BIRTH NETWORK OF MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 13 volunteers Budget: $30,160 (831) 713-9210 birthnetworkofmonterey.com BIG IDEA: Having a child is a life-altering experience that comes without any kind of instruction manual. The Birth Network of Monterey County’s all-volunteer team works to connect the more than 4,000 babies born in Monterey County with the support and resources they need to thrive. This Big Idea powers free childbirth and parenting programs like Parenting 101 workshops, postpartum wellness circles, infant loss and grief support and referrals to trusted health care providers. “I am inspired to do this work because I have seen, in my 55 years working with families in the perinatal years, it makes a difference—a big difference— to families. Education and support before, during and after pregnancy can change the trajectory of many lives.” -Gail Root THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED CENTER OF MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 1971 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 10 paid, 4 volunteers Budget: $891,500 (831) 649-3505 blindandlowvision.org BIG IDEA: How would you navigate the world if you lost your vision? Fortunately for Monterey County, the Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County has supported those with vision loss for 55 years. Donations will fund Big Idea services like low vision evaluations, assistive technology training, support groups and independent living skills education. All of these services, and even more programs, training and peer support opportunities, are provided for free or at low cost from the only public low-vision clinic in Monterey County. “I had no inkling of what gifts I’d receive walking into the Center on a gloomy Tuesday. I was feeling very negative about my loss of vision, and my ability to cope with the day-to-day issues that would come with it. Today, after my third appointment, I feel completely optimistic about the quality of life I’d enjoy. Your Center has done incredible work. I can see clearly now that despite impaired vision, I still have a lot to give. Thank you.” -Dale Agron CACHAGUA FIRE Year Founded: 1976 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 20 volunteers Budget: $89,500 (831) 659-7700 cachaguafire.com BIG IDEA: When a wildfire sparks in the rural countryside, there is no time to waste. For 50 years, the volunteers of Cachagua Fire have risen to the challenge of battling fires in the deepest corners of Monterey County. Donations to this Big Idea support this rapid response effort, described by the organization as “helping provide for a friendly face and steady hand at the scene of what may be the worst day ever for someone close to you.” “When the Carmel Fire erupted a mile from my street, it happened so fast the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department couldn’t get here in time to evacuate us—we ran door to door alerting neighbors with about 15 minutes to spare before the flames enveloped our street. The first responders, the only responders, were the volunteer women and men who belong to Cachagua Fire. These volunteers are my neighbors, whose homes were also in the fire’s path when they rushed to defend ours.” -Meredith May 54 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “It makes a difference—a big difference—to families.” -Gail Root, Birth Network of Monterey County AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE CENTRAL COAST Year Founded: 1916 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 60 paid, 573 volunteers Budget: $1,683,654 (831) 624-6921 redcross.org/local/california/northern-california-coastal/about-us/locations/central-coast BIG IDEA: For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross of the Central Coast has provided free emergency relief and disaster preparedness for everyone in Monterey County. From an individual’s house fire to widespread flooding, this Big Idea dependably responds. Donations from last year supported 142 people with food, shelter and other aid after 30 local disasters. Because 97 percent of these disasters were home fires, donations also funded free installation of 480 smoke alarms in Monterey County. “Having an organization like the American Red Cross—with the infrastructure, trained volunteers and operational expertise to respond immediately when disaster strikes— is something our community does not take for granted. On the Central Coast, we face everything from wildfires to flooding, and the Red Cross consistently shows up with both efficiency and compassion. The depth of their preparedness and the strength of their partnerships allow them to deliver critical services at a moment’s notice. The Red Cross that not only responds in times of crisis, but also works year-round to build resilience, educate residents and ensure that no one has to face an emergency alone.” -Dan Ripke, board member SPOTLIGHT
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