58 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Community & Social Services DONate online mcgives.com are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis compared to non-caregiver peers. Health Projects Center’s Big Idea is to offer respite to these unsung heroes. The nonprofit provides in-home care for aging people, allowing caregivers to take needed rests from the full-timeplus job of enabling elders to live safely at home for as long as possible. This nonprofit devotes resources to support caregivers and provide respite care to give them a much-needed break. “There comes a time when you know that it’s just more attention than you can pay to another person. I felt quite overwhelmed and I sought out resources in my community, and someone mentioned [Health Projects Center]. I called them and I had an intake interview, and the person was wonderful. They asked me tons of questions that I had never thought of. They were so steady and always there, and I loved that. I needed that. I didn’t even know I needed it until I started getting it.” -Anonymous Hospice Giving Foundation Year Founded: 1997 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 75 volunteers Budget: $1,372,414 333-9023 hospicegiving.org Big Idea: Donations to Hospice Giving Foundation’s Big Idea contribute to the Siobhan Greene Care and Dignity Fund. This fund honors the organization’s former CEO by offering several different types of support to families facing end of life. A new way to give, donors can contribute to this unique fund supporting peaceful end-of-life experiences, focusing on caregiver support, unmet needs, hardships and non-medical expenses to uphold the dignity of individuals at the end of life. “Central Coast VNA & Hospice offers 24/7 care through a dedicated team of nurses, physicians and social workers, ensuring tailored support for each patient’s unique needs. Over the years, Hospice Giving Foundation has recognized the specific requests that matter most to our patients, helping VNA raise the standard of compassionate, clinical excellence. The Siobhan Greene Care and Dignity Fund addresses the profound challenges faced by patients and families in hospice and palliative care. While many express their support through thoughts and prayers, Hospice Giving Foundation is actively creating meaningful change. Together, we can profoundly impact the lives of those navigating these challenging journeys.” -Jennifer Sjoblom, COO at Central Coast VNA Housing for Kids Year Founded: 1945 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 25 paid, 65 volunteers Budget: $4,585,000 375-9712 cfmco.org Big Idea: During the 2023-2024 school year, 12,959 public school students in Monterey County at some point lacked stable housing. This amounts to nearly 18 percent of the total population. (More than 700 of those students lived in shelters, or were unsheltered.) A major barrier to securing housing is the high up-front costs needed to enter a lease. Housing for Kids’ Big Idea funds a new program with the Monterey County Office of Education to provide one-time emergency assistance for families threatened with eviction because they can’t pay rent or a security deposit. This will help support students’ basic stability and academic success. Housing for Kids is a fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County. “In Monterey County, over 12,000 students annually face homelessness or are at significant risk of becoming homeless. Addressing this pressing issue by providing comprehensive resources is a fundamental step toward ensuring successful outcomes for these vulnerable children. As program coordinator for Homeless Youth Services for the Monterey County Office of Education, I work direct- “This particular organization is lifesaving and life-changing.” -2023 guest, Gathering for Women Gateway Center of Monterey County Year Founded: 1963 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 108 paid, 60 volunteers Budget: $8,100,000 372-8002 gatewaycenter.org Big Idea: Gateway Center of Monterey County serves adults with developmental disabilities, providing residential care, day programs, supportive living services and programs for young adults on the autism spectrum. Last year, residents were evacuated for four days after Gateway Center lost power—a disruptive experience. Donations to this Big Idea will help install solar panels and back-up battery walls and replace aging generators to encourage greater sustainability and uninterrupted service at this 60-year-old organization. “I love living at Gateway Center. I have a lot of friends there, and I enjoy going on outings, especially the baseball and soccer games. I like the food I get and the day program, especially playing cards. I love the staff, and they do a great job taking care of me. Gateway Center is a great place to live.” -Kendall Kohler spotlight
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