Community Giving Program helps those who help others
By: Jason Probst, The Press-Tribune
10:02 AM PST
The United Auburn Indian Community recently announced the first
quarter of their 2006 Community Giving Program, which totaled just over
$200,000 to local organizations.
The program, established in March 2004, has furnished local
nonprofits with more than $2.7 million in funds.
Recipients have ranged from organizations working in health,
education, arts and humanities, to social services, community
development and environmental causes.
Tribal chairperson Jessica Tavares said the UAIC "firmly believes in
helping those less fortunate than ourselves."
"It pleases us to support nonprofit organizations that do so much to
help our community," Tavares said. "We have confidence that these
donations will make a significant impact."
St. Vincent De Paul Society received $30,000 to help fund operating
costs. The Roseville chapter helps needy citizens on a variety of
fronts, ranging from food and shelter and emergency relief to social
services, budget counseling and nutrition programs, all on a
confidential basis.
Charles Frost, executive director of the Roseville chapter, said the
organization, on a daily basis, typically provides shelter for about
125 people; it also provides 80-125 meals, gives away about 80 bags of
food, and deals with numerous types of homeless, ranging from the
chronically homeless to those who deal with substance abuse issues or
have merely fallen on tough economic times.
Their annual budget is between $400,000 to $500,000, he added.
"It's all contributions," Frost said.
Other local beneficiaries of the program included The Boys and Girls
Club of Auburn and the Salvation Army of Auburn, both of which received
$50,000.
Both The Boys and Girls Clubs will utilize funds to support present
youth development programs, as well as build a new clubhouse.
The Salvation Army will use funds to help sustain their SAFE Housing
Preventive Care Program; SAFE helps families who are at risk for
homelessness solidify their situations and get help to avoid that.
The Tribe's gift of $50,000 will be used to continue the SAFE
Housing Preventive Care Program that began last year.
- Jason Probst can be reached at jasonp@goldcountrymedia.com.
