72 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Community & Social Services DONate online mcgives.com Salvation Army Year Founded: 1900 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 14 paid, 300 volunteers Budget: $3,316,333 899-4911 montereypeninsula.salvationarmy.org Big Idea: For more than a century, Salvation Army has offered a full spectrum of basic needs assistance via its program centers in Seaside, Sand City and Salinas. In addition to rental, mortgage and utility assistance, this nonprofit’s Big Idea delivers food aid, runs after-school programs and operates emergency shelters in Monterey County. Its cornerstone program is the Sabu Shake Sr. Good Samaritan Center, which helps up to 150 people meet their basic needs each day. “I love knowing that my children have a safe place to go after school every day. Knowing that my kids are here getting help with their homework and a healthy meal is one less burden I have to worry about while I’m at work.” -Maria Lopez Veterans Transition Center of California Year Founded: 1996 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 37 paid, 10 volunteers Budget: $7,049,300 883-8387 vtcofcalifornia.org Big Idea: Veterans Transition Center is seeking support for its wide array of wraparound services. This Big Idea means veterans in need can receive individualized support after a crisis, including food, clothing, housing and weekly case management. Veterans experience a higher risk of homelessness because of the prevalence of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, mental health issues and substance abuse. Transitioning into civilian life is a lifelong process, made easier with the support of Veterans Transition Center. “I was released from Folsom State Prison in March 2022 after a 32-year sentence. The invaluable support of case managers at VTC played a pivotal role supporting me and helping me maintain my focus. They guided me with patience and without being overbearing, enabling me to regain my independence and even purchase a car. This fresh beginning allowed me to reconnect with my family, reuniting with my daughter and son, who I hadn’t seen in nearly four decades. The depth of their love for me took me by surprise, motivating me to remain on the right path. My children now stand as my constant wellspring of inspiration as I continue my journey, and the Veterans Transition Center of California has evolved into my extended family.” -Kevin Capps YWCA Monterey County Year Founded: 1971 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 18 paid, 0 volunteers Budget: $2,264,406 422-8602 ywcamc.org Big Idea: Victims and survivors of domestic violence require complex services to heal and discover a new path forward. For more than a half-century, YWCA of Monterey County has provided emergency shelter, housing assistance, case management, therapeutic services and financial literacy courses to its clients. Donations to this Big Idea also support the continuous operation of YWCA’s 24-hour crisis line, a reliable source of professional support and resources on standby to help our neighbors in crisis. “Ustedes eran las únicas personas que sabía, no sabía a dónde más pedir ayuda. (You were the only people I knew to go to. I didn’t know where else to ask for help.)” -Anonymous Suicide Prevention Services, a program of Family Service Agency of the Central Coast Year Founded: 1957 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 39 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $768,875 459-9373 suicidepreventionservicecc.org Big Idea: Suicide Prevention Services understands the power of empathy. Their Big Idea, the Survivor Outreach Team, mobilizes trained volunteers who have also experienced the tragedy of losing someone to suicide. This approach helps reduce the trauma and isolation associated with bereavement, particularly for the complicated grief that comes when someone takes their own life. These teams help reassure those who are grieving, creating a safe and compassionate community for those enduring a painful journey. “The support group meetings have been so incredibly helpful. Everyone has been supportive from the facilitators to the other members, and every time I call you. Thank you, I don’t know how to thank you enough.” -Anonymous spotlight “Pride is a way to give back to the community and make it safer for all of us.” -Fable, Monterey Peninsula Pride
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