News of Strengthening Philanthropy

United We Can Create Change in our Community

United Way of San Diego County has over 100 years of experience uplifting and supporting the community. Our work focuses on education and economic mobility so children and young adults can succeed in school and families have the means to thrive, not just survive, in San Diego County.

The many gaps in San Diego County were only amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and have disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic households. Students have fallen further behind and have to work even harder to catch up due to a lack of resources, and families are forced to decide between paying rent and buying groceries as the cost of living continues to increase.

To help address some of these gaps, we’ve adopted a community learning model that looks to support the whole child and the whole family. This model uses schools, recreational centers, libraries, and local YMCAs to provide children with educational enrichment and parents with family support resources like food, rent, and utility assistance. Together, we can rally around children and families in need to ensure they have the tools and resources to succeed. We can make sure our children read at grade level, stay in school, and keep their dreams alive and that families are economically mobile and have a little less worry each month.

Our goal of making a better San Diego starts with minding the gaps in our community. We accomplish this through our collaborative efforts by uniting partners and leveraging resources to make lasting transformations. United We Can create change together!

To learn more, visit uwsd.org/unitedwecan.

 

50 Years of Inspiration 

The Fleet Science Center is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, having opened as the world’s first tilted IMAX dome theater at our Balboa Park facility in March 1973. In those 50 years, the Fleet has served over 26 million people, inspiring interest in science and sparking the imaginations of generations of San Diegans.

Celebrating this milestone, the Fleet and its partners are planning a four-day series of activities March 10-13, 2023. Kicking it all off will be a very special dynamic and explosive science demonstration followed by a breakfast for key supporters, community leaders and dignitaries. The weekend will also feature 1973 admission prices of $2.50. These events will be the beginning of a year of science celebrations in our San Diego neighborhoods and at the Fleet Science Center.

The Fleet Science Center is a county-wide organization devoted to establishing and supporting communities rich in science-learning. This past year, the Fleet reached more than 312,216 individuals, including 119,508 youth, though STEM exhibitions, digital and IMAX films, school workshops and presentations, after-school programs, teacher professional development, adult programs, and community engagement. For more information about the Fleet or to partner with us, please visit https://www.fleetscience.org.

 

Volunteers in the Hospital Auxiliary have been SERVING, CARING and BELONGING since 1958; over 65 years! AND 3 years before the Hospital we now know as Tri-City Medical Center opened to prepare for the introduction into the Tri City Area of its first fully operational hospital facility.

This all-volunteer organization exists to provide essential assistance throughout the Medical Center.  Auxiliary members serve as Shuttle Drivers, Hospital Escorts, Information Desk Staff, Registration Assistants, Surgery Aides, NICU Aides, and assist in many other departments. Our members stock and staff the Gift Shop whose proceeds are used for scholarships and needed medical equipment.  Members provide literally thousands of hours each year in valuable staffing support that frees doctors, nurses, aides, and other medical staff to concentrate their time treating and caring for patients.

During the Covid pandemic, Volunteers took the responsibility of helping to manage the Covid clinic by providing escorts to the Clinic facility, personnel to bring people into the vaccination stations, and a clean-up crew to keep the clinic thoroughly sanitized.

The Auxiliary stands ready to help whenever additional needs arise.

New Volunteers are always welcome!  An Orientation session acquaints everyone with the Volunteer process and matches Volunteers with the department to which their skills are best suited. Anyone interested in finding out more about this great Volunteer opportunity can contact orientation@tcmc.com.

For additional information visit the website at: tricityhospitalauxiliary.org.

We’re proud to be a part of San Diego, full of one-of-a-kind communities and diverse and passionate doers. At MyPoint Credit Union, we want to help these doers – individuals, families, local businesses and everyone in-between – do more of the things they love in the city they call home. For over 70 years, we’ve been helping our members make the most out of their finances so they can live life on their own terms. Life may be short, but it should be awesome, and that’s why we’re focused on helping our members get the most out of their lives. So tell us what you’d love to do. We’ll help you do it.

We believe life is about doing. Doing what inspires you. What drives you. What truly matters to you. No matter what you want, need, or love to do, we’re here to help. Because if it’s important to you, it’s important for us to make it happen. At MyPoint Credit Union, we help you do.

• We are a fiercely independent not-for-profit focusing on doing what’s right for you.
• Your membership helps kids with physical challenges attend Camp Wamp so they can focus on what they CAN DO!
• You have access to 7 branches across San Diego and 30,000 ATMs and Branches across the US.
• We have a monthly workshop series to help you through every financial stage and decision in life.

Learn more at mypointcu.com.

 

 

 

Cox works with White House to connect households to free internet

Cox Communications has joined the White House’s efforts to get qualifying households signed up for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), making high-speed internet more affordable and accessible to households across the nation. The ACP provides government subsidies of up to $30 a month for qualifying households for their internet bill ($75 for Tribal lands). Customers see the subsidy amount as a credit on their monthly internet bill.

Cox offers several affordable internet programs to qualifying households to bridge the digital divide.   Households participating in the ACP who have Cox’s $30 monthly ConnectAssist, or $9.95 monthly Connect2Compete (K-12 households) internet tier could receive their intConnectAssist, free. Customers who choose a higher-level internet tier can still apply the ACP subsidy credit to their bill.

Eligible households participating in the ACP will have access to Cox’s 100 Mbps high-speed internet service at no cost. Qualifications for the ACP include participation in one of the following government subsidy programs: National School Lunch Program (NSLP), SNAP, TANF, Federal Public Housing, LIHEAP, WIC, Head Start, Pell Grant for current academic year, Tribal Programs, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefits or proof that income is 200% or less than federal poverty level guidelines.  Visit cox.com/digitalequity.

 

 

Viasat Inc. is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. Viasat’s mission is to connect the world, and they are developing the ultimate communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, and fast connections to enhance the lives of people everywhere – and it can be achieved in a way that’s safe, sustainable, and inclusive.

Founded in 1986 and based in Carlsbad, California, Viasat employs approximately 7,000 employees around the globe. They are committed to finding a better way to provide people and businesses with the tools and connections they need to reach their potential, no matter where they live, work, or go. Viasat is an innovator in communications technologies and services, focused on making connectivity accessible, available, and secure. They power connections on land, in the air, and at sea.

Investing in the community is a core value of Viasat’s culture. They encourage employees to explore new opportunities to give back to the communities where they live, work, and play. Whether this is mentoring students to develop STEM skills, supporting our veterans and their families, or providing support after a natural disaster, the Viasat community will be there to help.

For more information on Viasat and some of the work they have done in the community, visit: https://www.viasat.com/about/what-we-believe/corporate-giving/

The Grauer School, a grades 7-12 independent, college preparatory school, celebrates 31 years in Encinitas. The Grauer School emphasizes meaningful mentoring relationships with all students through Socratic teaching, expeditionary and outdoor learning, and the globally renowned small school model.

Developing students’ courage, creativity and joy is at the core of our Grauer curriculum. Our teachers understand that teaching is an art and a science that builds lifelong relationships; one that reaches far beyond tables and textbooks. The result? Grauer students are honored for their academic exploration and experimentation. They are not afraid to think for themselves. The world is changing, and Grauer students are poised to make a real difference. Perhaps more than ever, we need them to… Now is the time.

The Grauer School is a proud member of NCPC and welcomes the community to join us on Saturday, November 5 for our Discover Grauer Day Open House. Families are invited to come by any time between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm for a student-led tour of our campus and an opportunity to meet some of our amazing families, faculty and Founder and Head of School, Dr. Stuart Grauer. To learn more about The Grauer School and to RSVP, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760-944-6777.

The Boys & Girls Club of Vista (BGCV) empowers every Club member, through safe and impactful experiences to:

• Graduate high school with a plan for college or a career
• Contribute to their community
• Live a healthy life

BGCV was founded in 1963, with a commitment to helping youth of all backgrounds and interests emerge into successful, well-rounded adults by providing:

• A safe place for all kids to learn and grow
• Ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals
• Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences

Club programs at four sites help kids ages 5-18 with academic support programs, recreation, health and nutrition programs, and career development programs. BGCV provides youth with opportunities to grow and thrive within their communities. BGCV serves 800 Club members each year and employs a youth development strategy that fosters a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence. All activities employ developmentally appropriate, hands-on, interactive, fun experiences that intentionally develop and reinforce core skills.   We work together to create young adults that can be adaptable, creative, and critical thinkers that solve problems collaboratively upon high school graduation.

The Club is a youth-centered environment that showcases youth engagement and youth voice. BGCV ensures that the youth and families have access to programs that give them opportunities they would not have without us, such as music, sports, arts, or STEM programming.  95% of our Club Members report enjoying learning new things at the Club and 81% report choosing an activity that pushes them to learn new things.

Join us on our journey to provide youth and families in our community with the skills they need to achieve great futures. Learn more at bgcvista.org

Youth Experiencing Homelessness Find Community & Support at Lifeline

Lifeline has been furthering our mission to build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families through high-quality, community-based services across San Diego County since 1973.

Each year, we serve more than 5,000 members of our community through clinically strong and evidence-based programs that focus on positive youth development, child abuse prevention, housing and self-sufficiency, behavioral health, and human trafficking survivor services.

Lifeline also continues to provide needed mental health services to over 1,200 youth and their families and has added specialized services designed to serve youth and young adults experiencing homelessness county-wide.

“Lifeline was able to provide me with stable housing, and stable resources such as childcare…The services provided to clients set them up to become productive members of society,” former LifeSpring program participant.

Many of the young people who end up on the streets experiencing homelessness are there for a host of complex reasons. Often, they feel unsupported, alone, or forgotten. Having a safe space where they can come, feel heard, build community, and be themselves, reminds youth that they are important and worthy. “A huge shift happens in a youth’s life when they build healthy relationships and get connected to resources that transform their lives,” says Kristen Carvajal-Witek, LifeSpring Clinical Manager.

78% of transition-age foster youth successfully complete the LifeSpring transitional housing and support program by moving on to safe and sustainable housing.

Watch the video below highlighting Lifeline’s housing and self-sufficiency program services and impact.

For more information or to donate to Lifeline, visit nclifeline.org. For questions, please email bstance@nclifeline.org

Stay tuned for information on Lifeline’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration, coming October 2023. Join us in celebrating a half-century of service to the community. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on the coming event and sponsorship opportunities!