Bay Area Non Profits - October 2015 by Rich Borell

OCTOBER 2015

BAY AREA

501 (c)(3)

NONPROFITS

Meet Muhammed Chaudhry, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) The Foundation is dedicated to elevating scholastic achievement in the critical area of STEM CONNECTING VOLUNTEERS & DONORS TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

Welcome to Bay Area Non Profits Magazine Where Would We Be Without Our Non Profits?

his is such a great, and important, question: Where would we be without our Non-Profits? … I ask it knowingly, and in gratitude, all the time. I believe everyone should, all the time. Our Non Profits do so much in services and are so important in so many ways for our community. The thought of being without is unfathomable. Another great question is: Where would our Non-Profits be without the many, like you, who help in working, giving and volunteering? For this, we are all indeed so fortunate and so grateful. Giving is not just about giving money. Volunteering is BIG, and many are volunteering, helping make such a big positive difference. Plus, the joy is in the giving. About making a difference. There are so many great people, so many great companies, so many great organizations doing such great things and, yet, so much of it is under most people’s radar. They just might not know … Enter Bay Area Non Profits Magazine! There are many great causes and stories, going on all around us, which people would like to learn and know about. So many people are doing so much for our community … and so much of it is without attention … where, otherwise, we all can be inspired by it. Ken Packer Let us all be inspired! Welcome Bay Area Non Profits Publisher & Executive Editor Magazine! May it be a beacon to us all, something ken@svlocalmag.com ken@bayareanonprofits.org special we all will be able to learn and grow from. May everyone and everything in it, be forever an inspiration for us all. The joy is in the giving, and also the helping, knowing we are helping to make a big positive difference … We can help. There are people wanting to create more purpose in their lives, wishing to help make a difference where they can. There are indeed many great causes or agencies, where one might want to assist … or possibly ask about assistance. We look forward to hearing from and sharing with more and more. Together, we can do so much more in making our community greater and stronger, for a better world and a brighter future. Here’s to our Non Profits and everyone in our awesome Bay Area community! Here’s to our Bay Area Non Profits Magazine! Enjoy! All the best,

Ken

FEATU

S T N E V E • S E T A D P U • RES

http://bit.ly/bayareanonprofits www.bayareanonprofits.org

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proudly sponsored by

B O R E L L

F A M I L Y

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T R U S T

WILDLIFE CARE ASSOCIATION BANP: What is it about Wildlife Care Association that

GIVING WILDLIFE A SECOND CHANCE

us maintain a great quality of life.

made you want to help sick, orphaned, and injured wildlife? What do you do when you volunteer and how long

BANP: Do you recommend or suggest this to others?

have you been doing it? TB: There is so much opportunity for people to help wildTB: I have always been an

life. WCA takes in more than

animal lover. After finding

5,000 sick, orphaned, and in-

2 injured birds in my yard

jured wild animals every year.

and taking them to Wildlife

Most of those animals have

Care Association, I decided

been victims of mankind in-

to start volunteering, which

cluding habitat destruction

was in 2001. I have since

and free-roaming pets.

become a home rehabilitator, rehabbing squirrels,

BANP: When you volunteer,

opossums, and various other

seeing what you see and

species. I also am the head

Theresa Bielawski, President

of the fundraising team and

doing what you do, do you often think and hope how

have served on the Board of Directors for 10 years; this is

others, too, could join in and help make a bigger, more

my 8th year as President.

positive difference?

BANP: What do you love most about what you do when

TB: We are always in need of volunteers. There are so

you volunteer? Is there a favorite “something” you like?

many things people can do to help the animals brought to us, even if they do not want to have direct contact

TB: I really love animals, so it is very satisfying knowing

with the animals; everything from answering phones

that what I do is helping animals, whether it is raising

and cleaning to hands-on feeding and medical care. No

funds, or physically taking care of a sick, orphaned, or in-

experience is necessary as we have a comprehensive

jured wild animal.

training program. People wanting to help these animals

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND RELEASE OF LOCAL WILDLIFE

in need are heroes in the community and are ultimately BANP: Is there a particular moment that stands out for

helping the quality of life for everyone living there.

you or a particular joy you get when you volunteer? TB: It always makes my heart happy when I am releasing animals back into the wild, where they belong. It is very satisfying knowing that animal may not have survived without my help. All wildlife serves a purpose and helps

To Donate: WCA PO Box 680, North Highlands, CA 95660 www.wildlifecareassociation.com Non Profit # 94-2528504

Hotline: (916) 965-WILD (9453) 5211 Patrol Road, McClellan, CA 95652

www.wildlifecareassociation.com

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T H E

proudly sponsored by

B O R E L L

F A M I L Y

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T R U S T

WILDLIFE CARE ASSOCIATION

GIVING WILDLIFE A SECOND CHANCE

BANP: What is it about Wildlife Care Association that helps us maintain a great quality of life. made you want to help sick, orphaned, and injured wildlife? What do you do when you volunteer and how BANP: Do you recommend or suggest this to others? long have you been doing it?

TB: There is so much opportunity for people to help wildlife. WCA takes in more than 5,000 sick, orphaned,

TB: I have always been an

and injured wild animals ev-

animal lover. After finding

ery year. Most of those an-

2 injured birds in my yard

imals have been victims of

and taking them to Wildlife

mankind including habitat

Care Association, I decided

destruction and free-roam-

to start volunteering, which

ing pets.

was in 2001. I have since be-

BANP: When you volunteer,

come a home rehabilitator, rehabbing squirrels, opossums, and various other

seeing what you see and

Theresa Bielawski, President

species. I also am the head of the fundraising team and have served on the Board of Directors for 10 years; this is my 8th year as President. BANP: What do you love most about what you do when you volunteer? Is there a favorite “something” you like? TB: I really love animals, so it is very satisfying knowing that what I do is helping animals, whether it is raising funds, or physically taking care of a sick, orphaned, or injured wild animal.

doing what you do, do you often think and hope how

others, too, could join in and help make a bigger, more positive difference? TB: We are always in need of volunteers. There are so many things people can do to help the animals brought to us, even if they do not want to have direct contact with the animals; everything from answering phones and cleaning to hands-on feeding and medical care. No experience is necessary as we have a comprehensive training program. People wanting to help these animals

BANP: Is there a particular moment that stands out for

in need are heroes in the community and are ultimately

you or a particular joy you get when you volunteer?

helping the quality of life for everyone living there.

very satisfying knowing that animal may not have sur-

To Donate: WCA PO Box 680, North Highlands, CA 95660 www.wildlifecareassociation.com

vived without my help. All wildlife serves a purpose and

Non Profit # 94-2528504

TB: It always makes my heart happy when I am releasing animals back into the wild, where they belong. It is

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND RELEASE OF LOCAL WILDLIFE

Hotline: (916) 965-WILD (9453) 5211 Patrol Road, McClellan, CA 95652

www.wildlifecareassociation.com

BAY AREA

NONPROFITS Rich Borell

CEO & Founder

Ken Packer

Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer

Frank Ponikvar Secretary

Pam Seeds

Board Member

Linda Holland

CONNECTING VOLUNTEERS & DONORS TO LOCAL NON PROFITS

Board Member

Bay Area Non Profits is a 501 (c)(3) Registered Non Profit Organization. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text or photographs without the written permission from the CEO is strictly prohibited. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photographs. The opinions expressed in Bay Area Non Profits Magazine are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board Members or Management team. The Magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers in the Magazine. All rights reserved. Bay Area Non Profits Board Members, Management Team and Advertisers shall be held blameless for any and all errors, along with any expired dates typing errors or trademark infringements. If any errors are found, we will correct when brought to our attention within 48 hours. For all inquiries, contact us at rich@bayareanonprofits.org

Silicon Valley Non-Profits

Introducing Silicon Valley Non-Profits!

n this day and age, many of us are looking for purpose and asking ourselves how we can help make a difference in our community and our world. If we were to ask ourselves, where would we be without our Non-Profits, that’s a good question - they do a lot! With them, it’s hard enough in our world. Without them, it would be unthinkable. Indeed, we have many Non-Profits doing great works and they are always looking for people, like you, who can and would like to help.

At the same time, there are many people, like you and me, who wonder what specifically more we can do with our money or, especially, just by volunteering – indeed, what a difference that does and will make. The greatest gift of all is in the giving and what a big positive difference it makes in the lives of others. In Silicon Valley Non-Profits, learn about various great people and great organizations doing great things. May it become a growing Resource for you and many others, there’s nothing like teamwork, that can help us all in making a big positive difference for a better community here at Home.

BANP: What is it about FACES that helped you in choosing to become a supporter? Melissa: For me, spending time with FACES was a logical next step in my volunteer work. I have spent the last 10 years providing bullying prevention programs in my boy’s schools and that work is coming to a close in a year and a half as my youngest moves on to High School. Silicon Valley FACES provides assistance to not just children, but the community as a whole, and that’s very appealing to me.

BANP: What changes have you seen since becoming a donor and what brings you the greatest joy? Melissa: Since becoming a donor, it’s brought me joy to learn more

about the incredible programs FACES offers. I was actually able to attend one day of Camp Everytown (a youth leadership development program for HS kids), which was really important to me so I can see where my money goes. I know that camp has improved over the years, with updated and new activities. The organization is always trying to improve and better their programs and that’s impressive to me.

BANP: What is your personal philosophy about being able to help a great cause such as FACES? Melissa: I was bullied for a year when I was young and that experience created a desire to work with kids. My overall philosophy is to just be kind. You don’t have to like and feel connected to everyone you meet, it would be strange if you did, but we can all be kind to one another. FACES embodies kindness and caring and empowers kids to lead their lives in that way. FACES does such important work building a community free of bias, stereotypes, bigotry and violence. That mission resonates with me and is so important as my children and their friends become contributing members of society.

BANP: What would you say to others about donating / volunteering, etc., with FACES and in general? Melissa: Donating and volunteering with FACES is about making the world

a better place. About empowering kids to do the right thing and accept themselves and others for who they are. FACES has multiple programs for kids that focus on self-worth, leadership, breaking down the barriers of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation and religion. These programs are programs that ALL of our kids should be exposed to. So when I think about where and who I want to give my money and time to, Silicon Valley FACES is the perfect organization.

BANP: What do wish other people knew about FACES? Melissa: I wish more people

knew about FACES and the amazing work they do for the community. I wish more of our schools knew about the programs they offer and were more willing to incorporate them into standard curriculum, and I wish more people knew how life-changing a program like Camp Everytown is for High School students.

408-286-9663 ▌ www.SVFACES.org

Q& A Melissa Schwartz

Coach 2 Executives Executive Presentation Skills Coach FACES Ambassador and Donor

Building a community free of bias, bigotry and violence by transforming youth into community builders.

FACES IMPACT annually

▌Educate over 3,000 youth and adults on social emotional intelligence: peaceful conflict resolution, appreciation of differences and upstanding leadership skills

CAMP EVERYTOWN

A 4-day leadership experience for high school students to create communities of empathy, respect and inclusion.

COMMON GROUND

A week-long enrichment and leadership program for incoming middle and high school students.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS An in-class diversity education program for K-5.

To this day, my Camp Everytown experience remains very impactful because it reminds me that no matter where you are in life, you have to remember to look back, to look forward and

408-286-9663 ▌ www.SVFACES.org

next to you, and be there for each other. ― Thy Truong Camp Everytown alumna 2005

Next Door Solutions to

Domestic Violence. Melissa Hollatz, Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Board Member BANP: What is it about Next Door Solutions that helped you in choosing to become a supporter? What do you do when you volunteer and how long have you been doing it? MH: I am lucky enough to work for a law firm (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati) that is supportive of doing pro bono work, and my first introduction to Next Door Solutions was through negotiating a merger for them 10 years ago. I fell in love with Next Door Solutions based on that work and became a board member in 2006. I didn’t know much about domestic violence prior to my being introduced to them, but I think it would be impossible to learn about what an amazing organization Next Door Solutions is, or what a compelling cause domestic violence is, and not want to get involved.

Hope

Now we are safe

Empowerment great cause such as Next Door Solutions? MH: I truly believe the adage that when you give to others, whether it’s time or money, the person who benefits the most is yourself. I am so fortunate to have met a group of people who scale mighty mountains on a tiny budget, and I want to do everything I can to be a part of moving the organization forward. It’s such a rewarding feeling to feel like I can be part of the solution to domestic violence. BANP: What would you say to others about donating / volunteering, etc., with Next Door Solutions?

MH: I would ask people to get to know Next Door Solutions, and I think they will fall in love with the organization and the wonderful people behind it, as I have. There aren’t very many places where a relatively small financial gift or a few hours of your time BANP: Is there a particular moment that can make such an enormous impact. I can’t Melissa Hollatz stands out for you or a particular joy you get describe how fulfilling it has been for me. when you volunteer/donate to Next Door Solutions? I think sometimes people hesitate because they don’t think they have the time or that they can make a difference. I wish everyone MH: My favorite moments are talking to former clients of Next Door could see what a huge difference it makes every time someone Solutions. Hearing from someone who has escaped a violent rela- overcomes that hesitation, steps forward, and gets involved. tionship and blossomed into a happy, self-confident person fuels a desire to want to help as many other people as I can. I find their sto- BANP: What do wish other people knew about Next Door? ries extraordinary and their resilience inspiring. I am also constantly impressed by the staff, who somehow manage to take a complex MH: I wish people knew how badly Next Door Solutions needs and often frustrating problem and transform it into a source of hope support. There are so many people who need their services, and and joy. resources are so scarce. I wish everyone would write a check, spend some time getting to know us, and just talk more about domestic BANP: What is your personal philosophy about being able to help a violence so we can spread awareness about this critical issue.

Empowering women to achieve safety and self-sufficiency

Our mission is to end domestic violence in the moment and for all time. To learn how you can get involved, visit our website at:

www.nextdoor.org

234 E. Gish Road, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-501-7550 24-hour hotline: 408-279-2962

Now we are safe

Empowering women to achieve safety and self-sufficiency

Our mission is to end domestic violence in the moment and for all time. To learn how you can get involved, visit our website at:

www.nextdoor.org

234 E. Gish Road, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-501-7550 24-hour hotline: 408-279-2962

Tony Huynh

Summer Search Alumnus ... And Now

A Successful College Graduate Tony Huynh, Customer Success Manager at Elance-oDesk and Summer Search Alumnus BANP: What challenges did you face in getting into and finishing college? TH: Middlebury College felt very much like a third Summer Search trip. It was difficult to go from my school of nearly all low-income students of color to one where everyone was more affluent and predominantly white. I struggled on a socioeconomic and racial basis and felt isolated. I didn’t feel like many people could validate or cared about my experiences growing up with a single mom in a low-income neighborhood. BANP: What was your relationship like with your mentor?

universities in California. Summer Search pushed me to reconcile that the world was much bigger than I thought and there was still so much I didn’t know or understand. It was a catalyst for me to push myself out of my comfort zone and explore the world to learn more about myself. BANP: What outside experiences did Summer Search give you and how did these affect you? TH: I still remember that my second Summer Search trip to Paraguay with American Field Service was where I had my big epiphany about the world. I was working on a co-operative farm in a rural town an hour outside the capital. I was homesick and I was struggling with speaking Spanish to get by. And through my misery, I knew that this trip which I initially thought would be a fun, easy summer turned into one where I had to self-reflect and think that my concept of the world being just the San Francisco Bay Area was limiting.

TH: I don’t think I’ve told anyone as much about my life, my insecurities, and my aspirations than Meghan Kirkpatrick, my mentor. I never struggled with the weekly hour of silence that was our check-ins. It was Tony Huynh just an hour for me to talk and vent and have someone who really was there for me provide an objective opinion and guidance in my life. She made me more self-reflec- BANP: What is different about how you approach the world due tive! When I was in college in Vermont, Meghan had moved to to your experiences with Summer Search? New York and I actually saw her a few times when I was visiting friends in Manhattan! TH: I’m always up for an adventure! One of the best years of my life was when I studied abroad for a full year in England and in BANP: How did Summer Search help transform what you China during college. A full year to myself to explore the world thought you could accomplish in school and in life? and myself! It’s something I couldn’t have done or felt excited about it if it hadn’t been for Summer Search. If anything, Summer TH: Summer Search transformed my thoughts on the world. Search has pushed me to think that if something scares or terriI think growing up in my neighborhood, I thought life was the fies me, I should probably do it. It’s probably the most liberating Bay Area and not much else and college only consisted of the aspect of my life, why limit myself?

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE SOAR... TOGETHER. Summer Search’s mission is to help low-income teenagers transform what they believe is possible for themselves and develop the skills they need to become college-educated leaders who give back to their families and communities.

Summer Search San Francisco 500 Sansome Street, Suite 350 San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 362-5225

Summer Search Silicon Valley 255 N. Market Street, Suite 200 San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 291-0062

WWW.SUMMERSEARCH.ORG

Tony Huynh

Summer Search Alumnus ... And Now

Summer Search San Francisco 500 Sansome Street, Suite 350 San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 362-5225

Summer Search Silicon Valley 255 N. Market Street, Suite 200 San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 291-0062

WWW.SUMMERSEARCH.ORG

PARENTSHELPINGPARENTS

Building Bright Futures for Children with Special Needs

Global research consultant for cultural competency in human services for people with special needs Delores Springs, MA, Board Member BANP: What do you love most about what do when you volunteer? Is there a favorite “something” you like?

PHP for guidance as the staff advocated for culturally competent services cultivating self-esteem, confidence, and self-sufficiency. My sister attended a workshop on safety and social skills. It brings my mom and I joy watching my sister learn from her experience at the PHP workshop. She began to build her esteem encouraging her to exercise confidence leading to resolving conflict and positive choices to stay in school. When I volunteer I am filled with joy knowing the support I provide assures optimal health and underscores the well-being of people with special needs.

DS: Serving as a board member and a volunteer evokes satisfaction knowing loved ones, like my sister, benefit from Parents Helping Parents support services. A vital part of volunteering involves advocacy for education and awareness. As a board member I love investing my time to address gaps in service delivery, encourage collaborative partnerships among child serving systems, and promoting awareness to create sustainable resources for individuals with special needs. BANP: What is it about Parents Helping Volunteering at PHP enlarges my scope of Parents that helped you in choosing to beprovisions to be a part of an agency providcome a supporter? ing services which uplifts countless families experiencing hopelessness and isolation. DS: Parents Helping Parents has been a savPHP’s support network creates opportuniing grace to my family as well as countless ties to build community partnerships while others. PHP walked with us through pitfalls promoting family driven success plans exand celebrated victories. We developed panding service provisions based upon inlifelong relationships and strategic partnerDelores Springs terdependent provider relationships. It is a ships with people honoring the strengths, joy to see the quality of life improve for those benefiting from cultures, traditions, and expertise that everyone brings to comPHP resources. Parents Helping Parents (PHP) volunteers assist prehensive care. I understand and appreciate the ripple effect in promoting thriving family-centered services. of giving to support initiatives. I challenge others to commit and serve creating a sense of community and interdependence BANP: Is there a particular moment that stands out for you or through bridging gaps between professionals and families. a particular joy you get when you volunteer? PHP is one of few organizations striving for excellence in best DS: Parents Helping Parents sets the bar high by providing practices, multi-culturally competent service delivery, and unconditional care. When my sister was diagnosed with a dis- individualized care. I am honored to be affiliated with and ability requiring managed care and therapeutic services, we donate to an agency that increases commitment for change prayed for her to flourish in a healthy lifestyle experiencing a forging unity, fostering continuity of care, and implementing life filled with attainable hopes and dreams. Unfortunately my a working plan marketing strategies essential for sustainabilsister dealt with a multitude of problems including her refusal ity and opulence for excellence in service for individuals with to attend school after being bullied repeatedly. We turned to special needs and their families.

Your child has just been diagnosed with a developmental, medical, psychological, learning or other issue â&#x20AC;&#x201D; what now?

You are not alone.

Parents Helping Parents strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.

Parents Helping Parents Sobrato Center for Nonprofitsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;San Jose 1400 Parkmoor Avenue Suite 100 San Jose, CA 95126 www.php.com | (408) 727-5775

The Rewards Are Limitless, And I Am So Happy I Can Help. Carolyn Qi, Fundraising Chair of the PACE Youth Leadership Committee (YLC) BANP: What is it about PACE that made you want to choose PACE? What do you do when you volunteer and how long have you been doing it? CQ: Pacific Autism Center for Education is nothing like any other organization that I considered joining before Junior year. As a Freshman and Sophomore, I worked with another organization over the summer, helping hold a summer camp for children with special needs. With them, I did a lot of hands on work and really got to know the children. With PACE, I got the exceptional experience to work behind the scenes and help the children from all aspects. Working hands on, I could only help one child at a time, but working with PACE, I could help raise enough money to pay a professional to teach an entire class of children. With one hour, I could benefit 10 children instead of just one. BANP: What do you love most about what you do when you volunteer? Is there a favorite "something" you like?

CQ: We usually work behind the scenes to raise money and awareness, but occasionally get to see our hard work get put into action. That, in itself, makes the hours put into a benefit concert or local fundraiser worth it. One day, I went in during school hours to speak with Rachel, and I had to wait for a couple minutes while she was in a meeting. Within those 15 minutes, 3 students walked by me accompanied by an adult. They all said a cheerful hello to me as they went on walks, on school trips, and other various activities provided by the school. Just seeing how my work has benefited so many students makes my day. They may not know me and I may not know them, but yet, I got to feel that connection and that joy when they smiled at me. BANP: Do you recommend or suggest this to others? CQ: Only for those who are dedicated to helping others. It takes a while to see your hard work pay off when you are only working behind the scenes and not hands on. Without the immediate gratification, it takes a lot of dedication. But the rewards are limitless. The award at the finish line is doubled because the wait for it is long.

CQ: The sense of success. After Volunteer, Carolyn Qi hours and hours of making cold calls to restaurants and local stores, it feels phenomenal to get someone who picks up the phone and donates. Whenever we hold an in-restaurant fundraiser, I always get to see BANP: When you volunteer, seeing what you see family and friends eating together, and I feel and doing what you do, do you often think and hope butterflies in my stomach knowing that they came to how others, too, could join in and help make a bigger, support something I stand for. When I see young more positive difference? adults learn about children with Autism, I feel a sense a joy that more people are being exposed to the CQ: Everyone can make a simple donation that can Autism community and will become as accepting as I go to helping others. Every penny counts. If they am to these special individuals. have the time, they can volunteer at a local organization, working one on one with children with BANP: Is there a particular moment that stands out Autism. It brings me joy to see that there are others for you or a particular joy you get when you out there that support the same cause as I do, so volunteer? naturally I appreciate any form of help from others. Everything helps make our work easier.

Pacific Autism Center for Education Connect • Support • Educate

Pacific Autism Center for Education provides for the educational and residential needs of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Specialists in speech and language development, occupational therapy, behavior management and special education instruction work as a team to serve the diverse needs of our clients through our innovative Children’s Therapeutic Services for toddlers to school aged, Sunny Days Preschool, The PACE School for ages 6-22, and Residential Group Homes for those aged 6-59.

Now accepting students!

(408) 245-3400 | info@pacificautism.org 1880 Pruneridge Avenue, Santa Clara, CA www.pacificautism.org

POSITIVECOACHINGALLIANCE

BETTER ATHLETES BETTER PEOPLE

Robyn Varellas, Volunteer

Providing a Positive, Character-Building Experience For All Youth Athletes

BANP: What is it about Positive Coaching Alliance that RV: I recall a Triple-Impact Competitor® Scholarship Awards made you want to choose the Positive Coaching Alliance ... Ceremony Presented by Deloitte, where we honor high What do you do when you volunteer and how long have school athletes of exceptional character. One of the Waryou been doing it? riors’ players who was scheduled to speak had a last-minute RV: My husband, Larry, a partner at Deloitte (a corporate conflict - so off the bench came Andre Iguodala a great role supporter of PCA), has been on the Board of Positive Coach- model! ing Alliance for seven years. Our entire family has been involved with athletics at many levels BANP: Do you recommend or suggest and had the benefits of positive coaches this to others? and character-building sports experiencRV: Absolutely!! The Positive Coaching es. Understanding the lifetime impact Alliance National Advisory Board Memon youth of positive sports experiences bers, National Board Members, and staff made it an easy decision to focus on Posiat the Mountain View headquarters and tive Coaching Alliance. Chapters across the country are some of As a volunteer, I get to spend a lot of the most talented, energetic, intelligent hands-on time working with PCA staff, as and inspirational people I have met. I feel well as interacting with student-athletes, like I should thank them every time I get board members and donors. I have been to help with an event and interact with involved for the last four years with PCA’s this group! I have learned so much from annual National Youth Sports Awards Dinthe PCA staff and management team, as Robyn Varellas ner and Auction Sponsored by Deloitte, as well as from the coaches, athletes, parwell as other donor and student-athlete recognition events. ents and students we support. What a great opportunity to learn, have fun and make a difference! Any individual, BANP: What do you love most about what you do when corporation or group that values team play and character you volunteer? Is there a favorite “something” you like? throughout life would love to support PCA. RV: I love seeing the coaches and student-athletes whom BANP: When you volunteer, seeing what you see and doing we honor at events each year. Hearing their stories of how what you do, do you often think and hope how others, too, positive coaching has been life changing for them makes could join in and help make a bigger, more positive differme proud to be a part of PCA. Volunteering also gives me ence? a chance to develop skills I enjoy – so it’s a double benefit! RV: I do! Just think of the impact on nonprofits if everyone took a passion of theirs and put it to work for a cause they BANP: Is there a particular moment that stands out for you believe in! Nonprofits would be stronger than ever and the or a particular joy you get when you volunteer? world would be a better place!

POSITIVECOACHINGALLIANCE

BETTER ATHLETES BETTER PEOPLE

Robyn Varellas, Volunteer

Providing a Positive, Character-Building Experience For All Youth Athletes

T Together - Helping Many Where Help Is Needed

his is such we be with in gratitude, all t Our Non Profits many ways for o unfathomable. Another great without the man volunteering? F grate We, the Board of Directors of Bay Area Nonprofits, Volu mak the g would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Ab grea our truly kind and generous sponsors. It is thanks orga of it to them for their support, that together we are know Th helping support many great nonprofits … and many arou abou great causes … that will help many people who are in com whe Ken Packer Le need here locally throughout the Bay Area. Publisher & Executive Editor Mag ken@svlocalmag.com ken@bayareanonprofits.org spec Bay Area Nonprofits takes great pride that we are ever Connecting Volunteers & Donors to Local Nonprofits – wanting to help. for u knowing we are We can help. Together – we will make a world of difference! in their lives, wi There are indee Thank you to all our sponsors – whether it is an individual for $10 wantor to a assist … We look forwa corporation for $1 million – together, the impact of making a big andposimore. Toge community grea tive difference, of locally making a world of difference, of helping many future. Here’s to our N great nonprofits and many great causes - it will certainly benefit our community! He local communities and us all.

All the best,

Please support all our wonderful sponsors. We are indeed very grateful to all who are participating and helping make this big positive difference, this world of difference here at home, and all who will, as we will help support the many who are in need.

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development to Elevate teachers over the course of the summer. Even after the summer Elevate [Math] program has concluded, our teachers take the teaching strategies that they learned over the course of the pro-

Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) Champions Learning for Today’s Tech-Savvy World

gram into their classrooms during the regular school year where each teacher impacts, on average, an additional 175 students. We’re proud to say that many of our former Elevate students are now eligible to attend top four-year colleges. Our programs change the life trajectory of young students, showing them that they can succeed in mastering critical subjects and get into a good college. Our drumbeat has always been “College Begins in Middle School.” BANP: How has SVEF made a difference and what impact do you still wish to see the foundation make? MC: WestEd, the regional laboratory of the U.S. Department of Education,

An Interview With

MUHAMMED CHAUDHRY, President and CEO

Muhammed Chaudhry sits in on an Elevate (Math) class to help students solve a math problem.

recently published an independent study that confirmed the effective-

people help make a difference?

ness of our flagship program, Elevate [Math]. The year-long, randomized

MC: The Silicon Valley Education Foundation is one of the Valley’s most

controlled trial showed that Elevate [Math] increased the algebra readi-

prominent voices in education, particularly in underserved communi-

ness level of students by 2.4 times compared to the control group. The

ties. We believe that the best way to close the racial, socio-economic,

study also concluded that the effect of our program is more than twice

and gender achievement gaps is through education. We are a strong

the typical effect found among similar summer intervention programs.

voice for innovation, especially championing STEM education and im-

We are also making a difference with our policy advocacy. Two years ago,

plementation of education technology in the classroom. SVEF’s strategy

we created the East Side Alliance. This partnership brings the East Side

is to partner with corporations and other organizations that understand

Union High School District and its elementary feeder districts together

the need to prepare our next generation of students for skilled profes-

to provide a seamless learning experience for students and boost aca-

sional jobs in the global marketplace.

demic achievement across the district. In addition, SVEF has advocated

With generous financial support from organizations such as Applied

for school districts to adopt “A-G” requirements - standards high school

Materials, Flextronics, Chevron, SanDisk, Adobe, Intel, and the 49ers

students must meet to be eligible for California’s UC and CSU systems.

Foundation, SVEF has developed STEM-focused initiatives and math and science intervention programs that have become state and national

BANP: What is Silicon Valley Education Foundation about, and what do

BANP: What do you love most about SVEF and the work that you all do?

The number of students who were enrolled into a default A-G curriculum

you all do?

MC: Changing children’s lives. We love that we are changing the learn-

rose from 12% to almost 70% over the last six years, thanks in large part

models for changing the lives of previously underserved students.

MC: I’ve built SVEF around the belief that a new kind of organization was

ing landscape in Silicon Valley in a significant way. More than 8,000

to SVEF’s policy advocacy efforts.

SVEF also helps teachers fund projects that school budgets are unable

needed – one with a different philosophy and approach to the challeng-

middle school students have gone through our summer Elevate [Math]

Another major impact has been SVEF’s Learning Innovation Hub (iHub),

to support. Through corporate and private fundraising, we have built

es in legacy systems. I saw the need to create a non-profit resource and

program, a 75-hour (four week) intervention course that prepares in-

which has been at the forefront of education technology implementa-

a Teacher Innovation Grant program, which offers teachers funding for

advocate for students and educators. As it stands, only 50% of our high

coming 8th graders for Algebra I (or the Common Core equivalent), a

tion. iHub connects EdTech entrepreneurs with classrooms across Sili-

field trips and innovative classroom projects. Field trips give many stu-

school graduates are eligible to apply to UC or CSU. Here at SVEF, we are

critical gatekeeper to college success. By providing these students with

con Valley, giving students a chance to live test the most cutting-edge

dents from less-advantaged communities unique opportunities to ex-

obsessed with putting all students on track for college and career read-

a strong academic foundation in 8th grade, we ensure that they are both

technology while simultaneously providing feedback to developers to

perience off-campus “learning labs,” such as the California Academy of

iness. By focusing on the critical areas of science, technology, engineer-

prepared for rigorous high school coursework and set up for success in

ensure that their product will best serve students. iHub has elevated

Sciences in San Francisco or the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

ing, and math (STEM), we help students develop skills that will prepare

college. Elevate [Math], which we offer at no cost to students or their

learning for several hundred students by providing them with new tools

SVEF welcomes volunteers to make a difference in the lives of children by

them for the demands of the 21st century workforce.

families, targets students from under-served schools who score at the

that enhance their classroom experience.

helping tutor and mentor students in our Elevate [Math] classes.

To this end, we’re addressing the issues on three fronts: we work directly

“Standard Nearly Met” level on the math portion of their SBAC examina-

A final innovative program is our 49ers STEM Leadership Institute, in con-

with school districts and stakeholders to promote positive policy chang-

tion.

junction with the 49ers Foundation. Now in its second year, the program

BANP: What is it you like to say to potential donors and volunteers? Why

es for all students, provide direct programming for students in subjects

The Elevate [Math] program was designed with the goal of closing the

has enrolled 120 middle school students in a rigorous STEM curriculum

is SVEF so special?

that put them on track to succeed in college, and support innovative ini-

racial “achievement gap” in Silicon Valley – the measured discrepancy in

within the Santa Clara Unified School District. Students are exposed to

MC: We make a difference in children’s lives by placing some of the most

tiatives to bring better technologies into our classrooms.

academic performance between students of color and their white peers.

a high-tech environment with cutting-edge tools, such as laser cutters,

academically and economically-challenged students in our proven pro-

SVEF’s programs and initiatives include math intervention courses

In serving a population of students in which the majority are students of

a 3D printer, and robotics kits to help them strengthen their math and

grams with the goal of providing them support and a pathway to college

called Elevate [Math]; our 49ers STEM Leadership Institute that serves

color, Elevate [Math] works to ensure that all students are afforded the

engineering skills as they aim for admission to top-tier colleges in STEM

and successful careers. We are changing the education landscape by sig-

high-achieving students from underserved schools; the Learning Inno-

educational opportunities necessary to succeed in college and beyond

fields. We’re now building on our early success by expanding the pro-

nificantly improving student achievement in STEM subjects through our

vation Hub (iHub) that connects Bay Area classrooms with EdTech entre-

regardless of their background.

gram into high school.

academic programs and supporting technological innovation that trans-

preneurs; East Side Alliance that joins the East Side Union High School

Over the past two years, the Elevate [Math] program has aligned its cur-

We hope to lead the charge in expanding opportunities for education

form students’ classroom experiences. In partnering with underserved

District and elementary feeder districts to provide seamless learning

riculum to the new Common Core State Standards. In doing so we hope

technology implementation and pushing for computer science educa-

districts that predominantly serve students of color, we are resolved to

and advocates for district adoption of “A-G” standards. We also provide

to acquaint students with the new standards so that they will enter their

tion to become part of all schools’ core curriculum.

ensure that all students in Silicon Valley are given access to educational

Teacher Innovation Grants and community education forums.

8th grade math course more confident in their ability to succeed. We are also excited to provide 35 hours of Common Core-aligned professional

opportunities that pave the way to college so we can develop the next BANP: What would you like the world to know about SVEF and how can

generation of Silicon Valley’s leaders and innovators.