CHILDREN’S FUND RECEIVES $17,500 FROM U.S. BANK

 

    Foster Youth to Benefit through Scholarship Educational Programs

 

 U.S. Bank has approved and presented $17,500 for Children’s Fund Foster Youth Educational Programs which will empower foster and former foster youth through higher education.

Venus, a participant in Children’s Fund programs, is a great example of how U.S. Bank’s grant to Children’s Fund Scholarship Fund makes a difference to foster youth in our local communities.  Last spring Children’s Fund awarded four scholarships to foster youth at the Shine-A-Light Breakfast, and Venus was one of the recipients.  Her story shows the determination and resiliency that we celebrate.

At the age of 13, Venus was introduced to drugs by her mother.  With both parents being drug addicts, Venus ended up on the streets and became pregnant.  By the age of 14, Venus, still a child herself, had two children.  In February 2012, protective services were called, and Venus’ children were placed into foster care.  Knowing that her life would not get better if she did not make some substantial changes, Venus also entered foster care and her life began to turn around.

She graduated from high school with a 3.25 GPA. She currently is attending San Bernardino Valley College, studying to become a registered nurse.  She has both of her children back with her and has been drug free for 18 months.  Venus recently sent an email to Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.

“I just wanted to give you an update and thank you for the scholarship.  I am attending San Bernardino Valley College.  The money helped to pay for books, class and school supplies.  Again, thank you,” Venus’ email read.

Richard Madsen presents check to Erin Phillips and Vicente Wright

Venus receives Scholarship

“Less than 5% of foster or former foster youth graduate from college with four year degrees. It is because of generous financial supporters, like U.S. Bank, that we are able to make a real difference in the lives of these young adults,” says Phillips.  Children’s Fund provides scholarship funds at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State San Bernardino as well as the county’s four junior colleges for foster and former foster youth.

 

BONNES MERES AUXILIARY GIVES CHILDREN'S FUND AN EARLY CHRISTMAS

Photo by Debbie Karalun - Bonnes Meres Auxiliary members Terrie DeMuth, and Sally Robertson along with President Valerie Peister present Children’s Fund President and CEO Erin Phillips a check for $90,000 at Tuesday's breakfast meeting.

 

Published: Thursday, December 12, 2013 4:17 PM in the Highland Community News

Giving was in the air at the Bonnes Meres Auxiliaries general meeting held at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Bonnes Meres President Valerie Peister introduced welcomed members and guests to this month’s meeting and recognized Sally Robertson and Terrie DeMuth the chairpersons of November 14ths “Simple Joys of Christmas” fundraising auction and luncheon.

Robertson and DeMuth then recognized each of their committee members with a few words and a gift. The fall auction and luncheon along with Bonnes Meres spring birthday luncheon are the primary fundraising events for the auxiliary.

The biggest gift of all was presented to Children’s Fund President and CEO Erin Phillips. Phillips received a check in the amount of $90,000 in the name of Children’s Fund.

“This is amazing. What a beautiful public display to the children in our community and is an incredible donation to the kids in our region, and is really going to make a difference,” said Phillips

Bonnes Meres auxiliary serves Children’s Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk children in San Bernardino County. Bonnes Meres and Children's Fund work to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished, or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education.

“I am happy we can give this money in confidence and that this will go to the children,” shared Peister.

The money raised from the auxiliary’s fund-an-item at the luncheon was approximately $6,000 and is designated to help support the ongoing needs at the assessment center. Their goal is to provide each child they see with a blanket, clothing, food and a stuffed animal during their visit at the assessment center

Bonnes Meres next fundraiser will be their Annual Birthday Luncheon on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Redlands Country Club.

For more information about Bonnes Meres visit their website at www.bonnesmeres.org.

CHILDREN'S FUND AWARDED $50,000 FROM CARDENAS MARKETS

Children’s Fund is the recipient of a 2-year $50,000 scholarship grant for foster and former foster youth provided by Cardenas Market at their recent event held at the Auto Club Speedway in October.  Children’s Fund was among other educational institutions and school districts, part of $483,000 that was bestowed to multiple organizations by Cardenas Markets.

“Cardenas Markets is committed to our local communities,” states Marco Robles, Vice-President of Public Affairs for Cardenas Markets.  “Our efforts will help create and strengthen conditions for local families to propel vulnerable children to success.”

 The grant will help fund scholarships for foster high school students who are doing well academically to enable them to further their education.  Aiden, as a high school senior from Apple Valley, benefitted from this scholarship.  Entering the foster care system at the age of 4, he lived in multiple states and overcame difficult circumstances.  He could have chosen a different path, but he is strong and resilient and demonstrates why Children’s Fund believes that investments like these will help youth like Aiden reach their goals.

 “Together, Cardenas Markets and Children’s Fund can provide much needed financial support for students like Aiden so that they can reach their educational goals and change their future,” states Erin Phillips, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “This $50,000 investment for scholarship and academic support will make a very real impact in the lives of many youth, youth who may someday be our Mayors, business leaders, etc.” 

 Potential barriers for foster youth and former foster youth go far beyond books and academic fees; students must also balance housing, food, and other expenses with relatively little external support in order to successfully graduate.

“Less than 5% of foster or former foster youth graduate from college with four year degrees,” says Phillips.  “It is because of generous financial partners, like Cardenas Markets, that we can help provide scholarships to local foster and former foster youth who would otherwise not have the means to achieve their goals – whether that is obtaining technical training or pursuing higher academic degrees.”