The Inland Empire-based organization focuses on supporting childcare professionals while strengthening the communities they serve. A recent grant awarded through the Inland Empire Community Foundation’s CIELO Fund is helping expand those efforts by increasing access to quality childcare services in underserved and minority communities throughout the region.

    “Considering the decrease in funding to nonprofits over the last year, this grant is a miracle, and we are more than grateful,” said Yvonne Choyce, founder and CEO of Providers Need Care.

    According to Choyce, the funding has allowed the nonprofit to reach more participants and broaden opportunities for childcare providers, particularly within Latino communities.

    “This funding represents an opportunity to continue investing in our children, families and communities,” she said. “The support has allowed us to grow participation in our programs over the last year, leading to a successful increase in Latino providers and business owners.”

    She said the impact extends beyond the providers themselves. As childcare businesses become more sustainable and successful, they are better positioned to serve families and meet growing childcare needs within their neighborhoods.

    “That, in turn, strengthens their sustainability and ability to expand access to much-needed childcare services within their own communities,” Choyce said. “That’s an important impact, especially right now.”

    The grant arrives at a critical time for many Spanish-speaking families and childcare providers who continue to face financial and structural barriers. Choyce believes investments like this can create lasting change.

    “This is a major investment in childcare, and it changes lives,” she said.

    Reliable childcare plays a vital role in helping parents remain in the workforce while ensuring children receive quality care and early learning opportunities. Programs supported through grants such as those distributed by the Inland Empire Community Foundation also help address ongoing childcare shortages across the region.

    Providers Need Care was founded three years ago, but the inspiration behind the organization began much earlier.

    Before launching the nonprofit, Choyce operated a home-based childcare business for more than two decades. Several years ago, she was recruited by a Women’s Business Center to train aspiring childcare providers who were looking to start their own businesses.

    As she worked with those entrepreneurs, she began noticing something troubling.

    “They asked me to train providers based on a grant they had, and these were startups,” Choyce recalled. “In the middle of that second cohort, I started hearing a lot and seeing a lot of red flags.”

    Many of the women she encountered were struggling with the aftermath of the pandemic, including job losses, family hardships and financial instability.

    “A lot of them were starting a business because they needed a fresh start,” Choyce said. “I didn’t feel right training them to take care of children when they themselves were carrying so much.”

    She said that realization sparked an idea that eventually became the organization’s name and mission.

    “I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to do more than just train them on how to get licensed,” she said. “It just came to me that providers need care.”

    Soon afterward, Providers Need Care was established and has continued to expand its reach across the Inland Empire.

    One of the organization’s strongest areas of focus is self-care. Choyce believes childcare providers often spend so much time caring for others that they neglect their own well-being.

    “We do a lot of self-care training because of all the challenges providers face,” she said. “Every year we hold a retreat where they can take a step back and allow us to care for them for a day. That’s really important to me.”

    Choyce credits much of the nonprofit’s success to the professionals who believed in the mission from the beginning. In the early days, financial resources were limited, but many facilitators agreed to participate because they believed in the organization’s purpose.

    “I started recruiting facilitators from within the industry,” she said. “I told them there wasn’t going to be much money, but I needed them to believe in the dream. They did.”

    Looking ahead, Providers Need Care plans to continue expanding its services, including business counseling, professional development training, compliance support, resource sharing and wellness programs designed specifically for childcare professionals.

    “We want to equip providers with all the right tools and knowledge they need for success,” Choyce said.

    More information about the organization can be found at providersneedcare.org.

    The Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen communities throughout Inland Southern California through philanthropic partnerships and community investment. Its CIELO Fund, established in 2022, supports initiatives that empower Latino communities through education, leadership development, capacity building and community-based programs. Additional information is available at iegives.org.

Source: Information provided by Providers Need Care and the Inland Empire Community Foundation.

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BVOV Director Stephanie Bruce welcomed the sold-out crowd to the event that also serves as a Black History Month celebration and fundraiser. High school seniors were recognized for their hard work and academic excellence. Those receiving scholarships were Daijha Williams, Kailei Burnet, Zoe Dagen, Kaycia Carrida and Essence Herd.

San Jacinto Leadership Academy senior Kaylin McWhorter was honored with the Youth Leadership Award. Bruce said this award honors an exceptional young individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, initiative, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their community. “It celebrates the next generation of leaders who inspire change and exemplify the values of service, innovation, and resilience,” she said.

Kaylin accepted the award with a powerful speech that began, “Tonight feels like a dream. Not long ago, I wasn’t sure this moment would come. The world doesn’t always make space for girls like me — girls with deep brown skin and big dreams. Girls who fight not just to succeed, but to be seen.”

The 18-year-old has attended SJLA since she was in sixth grade and said it is a place where she not only grew academically but found her voice as an advocate.

Kaylin is in the top 10 percent of her graduating class with a 4.4 GPA and has already been accepted into her two dream schools: Howard University and UC, Berkeley. She plans to major in political science with an emphasis on African American studies.

“My heart is set on becoming a civil rights attorney, using my voice to champion justice and ensure that every story, especially those often silenced, is heard,” she said. “Creating my school’s first Black Student Union taught me that advocacy is born from love — love for community, culture, and progress. I learned that even the smallest ripple of change can grow into a wave when fueled by passion and purpose.”

She said she is driven by the weight of possibility — the understanding that her education isn’t just for her but for those who came before her and those who will come after.

“Knowledge is a legacy, and I want to use mine to break barriers and build bridges,” Kaylin said. “I’ve learned that staying true to myself is one of the most powerful things I can do. There were times I felt out of place, like I had to shrink parts of who I am to fit in. But the moment I started embracing my voice, my culture, and my story, I found strength I didn’t know I had. I realized that my uniqueness is my superpower — that being authentically myself not only empowers me but inspires others to do the same. It taught me that real change starts when we show up as our whole, unapologetic selves, ready to take up space and make an impact.”

And with aspirations to become a U.S. Senator one day, Kaylin said, “And as long as I have breath, I will never stop fighting until every Black girl knows this truth: We are the legacy. We are the future. And we are just getting started.”

San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Michael Luna said, “Kaylin McWhorter is one of SJLA’s most prominent leaders. She founded and is currently President of SJLA’s Black Student Union. She has partnered with other cadets to support nonprofit actions in the San Jacinto community. As a teacher, assistant principal, and now principal of Kaylin McWhorter, I can say that she is one of the most well-rounded cadets to come through the San Jacinto Leadership Academy. She will be leaving a lasting legacy for many cadets to emulate.”

This year’s Phoenix Award was presented to Makhi McClure. Bruce said, “It recognizes those who embody the spirit of renewal and perseverance, turning challenges into opportunities to uplift and inspire others.”

Two recipients of the “It Takes a Village” award were Matthew Maita and Walter Johnson for their various contributions, not only to the community but also to themselves and their families. “It takes a village to raise our children, and these are great people in the community that help with that effort by providing a service for the community free of charge or collaborating with community events for our youth,” Bruce said.

The “People’s Choice” award is given to someone who is nominated by and voted for by residents of the San Jacinto Valley, showcasing the community’s recognition and support for excellence. This year, Flawless Catering was chosen as Black Business of the Year and Raymond Mills was also honored.

A highlight of the annual event is the celebration of those in the San Jacinto Valley that are recognized for being the first Black person to hold a significant position in the community. This year’s “Breaking Barriers” recipients are Patricia Scott, who is the new Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce Chair; Kevin Saunders, who is now the Hemet/San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Lloyd Sheppard, who was the first Black principal at the San Jacinto Leadership Academy and is now San Jacinto High School’s principal; and Tylisha Julienne, who was recently elected as treasurer for the City of San Jacinto.

For more information, www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.

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“Fresh footwear, a new backpack stuffed with school supplies, a stylish haircut, a dental cleaning and exam, and an overall health physical” for the children comprised the two back-to-school fairs along with more than 2,300 community members who attended, according to the Office of Education. The first fair was held July 30 in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District at the Jean Hayman Training Center, and the other event was Aug. 3 in the Alvord Unified School District at La Sierra High School.

“The rising costs of school supplies and the student and parent expectations ahead of a new year can be stressful for families,” Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said in a statement. “A sense of physical and emotional wellness, and even a new pair of shoes or a backpack, can help build confidence for students and set a positive tone for the first day of the school year. We are grateful for our district partners who hosted these events for their communities, along with all of our partners who have generously donated time, services, and supplies.”

The free-admission resource fairs were open to students in foster care and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of being unhoused.

Participating service providers were GeriSmiles, All Kids Health and cosmetology students from Advance Beauty Techs Academy, and 32 community agencies attended to provide information to families and students.

Soles4Souls, an international nonprofit that fights poverty, donated 1,750 pairs of shoes and 4,000 pairs of socks. Soles4Shoes volunteers had a pop-up “shoe store” at the fairs working toward the organization’s goal of providing a new pair of shoes for every child.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. conducted a backpack giveaway at the company’s three medical centers in Riverside County. Over 1,800 backpacks filled with school supplies were received from employees, patients and Kaiser’s vendors.

Bombas Socks, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Supply Bank also provided donations.

More information on accessing services or other back-to-school needs is available from McKinney Vento Homeless Youth Services at studentservices@rcoe.us or Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program Unit at the Office of Education at 951-826-4700 or FYSCP@rcoe.us.

PSUSD Foundation announces $20K grant for students’ shoes

The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District received a $20,000 grant to buy new shoes for students for the upcoming school year, the organization announced Monday.

An Impact Grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and News Channel 3 will help about 2,500 students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, the foundation reported.

Over 97% of PSUSD students are disadvantaged, with approximately 12% living in unstable conditions and at least 2% confirmed to be experiencing homelessness, officials said.

“The Shoe Distribution Program is a simple yet powerful way to help the next generation in our community rise above their circumstances,” PSUSD Foundation Director Ellen Goodman said in a statement. “This type of support lays the groundwork for students to reach their full potential.”

This is the third annual Shoe Distribution Program, which is a partnership involving the PSUSD Board of Education, the district superintendent and the foundation, a nonprofit “that pilots and underwrites existing, underfunded initiatives,” foundation officials said.

A study found that 100% of students who received new shoes were “confident to express opinions with classmates,” compared with 35% who felt confident prior to receiving the gifted shoes, according to the foundation. The same study, which was not identified, also noted modest gains in academic confidence, social engagement and athletic confidence in just the first several weeks.

“Well-fitting shoes are a back-to-school essential, as important as backpacks and pencils,” Catharine Reed, vice president of charitable programs for the Berger Foundation, said in a statement. “The Foundation for PSUSD is addressing a fundamental need that is necessary for both physical health and psychological well-being.”

More information about the foundation and the Shoe Distribution Program is online at psusdfoundation.net/shoes.

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Each participant was nominated by their peers, a testament to their influence and impact. The criteria for selection were simple yet profound: each individual had significantly contributed to the growth and awareness of MALHY. Headquartered in Temecula, the nonprofit serves Riverside and San Diego counties, extending its reach to all of Southern California for special projects.

This gathering at Harveston Lake was designed to express gratitude to these visionaries. The organizers asked each honoree to share a single word that encapsulated their passion and commitment within the community. This unique approach highlighted the essence of their contributions, offering a powerful visual and emotional narrative.

Those honored included Jessica Smith, who, as President of MALHY Community Outreach and Protective Services, is passionate to “inspire.” Carly Bennett-Valle, CEO/CFO of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, shared her passion for “love.” Jarah (Shannon) Besou Shay, CEO and Holistic Practitioner/Trichologist, expressed her passion for being “grateful.”

Also among those celebrated were Tonette Blum, Director of Sales for PM International USA, who is passionate to “believe,” and Angie Blum, who is passionate about “resilience.” Laura Burgues, an entrepreneur and hairstylist, expressed her passion for being “inspirational,” while Yasmin Burks, a firearms safety specialist, is driven to
“Empower.”

The event also honored Tina Casen, a doctor passionate to encompass being “determined,” and Tolanda (Hughes) Chenise, Executive Ambassador for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, who stands for “faith.” Juel Copeland, a dean, is passionate about “joy,” while community leader Lowona Crawford embodies being a “visionary.”

Other honorees included Joanna Cruz, founder of Together on Disabilities, whose word is “ambitious,” and Nicole Davis, Assistant Director of ABC Childcare Village and President of Professional Women’s Roundtable, who chose “compassionate.” Attorney Deanna DeCosimo of DeCosimo Law is driven by “legacy,” and Lisa Dewitt, Account Executive with Corner Escrow, values being “authentic.”

The passionate words continued with Mia Hardy, CEO of Address HER Needs, who finds “intrigue” vital, and Darlene Hawley, a leadership development and business coach, who values “resilience.” Dr. Dahlene Holiness, h.c., is all about “empowerment,” and Carol Izard Givens, founder and executive director of Mrs. B’s Table, embodies being a “visionary.”

Kassen Klein, a real estate development consultant, simply stated his passion as “passionate,” while Stephanie Mearse, Vice President, values being a “connector.” Mayor Bridgette Moore of Wildomar thrives on being “collaborative,” and Teri Sue Parker, founder of Good Samaritan Community Food Pantry, is passionate about “nourishment.”

Laurie Provost, CEO of the Professional Women’s Roundtable, chose “fierce,” while Dr. Mary Rankin, a mental health supervisor, emphasized “tenacious.” Event organizer Evia Shaw’s word is “dedicated,” and Kimberle Smith Austin, a business, health, and life strategist, is all about “growth.” Attorney Daisy Tate values being a “convener,” and April Vidal of Miss April’s Dance thrives on “energy.”

Rounding out the honorees were Violet Williams, CEO and transformational life coach, who is passionate about “love,” and Karena Zermeno, founder of the Hemet-San Jacinto Student of the Month program and Business Development Manager at Altura Credit Union, whose word is “serve.”

MALHY’s mission is to lead individuals to accept their free spirit, redefine their freedom, and create a positive personal survival journey. The organization’s purpose is to serve the community with resources for those aged 10-25. This mission is carried out through various programs addressing critical issues of Mental Health: Providing counseling, mediation services, and support; Addiction Recovery: Offering recovery programs, job placement, housing, food, and clothing; Love: Fostering deep, meaningful connections within the community; Human Trafficking Support: Assisting with medical exams, legal services, job placement, housing, food, and clothing; Youth Literacy: Conducting financial workshops, etiquette classes, and sports camps. All combined, these critical issues form the acronym of the nonprofit’s name.

MALHY president Jessica Smith is already encouraging the community to save the date for the nonprofit’s third annual fundraising Winter Giving Gala on Dec. 8 at Pechanga Resort Casino’s Eagle’s Nest. Discounted tickets are on sale now through Nov. 30. The nonprofit holds quarterly board meetings, with events and updates regularly published on its website at www.malhy.org.

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The Climate Club Inc. was founded in March 2022 in the interest of bridging the gap between the science community and the general public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Climate Club (TCC) founder, a former student at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, noticed an increase in the spread of misinformation as well as public confusion about where and how to access reliable science. In response to this, they sought to create a platform that prioritizes accurate and accessible public health information.

In this way, The Climate Club is the first organization of its kind to actively engage students and young professionals in writing about current topics pertaining to climate, sustainability, and environmental health and providing reliable science to the general public. 

Since its inception, The Climate Club (TCC) has seen significant growth in its presence on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Given the group’s focus on simplifying and personalizing scientific information, articles written remotely by TCC members help connect individuals to worldwide climate change realities. Readers have praised TCC content as being “brilliantly articulated” and as taking “amazing actions [toward] climate and environmental protection.”

Founder and Director Zhiru Wang anticipates endless possibilities for the organization: “While topics regarding climate, sustainability, and environmental health can be complex, The Climate Club believes in young scholars and provides them with a platform to become the next generation’s science communicators.”

The Climate Club’s current reach stems from the development of peer-reviewed articles published on their website and shared through social media networks. The team is also working to provide college campuses across the nation with the opportunity to start their own The Climate Club campus chapters.

“Effective science communication requires constant effort from scientists, educators, policymakers, and, just as importantly, students,” said Wang. “Encouraging university students to share scientific findings with an array of audiences may redefine the relationship between the science community and the general public, thus affecting how everyone understands the role science plays in our broader communities.”

Given the scientific and political climate of the past couple years, people need to know that the information they’re receiving is reliable. More importantly, they need to be able to understand it in order to apply it to their personal experiences. 

“The Climate Club is a place people can turn to learn about and absorb meaningful science communication,” said Wang. 

Staff writer Sissi Sun concurs: “It’s a beautiful journey of peer-to-peer learning.”

To learn more about the organization and its mission, visit their website here. For queries, email the team at contact@theclimateclub.com

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NEW YORK (AP) — When Melissa Martinez applied to have her student loan debt forgiven more than a decade ago, the U.S. Department of Education told her she was ineligible.

Martinez, a professor, tried again this past year and managed to erase the last $6,000 she owed for her doctorate. She wasn’t alone — according to new federal figures, more than 145,000 borrowers have had the remainder of their federal student loan debt canceled through a program for people who work for schools, governments or nonprofits.

Hundreds of thousands more have completed the paperwork for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and officials say many more likely qualify. An Oct. 31 deadline to apply under the less stringent rules is fast approaching.

There’s a broader conversation underway in America about how to handle student loan debt. An estimated 43 million Americans carry student loans worth $1.6 trillion, according to federal figures. Federal student loan payments were paused during the coronavirus pandemic and will remain so until at least Aug. 31. President Joe Biden is expected to make some sort of announcement about student loan relief before then.

Nearly all of the cancellations through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program have come since last October, when the government temporarily relaxed the complex requirements. Before that, the program had rejected more than 90% of applicants, the Department of Education said in 2019.

A spokesperson for the Education Department said Wednesday that most borrowers who were denied then were deemed ineligible because they didn’t meet employer eligibility requirements, their employment dates didn’t align with the dates of their student loans, or they didn’t have the required direct loans.

“I thought maybe it would work now,” said Martinez, who graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 2010 with a doctorate in educational administration.

Martinez said the money will go towards lowering credit card debt and building savings to have on hand for emergencies and unexpected expenses.

“Knowing that it’s forgiven lifts some of the worry or stress off my shoulders,” she said.

Even though the deadline is in October, Martinez advises people who may qualify for the loan forgiveness to apply as soon as possible. She found the process difficult to navigate, even with the relaxed rules. It took her five months to complete the paperwork and another three months to hear back from the program.

“I remember calling and staying on the line for an hour waiting,” she said. Martinez also initially had her proof of employment denied, though it was approved when she re-sent the documents.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, launched in 2007 to steer more graduates to public service, cancels federal student loan debt after 10 years of public interest work, or 120 payments. Teachers, librarians, nurses, public interest lawyers, military members and other public workers all qualify, along with people who work for non-profits.

So far, the forgiveness totals almost $8.1 billion in federal loans, but that amount is just a fraction of the debt that could qualify. The average amount of debt forgiven through the program is $64,968.

“The program seems really simple — people commit ten years to serving their country and communities and the government promises to end their student debt,” said Kat Welbeck, Civil Rights Counsel at the Student Borrower Protection Center. “We’ve seen, throughout the 14 years, so many people set back by administrative hurdles and burdens, not knowing they had access to this program or being told they couldn’t get access even though they worked in qualified employment.”

Under the reformed rules, loan servicers count payments that had previously been deemed unacceptable, such as when borrowers mistakenly or unwittingly signed up for non-qualifying plans.

“I think it’s a great incentive, especially for teachers. So many are overworked and underpaid, and they’ve got those loans that they’re still working on,” Martinez said.

The waiver period has been life-changing for loan holders who’ve been able to receive credit toward forgiveness for years they’ve worked in public service after previously being rejected, Welbeck said, describing joyful tears as loan balances drop to zero.

“There are so many more people to reach,” Welbeck added. “And it’s only a year, so we’re operating with a sense of urgency.”

Martinez encourages others to apply during the waiver period, despite the frustration. She says it was worth the time and effort to get the balance of her student loan forgiven.

Borrowers who are currently jobless or not working in public service may still qualify for forgiveness, according to the Department of Education. And the months during the pandemic since March 2020 in which payments on federal loans have been paused count as credits towards the total number of payments required for the program.

The Biden administration on Wednesday proposed new rules for the program that are expected to take effect by July 2023. They would give borrowers more leeway if they’re late on payments or don’t pay in full.

Under the original rules, borrowers must make payments in full within 15 days of the due date to get credit toward their 120 monthly payments. The proposal would relax that, allowing borrowers to make progress even if they’re late or make the payment in multiple installments.

The waiver that expires Oct. 31 was mostly meant to make up for widespread confusion about which types of loans and payment plans are eligible under the program. Some borrowers had made years of payments only to find out they weren’t in an eligible plan or loan program.

The new proposed rules won’t change which loans are eligible, but they aim to provide more flexibility so borrowers don’t lose progress toward forgiveness because of late payments or paperwork problems.

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In the year since the purchase of the building was completed, the lobby has been returned to its art deco theme of the 1930s, and the sound, lighting and projection systems have been upgraded to accommodate a wide variety of events. Yet, the surfaced has only been scratched in a project that will take much more before Hemet’s vintage movie house can reclaim its heritage as the proud centerpiece of the downtown district.

John Loomis of Thirtieth Street Architects, the man who designed the Hemet Public Library, has taken on the project, with a creative design plan for the building. Much of the project will entail updating of plumbing and electrical infrastructure, as well as bringing the facility up to modern air conditioning standards and building codes. Enlarged restrooms with handicap access is a top priority as is handicap seating in the auditorium. The exterior will include a recreation of the pointed neon marquee that majestically crowned the theatre in the 1950s

Still, much of the theatre will remain the same. The charming auditorium with the vintage art deco decor will retain its look, so nostalgic to residents that grew up watching movies amid the yellow and turquoise walls. With first time visitors, it is fun to watch their stunned reaction as they walk into the most adorable old movie house they have ever seen. Performers are blown away at the acoustics, designed for movie showings, but equally effective for live concerts.

Already, hundreds of supporters have donated to the project. Volunteers maintain the facility and provide customer service and security during events. Sponsors help finance the entertainment, keeping concert prices affordable. Businesses and residents donate gift baskets that are raffled to raise money for the building fund. Members of the “Century Club” will have their names permanently enshrined in the lobby, honoring their contributions to the future of the Historic Hemet Theatre. Dozens of local groups have made donations to the cause.

In just a couple of years, HHT will turn 100 years old. The foundation is hopeful that a major portion of the renovation can be accomplished by then. Businesses and individuals that would like to support the project, can contact the Ticket Office.

Meanwhile, HHT’s popular series of live concerts continues this month with Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac by Gypsy (Saturday 8/17), Young Guns of Country – Tribute to the Superstars of Country Music (Friday 8/23), and Tribute to Madonna featuring Blonde Ambition (Saturday 8/31).

Show tickets $22 presale / $25 day of show. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.  Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the Ticket Office, (951) 658-5950.

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