SAN DIEGO–Cox Charities surprised 10 nonprofit organizations in San Diego County with grants totaling $100,000 to help them address immediate needs in the community.
The grants focus on three key areas of need: COVID-19 relief, the digital divide, and social justice efforts.
Cox Charities is funded by employee donations that are matched by Cox and overseen by a volunteer advisory board of employees. Cox Charities members (employees who donate to the foundation) were given the opportunity to vote for which organizations they thought were making an essential impact in one of the three focus areas and should be selected for a grant.
The following San Diego County organizations were awarded grants of $10,000:
Alpha Project: The Cox Charities grant will help fund efforts around relocation assistance, which has been a key issue during the Covid-19 pandemic. Serving more than 4,000 men, women, and children each day, Alpha Project provides affordable housing, residential substance abuse treatment, supportive housing for people with special needs, basic and emergency services for the homeless, transportation assistance, mental health counseling, employment training, and HIV/AIDS education, outreach and prevention. https://www.alphaproject.org/
Casa de Amparo: The grant will enable Casa de Amparo to assist 30 foster youth living at an onsite facility. Casa de Amparo supports those affected by and at risk of child abuse and neglect, through a range of programs and services that promote healing, growth, and healthy relationships. https://www.casadeamparo.org/
Cesar Chavez Service Club: Providing leadership development programs in public schools across San Diego County, the Cesar Chavez Service Club helps build confidence, competence, and a sense of community among young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit has been working with more than 400 families to provide support for basic needs. http://www.chavezclubs.org/
Coastal Roots Farm: A nonprofit educational community farm, Coastal Roots Farm practices sustainable farming, shared the harvest with communities that lack access to healthy food, and education through programming for school districts in North County. During the pandemic, Coastal Roots Farm has distributed more than 58,000 pounds of organic nutrient-dense produce and eggs to vulnerable members of the community, an increase of 35% from the prior year, and more than 15,000 pounds above the initial goal for the year. Coastal Roots Farm has also established new outdoor farm camps to balance screen time with green time. https://leichtag.org/introducing-coastal-roots-farm/
Girls Inc.: For 50 years, Girls Inc. of San Diego County has been helping girls achieve their goals despite the unique challenges they face. In addition to mentoring opportunities and research-based programming designed to help girls navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, the nonprofit enables girls to see college as attainable, resist peer pressure while learning essential life skills, and explore professional fields in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in which women are under-represented. In light of the social justice events of 2020, Girls Inc. has started a virtual social justice series, “Seeds of Change,” and grant funds will help build this program. https://girlsincsd.org/
Just in Time for Foster Youth: Just in Time for Foster Youth envisions a future in which every youth leaving the foster care system has access to a community of caring adults after age 18. The nonprofit believes that developing consistent, lasting relationships is the foundation for the success of youth so they can thrive and enjoy productive, satisfying lives. Foster youth have experienced many disruptions and challenges during the pandemic, and the Cox Charities grant will help fund programs that provide support. https://jitfosteryouth.org/
Neighborhood House Association: Established in 1914 as a settlement house that assisted immigrants transitioning to the San Diego community, Neighborhood House Association (NHA) is one of the largest multi-purpose nonprofits in San Diego County. During the pandemic, NHA has seen mental health services double and an increase in the need for food. NHA now has seven food distribution sites. http://www.neighborhoodhouse.org/
Promises2Kids: Promises2Kids is a leading nonprofit organization originally founded as the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation of San Diego County over 35 years ago. Since 1981, Promises2Kids has responded to the needs of foster children and provides support to children removed from their home due to abuse and neglect. https://promises2kids.org/
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum: Working through the pandemic to continue providing a hands-on educational experience for children in North San Diego County, the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum features interactive exhibits and programs focused on science, world cultures, and art, as well as STEM content and curriculum for every third grader in the Escondido Union School District. https://www.sdcdm.org/
Urban League of San Diego County (ULSDC): Through advocacy, bridge building, program services and research, ULSDC assists African Americans and other underserved people in San Diego County in their efforts to achieve social and economic equality. ULSDC has seen a tremendous need for services during the pandemic, and their housing counselors have been working overtime. https://www.sdul.org/
