66 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Community & Social Services DONate online mcgives.com annually. When local elders are facing a crisis like a dispute with a landlord, private insurance issues, disagreement over wills or healthcare directives, or consumer fraud, they turn to this nonprofit. Donations help support continued direct legal representation advice as well as outreach and education including weekly “Tips of the Week” in print and radio and free legal workshops. “I worked in the ag industry all my life. With a lot of effort, I put money aside on a 401(k) account. I needed some money to make some improvements on my house and I decided to transfer all my money from my 401(k) account to my checking account. The financial company where I had my 401(k) made a mistake and deposited the money in the wrong bank account. I talked with people in different positions at the financial institution and the bank. Sadly, nobody was taking responsibility and tried to blame me for their mistake. I was living a nightmare. My daughter gave me the phone number of Legal Services for Seniors. I called them and I was heard right away. They represented me and fought for my rights. They never gave up until they got me my money back. I’m so grateful for their help.” -Eva Ramirez Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley Year Founded: 1972 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $1,300,000 758-6325 mowsalinas.org Big Idea: Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley has enhanced its weekly meal delivery service to vulnerable and isolated seniors throughout the Salinas Valley. In addition to providing nutritious, locally-sourced meals, this nonprofit’s Big Idea collaborates with other nonprofits—the SPCA Monterey County, to provide pet food, and the Food Bank for Monterey County, for fresh fruits and vegetables every week. Other services supported by donations include monthly socials to provide resources and entertainment to seniors, and “sidewalk serenades” from a local musician to homebound meal recipients during meal deliveries. “I was spending the last few weeks with my terminally ill husband who was in the final stages of brain cancer, as he was receiving hospice care…I didn’t have to worry about shopping, cooking and preparing his meals. Your service enabled me to spend more time with my husband. I am so grateful for all that you provided.” -Lynn F., client Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) Year Founded: 2015 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 18 volunteers Budget: $1,124,564 (626) 660-5555 mbep.biz Big Idea: Strategic, cross-sector relationships propel this Big Idea, which helps drive targeted impact on the pressing economic issues that matter most to residents of Monterey County. Over the last eight years, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership has collaborated with its diverse partners to help fund 500 affordable homes and provide reliable internet access to underserved areas. Donations to MBEP support this continued advocacy work around NCBI is a fantastic resource for any community that wants to build bridges. I highly recommend their work.” Valerie Stack, National Coalition Building Institute Monterey County Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) Year Founded: 2006 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 70 volunteers Budget: $48,000 (321) 432-5322 morcamtb.org Big Idea: MORCA’s Big Idea is to provide a practical benefit to untold numbers of locals and visitors who enjoy recreation on Fort Ord National Monument. Donations will help MORCA install portable restrooms at the popular 8th and Gigling trailhead, with the permanent installation of pit toilets at Creekside and Badger Hills trailheads in their long-term plans. When not talking toilets, MORCA maintains area trails and hosts Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day to enable more appreciation of this natural resource by a greater number of people. “Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) played a key role in making this year’s pump track grand opening a big success. They secured local business support, recruited volunteers, engaged the community and spread enthusiasm to attract a record number of attendees. MORCA has a proven history of fostering strong relationships throughout Monterey County and we look forward to continued collaboration with them.” -Andrea M. Willer spotlight
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