On May 16, nearly 200 community members gathered to enjoy the 4SRanch~Del Sur Community Foundation (4SCF) 2018 Grants Celebration and Community Block Party.
At the event, six nonprofit organizations received grants to support programs positively impacting the local community. The event also included a live fire demonstration by the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, interactive booths and a performance by North County Gymnastics and the Gyminny Kids.
Building Local Students into Leaders
For the 2018 grant cycle, 4SCF is investing in organizations that address the health and well-being of youth, families and individuals in 4S Ranch and Del Sur. Programs include working to reduce food insecurity for older adults, promoting physical fitness among children and bringing arts experiences to local residents of all ages.
Among the grantees is SOLE Effects (Stepping Out into Leadership Experiences), an organization that aims to grow strong leaders through influential role models, research-based programming and leadership experiences.
Today, teens face a number of academic and social challenges that make it harder for them to thrive inside and outside the classroom. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 30 percent of high school students in California reported depression-related symptoms.
To help equip students with the necessary skills to manage their mental health and emotional well-being, SOLE Effects implements the SWITCH Expedition, an in school, research-based leadership program taught by college-age mentors. With the grant, SOLE Effects will enroll more than 200 9th grade students at Del Norte High School in the SWITCH Expedition program throughout the 2019 school year.
“The 4SRanch~Del Sur Community Foundation grant will allow us to refine and enrich our SWITCH program, bringing a team of exceptional college leaders to equip local students to navigate their lives toward healthy choices,” stated Karen Ogden, President & CEO of SOLE Effects. “We are confident these students will go on to become influential leaders among younger students, peers and families, and continue to grow an even stronger and more connected 4S Ranch and Del Sur community.”
Get Involved
SOLE Effects is just one example of the many impactful organizations 4SCF and its members have supported over the years. Throughout the last decade, 4SCF has granted more than $266,000 to support nonprofit organizations and built an endowment of nearly $120,000, generating over $380,000 worth of impact in the community.
All of this is made possible through the Regional Affiliate Program, which puts community first.
If you aren’t yet a member, the Regional Affiliate Program is the perfect way to become an active participant in your community’s growth, wherever you live.
