58 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Community & Social Services DONate online mcgives.com the adults with developmental disabilities in their care can thrive as part of the community. With the goal of self-sufficiency and independent living, clients at the Gateway Center join programs like art classes and take field trips to learn social skills. Pre-vocational experiences build essential job skills and clients also enroll in college courses. Donations to this Big Idea will help expand the program to Monterey and Salinas. “My big brother Paul has been a client of Gateway Center for over 45 years. Throughout those years, it has consistently provided him with a safe, secure, caring homelike environment. Because of his autism, Paul needs stability and predictability in his daily life. Gateway Center has always provided that for him. They do this by maintaining high-quality care standards with loving staff. They also provide him with stimulating activities out in the community. Gateway is very client-centered; every day, the staff works hard to provide all clients with maximum choices in the least restrictive environment practical.” -Jim Landman Gathering for Women Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 14 paid, 65 volunteers Budget: $1,337,750 241-6154 gatheringforwomen.org Big Idea: Gathering for Women currently provides nutritious meals, hot showers, clean clothing, and access to enrichment programs to local homeless women. This nonprofit’s Big Idea expands these services to include easy access to basic health and dental care. Costly health care needs often fall off the priority list, when barriers like transportation and confusing insurance regulations become insurmountable. Investing in preventive care helps reduce emergency room visits and contributes to decreased mortality rates among homeless women. “Words cannot express how grateful I am for all the resources you provide for me and this community. You are now part of my story of success. Thank you, x INFINITY.” -Anonymous guest Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay Year Founded: 1989 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 21 paid, 450 volunteers Budget: $3,700,000 469-4663 habitatmontereybay.com Big Idea: Over the last 34 years, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay has built 65 homes to give homeownership opportunities to qualified local families, with most of its construction in Santa Cruz County (and recently in Marina). Because Monterey County ranks fourth in the nation as the least affordable rental market, this nonprofit’s Big Idea involves hiring staff and developing or acquiring land specifically in Monterey County. Habitat aims to duplicate its successes in Santa Cruz County, including developing multi-home projects where they are most needed. “I never thought I could own a house in California as a teacher. It’s like a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders. Our Habitat house is the only reason I was able to keep my job.” -Amber Julien Harmony At Home Year Founded: 2004 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 41 paid, 13 volunteers Budget: $3,739,266 625-5160 harmony-at-home.org Big Idea: The Family First program from Harmony at Home offers support to young parents who were not able to finish school or get their GED. Parents aged 13-25 receive home visits from a case advocate and participate in peer support groups and family Loaves, Fishes, and Computers (LFC) Year Founded: 2009 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 13 paid, 65 volunteers Budget: $653,816 393-9260 loavesfishescomputers.org Big Idea: In 2022, Loaves, Fishes, and Computers distributed 1,140 computers, taught 240 digital literacy classes, and provided 210 seniors with tablets, iPads, and digital skills classes in its quest to deliver digital equity. This nonprofit’s Big Idea provides the tools and the knowledge to help entrepreneurs, seniors, farmworkers and out-of-school youth navigate technology. The ability to use computers supports an individual’s self-reliance, educational goals and ability to stay connected with family. “My experience in the digital literacy class was perfect. The instructors were very friendly and very patient, and explained things step by step. There were many things I didn’t know about computers, and thanks to them, I know how to use my computer and can help my child with her homework, and I can navigate the internet. I am very happy; thank you.” -Ana Flores spotlight I have no doubt in my mind that if it wasn’t for HRC, my family and I would be homeless and struggling.” B.G., Housing Resource Center
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