For Immediate Release

October 19, 2020 – San Diego, CA – Ramona Community Foundation (RCF), an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, awarded $34,500 in funding to build a more vibrant and resilient Ramona community, as well as address the challenges families face due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“For nine years, community members in Ramona have come together to support programs that strengthen the quality of life in the region,” shared Kristin Zook, RCF Board Chair. “This year has tested us like never before and I’m proud to say that Ramona Community Foundation members are stepping up to fund nonprofit programs and initiatives that are helping residents impacted by the pandemic and other longstanding challenges.”

The nonprofits funded during the 2020 grant cycle include ArtReach, Autism Tree Project Foundation, Feeding San Diego, Heart and Hooves Therapy, North County Health Services, Ramona Senior Center, Trauma Intervention Programs, and Voices for Children. In addition to these nonprofits, RCF members contributed $10,000 of the total grantmaking for 2020 to address food insecurity for Ramona families impacted by the pandemic.

RCF is dedicated to improving the quality of life and meeting emerging needs in Ramona by increasing responsible and effective philanthropy; building a community endowment for the benefit of the region; providing funds annually to local organizations and causes; and giving the community a vehicle for legacy planning and gifts that will benefit Ramona now and forever.

Since its inception, RCF has granted more than $275,000 to over 65 nonprofit programs that strengthen quality of life for all who live, work and enjoy Ramona.

To become a member, visit the RCF site or contact Trudy Armstrong at trudy@sdfoundation.org.

About the 2020 Grantees:

ArtReach

Visual Arts and Wellness for Ramona Elementary Students

This $5,000 grant will allow ArtReach to expand its artistic reach beyond the school campus to accommodate and further engage students during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will ensure that students continue to have access to arts-based learning during transitions between distance and on-campus learning. Lessons will be accessible both online and in packets for families without internet access.

Voices for Children

Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA)

This $5,000 grant will help Voices for Children recruit, train, and supervise volunteer CASAs who will serve as mentors and advocates for foster youth from Ramona, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for foster youth from Ramona who have suffered abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

North County Health Services

Increasing Access to Healthcare by Addressing Transportation Barriers

This $4,000 grant will help increase access to healthcare for low-income, uninsured and other individuals living in Ramona. Funds will be used to provide transportation to medical, dental and behavioral health appointments for uninsured patients through Uber Health, a digital transportation marketplace. Uber Health connects patients with non-emergency medical transportation, including rideshare, medical sedans, and wheelchair vans, whenever and wherever they need it.

Autism Tree Project Foundation

Heart and Hooves Therapy Workshop

This $2,500 grant will continue and expand the Autism Tree Project Foundation Hearts and Hooves Therapy Program by offering this unique program to 50 families impacted by autism over the course of the year. The program helps improve communities through CARES: Community Awareness, Advocacy, Research & Early Intervention Screenings.

Feeding San Diego

Agency Produce Support in Ramona

This $2,500 grant will help connect Ramona residents facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Feeding San Diego will provide food to its Ramona partners – the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet and the First Congressional Church of Ramona – totaling approximately 61,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables provided over the year.

Ramona Senior Center

Senior Nutrition Program

This $2,500 grant will support the Ramona Senior Center’s Nutrition Program, which works in conjunction with the County of San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services to provide nutritionally balanced meals to an average of 200 seniors each day at the center. Additionally, the meals are served via Food Truck delivery to homebound seniors three days a week.

Trauma Intervention Program

Ramona Crisis Intervention

This $2,000 grant will enable the Ramona Fire Department to respond to every emergency call with a Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) volunteer who will provide emotional and practical support to citizens in crisis immediately following a tragic event. TIP volunteers assist with relief to the emergency responders on the scene who are unable to stay with victims and ensure their emotional well-being.

Heart and Hooves Therapy

On-site sessions and off-site visits

This $1,000 grant will enhance the lives of children and adults, of any age and ability with a different kind of therapy. The organization uses mini-horses and other animals to provide on-site sessions and off-site visits throughout San Diego County. This funding will enable Heart and Hooves to continue to offer year-round animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy to the Ramona residents.