Information provided by Sun Street Centers. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) has granted Sun Street Centers $50,000. This Community Impact grant, funded by the Lauralie and J. Irvine Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, will support the Safe Teens Empowerment Project (STEPS) for two years. It aims to increase the STEPS Program’s peer-to-peer education on substance use and develop opportunities for high school students to participate in drug prevention initiatives.
Between June 2023 and November 2024, the STEPS Program involves 154 student volunteers from various high schools in Monterey County. This volunteer-based afterschool program focuses on preventing drug and alcohol use among high school students. Student volunteers gather weekly to organize prevention campaigns, educate peers about substance use risks, and collaborate with community organizations to advocate for drug-free communities.
The program’s success is measured not only by the number of students it engages but by the positive impact it has on their lives and the broader community. Student volunteers undergo comprehensive training that equips them with the skills to lead discussions, plan events, and serve as role models for their peers. Our prevention services educated over 10,000 people in Monterey County last year.
Sun Street Centers’ collaboration with local schools, parents, and law enforcement agencies further strengthens the program’s reach and effectiveness. By fostering a supportive network, the STEPS Program not only educates but also empowers students to make informed decisions and become proactive leaders in their communities.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County’s (CFMC’s) continued support is important in continuing these efforts and ensuring that the message of prevention resonates throughout the region. Together, we are building a safer, healthier future for the next generation.
The CFMC makes grants to create healthy, safe, vibrant communities in Monterey County and beyond. A design studio for philanthropy, the CFMC works with individuals, families and businesses to design customized giving plans to make an impact now and in the future.
Sun Street Centers’ Hollister Women’s Residential and Perinatal Program has recently received $5,000 through a Program Project Grant from the Community Foundation for San Benito County. The Women’s Residential Program offers a nurturing setting for single women and mothers with young children who are seeking a drug- and alcohol-free life. Participants in the program acquire various skill sets to equip them for sustainable recovery. The program also provides access to counseling and mental health services, ensuring that each woman receives the emotional support she needs during her journey to recovery.
In addition to these resources, the Women’s Residential Program fosters a strong sense of community among its residents. Regular group activities and peer support sessions help participants form meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences and challenges. This network of support is crucial, as it reminds each woman that she is not alone in her struggles and that a brighter, healthier future is within reach.
The funding received from 2024 Program Project Grant will provide crucial resources for comprehensive treatment and recovery services, including counseling, and educational workshops. By addressing both the needs of the women and their children, the program fosters a nurturing and stable environment conducive to long-term recovery and personal growth.
The grant reflects the Community Foundation’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of local families and building a healthier, more resilient community. With this support, Sun Street Centers can expand its outreach and impact, ensuring more women have access to the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives.
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