apy, substance abuse recovery support or other evidence-based interventions. By helping a parent heal, this Big Idea seeks to change a child’s future. “We are so thankful for our therapist at MCSTART. She has been able to walk our daughter through the hardest times in her life. She has given us tools to help talk to her about things she has experienced, and how to make sense of it all. The support we have felt is impossible to fully describe!” -Anonymous EQUINE HEALING COLLABORATIVE Year Founded: 2015 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 34 paid, 58 volunteers Budget: $1,900,000 (831) 293-4492 equinehealing.org BIG IDEA: The healing power of animals forms the foundation of this organization’s Big Idea. The Equine Healing Collaborative’s licensed psychotherapists and clinical social workers use equine-assisted psychotherapy to connect with clients, who range from survivors of human trafficking and refugees to first responders, veterans and law enforcement officers. Beyond horses, EHC now operates a rescue dog-training program inside the Monterey County Juvenile Hall—another example of the possibilities to heal with the help of furry friends. “Every hour I spend volunteering at EHC isn’t about feeding or grooming a horse—it’s a reminder that healing takes patience, from both animals and people. I’ve watched a rescue horse learn to trust again, one quiet afternoon at a time, and I’ve watched the same patience change something in the people who work with them. That’s what this work really is: horses and humans, teaching each other how to slow down and trust again.” -Erin Michael Lawler FOOD BANK FOR MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 1990 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 41 paid, 2,000 volunteers Budget: $31,775,000 (831) 758-1523 foodbankformontereycounty.org BIG IDEA: The Food Bank for Monterey County is centrally located in Salinas, but its Big Idea reaches all across the county, serving 1 in every 4 residents, including 1 in 3 seniors and children in Monterey County. This enormous reach happens through 160 nonprofit partners and more than 100 monthly food distributions, from mobile produce and food trucks to senior grocery delivery and a five-acre farm. The Food Bank provides consistent access to healthy food, which results not just in immediate hunger relief but also improved health outcomes. “I have never seen so many people in food bank lines. I know families are struggling because so many of us are doing everything we can to make ends meet. Even while working several jobs, there were times I didn’t know how I would put food on the table for my children. The Food Bank was there for my family with compassion and support when we needed it most. The food we received meant my children didn’t have to go to bed hungry.” -Maria G. HEALING PARTNERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST Year Founded: 2019 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 34 volunteers Budget: $234,027 (800) 205-8101 hpcchealingtouch.org BIG IDEA: Healing Touch is an evidence-based energy therapy, proven to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Central Coast cancer patients receive eight free Healing Touch sessions through the work of this Big Idea. Healing Partners of the Central Coast has extended more than 10,000 free sessions to local cancer patients, who report feeling reduced stress, anxiety and pain, and better management of symptoms like nausea and neuropathy. As demand grows, donations help keep this service free and consistently available. “In 2018, I was diagnosed with cancer and was terrified that I was going to die. My compassionate oncologist referred me to Healing Touch. I started my eight sessions in December. I was experiencing pain from radiation but by the time I left, the pain was gone. I didn’t even think about dying anymore because I felt so much at peace. I wanted to give back and took Healing Touch classes. I completed five training levels and mentorship to become a certified Healing Touch practitioner. I am amazed I get to care for others going through their cancer journey. I listen to them share how with Healing Touch they have less fear and feel at peace.” -Berkana Albrecht 126 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com HEALTH, WELLNESS & FOOD DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ADVOCACY Year Founded: 1989 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 11 paid, 120 volunteers Budget: $1,827,611 (831) 753-2324 cca-viva.org BIG IDEA: In 2025, 15 percent of Monterey County adults reported not being able to access needed mental health services, according to the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. Center for Community Advocacy’s Big Idea strengthens access to mental health services for those facing barriers, including low-income families, farmworkers and Spanish-speaking communities. CCA tackles shortages by providing free one-onone therapy from licensed professionals and support groups, and by removing hurdles like transportation costs, language barriers or lack of insurance. “I needed to heal and take care of myself first. Once I started doing that, I was able to be more present for my family and give them the love, time and support they needed.” -Josefina L. SPOTLIGHT
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