More than 600 women came together February 2 to celebrate the power of community at The Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Options event at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. The nonprofit hosts the annual event to recognize women working to provide humanitarian relief and help sustain the Jewish community around the world. Emmy-nominated television writer and comedienne Carol Leifler spoke at the event. Guests were also given seed packets to donate to community gardens to underscore this year’s theme “planting the seeds that build our thriving community.”
“As the saying goes, from little seeds grow mighty trees,” said event co-chair Marie Raftery. “Looking at this incredible group of women reminds me how truly mighty we are!”
San Diego nonprofit Second Chance recently received a $90,000 grant from the Lucky Duck Foundation to help fund transitional sober-living housing, job training, and other services for formerly incarcerated men and women, who are nearly 10 times more likely to end up on the streets. Lucky Duck, based in Del Mar, raises money for a variety of charitable causes related to homelessness.
“An estimated 20 percent of adults participating in Second Chance’s Job Readiness Training program report being homeless, said Second Chance President and CEO Robert Coleman. “This impactful donation will offer them safe, sober-living housing, training, and support they need as they start the journey to self-sufficiency.”
Promises2Kids recently recognized its volunteer mentors who work to provide local foster kids and young adults with guidance and support. The event this January at Balboa Park was held in conjunction with National Mentoring Month. Foster youth and their mentors spent the afternoon exploring the park’s monuments, taking photos, and making memories.
Lani Nicole, Blue Moon Images