It’s hard to be outside in the cold and rain. I found my way to I-HELP. I appreciate I-HELP. I-HELP is a start to getting back to being healthy, productive, and having a sense of pride.” -Michael Negri INTERIM, INC. Year Founded: 1975 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 272 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $37,610,681 (831) 649-4522 interiminc.org BIG IDEA: Asking for help is an essential first step for people facing mental health challenges. But it can also be an overwhelming way to begin. The OMNI resource center, a free, peer- and family-run mental health wellness center, provides practical support and connection from people who understand the path toward healing. These drop-in services do not require a referral, and daily programming offers a welcoming entry point via social activities, meals and workshops. Last year, 501 people accessed OMNI’s programs (in addition to other services offered by Interim, Inc.). Gifts to this Big Idea will expand this essential first point-of-contact for people experiencing mental illness. “About 10 years ago, I was living under a bridge and struggling with alcoholism. Interim helped me get off the streets and connected me with housing, mental health support, Social Security and advocacy. They helped me get my feet back on the ground and set me on the right path. Today, I have 10 years of sobriety, a home, a supportive community and relationships with my children and family again. I have regained my self-respect and my will to live a clean, sober life. Now I sponsor others in recovery and share what I have learned. Helping other people keeps me connected to my own sobriety and gives me a meaningful way to give back. Interim has supported every part of my journey, and I am very grateful.” -T.C. ITN MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 2012 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 15 paid, 62 volunteers Budget: $911,600 (831) 233-3447 itnmontereycounty.org BIG IDEA: ITNMontereyCounty, or the Independent Transportation Network, continues to grow in its mission to cover transportation needs across a wide geographic expanse of the county. Volunteers deliver “door-through-door” transportation for older adults and visually impaired people who need help running errands or reaching medical appointments. This Big Idea has expanded its NorthLine and ValleyLine services and now averages 983 rides per month. Donations will further boost services in South Monterey County, including recruiting more volunteer drivers. “ITN drivers are focused on the well-being of the rider in a way no taxi or Uber driver could be. They are friendly and committed to the schedule of the rider. It always feels like they’re a friend or relative coming to give you a ride. Thanks, ITN!” -Lucy Moore and Neil Williams JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 1963 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 200 volunteers Budget: $72,760 (831) 200-8697 montereycounty.jl.org BIG IDEA: Where will volunteers come from? Who is going to serve on nonprofit boards of directors? How will we develop the leaders we need? The Junior League of Monterey County works to answer these big questions with the Big Ideas of developing local leaders through community service. Members of the Junior League fulfill needs throughout the county, like their annual Winter Wonderland event sharing holiday cheer with more than 150 families 76 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM MUJERES EN ACCIÓN Year Founded: 2015 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 10 paid, 500 volunteers Budget: $824,305 (831) 783-1244 mujeresenaccion831.org BIG IDEA: Having someone help your dream take flight can unlock unlimited potential. Mujeres en Acción believes in the aspirations of its community and creates trusted spaces where women build confidence and discover their strengths. Through Big Ideas like peer support groups, workforce development and community organizing, women gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves and others. Mujeres en Acción walks alongside these women, whether they are launching a business, earning a degree or getting a driver’s license. “As a mother of four, there was a time when I thought my dream of continuing my education was out of reach. Mujeres en Acción believed in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself. With their support and encouragement, I went back to school, earned my associate degree, and I’m now working toward my bachelor’s degree. Today, I have a career that allows me to serve my community and provide more stability for my family. It all started because someone believed in me. I hope other women have the same opportunity.” -María Zárate SPOTLIGHT “I have learned to appreciate that the small steps in life count.” -Ricarda Rodriguez, Alliance on Aging
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