78 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com DONate online mcgives.com Education & Youth Women scholarship program from 11 to 25 recipients who are chasing their dreams. “I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel and the difference you have made in my life. Thank you for being a light to students on their academic journeys and a great influence on my own. I graduated from my registered nursing program with high honors and accepted a position at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. With your support, I will begin my RN-BSN program at CSUMB while concurrently enrolled at Monterey Peninsula College to complete my degree in Spanish interpretation. My goal is to build a strong nursing foundation, receive my critical-care registered nurse certification and become an acute care nurse practitioner. I look forward to serving our community, and am determined to give back to others the same support you have shown to me.” -Ashlin Habes Carmel Youth Center Year Founded: 1949 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 250 volunteers Budget: $705,800 624-3285 carmelyouth.org Big Idea: As Carmel Youth Center celebrates its 75th year, the nonprofit is unveiling some innovative Big Ideas. The center is planning a kitchen remodel and is updating its youth development offerings, including a new early learning program. This new, play-based learning program is CYC’s Big Idea to help Carmel-area kids explore their curiosity and prepare for kindergarten. Donations will help support these new programs and preserve the legacy of this Carmel-by-the-Sea youth institution. “We have been interested in the developments at CYC and have been curious to see how CYC would emerge, newly bolstered with proper certifications and new leadership. We couldn’t be more pleased and excited. Our 11-year-old son, Beck, has had a wonderfully supportive and confidence-building experience this summer at CYC’s day camp. As a kid who has struggled with self-confidence and bullying at school this past year, Beck started out quiet. In his several weeks at CYC, Beck has shown newfound self-assurance and has, with the active and ongoing support of Executive Director Sherilyn Napoli and her staff, stepped up as a mentor and leader. The nurturing and supportive environment Ms. Napoli has created, imbued with kindness, clear expectations and accountability, is remarkable and appreciated.” -Jason Lande Digital NEST Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 81 paid, 30 volunteers Budget: $429,252 722-6378 digitalnest.org Big Idea: Digital NEST is celebrating 10 years of creating sustainable and scalable technology learning centers for Latinx youth in order to foster economic equality. These centers provide technical and professional training on in-demand skills and connect Monterey County students directly to promising careers. As the new Salinas location expects an influx of 1,000 new members, support is needed to help this nonprofit’s Big Idea to close the digital divide in under-resourced communities. “Digital NEST helps tap into the intellectual potential of underserved communities. Thank you, Digital NEST, for your efforts to level the playing field for those born into less-fortunate circumstances.” -Robert Fabela The Epicenter Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 13 paid, 5 volunteers Budget: $1,200,000 998-7291 epicentermonterey.org Big Idea: The transitional years between teenager and young adult are a time of tremendous change and big decisions. But services can often stop at age 18 or when a student graduates from high school, leaving them unsure of where to turn. For the last 10 years, Epicenter’s Big Idea has stepped in. Here, at-risk and system-involved youth between ages 16 and 24 connect to community resources, gain work experience, benefit from mentorship and enhance their employability. “My cousin introduced me to The Epicenter when I was going through a lot emotionally. My cousin wanted me to have a safe place mentally and physically. The Epicenter has helped me grow in many ways. Before coming here I was very shy, I had a hard time making friends, I was very negative, I felt like I had no hope. Once I started my paid internship here at The Epicenter, I became more open-minded and social, I was able to meet new people, make friends and, for the first time in a long time, I felt like I had a purpose in life. I felt so empowered. I want to help others the way The Epicenter helped me.” -A.M. CASA of Monterey County Year Founded: 1995 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 11 paid, 175 volunteers Budget: $1,622,106 455-6800 casaofmonterey.org Big Idea: Imagine trying to navigate the legal system as a child, separated from your family after a traumatic situation and unsure who to trust. Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained volunteers who help kids in foster care find a safe home, receive much-needed services and begin a new journey. On average, youth with a CASA spend seven-and-a-half fewer months in foster care, and donations to this Big Idea help match all youth in need with these hardworking volunteers who are there to look out for these young people and help them thrive. “CASA literally changes young lives for the better. Our CASA volunteers advocate for abused and/or neglected children and youth in foster care and are often the one consistent, stable adult in a child’s life, advocating, supporting and empowering them throughout their journey to a safe and permanent home. I am honored to serve on CASA’s Board of Directors and deeply committed to CASA’s mission.” -Dina Ruiz spotlight
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