There’s an old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child”, and for the youth of today, those words continue to ring true. It takes an entire community of people to support the growth of a child in a healthy and safe environment. Since 1986, the Children’s Fund has assisted more than 1.5 million children by funding and equipping agencies and non-profits that serve underprivileged children. Their mission is to give vulnerable children Support, Opportunity, and Hope by breaking destructive cycles through community partnerships.
About Children’s Fund
The idea of the Children’s Fund was recommended in 1985 to improve the way services were delivered to children that fell under the responsibility of the respective County departments. Founder Patrick J. Morris, the then presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, established a Policy Council. Following a formal review, the endorsement was made to add a nonprofit 501(c) (3) component to the Children’s Network.
In 1986 Children’s Fund was founded and established as a non-profit organization to serve underprivileged children in our county who are in desperate need of support.
How Children’s Fund Supports Their Community
Children’s Fund works directly with Case Managers and Social Workers to provide emergency assistance to vulnerable children by supplying clothing, food, beds, transportation, shelter, dental and medical care which otherwise would not be accessible.
Working alongside numerous community benefit organizations, Children’s Fund coordinates several campaigns to support those they serve including the annual Celebration of Giving Campaign. Each year they collect thousands of gifts for the holidays for the disadvantaged youth throughout our region. For the back-to-school season, Children’s Fund collects backpacks filled with school supplies, winter gear for the colder months, birthday gifts for foster youth, and basic hygiene products.
Through scholarship funds and endowments, the Children’s Fund supports academic scholarships at various community colleges for foster and homeless youth at San Bernardino, Cal Poly Pomona, and four San Bernardino County Community Colleges. Additional funds are used to support mentorship programs for foster youth at local universities. Research shows that mentors can help young people avoid negative behaviors, achieve success, increase social and emotional development, and improve self-esteem. This program not only benefits the students at the moment but for years to come by giving them the support and confidence they need to achieve academic excellence and personal growth.
Children’s Fund has also identified special ongoing projects such as the Children’s Assessment Center. This Center is the only one of its kind in San Bernardino County, staffed with specially trained forensic pediatricians and nurse practitioners, victim advocates, therapists, forensic interviewers, and law enforcement officers that help reduce trauma by engaging children in a safe and comforting environment.
These are just a few of the many ways Children’s Fund supports underprivileged youth.
How To Get Involved
Think about the children that have been rescued from their home, from an unpleasant family environment. Visualize all the children that get abused due to their parent’s addictions and lack of anger management. Picture a child that has been left to fend for themselves because they have been left in the house alone.
These children are the reason why the Children’s Fund does what it does. These are also the reasons why they need your support and help. There are several ways to get involved with the Children’s Fund:
Donate: Your donations help in more ways than one. Donations are used to fund several scholarship initiatives and campaigns, all of which have a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children in the area.
You can choose the amount you wish to contribute and also choose whether you’d like to do a one-time donation, set it as recurring, or pledge a given amount in installments. Your donation can be designated towards our Emergency Needs Program, Celebration of Giving Campaign, Children’s Assessment Center, Literary Program, Ramos Endowed Scholarship Luncheon or a sponsorship for the Ramos Endowed Scholarship.
Make your donation today to help vulnerable youth in our community.
Support an event: Throughout the year Children’s Fund holds several events that contribute to ongoing fundraising efforts. Your support of these events means so much because the more you can support these events, the more you help underprivileged youth. These events are also tons of fun, so you’re sure to enjoy yourself!
Our annual events include:
- Computer Camp – This program equips Foster Youth that is graduating from high school with a new laptop, printer, Microsoft Office software, and a full-day, hands-on training session. In 2021 our partnership with San Bernardino County’s Independent Living Program (ILP) allowed us to provide 100 computer camp packages.
- Children Are Our Future – Through teaming up with Children’s Fund, the 66ers baseball club, and various family strengthening organizations, event-goers can bring awareness to child abuse as we celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. This year’s event has passed but stay tuned for 2022!
- Children’s Fund Golf Classic & Founder’s Award Banquet – Enjoy golf? This event is one of the best golf tournaments in the community. After a day of golf get ready for a night of fun and attend our Founder’s Award Banquet. While this year’s event has passed there’s plenty to look forward to next year.
Volunteer your time:
Volunteering with Children’s Fund is a life-changing experience. If you’re interested in being a part of providing Support, Opportunity, and Hope to vulnerable children they could use your help. There are several ways you can volunteer. They offer volunteer opportunities for our care campaigns, events, Comfort Quilt trauma program, as well as other opportunities.
If you would like to be added to the volunteer email list to receive volunteer opportunities, please use the sign me up button below!
Children’s Fund is here to support the youth of today through programs and campaigns that will positively impact their future. They would love your support along the way as they give hope for brighter tomorrows to underprivileged children in our community. To contact them please fill out this contact form.
