The Burn Institute plans to use a $75,000 grant from The Cushman Foundation to help kids and teens caught setting fires turn their behavior around. Through its forthcoming Youth Firesetter Intervention and Prevention Program, the Burn Institute will provide assessment, intervention, education, and mental health referrals for those ages 5 to 17 in hopes of preventing repeat fire-starting.
The nonprofit dedicated to decreasing the number of burn injuries sustained in San Diego and Imperial counties also plans to partner with courts, fire service, law enforcement, and schools. The unique-to-San Diego County program is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.
The grant was part of The Cushman Foundation’s “Making a Difference for San Diego” initiative. The foundation has awarded $1.2 million to 15 local organizations.
San Diego Gas & Electric has donated $7,500 to the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy to support its climate-science curriculum called “Microclimates on a Macro Scale.” The charter school course is part of SDRVC’s Watershed Explorers Program which, in partnership with the San Dieguito River Park, San Diego Archaeological Center, and Volcan Mountain Foundation, allows students to visit the San Dieguito River Park and study the wildlife, diverse habitats, and the cultural and natural resources located there.
“Teaming up with the Climate Science Alliance, the Conservancy will receive assistance with obtaining regionally specific climate data that will increase the depth of understanding of climate-change impacts on the different microclimates within our watershed. This data will serve as a cornerstone for the hiking and subsequent social media campaign components of the curriculum,” said Ana Lutz, Education Manager for SDRVC.
The Cushman Foundation Kick-Starts the Burn Institute’s Intervention Program for Young Firebugs
The Burn Institute received a $75,000 grant from the Cushman Foundation
