Sunday Friends

"For over eleven 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
•
 Potential for other sources of funds
•
 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.

CSA Dental Program

Distributes vouchers for children without medical or dental insurance to provide dental care.
Downtown College Prep/Alviso

Downtown College Prep / Alviso

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.

Jeremiah's Promise

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

Mother Branch-East Palo Alto

Clothing, food and support for destitute residents of this nearby community.

Music For Minors

For 30 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.

 

 

 

 Web Design and Hosting Donated by Snow Technologies and Shane Kibble Design