RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PARTNERS, INC. Year Founded: 1987 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 6 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $717,890 (831) 869-7641 restorativejusticepartners.org BIG IDEA: Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. (RJP) works to spread awareness of a Big Idea that can be controversial: restorative justice, or alternatives to traditional punishments for crime. For RJP, restorative justice ensures people can learn from their mistakes and makes room for understanding instead of only penalties. This nonprofit offers the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP), where people on both sides of a juvenile crime can heal through mediation. “[A Resource Justice Partners] class has awoken in me a greater desire to move forward in my life. It has given me an outlet to vent issues I had never expressed, causing a sense of relief and unveiling a different outlook for myself where I put my experience as lessons and reflect on the positive aspects and growth along the journey. Thank you!” -Anonymous 2025 class participant SANTA LUCIA CONSERVANCY Year Founded: 1995 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 17 paid, 1,132 volunteers Budget: $2,931,053 (831) 626-8595 slconservancy.org BIG IDEA: Santa Lucia Conservancy’s Big Idea is as big as its breathtaking setting: the Potrero Canyon redwood forest in the Santa Lucia Preserve. This nonprofit seeks donations to help bring 100 classes of K-12 students through four-hour, structured field experiences. Students first set off on an interpretive nature walk, embedded with lessons about microclimates, indigenous history and ecosystem restoration. Then, projects like building birdhouses teach compassion for wildlife and spark a lifelong appreciation for nature. “Zili enjoyed the day camp nature walks and watershed activities the most. I loved that the biologists helped the children make connections with the habitat and the importance of conservation. Zili frequently recalled learnings and discussed them with me, a rare and wonderful occurrence that tells me that her Conservancy experience was stimulating, engaging and exceptional.” -Zili’s mother SENECA FAMILY OF AGENCIES Year Founded: 1985 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1,507 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $15,000,000 (510) 654-4004 senecafoa.org BIG IDEA: Seneca Family of Agencies steps in to help children and families in Monterey County facing serious emotional or behavioral challenges. This Big Idea may look like counseling sessions or 24/7 emergency response at this nonprofit’s short-term Crisis Stabilization Unit. Seneca Family of Agencies’ goal is to intervene with access to necessary resources before families need to call the police or visit the hospital. Donations help families stay together and get the support they need. “As a proud member of Seneca Family of Agencies’ Central Coast leadership board, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of their work on our community. Seneca has been a cornerstone in building and strengthening families for thousands of children through their comprehensive services, including foster care, adoption, mental health support and education. Their dedication to providing vital community services ensures that 106 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “Rancho Cielo has changed my life.” -Catalina “Cat” Perez, Rancho Cielo TATUM’S GARDEN FOUNDATION Year Founded: 2013 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 150 volunteers Budget: $147,809 (831) 998-7113 tatumsgarden.org BIG IDEA: Tatum’s Garden is a busy place, with accessible swings and even a broccoli treehouse. But the sheer amount of playing means this playground needs continuous maintenance. The play surface was recently resurfaced, critical in helping keep this space accessible to youth in wheelchairs or who use other assistive equipment. Ongoing upkeep to make Tatum’s Garden beautiful, safe and fun is possible thanks to volunteers and donations. “Seeing my three children play together side-by-side at the park and witnessing their joy and happiness has been an amazing experience. Our community is so blessed to have Tatum’s Garden, and it makes me proud that our community came together to raise money and build this magical place.” -Sarah Garcia SPOTLIGHT
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