t thank all of you enough!” -Helen Rudnick Breast Cancer Assistance Group Year Founded: 1997 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 70 volunteers Budget: $408,082 649-6365 bcagmc.org Big Idea: Every year, more than 250 Monterey County women receive a diagnosis of confirmed breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Assistance Group mobilizes to support these women, as many will experience financial hardships that come with the diagnosis of breast cancer. This nonprofit’s Big Idea provides financial support to patients who struggle with paying for housing, utilities, childcare, food, gas and other basic living expenses while undergoing treatment. Last year, donations to BCAG served 101 women struggling to meet their basic needs while battling cancer so they could focus on their health rather than paying the bills during a difficult time. “Breast cancer is something no one ever expects to go through; it is very difficult both physically and emotionally. Thank you for your help during this difficult time. We are so grateful for you and the financial support that, believe me, has helped us through these tough times. It is truly wonderful! I thank God for your help.” -Rosalina Quirarte Flores Cancer Patients Alliance Year Founded: 2001 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 150 volunteers Budget: $1,287,169 658-0600 cancerpatientsalliance.org Big Idea: While Cancer Patients Alliance has served individual low-income Latinos and farmworkers with cancer since 2001, its Big Idea this year includes expanding services beyond the Salinas Valley. Donations will support this nonprofit’s efforts to reach qualified patients in North Monterey County, Marina, Seaside and Big Sur, including Central Coast VNA & Hospice Year Founded: 1951 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 193 paid, 28 volunteers Budget: $30,207,289 372-6668 ccvna.com Big Idea: Central Coast VNA & Hospice provide a wide spectrum of medical care, serving everyone from patients recovering from an illness or injury at home to those receiving end-of-life hospice care. While their needs differ greatly, one element remains the same: Patients need equipment. The VNA’s Big Idea launches the VNA Community Closet, with essential, new medical equipment and supplies like wound care essentials, hospital beds, wheelchairs and walkers. Donations will help establish this new community resource. “When my mother was discharged with palliative home health care, we were in need of a hospital bed. Insurance would not cover it for us, and we were unable to afford such a large expense. Thanks to VNA, she was provided with a new hospital bed to assist in her care at home. It made all the difference in her comfort and safety.” -James S. spotlight I don’t feel alone in my sadness of missing my grandma.” Naveah G., 12, Coastal Kids Home Care
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