68 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Community & Social Services DONate online mcgives.com affordable housing, widespread broadband access, and economic development. “MBEP’s dedication to inclusive economic development has and will continue to have impact on our community for years to come. As a resident from an underserved area, I understand the limited opportunities for personal growth and advancement—but MBEP’s initiatives are making a significant difference. Their commitment to empowering communities through investment plans and significant strategic collaborations will enable people to gain access to quality education, training programs, employment and housing. MBEP changes lives and makes our community a better place to live.” -Dirrick Williams Monterey College of Law Year Founded: 1972 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 173 paid, 60 volunteers Budget: $791,000 582-4000 montereylaw.edu Big Idea: When folks in Monterey County aren’t sure where to turn for legal assistance, the Monterey College of Law steps in to serve the community. This Big Idea provides free and low-cost legal clinics, with more than 3,000 people seeking help in the past year. Clinics are supervised by faculty attorneys and are an important part of students’ education at the college. From family law to restraining orders and immigration, these clinics serve a vital purpose to help increase access to justice. “We recently worked with Monterey College of Law’s mediation services on a neighbor-related issue that we had been dealing with for months. The experience, for which we are very grateful, was incredible. Within two days, the MCL mediator worked out an agreement that was satisfactory to both parties—something we would not have been able to accomplish ourselves. MCL provides numerous services in English or Spanish to those who need assistance or just need help knowing where to turn. MCL’s services are high quality, and critical for all.” -Joanne C. Monterey County Sheriff’s Advisory Council (SAC) Year Founded: 1984 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $95,000 383-9132 sheriffsadvisorycouncil.org Big Idea: The Monterey County Sheriff’s Advisory Council (SAC) is the nonprofit arm of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office that raises funds for volunteer public safety units, emergency equipment and training for the Sheriff’s Office. This Big Idea funds the purchase of search-and-rescue equipment and any related training needed. Regardless of the Sheriff’s Office budget, the SAC allows county law enforcement to purchase the most updated tools to utilize in risky search-and-rescue situations. “After laboriously working my way up Miller Creek for two-and-a-half days and becoming disoriented, I was broadcasting emergency alerts on my HAM radio when a miracle occurred: My message and location had been received! I was rescued by deputies and volunteers from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit (MCSO SAR). Later, I was lifted out via CHP helicopter. I was able to drive home—to a very relieved family—at the end of the fifth day of my originally scheduled three-day trip. The events of those five days were pretty traumatic (though probably more traumatic for my poor wife waiting at home for news). There is no way I can adequately express the gratitude I feel to the volunteers of MCSO SAR for saving my life.” -Eduardo N. Monterey Peace and Justice Center Year Founded: 2004 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $23,000 899-7322 peacecentral.wordpress.com Big Idea: The Monterey Peace and Justice Center (MPJC) challenges a culture of violence, injustice, racism and environmental decline by promoting peace and justice—both locally, and around the world. The MPJC achieves this Big Idea by supporting advocacy around topics like criminal justice reform, climate justice and anti-nuclear weapons campaigns. Donations help support this nonprofit’s Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations Year Founded: 2018 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 8 volunteers Budget: $22,400 229-2170 salinasvalleypride.com Big Idea: The annual Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations are steadily growing, adding an assortment of services to uplift and assist the LGBTQ+ community. Rapid HIV testing, monkeypox vaccinations and medical resources for trans individuals are available, as well as a 2023 LGBTQ+ Friendly Business Directory and celebrations to honor the LGBTQ+ Heroes of Monterey County. Those who give to this nonprofit also support Monterey County’s only scholarship program focused on awarding LGBTQ+ students. “Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations steadily grows in empowering the LGBTQ+ community throughout the Valley. Besides hosting weekly social gatherings, SVPC leaders create fundraising socials, which enable them to provide scholarships as a way of giving back to the supportive community. SVPC scholarships have not only grown in number but also significantly in value. SVPC empowers new leaders and participants to spark more ideas for welcoming more of our valley’s LGBTQIA+ community.” -Edith Frederick spotlight
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