foster care and the juvenile justice system, a recent addition to this organization’s already in-demand services. These CASAs help kids find stability and access therapeutic and community services, the vital first steps to a brighter future. “For 30 years, CASA of Monterey County has brought hope and consistency to children and youth in foster care and juvenile justice. These young people deserve to be seen, heard and surrounded by caring adults. Being a CASA is more than speaking up. It means showing up through the hard moments and the joyful ones, walking alongside a young person, and believing in their future. Every child and youth deserves to have someone in their corner, and to have that kind of support.” -Juliet Del Rosario CENTRAL COAST YMCA Year Founded: 1921 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 264 paid, 232 volunteers Budget: $3,612,559 (831) 757-4633 centralcoastymca.org BIG IDEA: When living costs rise and sources of public assistance are reduced, families may feel pressure to cut youth programs from the budget. Every branch of the Central Coast YMCA maintains a scholarship program to make sure no one is ever turned away. But demand for financial aid with swimming lessons, youth sports and day camps has sharply increased. Donations will help replenish and expand this Big Idea scholarship program that funds the Y’s physical activity and skill-building programs. “Thanks to generous YMCA support, my 10‑year‑old could attend camp this summer and my 3‑year‑old joined sports. We live on a tight budget, so this help made a real difference. My children loved their programs and gained confidence, new friends and fun memories.” -E. Hinos CHARTWELL SCHOOL Year Founded: 1983 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 78 paid, 200 volunteers Budget: $14,540,732 (831) 394-3468 chartwell.org BIG IDEA: An estimated 1 in 5 children struggles with language-based learning differences, like dyslexia. Chartwell School empowers these neurodiverse learners with its specialized, evidence-based education. This unique expertise could be cost-prohibitive, but not with the help of a Big Idea. Donations contribute to Chartwell School’s scholarship fund, which distributed $2 million in financial aid last year, as well as the Chartwell Teaching Institute, which has trained 1,440 California educators in inclusive reading instruction so far—taking on the literacy crisis and transforming lives. “Last year, on the way to drop off our son at his previous school, he became forlorn and asked, ‘Why does school have to be so hard for me?’ It was heartbreaking. At the time, Chartwell offered us hope. Since then, it has been an answer to our prayers. Now, our son loves going to school every morning. For us, Chartwell represents unlimited possibilities. It no longer feels like our son’s story will be about constant struggle, but about his journey to reach his full potential.” -Current parent DIGITAL NEST Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 124 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $7,462,365 (831) 285-0484 digitalnest.org BIG IDEA: Digital NEST is spreading its wings in 2025 with a new vision and fresh brand—which its own youth members competed to design. Big Ideas for its Salinas center include introducing both a new 86 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM FRIENDS OF THE AUSONIO CASTROVILLE LIBRARY Year Founded: 1985 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 15 volunteers Budget: $26,267 (831) 769-8725 friendsausoniolibrary.org BIG IDEA: The Andy Ausonio Castroville Library seeks donations to help build a second study room. But this Big Idea has a vision for this room far beyond students and their flashcards. Friends of the Ausonio Castroville Library views this second study room as a safe and dedicated place for community members to attend online job interviews, telehealth appointments, study sessions, test-taking or tutoring. The best way to end cycles of poverty is to foster access, this organization believes, so they are investing in a tangible way of offering it. “I am a student at UC Davis, and this wouldn’t have been possible without access to the resources from the Castroville library. However, I never had a private place to take my tests—every time I tried to reserve the study room it was always already booked up. I live at home in the summer and there is no space for me to have a private study or test session. My parents are farmworkers. I really hope we can get another study room soon.” -Dulce Nolasco, 19 SPOTLIGHT “Every child and youth deserves to have someone in their corner.” -Juliet Del Rosario, CASA of Monterey County
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