Bank of the Sierra awards $45K in grants

Bank of the Sierra announced 16 non-profit organizations were awarded grants totaling $45,000 during the second quarter through its Sierra Grants Program. The bank awards approximately 15-20 local organizations with $1,000-$5,000 in grants every quarter based on the specific needs of the organization.

Teen Challenge of Southern California (Central Valley) is an organization geared toward educating the public about addiction and serving as a support system for those battling addiction. They were awarded $5,000 to fund their Annual 5K Walk for Recovery. Funds raised will help cover the expenses for their residential recovery facility.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CASA), is an organization that advocates for neglected and abused children that travel through the court system. They recruit, train and supervise volunteers that put these children first and give them a voice within the court system, making sure that they find a permanent home that is both safe and nurturing. They were awarded $5,000 toward their training program which covers the cost of training two CASA volunteers.

Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire is an organization that aids lower income community members who require assistance with preserving their homes and keeping them safe and accessible. They were awarded $3,000 to support their Home Preservation Program.

Woods Humane Society, an organization that works to get animals off the streets and into loving homes, was awarded $4,000 to support its Pets for Vets Program which gives back to service members by waiving sponsored pet adoptions as a gesture of appreciation for their service.

Ventura Family YMCA/ Channel Island Young Men’s Christian Association was awarded $3,000 for its Livestrong Program which aids cancer survivors in their continued recovery free of charge.

“We are excited to support organizations that give back to our communities,” said Kevin Mcphaill, bank president and CEO, adding that, “we will continue working together to help these organizations succeed in making our communities better.”

Since its inception in 2004, the Sierra Grant Program has donated over $1.7 million to organizations that improve local communities. Non-profits who wish to apply for a Sierra Grant can pick up an instructional brochure at any Bank of the Sierra branch, or visit the bank’s website at www.bankofthesierra.com/resources/sierra_grant_program.