News of Strengthening Philanthropy

Valuable Connected Care:

Meeting the health and wellness needs of the community

Vista Community Clinic (VCC) is committed to providing Valuable Connected Care, ensuring that individuals and families receive high-quality, compassionate healthcare. Serving North County San Diego, Riverside County, and Orange County, VCC offers a comprehensive range of services, including adult and family medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, cardiology, optometry, acupuncture, chiropractic care, senior care, and cancer screenings.

Beyond clinical care, VCC prioritizes community well-being through free health education programs open to all residents. The clinic also extends its reach with the VCC Mobile Medical Unit, bringing essential healthcare services directly to underserved populations. Furthering its commitment to wellness, VCC launched the Mobile Food Market, providing fresh, nutritious food to local families and reinforcing the vital connection between proper nutrition and overall health.

Continuing its mission to expand access to care, VCC recently opened VCC: Vista Village Pediatrics, a dedicated pediatric facility designed to meet the growing needs of young patients in North San Diego County. This expansion reflects VCC’s ongoing efforts to ensure families have access to high-quality, specialized care.

Over the past year, VCC’s dedication has been recognized with several prestigious awards. For the second consecutive year, the clinic earned the Gold Health Center Quality Leader badge from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), placing it among the top-performing health centers nationwide. Additionally, VCC received national recognition from the American Diabetes Association for its Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support (DSMES) Clinic, which empowers patients with essential tools to manage their health effectively.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host our Annual Gala on Saturday, October 4th, at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. This fundraising event will help expand health and wellness services while supporting the Karen Black Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to aspiring healthcare professionals.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, please contact Betsy Heightman at betsy@vcc.org. Join us for an unforgettable night of philanthropy and celebration as we work together to build a healthier future for all.

www.vistacommunityclinic.org

What happens when a community comes together with compassion and purpose? Together, we nourish, empower and transform the lives of our neighbors in need. Community Resource Center (CRC) is a proud Premier Member of North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC). We’re excited to share how we’re creating lasting change across our community and how you can be part of the transformation.

OUR MISSION

For 45 years, CRC has been serving our North County neighbors—providing food, shelter, housing assistance, counseling and vital services to those at risk of homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence. Impacting more than 8,600 individuals last year, our mission is to help our neighbors create paths to healthy food, stable homes and safe relationships.

OUR IMPACT

 

View CRC’s Full Annual Impact Here

 

BUILDING A HEALING-CENTERED CAMPUS

CRC’s One Community • One Heart Capital Campaign will transform our campus and the lives of our neighbors in need for years to come. We’re grateful for our capital campaign donors who have invested in the transformation. Learn more about our vision and how to get involved: https://oneheart-crc.org/.

 

 

 

GET INVOLVED WITH CRC

We invite you to engage with us!

• CRC Tour: Join us for a tour of our Food & Nutrition Center. Register here for this free tour
• 30^th Annual CRC Tea:  Join us on Saturday, April 5 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club (tickets available until March 19) or explore our online silent auction opening on April 1!

For more information about how you can get involved with Community Resource Center, please visit our website at www.crcncc.org. You can also follow us on social media at @SanDiegoCRC.

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-633-1112

Turn Action into Impact!

365 Connect is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is purpose-driven: to connect corporations and donors with nonprofit organizations in order to create a shared sense of purpose through Corporate Volunteering and Employee Engagement programs for long-term community impact.

365 Connect is a women-owned organization that was created to address critical needs of the community while creating lasting social impact programs through employee volunteer experiences and cause-related programs. 

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Think of CSR as an integral part of your business strategy that showcases aspects of being a responsible corporate citizen to your stakeholders, employees, and community. This internal and external commitment to profit and purpose demonstrates your values through operations and investments.  

Employee volunteerism is just one component of a CSR program, and this is where 365 Connect can help! We work with you to identify long term goals of an employee volunteer program in order to bring to life a program that shows measurable impact.

Why is this important?

According to research from Benevity, the last three years have seen a massive surge in corporate volunteering due to the hybrid workspace. Never before have so many companies invested into corporate volunteering programs and gained so much in return:  loyal employees, increased team morale, enhanced company reputation, and a sense of purpose within the workforce, ultimately leading to better recruitment, higher retention, and overall company performance. Action creates impact!

Take a look at our Year in Review Video >>> 365 Connect 2024 Year in Review

How do you strategically plan for community involvement and impact?

Whether you are just starting CSR in your company, or want to level up an established program, 365 Connect will help you turn goals into results and action into impact. Companies that invest more strategically on a multi-level approach achieve stronger measurable outcomes, creating compounding impact year-over-year.

THE 365 CONNECT PROCESS

365 Connect will ensure that your program is not only well-planned and executed, but that it also creates meaningful impact for your team and its chosen cause of support.

Step 1:  Listen & Learn

365 Connect leadership will meet with you to learn about your organization’s goals and values.  

Step 2: Program Design

365 Connect will present options for you to select the cause and nonprofit to support based on your team’s purpose and goals, then design programs for impact with measurable goals. 

Step 3: Implementation

365 Connect will execute every detail of the planning process, creating an engaging, turn-key event for your team to show up and shine through volunteerism and connection. 

Step 4: Wrap Up 

Celebrate the impact your team made in the community! 365 Connect will provide a post-program summary, complete with impact metrics, to demonstrate your values and results to your stakeholders and employees.  

Step 4: Next Steps 

365 Connect can turn a single event into a long-term strategy to maximize your company’s positive impacts for employees and the community on multiple levels. Let’s start the conversation!

All project proposals are custom designed and can include:                     

• Half-Day Projects

• Full Day of Service

• Week of Service

• Conference/Convention Breakouts

• Youth Service Programs (NEW)

• Annual Volunteer Programs 

• Corporate Social Responsibility Plan 

 

Contact 365 Connect today to make 2025 the best year yet for your employees and your community! 

Teresa Miller:  teresa@365-connect.org             

Carlen Haag: carlen@365-connect.org

www.365-connect.org/contact

 

 

The Elizabeth Hospice: A Compassionate Community Resource

Since 1978, The Elizabeth Hospice has been a leading provider of hospice care, palliative care, and grief support services for children and adults in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County.  As a nonprofit, we offer care to everyone in the community. No one in need of our services has ever been turned away due to financial reasons.

Our services also include a dedicated pediatric team offering specialized care for children diagnosed with advanced serious or terminal illnesses. Comprehensive grief support services are open to all in the community, regardless of when or how their person died. Grief support includes individual counseling and support groups, as well as specialized programs for children and their families. A patient affiliation is not required to access grief support.

The Elizabeth Hospice is proud to support veterans. Our staff are trained to address post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, survivor’s guilt, and soul injury. Through our veteran pinning ceremonies, we honor and thank those who have served our country.

Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated by our Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, an independent organization that certifies and accredits healthcare institutions across the U.S. This certification reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

We’re here to help people facing the challenges associated with advanced serious illnesses. If you or someone you know needs our services, please contact The Elizabeth Hospice at 800.797.2050 or visit www.elizabethhospice.org.

The Elizabeth Hospice invites the community to join us for our Wings of Hope Celebration on Sunday, April 27 (1:30  – 3:30 PM) at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Wings of Hope is a heartfelt gathering that celebrates the memory of those who have touched our lives. Join us for a butterfly release, live music, sweet treats, and uplifting messages from The Elizabeth Hospice’s grief support team. The event is free and open to all, but you must register by April 18 at www.elizabethhospice.com/wings.

 

NGA helps nonprofits of every size and sector build capacity through expert counsel in fundraising, planning, staffing, and training. Our projects range from campaign planning studies and capital campaigns to strategic planning and executive search.

As a leading regional consulting firm, we are currently working with over 40 nonprofits across California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawai`i. We are proud to share recent highlights of client achievements and updates from our regional team:

• Armed Services YMCA San Diego broke ground on the new Center for Military Families, which will more than double their childcare capacity and youth programs. With NGA providing capital campaign counsel, the ASYMCA raised over $ 7 million.

Jeanne Schmelzer (r), NGA executive vice president, attends ASYMCA groundbreaking in September 2024.

• Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral surpassed its campaign goal of $2.5 million to complete the Music Center, providing more space for St. Paul’s renowned choirs and musicians as well as the Voices of Our City Choir. NGA managed the campaign with outstanding leadership from Campaign Co-Chairs Russ Okihara and Rockette Ewell, staff and volunteers.

 

• The Winston School in Del Mar selected NGA to manage its Campus Renovation Campaign, following a campaign study completed in 2024.

 

• Child Advocates of Silicon Valley has embarked on a capital project following a campaign planning study. NGA is providing campaign counsel.

 

• The Channel Islands YMCA contracted with NGA to conduct a feasibility study for a new YMCA in Paso Robles.

Our regionally based team provides active board and committee leadership to AFP San Diego and are in their 11th year serving on the board of North County Philanthropy Council.

To learn more, visit netzelgrigsby.com

Puzzle Pieces Marketing is a bold, creative, and vibrant nonprofit marketing agency that is proudly Black-owned, women-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and veteran-owned.

Founded in 2009 by Angel Mason Broadus, the agency is now owned and operated by Angel and her wife, Kristine Mason Broadus. Specializing in Branding, Website Design & Development, Graphic Design, and Copywriting & Messaging, Puzzle Pieces Marketing helps nonprofits and mission-driven businesses tell their stories in powerful and authentic ways.

Rooted in San Diego, they’re more than just marketers—they’re an active part of and deeply involved in the community. From serving as board members and committee chairs to rolling up their sleeves as volunteers, they bring firsthand experience and a unique perspective as a minority-owned small business. Their passion for social impact drives them to build brands that don’t just stand out but truly connect, inspire, and create lasting change.

They take pride in collaborating with incredible people on past and ongoing projects, including:

• MAAC – Brand Refresh and Website Redesign & Development
• San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum – Rebrand and Website Redesign & Development
• California Center for the Arts, Escondido – Strategic Communications Plan
• MOXIE Theatre – Rebrand
• Junior Achievement of San Diego County – Website Redesign & Development
• Community Resource Center – Fundraising Campaigns
• NCAAWA – Branding & Marketing

To see more of their work visit https://puzzlepiecesmarketing.com/our-work/

Giving Back: Puzzle Pieces Marketing’s Commitment to Nonprofits

Puzzle Pieces Marketing is passionate about using the power of marketing to uplift nonprofits that support under-resourced communities and advocate for racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, affordable housing, education, healthcare, financial literacy, food security, mental health and wellness, employment and workforce development, accessibility, and community development.

Through pro bono marketing services, the agency helps these organizations amplify their voices, expand their reach, and create real, lasting impact. By providing marketing resources and support, Puzzle Pieces Marketing ensures that the missions driving these nonprofits don’t just get noticed—they inspire action and fuel meaningful change.

Visit their website to learn more about Puzzle Pieces Marketing.  https://puzzlepiecesmarketing.com.

 

Guajome Park Academy Foundation and NCPC: A Stronger Community Together

As a proud member of the North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC), the Guajome Park Academy (GPA) Foundation is committed to strengthening our community through collaboration, shared knowledge, and service. NCPC connects us with organizations that share our dedication to uplifting those in need, allowing us to expand our impact beyond the walls of our school. Through this partnership, we gain invaluable insights from experienced nonprofit leaders, helping us grow and sustain our young foundation. By fostering meaningful relationships with other organizations, we create long-term solutions that support not only Guajome Park Academy students and families but also the broader North County community. Together, we can amplify our collective efforts to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

The mission of the Guajome Park Academy Foundation is to provide resources, professional expertise, and financial contributions to support Guajome Park Academy’s goal of inspiring and mentoring all learners to become responsible, critical-thinking global leaders. Through excellence and innovation in education, we empower students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

At GPA, we are deeply committed to eliminating barriers to student success. More than 73% of our students live below the poverty line, and over 70% come from underserved communities. We prioritize English Language Development, family support services, and access to fundamental needs such as food, clothing, and healthcare. Additionally, nearly 20% of our students identify as LGBTQIA+, and close to 90 of our students and families are experiencing homelessness. The GPA Foundation works in tandem with the school to provide before- and after-school care, educational opportunities for parents, and a nurturing environment where all students can thrive.

Over the past year, we have made remarkable strides in advancing student success and strengthening our school community. Academic growth has increased across multiple grade levels, and we have continued to see a significant reduction in both chronic absenteeism and suspension rates. Our targeted support services have helped improve living conditions for many families, ensuring that students can focus on learning without the weight of basic unmet needs.

Through dedicated efforts this school year, we have already secured over $50,000 in funding to support student research trips, enhance classroom technology, provide staff development, and enrich learning experiences. With the Foundation’s assistance, the Guajome library has also grown, with more than 200 new books added this school year alone, fostering a love of reading and knowledge among our students.

One of our most anticipated events of the year is Stakeholders Day, taking place on Saturday, March 1st, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This annual celebration showcases the achievements of our students through presentations, projects, and performances, highlighting the progress we have made as a school and as a community. It is a day of reflection, inspiration, and connection, bringing together staff, students, families, and community partners.

Additionally, the GPA Foundation is hosting its first ever Guajome Community Mixer on Friday, May 30th, 2025 at the Vistonian. Tickets will be available beginning March 1, with a special promotion being promoted on Stakeholders Day.

The success of the GPA Foundation and Guajome Park Academy is made possible through the generosity and engagement of our community. We invite you to join us by attending events, volunteering, or contributing resources to help further our mission. Additionally, the Guajome Business Network offers a unique opportunity for local businesses to partner with our school, providing mentorship, sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives that enhance student learning.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.guajome.net or contact Superintendent Kevin Humphrey at humphreyke@guajome.net.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for our students and our community.

Universidad Popular (UP) is a grassroots community-based education organization, founded in 2012 in North County San Diego by a group of Mexican/Chicana/Latinx grassroots leaders with the mission of nurturing human dignity, multicultural appreciation, and a culture of trust and civic participation in our nation’s democratic process. Specifically, Universidad Popular aims to fill a major gap in human rights education, to foster multi-racial collaboration across agencies, organizations, and communities and to center equity and social justice at the heart of its work.

Universidad Popular brings together diverse leaders and educators with bold ideas to envision and create innovative programs that are culturally/linguistically responsive, data-driven, and social justice focused. The organization employs a three-prong approach that is intergenerational, action-oriented, and culturally responsive.

Programs include:

Citizenship Program – Ciudadanía

Universidad Popular enters its eighth-year teaching U.S. History and Government classes for citizenship with over one hundred adult students currently enrolled in the program. Most work in local restaurants, hotels, farms, warehouses, construction sites, daycares and other jobs that contribute to our thriving economy. Many individuals are attending school for the first time with limited formal education, and many will speak three languages: an Indigenous language, Spanish, and English. They show up with a pencil and book on hand, eager to learn about U.S. history, government, and ways to become more civically involved. The program is free and open to anyone interested in learning. Classes are held in San Marcos and Escondido.

Food Distribution in Pauma

In collaboration with Feeding San Diego and the Pauma Valley Community Center, Universidad Popular had thirty-two food distributions and distributed food to over 6,500 farmworker families in 2024. The food distribution happens every Tuesday and is open to the community.

Listos California

Universidad Popular is part of the statewide network of community-based organizations, Tribal Governments, and Community Emergency Response Teams across the state to boost resiliency, provide accessible in-language information and advance a new culture of disaster preparedness. UP works specifically with Mexican/Latinx immigrants and farmworkers to prepare for wildfires, floods, earthquakes, droughts, heatwaves, and other disasters. UP provides lifesaving emergency preparedness information and tools to help vulnerable Californians thrive post-disasters. Classes are free and open to the community.

Covid-19 Pandemic Recovery

After five years of providing direct services to address the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Universidad Popular closed its last Covid-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinic in Escondido. Throughout the pandemic, Universidad Popular provided access to life-saving vaccines, Covid-19 tests and masks and education. In 2024, Universidad Popular reached over 50,000 community members in collaboration with Champions for Health.

Workers’ Rights

Universidad Popular is part of the California Workplace Outreach Program (CWOP), a network of community-based organizations conducting outreach and education in working-class communities providing information and resources regarding worker protections outlined in California’s labor code and workplace health and safety regulations.

Immigrant Rights

Through an interactive and interdisciplinary core curriculum that integrates human rights, immigrant rights, Chicana/Chicanx Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Women/Gender Studies, UP teaches about constitutional rights and freedoms and immigration history. In collaboration with Alianza Comunitaria, UP coordinates an emergency alert system using mobile technology to disseminate information and notifications regarding emergencies and immigration updates.

For additional information, visit our website www.unipopular.org.

The Grauer School, a 7^th-12^th grade independent, college preparatory school is a proud member of NCPC and welcomes the community to learn more about empowering education here in Encinitas.

In The Grauer School’s balanced, holistic program, students develop the courage and confidence to nurture their unique interests, master academic requirements, and engage in expeditionary learning in our classrooms, community, and around the world. Our learning model fosters real connections, and students have a voice in setting and achieving their goals. All students have access to everything Grauer has to offer, from arts to athletics, STEAM, leadership, community service, world languages, cultural immersion, and more. These opportunities allow them to explore and to develop the skills they will need to create the world they want to live in.

Join us at an upcoming “Discover High School at The Grauer School” event on March 6, 2025 from 9:15-10:30am, where families can hear from our administration and experience a day in the life of a high school Grauer student.

To learn more about The Grauer School and to RSVP, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760-944-6777.

 

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego (BGCGSD) has been a member of the North County Philanthropy Council from the very beginning.  Our CEO, Danny Sherlock, was one of the founders of NCPC along with Rick Hendrickson of Redwood Terrace, Myron Lewis of United Way, and Bob Krejci, a fundraising consultant.

We have participated in every in-person Philanthropy Day celebration dating back to the first one, which was held at the Chart House in the Oceanside Marina in 1988.  Our honoree that year was Ruth Mangrum, who was an active volunteer leader and generous donor to our organization.

As our organization has expanded into San Diego and South County, we have continued to derive great benefits from our membership in NCPC.  The relationships we have developed with our fundraising peers and the information and training we have received from NCPC contributed immeasurably to our growth.

Today, BGCGSD has 23 locations within its service area of over 2,000 square miles.  We inspire and enable over 22,000 youth each year to achieve academic success, build good character and responsible citizenship, and make healthy lifestyle choices.  We serve the children who need us most as 72% of Club members live in low-income households.  Our services include after school programs, day camps, licensed child care, nutrition, transportation and much more.

During the past year we have created two new positions: Wellness Program Director and Director of Impact.  The Wellness Program Director is a Licensed Social Worker responsible for our Social-Emotional Wellness Program, which is being piloted at two sites.  The Director of Impact is responsible for collecting data to measure the impact of our programs.  In 2025, we will be hiring a Director of Safety to manage services which enhance the safety and security of our members and staff.

We encourage community involvement and offer a variety of individual and group volunteer opportunities.  Volunteers are needed in programs, to support fundraisers, and for one-time projects.  Please note that opportunities may have time/day restrictions and require background checks.  We offer several ways to support our organization through donations, matching gifts, giving societies, in-kind services, and planned giving.

For more information about BGCGSD, to volunteer or donate, please visit our website at www.sdyouth.org