60 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM guided me even when I was discouraged over finding a place to call home. I finally found a place in less than 90 days, and they offered to help with furniture and appliances. I get the keys on Friday.” -A.N. COMMUNITY HUMAN SERVICES Year Founded: 1969 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 154 paid, 80 volunteers Budget: $18,278,903 (831) 658-3811 chservices.org BIG IDEA: Homelessness, substance abuse and mental health instability are often interconnected challenges that take consistent, comprehensive help to overcome. Community Human Services’ wide-reaching programs focus on the intersection of these challenges. Big Idea drug treatment centers, like Genesis House and DAISY, youth and family shelters including Casa de Noche Buena and Safe Place, parenting programs, outpatient counseling services and more helped 4,670 people in Monterey County, 42 percent of them under age 17. “When I was a teenager, I ran away. I met a guy who was way older than me, started doing drugs, and everything went south. I was on the streets doing things I shouldn’t be doing. I’d look at other girls my age and think, ‘I need to change my life.’ Then I called CHS. That day, a counselor brought me food and clothes and helped me get into Safe Place, the youth shelter in Monterey. They worked with me and eventually helped me get my own place. My message to people in my position is to take it one day at a time. There were days I couldn’t deal anymore. I even attempted suicide. If I had been successful, I wouldn’t have my adorable cat or this cool apartment. I’m so glad I’m still here. And it’s because CHS helped me take it one day at a time.” -Jessebel A. COPA (COMMUNITIES ORGANIZED FOR RELATIONAL POWER IN ACTION) Year Founded: 2003 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 4 paid, 250 volunteers Budget: $350,000 (831) 728-3210 copaiaf.org BIG IDEA: Connecting a motivated workforce to job opportunities is never as simple as it seems. COPA has conducted thousands of meetings with local workers to identify specific barriers to employment. This data fuels their Big Idea: launching a community-driven Workforce Development Intermediary (WFDI). This WFDI will provide specific training combined with childcare, scholarships, job interview prep and more. COPA’s multi-year goal is to match educated workers with emerging opportunities in precision manufacturing, advanced business services, health-care and climate resilience sectors while eliminating stubborn barriers to employment. “I am a proud COPA leader at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Castroville. Recently, I joined efforts to advocate for full-scope Medi-Cal for members of my community, meeting with staff from our local state legislators to elevate the voices of our community. Three years ago, I did not imagine myself as the kind of person that could negotiate and speak as equals with an elected official. COPA has given me the relationships, skills and confidence to lead—and to take an active role in shaping a more just future for all.” -Lennin Ramos THE DIVERSITY CENTER Year Founded: 1989 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $1,500,000 (831) 425-5422 diversitycenter.org BIG IDEA: For nearly 40 years, the LGBTQ+ community has trusted The Diversity Center as a safe space and hub for health and wellness services. This nonprofit offers comprehensive care, from mental health to gender-affirming care. The Diversity Center’s work extends into the community with cultural competency training for schools and service providers, multigenerational educational and social events, and LGBTQ+ resource navigation. This Big Idea is expanding its Monterey County presence, with two new regional program specialists joining its ranks. FRIENDS OF SEASIDE PARKS ASSOCIATION (FOSPA) Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $25,000 (831) 915-4873 friendsofseasideparks.org BIG IDEA: A dedicated group of park caretakers meet every Saturday year-round to tend to a rotating schedule of parks in Seaside. The Friends of Seaside Parks Association’s Big Idea creates habitat for native plants, pollinators and wildlife, in addition to fostering civic pride in the community’s well-manicured and sustainable parks. FOSPA’s 11 member parks (including one dog park!) also nurture multiple community gardens. Fresh produce from these gardens serve as a source of community mutual aid. “I love being part of FOSPA—it brings so much joy, connection and purpose to our community. Volunteering in Seaside’s parks has helped me make great memories, learn about native plants and wildlife, and feel proud of the positive impact we’re making together. It’s amazing what we can do when we come together for our city.” -Kalyn Foliaki SPOTLIGHT “It is a safe place, like my second home.” -Victoria S., Holding on to Hope
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