Sunday Friends

"For over 13 years, Sunday Friends has empowered very-low-income families in San Jose to break the cycle of poverty. During the last year, the number of families participating in each of our programs has doubled! We are truly grateful to all the contributors to the Town Crier Holiday Fund, who have made it possible for increasing numbers of highly motivated families to earn basic necessities, allowing them to stay in housing while they build the life skills required for long-term self-sufficiency."
Janis Baron, Founder

How We Select Fund Beneficiaries

Organizations selected for funding are usually small, "hands-on" groups that directly impact families and children with special needs: education, literacy, social and general well being. All organizations have 501(c) (3) status.

Beneficiaries are selected by the Town Crier Staff based on the following criteria:

•	Size and scope of agency
•	Efficiency in use of funds: what percentage directly affects clients
•	Degree to which the grant results in permanent change
•	How Holiday Fund grants are leveraged for additional funding

Meet This Year's Beneficiaries

Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)

Funds designated particularly to support counseling and services to families with addictions.

Hidden Villa

Hidden Villa uses Holiday Funds to provide "summer camperships" for underprivileged families.

Partners for New Generations

Volunteer tutoring and mentoring programs at elementary and high schools in Mountain View and Los Altos, which are changing the life goals of countless "at risk" students.

Bayshore Christian Ministries

After school and weekend programs for kids, provides tutoring and social development.

Career Closet

Provides clothing and training for homeless moms to help in the pursuit of employment.

Community Service Agency Healthy Foods

Provides funds to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement food distributors.

Downtown College Prep

A charter school launched in August 2008 to provide personalized education so that all students will be accepted at a four year college or university on graduation. Funds are specifically needed to outfit a library with books and displays.

EPA Kids Foundation

Gives small grants to teachers particularly in the Ravenswood District to buy supplies and teaching aids.

Help One Child

Recruits and trains foster parents throughout Silicon Valley, and provides support for adoptive parents.

House Of Grace

A unique East San Jose based program where addicted, abused or homeless women can rebuild their lives without being separated from their children, while living in attractive furnished apartments.

Jeremiah's Promise

A program to rescue 18-24 year olds when released from foster homes, 67% of which can end up homeless; in jail; or worse.

Music For Minors

For 33 years, this group has been building a comprehensive, credited, and well respected music education program designed to keep music in our schools.

Rotocare

Our Holiday Fund monies will specifically support out-patient care for residents with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes.

Sunday Friends

Activities for disadvantaged children in San Jose, teaching kids and parents crafts, cooking and social skills.

ALearn

Helps under-represented students prepare for and complete college, particularly with math skills.

Foothill College/KCI

Sponsors MERIT (Making Education Relevant and Interactive through Technology), a research-based, educator development program designed to help teachers bolster their curriculum with technology-enhanced learning activities to motivate, challenge and inspire the diverse learners and leaders of the future..

Child Advocates

Helps abused and neglected children by matching each child with a trained volunteer during court trials.

Community School of Music and Arts Program for Autistic Children

Supports autistic children through the "Artistic Intelligence" program.

Veterans Resource Center at Foothill College

Helps war veterans transition to academic life and plan for future jobs.

TESTIMONIAL

Submitted by Jennifer Andaluz, DCP Executive Director

Benny Silva works for Roto-Rooter. His three children will be college graduates.

I have known Mr. and Mrs. Silva since 2000 when their oldest son, Jose, enrolled as a freshman in Downtown College Prep's founding class. The Silvas have always had high expectations for their children and the schools they attend. Like many families in the Latino community, they trusted DCP to provide the best academic experience.

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Silva's oldest son, Jose, is an alumnus of Chico State. Their daughter, Elizabeth, is a junior at UC Davis, and their youngest son, Benny, is a freshman at San Francisco State.

Earlier this year, at an event to honor the teachers and staff of DCP, I asked Mr. Silva if he would share what DCP has meant to him. Fighting tears, he told us this:

"Everyday I go into other people's homes to repair their toilets. What they don't know about me is that my children are college graduates. I thank you for this. My whole family thanks DCP."

This year, Downtown College Prep celebrates 10 years of the college dream. I am deeply humbled by your commitment to this vision and your generousity over the last decade.

Congratulations and thank you.