ing pool of money to offer as a match. Donations to this campaign will help build that matching gift fund. “Owning a small cabin in the Palo Colorado canyon has given our family a deep appreciation for everything the Mid Coast Fire Brigade does to protect this remarkable community. Fire Chief Cheryl Goetz and the entire volunteer crew are an extraordinary group whose dedication extends far beyond emergency response—they are a constant, reassuring presence and bring neighbors together through community traditions like the annual Halloween parade. We are incredibly grateful for the Mid Coast Fire Brigade and all they do to keep our community safe, connected and resilient.” -Todd Rumberger MONTEREY COLLEGE OF LAW Year Founded: 1972 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 28 paid, 48 volunteers Budget: $3,828,490 (831) 582-4000 montereylaw.edu BIG IDEA: This Big Idea would like to share some Big Data: Monterey College of Law’s Community Legal Clinics responded to 4,600 requests for legal help last year, resulting in more than 500 clinic appointments scheduled and 377 cases mediated, or guided by a legal professional. Thousands of people were listened to and had problems solved by experts, at no cost to them and without typical language, transportation or time constraints. Donations to Monterey College of Law keep legal help accessible for all. “Applying what I learned in law school to real situations was incredibly rewarding, and it showed me how meaningful legal advocacy can be for people who might not otherwise have access to help. The Mediation Practicum (clinic) stood out the most. One case involved siblings in conflict over their parent’s care. Communication had broken down so badly that they were considering restraining orders. As mediation progressed, it became clear their issues stemmed from misunderstandings, poor communication and outside influences—not an irreparable relationship. The clinic gave them a safe space to talk, listen and rebuild trust. By the end, they were repairing their relationship. Being part of that reconciliation was deeply meaningful and strengthened my commitment to a career focused on helping people resolve conflicts constructively.” -Heather Whisman MONTEREY COUNTY RAPE CRISIS CENTER Year Founded: 1973 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 20 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $2,085,694 (831) 373-3955 mtryrapecrisis.org BIG IDEA: Monterey County Rape Crisis Center provides the county’s only dedicated service to support survivors of sexual assault, no matter when the violence occurred. Last year, MCRCC supported 1,012 survivors and their significant others with services like crisis intervention, advocacy and counseling. This Big Idea calculates more than 7,500 total services given to survivors, absolutely free of charge. MCRCC is now facing a two-year budget shortfall of more than $250,000 as federal funding for the Victims of Crime Act plummets. “Through therapy at the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, I finally learned how to identify my emotions in my body. I now know how to listen to 80 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “This work is so important in bringing closure and answers to families and the community.” -Investigator at Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Cold Case Project of Monterey County VETERANS TRANSITION CENTER OF CALIFORNIA Year Founded: 1996 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 39 paid, 36 volunteers Budget: $4,800,000 (831) 883-8387 vtcofcalifornia.org BIG IDEA: Veterans Transition Center of California is launching a three-year project to establish the Veterans Learning & Workforce Hub. This Big Idea will build a dependable, central place for veterans to access career preparation and whole-person support. Year one of this initiative seeks to raise $375,000 for the Hub, including hiring a dedicated team and developing individualized learning and employment plans. The goal is to support 40 veterans in securing verified employment and to continue assisting through the initial 180 days of employment. “The support I received at VTC was incredible. When I stumbled, there was always someone there to get me back on track, and that kind of care meant everything. The camaraderie was just as powerful. VTC became my first real home. My case manager stood by me through life-changing decisions, and every experience became a lesson. VTC gives you the tools to succeed. Now I volunteer and share my story because you cannot tell it without mentioning VTC. My past is part of me, but the future is mine. For me, there is no success story without VTC.” -Richard Hibbard SPOTLIGHT
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