Aniko Millan leads the Mental Health Monday hike for Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative. Credit: TWDCC team.
In June of 2021, Rise Together made 14 grants, totalling $423,000 to advance our goals for racial equity locally. We continue to work together, meeting every other week to collaborate and support the development of each project. In just four months, we’ve already made a lot of progress. Here are a few updates to share:
DigitalNEST NESTcorps to continue creating youth-driven changes in their community while also preparing them for future careers. Update: Workshops have begun to teach youth research methods for identifying community needs, soon a community survey designed by the youth will be shared.
Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan Sharing appreciation for farmworkers by providing food, water, gift cards, and information about community resources. Update: Funds are currently being used for meals once a week, gift cards, diapers and childrens books for farmworkers.
Black Health Matters Initiative, Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center For the Black Health Matters Initiative to build the staffing and programmatic infrastructure to support Black mental health through the arts and culture, community building, youth development and leadership. Update: Fresh Air programming started this summer providing mental health and community support services. Participants are feeling a new sense of belonging and reflections of themselves through these community connections. This grant and the Black Freedom Fund grant will help support a paid position for Black Health Matters Initiative.
If you feel moved to join in supporting these projects, please donate directly to the organizations leading this work. If you are excited to see the Rise Together group and grantmaking process grow, please donate to the Rise Together Fund.
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