62 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “I have experienced a variety of love and support through The Diversity Center, in both its volunteer program and its mental health services. My therapist has given me tools toward self-growth and acceptance, helped me understand the root of my anxieties, talked with me through familial struggles, and provided links to outside support.” -Anonymous participant DOOR TO HOPE Year Founded: 1971 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 69 paid, 0 volunteers Budget: $7,696,131 (831) 758-0181 doortohope.org BIG IDEA: This nonprofit provides a Door to Hope but this year’s Big Idea involves their roof. Door to Hope offers comprehensive behavioral health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs for all ages. To keep the focus on their important work, this nonprofit seeks help with their $200,000 roof replacement project. After 50 years of helping women rebuild their lives at this residential treatment facility in Salinas, it’s time for a new roof for a Door to Hope. “Recovery is not a straight path, but every step forward—no matter how small—is a powerful act of courage and healing. Today I celebrate nine years abstinent from all drugs and alcohol. Door to Hope helped guide me and support me through it all. Now I work here at Door to Hope, giving back what was freely given to me.” -Mendy Forbes THE EPICENTER Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 14 paid, 6 volunteers Budget: $1,200,000 (831) 998-7291 epicentermonterey.org BIG IDEA: The Epicenter, a one-stop resource center for at-risk and system-involved youth, seeks donations for its teen and young adult workforce development program, Foster Success. This short-term job experience program is designed for Monterey County foster youth ages 16-24. Foster Success provides hands-on experience, teaching in-demand job skills and building confidence for foster youth unsure how to build their future. On-the-job training combines with The Epicenter’s supportive environment, complete with mentors and professional development opportunities. “The Epicenter was not only my first job but also a significant turning point in my personal and professional growth. Learning how to collaborate effectively with my peers taught me the value of communication, compromise and leadership. Public speaking was a challenge at first, but over time I became more comfortable expressing my thoughts clearly and confidently in front of others. Working at The Epicenter has truly been a stepping stone in my life. It not only provided me with practical job experience, but also boosted my confidence and helped me discover my voice.” -V.S. FRIENDS OF THE CARMEL VALLEY LIBRARY Year Founded: 1980 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 6 volunteers Budget: $24,000 (831) 647-7760 focvl.org BIG IDEA: One of the many gems to be found at the Carmel Valley Library is its inviting outdoor patio. The space is complete with colorful chairs, umbrellas, a small garden…and a large, gray wall. In partnership with Carmel High School’s Visual Arts program, Friends of the Carmel Valley Library’s Big Idea will fund the design, installation and maintenance of a new mural—including weatherproofing and educational tools that allow the mural to live on as an interactive and meaningful resource. “When I was little, my parents took me to story time and makerspace fairs at the Carmel Valley Library. Once I learned to read, I’d leave with stacks of books. During the Covid shutdown, the library supported families like mine by handing out food and activity kits. This meant a lot to me. I’ve grown up with library programs, but I didn’t fully appreciate how much work went into them until I started volunteering. The library is committed to being more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a true community space: welcoming, creative and generous. I’m forever grateful to have grown up with it in my life.” -Elizabeth Chan, 18 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - MONTEREY BAY Year Founded: 1989 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 22 paid, 362 volunteers Budget: $3,137,624 (831) 469-4663 habitatmontereybay.com BIG IDEA: Habitat for Humanity - Monterey Bay has a Big Idea to keep teachers, caregivers, service employees and other essential workers from leaving Monterey County for more affordable housing. Donations will support a three-year plan to build nine homes in Marina, starting with an early 2026 groundbreaking. Homes will be sold to essential workers, providing permanently affordable places to live in the communities where people work. This marks the first Habitat house project in Monterey County in 10 years. “Habitat for Humanity didn’t just build us a house. They provided us with something invaluable: stability. With an affordable mortgage and the security of a permanent home, I was able to be the mom my children needed. I could attend every therapy appointment, advocate for their educational needs and simply be present with them.” -Lysa Ogbern SPOTLIGHT “For the first time, I feel like I’m living, not just existing.” -Michael Y., Interim, Inc.
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