ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY INC

Organization details:
· Organization name - Assistance League of Capistrano Valley
· Organization website - https://assistanceleague-capistranovalley.org/
· Government ID - (EIN TaxID # 95-3201899)
· Address - P.O. Box 133
· City - San Juan Capistrano
· State/Province - CA 92693-0133
· Country/Location - United States

Organization Contact:
· Contact first name - Ellen
· Contact last name - Evans
· Contact email address - grants@assistanceleague-capistranovalley.org

Assistance League of Capistrano Valley (ALCV) is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit founded in 1977 (EIN TaxID # 95-3201899). Our programs are designed to enhance educational opportunities and meet the needs of underserved children and families within the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) in South Orange County. The school district encompasses the cities of San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita. In a joint project with other local ALCV chapters, we also help support the families on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base.

ALCV owns and operates the Bargain Box Thrift Store in San Clemente, established in 1980. Sales from the Bargain Box are the primary source of revenue for funding our philanthropic programs. The store is managed and staffed entirely by volunteers and last year ALCV returned $234,466 to the community.

Operation School Bell is the signature program of our national organization and for our ALCV chapter. During our Fall Event, students K-8 receive Walmart or Target gift vouchers to purchase new school clothing, shoes and other essentials. In the spring, graduating seniors are provided vouchers to purchase appropriate clothing and shoes for summer internships or job interviews. Last year we served 700+ students.

Chapters for Children - Camp Pendleton. In concert with 6 other Assistance League Chapters, in 2023 we provided 476 children from 219 families of enlisted Marines and Navy personnel with new clothing and infant/toddlers supplies.

The Links to Learning philanthropy provides grants to middle school teachers in the Capistrano Valley Unified School District for district approved but non-funded learning enrichment programs. In order to be considered for grant money, the program/project request must: directly involve and benefit students, support and enhance the approved school curriculum, help students prepare for their futures, and promote STEM and STEAM curricula. In 2023, 108 grants were given to 13 middle schools benefitting an estimated 11,458+ students.

Hands on Literacy - Reading is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for a child’s academic success. However, not all students have access to the resources and support they need to develop strong reading skills. That’s where our Hands On Literacy program comes in. We work closely with Capistrano Unified elementary schools and educators to identify students who would benefit from our program. Our team of volunteers provides one-on-one reading support, tailored to the specific needs of each student. Through engaging activities and personalized attention, we aim to foster a love for reading and improve comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. Additionally, each student receives a book based on their needs.

Scholarships for High School Seniors -This Philanthropy provides scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors in the Capistrano Unified School district. We offer these scholarships to Seniors who are enrolled in AVID program (Advancement Via
Individual Determination- which is an in-school academic support program for students in grades 7-12). and as well as families in need of financial support and those with immediate family Military affiliation to continue their education for entrance to a 4 year College or University, Community College or Technical school. The annual impact of this program is $15-45K.

INSPIRE (Independence for Needy Single Parents Instilling a Responsible Education) provides scholarships for Saddleback Community College Students to offer opportunities to provide financial assistance to single parents, in order to assist them with furthering their education. Qualified recipients who receive scholarship money, are monitored for grades and attendance by Saddleback College.

Igniting Potential is our newest philanthropy. This program provides financial and hands-on support to San Clemente High School AVID students. AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) is for all students with a priority to serve those with low income and/or first generation college bound. ALCV provides hands-on support by assisting with mock interviews giving seniors practice interviewing skills. Additionally, we secure professionals to speak with sophomore students about careers, help provide college and tech school field trips, and provide supplies and training opportunities for more teachers to participate in the successful program.