ed courses to free sessions on a range of topics. Want to learn more about the history of chocolate and its diverse culinary uses? Or to do deep readings of modern American literature, or ancient Sufi thinkers? OLLI offers classes on all of those—and much more. “For nearly 20 years, one of the great joys of my days has been teaching for OLLI. Students bring a rare level of focus, curiosity and eagerness to form one of the truest communities I’ve ever been a part of.” -Patrice Vecchione PACIFIC GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY FRIENDS AND FOUNDATION Year Founded: 1974 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 80 volunteers Budget: $50,000 (831) 372-5006 ffpgpl.org BIG IDEA: For all the kinesthetic, or hands-on, learners out there, the Pacific Grove Public Library Friends and Foundation has a Big Idea for you. This organization is ready to go beyond books to empower the community to DIY (that stands for do-it-yourself and discover-it-yourself, according to PGPL Friends and Foundation). Plans include using collaborative tools like PGPL’s Library of Things and shared expertise to help people explore creative hobbies and achieve empowerment from new skills. “Public libraries are the mind, heart and soul of healthy communities. The Pacific Grove Public Library has provided me with opportunities for creative inspiration and civic engagement since childhood, and I can think of no greater responsibility than paying that gift forward.” -Kent Leatham PARTNERS FOR PEACE (P4P) Year Founded: 1995 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 16 paid, 87 volunteers Budget: $1,763,059 (831) 754-3888 partners4peace.org BIG IDEA: Families unsure of where to turn for help with risky behaviors find support with Partners for Peace. For 30 years, this organization has offered useful strategies to help parents improve communication and address issues like truancy. Familia Adelante provides bilingual education for families with children ages 10-14, focusing on communication, coping skills and school success. This wide range of free programs illustrate a singular Big Idea: strengthening families and fostering peace. “As a single parent of three, there are so many important things to learn. Familia Adelante taught me how to communicate with my children, manage stress and prioritize our health. I learned how to better understand my kids’ feelings, show them love and truly listen. This program helped me improve not only my relationship with my children but also with my husband.” -Familia Adelante graduate RANCHO CIELO Year Founded: 2000 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 54 paid, 550 volunteers Budget: $6,477,122 (831) 444-3533 ranchocieloyc.org BIG IDEA: Students earn a high school diploma while receiving specialized vocational and technical training through the transformative Rancho Cielo model. This organization continues to evolve its program offerings, including Big Idea sectors like ag technology and mechatronics, sustainable construction design and culinary skills. For 25 years, Rancho Cielo has provided a refuge for 14- to 24-year-old students, combining job skills with case management to further support students’ long-term success. The cost to provide this education is about $35,000 per student per year, but Rancho Cielo offers its programs for free. Support helps that model continue. “Rancho Cielo has changed my life. The staff has helped me become more confident and shown me I can be successful. I realize now that there are so many adults who care about me, and it’s OK to ask for help. I finally feel supported. I have a new view on life. I want to give back and help others.” -Catalina “Cat” Perez, a Drummond Culinary Academy student who plans to attend college after graduating and to work as a medical assistant or nurse 104 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “I want to be here all the time.” -Margaux Tybos Casales, Youth Arts Collective (YAC) SPECIAL KIDS CONNECT Year Founded: 2007 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 13 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $1,300,000 (831) 372-2730 specialkidsconnect.org BIG IDEA: Since Special Kids Connect’s REACH Ability-Inclusive Enrichment Programs launched in 2014, the nonprofit has expanded its offerings for children with special needs every year. REACH evolved from early athletics programs for basketball and bowling to include music and arts. In 2025, Big Idea offerings like a Junior Warriors REACH Basketball program in Soledad and REACH Move & Music in Salinas are brand new. Donations help all youth participate at their own level and preferred pace in these inclusive recreation activities that help break down barriers between participants and their neurotypical peers. “All our son wants is to belong and be a part of something where he will be motivated, encouraged and celebrated for who he is. Through Special Kids Connect’s REACH programs, he is able to socialize and build confidence to enjoy activities that he is slowly learning to navigate. REACH reminds our son that his needs matter just as much as anyone else’s.” -Alicia Flores SPOTLIGHT
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