© 2016 Developing Employment Readiness Recipients Honored at Celebration
(SAN DIEGO, CA) “ – The San Diego Women’s Foundation’s Annual Grants Celebration was one of the most inspirational nights of the year. 220+ people came together for the event, which was held at Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall and celebrated the newest Developing Employment Readiness Community Partners, as well as SDWF surpassing $3 million in total granting since SDWF’s inception in 2000. A total of $184,000 was awarded to the grant recipients, who will use the money for programs that provide career-specific education, training or work experiences that increase access to San Diego’s labor market and the prospect of long-term financial self-sufficiency, an area of focus that impacts San Diego communities immediately, as well as for generations to come.
The non-profit organizations were selected through a thorough vetting process and a final vote by all 215 SDWF members. They are:
- Center for Employment Opportunities: Reentry to Employment: Training & Certification
- Kitchens for Good: Project Launch – Culinary Job Training
- MiraCosta College Foundation: Machinist Technology Program
- National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR): NFAR Tech
- Vista Community Clinic: Training Low-Income Residents to Become Medical Assistants
“We are extremely pleased to award these funds to such an impressive list of committed and accomplished organizations doing work in this area,” said Suzanne LaTour, Board President of the San Diego Women’s Foundation”.
“Funding programs that help citizens find their own pathway to sustainable wage employment is critical for themselves, their families and the community as a whole. We have no doubt that these extraordinary organizations will make a difference and help make San Diego a better and stronger region.”
The evening also featured Cindy Gompper-Graves, President & CEO of South County Economic Development Council since 2003. Ms. Gompper-Graves shared her insightful perspective on pathways to success and trends in San Diego’s labor market.
Other Community Partners, who received grants in prior years, shared key components of their programs, illustrating the many types of programs the San Diego Women’s Foundation has supported during its 15 years of granting. This year’s newest five grants bring the total to 80 non-profit programs supported over this period.
SDWF is excited to welcome new members and friends who joined to be a part of the organization, supporting the mission to educate and inspire women to engage in collective philanthropy and to be a catalyst for change, investing in innovative solutions that benefit the underserved communities in the San Diego region.
About the San Diego Women’s Foundation…Founded in 2000, The San Diego Women’s Foundation educates and inspires women to engage in collective philanthropy. They invest in innovative solutions that benefit the underserved communities in the San Diego region. Contributions and talents of the 215 SDWF members have resulted in more than $3 million in grants that have been awarded to 80 nonprofit programs, touching hundreds of thousands oflives in and around San Diego. For more information, visit–www.sdwomensfoundation.org.
