Welcome to
The Community Foundation

MISSION

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM RELIEF
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE & RELIEF

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
HOMELESS AND DISABLED VETERANS
SERVICE ANIMALS AND PSTD

501C3 TAX EXEMPT NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

The Community Foundation is a faith-driven nonprofit committed to empowering communities through scholarships, supporting veterans with PTSD and service animals, food distribution, and disaster relief.

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Scholarship Program

When it comes to education, our underserved communities often encounter numerous barriers to higher education. According to recent research, only a fraction of underserved teens express a desire to attend college compared to their counterparts in more privileged communities. This disparity is reflected in the numbers – communities with fewer resources have significantly lower rates of college-bound students. Furthermore, this cycle restricts an individual's potential for economic mobility and development within these communities. In stark contrast, communities with more resources enjoy higher numbers of college-bound students, benefiting from a wealth of support systems and educational advantages.

Food Distribution Program

Hunger in America remains a significant issue despite the country’s wealth and resources. As of 2023, the most recent year with comprehensive data, 13.5% of U.S. households—approximately 18 million—experienced food insecurity at some point, according to the USDA’s Household Food Security Report. This translates to 47.4 million people, including nearly 14 million children, living in households where access to enough food for an active, healthy life was uncertain or limited. Food insecurity doesn’t always mean starvation; it often involves reduced quality, variety, or quantity of food, In severe cases (5.1% of households in 2023), it means disrupted eating patterns, like skipping meals due to lack of resources.

The Community Foundation goal is to ensure no family goes to bed hungry and dedicated to working with food pantries across the state establishing food pick-up and drop-off points to distribute food in underserved communities.

Disaster Preparedness Response and Relief

Disaster Preparedness, RESPONSE & RELIEF: Community disaster preparedness involves planning and organizing resources to ensure safety during emergencies. Key steps include creating an emergency kit with essential supplies, developing a family communication plan, and conducting practice drills for various scenarios. To learn MORE about disaster preparedness, response & relief check out these important videos:

Disaster Preparedness, Response & Relief
Emergency and Mass Casualty Nursing
Disaster Relief via SBA

The Community Foundation is committed to working with the American Red Cross as well as educating the community on the importance of disaster preparedness as well as response and relief in the event of a disaster.

Environmental Stability

Our goal is to improve and preserve the quality of human life within our community that promotes health and wellbeing without putting unnecessary strain on the earth's supporting ecosystems, now and in the future. To learn MORE about environmental sustainability check out these videos:

Different ways to keep our Environment Clean
Water Saving Tips & Tricks
Clean Air promotes good heath
Recycle

The Community Foundation is committed to educating the community on the importance of environmental sustainability.

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Homeless and Disabled

Veterans

Disabled and homeless veterans face unique challenges that stem from a combination of physical or mental disabilities—often service-related—and the lack of stable housing. Moreover, Veterans are disproportionately represented among the homeless population in the United States. Disabilities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, physical impairments, or substance abuse disorders, often exacerbate their risk of homelessness.

Approximately, 53% of homeless veterans have disabilities, with over half experiencing mental health challenges and two-thirds struggling with substance abuse. These "invisible" disabilities can make it harder for veterans to maintain employment or housing without adequate support including their hard-earned benefits by working with organizations such as:

HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing):

This program combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services, such as case management, healthcare, and mental health treatment. It targets chronically homeless veterans, many of whom have severe disabilities, and has housed nearly 112,000 veterans nationwide as of late 2023.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF):

Aimed at low-income veterans, SSVF provides case management to prevent homelessness or rapidly re-house those already homeless, often addressing disability-related needs.

Homeless Aging and Disabled Veterans Initiative:

A collaboration between HUD-VASH and the VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care program, this initiative focuses on integrating home and community care for aging or disabled veterans to keep them housed.

LA's Rules About Where Homeless People Are Allowed To Sit And Sleep Could Get Even More Co

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Service Animal and PSTD Veterans

Service animals, particularly dogs, play a significant role in helping veterans manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These animals are trained to perform specific tasks that assist with the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, or emotional distress. For example, a service dog might interrupt panic attacks, provide a calming presence, or create a physical buffer in crowded spaces to reduce stress.

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes service animals as working animals, not pets, granting them access to public spaces alongside their handlers.

For veterans, organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and various nonprofits often provide or support training for these animals. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that service dogs can reduce symptoms like depression and loneliness, improve sleep, and enhance overall quality of life for veterans with PTSD.

The Community Foundation is committed to working with community animal shelters and finding service animals for our veterans.