San Diego County CA— Hand to Hand, a giving circle and women’s fund of the Coastal Community Foundation, recently celebrated and awarded grants totaling $39,500 to organizations serving women and girls in San Diego County. From the 28 applications received, five nonprofits were selected, including: Dreams for Change, Generate Hope, New Entra Casa, Reading Legacies, and TLC Assistance Dogs, Inc.
The grants positively impact some of the region’s most vulnerable women and girls. Dreams for Change (DFC) focuses on homelessness and homeless prevention services. The $6,500 grant to DFC supports females participating in Eat Better Today, a 3-month, comprehensive job readiness program, serving youth age 18-24.Generate Hope provides the only long-term, comprehensive housing and recovery program for sex trafficking victims in San Diego County. Hand to Hand awarded $10,000 for general program support.

Additional grants were made to programs supporting women and girls in and out of the criminal justice system. New Entra Casa provides a safe, residential treatment program for women upon release from jail or prison. The grant of $10,000 supports programs that empower women with the tools necessary to reenter society. A $5,000 grant to Reading Legacies was made in support of the Family Connections Program, which encourages literacy for women serving in female correctional facilities throughout San Diego County. TLC Assistance Dogs, Inc. received a grant of $8,000 in support of their program at the San Diego County Girls Rehabilitation Facility. The program pairs incarcerated girls with shelter dogs, giving them the opportunity to rehabilitate and train the dogs to become service dogs for wounded warriors and individuals with autism, therefore improving themselves and their community.
Hand to Hand was established in 2008 by 19 women. Today, approximately 60 women participate in the fund. Their goal is to make an impact on the lives of women and girls in San Diego County by directing resources to programs that empower change and self-sufficiency. For more information about Hand to Hand or to become a member, please visit www.coastalfoundation.org or email [email protected].