About Us – What We Do:

Eric’s Kids provides scholarships and grief support to at-risk children who have experienced the death of a parent. We ensure underserved kids affected by loss are provided a quality education and grief support so they will have an equal opportunity to succeed. The fund works primarily with the Catholic Education Foundation to provide financial support and services to children who would otherwise be unable to attend high quality, safe and nurturing Catholic elementary schools in their Los Angeles neighborhoods.

The mission is personal to our founder, Jennifer Caspar, who launched the nonprofit in memory of her late husband Eric Altshule, who died suddenly in 2010 when their daughters were ten and thirteen. Eric’s Kids aims to honor Eric’s love for his children, his passion for learning and for his fervent belief in the justice of educational equality.

PLEASE JOIN us at the 8th Eric’s Kids Annual Soccer Tournament.
Soccer, food, face painting, bouncy castles, live DJ, silent auction, raffle, and more! September 15th, Noon to 3:30pm @ Palms Park (2950 Overland Ave, LA)

How We Do It:

Since our founding in 2011, we have pursued our goal of providing quality education and grief support to under serviced children who have lost a parent in the following ways:

• Fund Raising: We have brought in more than $307,000 in contributions from individuals, primarily through grassroots communication and free public events.
• Tuition Assistance: We have funded 138 year long scholarships to more than 30 students.
• Community Building: Through annual events, we invite our students to find kinship in the Eric’s Kids community among people who understand loss.
• Bereavement Support and Education: We provide grief support education to the faculty at our participating schools.
• One-on-one Meetings: We attempt to meet with each family at least once a year to understand each one’s individual needs and barriers to educational achievement. We work to connect families with other useful resources.
• General Support: We provide holiday gifts to our students to remind them that they are valued, and that we are available for support when they need it.

 

 

It Takes a Village:

We carry out our mission through partnerships with nine schools as well as these three wonderful organizations.
Our House
Catholic Education Foundation
Camp Erin

We welcome your tax-deductible contributions to help us stabilize fragile lives.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for Eric’s Kids. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Follow Eric’s Kids on Facebook and Instagram!

Charity Matters published a profile of Eric’s Kids – to read, click here!

The UCLA School of Law Marco Firebaugh Dream Fund (the “Dream Fund”) is a component scholarship fund of the California Community Foundation named in honor of Marco Antonio Firebaugh who served in the California State Assembly from 1998 to 2004.

During his tenure in the Assembly, Firebaugh was recognized for an impressive legislative and advocacy record on behalf of California’s working families and their children. Marco was an advocate for increasing access to higher education for all. He passed away on March 21, 2006 and will be remembered in the hearts of many whose lives he fought to improve.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the UCLA School Of Law Marco Firebaugh Dream Fund. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

On Wednesday, March 28, 2007, the California Community Foundation announced the opening and establishment of the $1.75 million scholarship fund to support 100 renewable scholarships for freshmen admitted to the University of California, Los Angeles who have supported the advancement of the African American community through their service.

The UCLA Black Alumni Association Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that includes funds to cover tuition, room and board and books for eligible students.

Admissions and enrollment rates for African American students at UCLA declined steeply when Proposition 209 went into effect, beginning with the fall 1998 freshman class. Admission rates dipped to 2.1% in 2006 compared with 6.6% in fall of 1995. The initiative prohibits the consideration of race, gender or ethnicity in the admissions or recruitment of students to public universities. In 2006, only 249 African American students were admitted and 96 enrolled as freshmen out of the entire freshman student body of 4,809.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the UCLA Black Alumni Association Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W. Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Ambassador Raymond L. Telles, Jr., the first Hispanic mayor of a major American city, the first Hispanic U.S. Ambassador, a decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel, and presidential advisor passed away on March 8, 2013 at his daughter’s home in Sherman Oaks, California.

Telles was born September 5, 1915, and was educated at Texas Western College, which is now known as the University of Texas at El Paso.  He began his civil service career with the United States Department of Justice, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941.

As a result of his distinguished service as the Chief of the Lend-Lease Program for South and Central America for the US Air Force he received the Order of the Southern Cross from Brazil, Columbian wings, the Mexican Legion of Merit, and the Peruvian Flying Cross.  During World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Colonel.  He served as a military aide to President Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower and was recalled for the Korean Conflict where he commanded the U.S. Air Force 67th Tactical and Reconnaissance and earned the Bronze Star.

In 1948, he was elected County Clerk and in November 1957, after a hard-fought campaign, he was elected Mayor of El Paso.  His collaborative leadership won him an uncontested second term.  In 1961, Telles was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, making history as the first person of Hispanic heritage to serve as a U.S. Ambassador.

In 1967 President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Telles Chairman of the U.S.-Mexican Border Commission.  Later, President Richard Nixon appointed him, and President Gerald Ford re-appointed him, Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Ambassador Telles was an advisor and friend to both Democratic and Republican presidents, including President Kennedy, President Johnson, President Nixon and President Ford.

“Our father, who devoted his entire life to public service, will always be remembered for paving the way for generations of Hispanics and their social and political progress,” reflected Cynthia Telles. “He was an extraordinarily dedicated father, who instilled timeless values and set an example of selflessness,” stated Patricia Telles-Irvin.

Raymond L. Telles, Jr. was married for 68 years to the love of his life, Delfina Navarro. He is survived by his two daughters Dr. Cynthia Telles of Sherman Oaks, California and Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin of Evanston, Illinois, and grandchildren Raymond David Jimenez and Daniel Irvin-Telles.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Raymond L. Telles Scholarship Foundation. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Paul Boland Memorial Fund. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Mini Lai Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Mini Lai by helping illustration students at the Art Center College of Design (ACCD) achieve their dreams. Mini was a proud alumna of ACCD, majoring in illustration. This fund is made possible by generous donations from her family and friends.

The Mini Lai Scholarship Fund encourages ACCD illustration students to pursue their dreams despite the challenges that life presents. The goal of the fund is to help as many illustration students as possible. The fund hopes to inspire its recipients to one day give back and assist other aspiring illustration students.

About Mini Lai

Before attending Art Center College of Design, Mini attended University of California Irvine (UCI) and majored in biology. While she was at UCI, she was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Despite her debilitating condition, she graduated from the university after seven challenging years of study.

Ultimately, Mini’s worsening heart condition required that she receive a heart transplant. With this second chance at life, she focused her energy on pursuing her life-long passion for art. She dreamed of attending ACCD and gained entrance through her dedication and hard work.

Because of the strength of her portfolio, Mini received generous scholarships to encourage her studies and assist her financially. The Mini Lai Scholarship Fund exists to give back to Mini’s supporters and continue their spirit of charitable giving.

Mini graduated from ACCD in 2000 and began to build her career. She worked on a broad range of projects, from developing logos and identity systems to creating wedding invitations and birth announcements to painting personal works.

Naturally, Mini’s unique life experience informed her personal work. She explored a wide range of subjects, from life and death to religion and spirituality to culture and tradition. A recurrent theme was the beauty of the human heart.

Eight years after she received her heart transplant, Mini suddenly passed away from a stroke. However, her spirit lives strong in the fond memories of her family and friends. Her passion for art continues through the Mini Lai Scholarship Fund.

To learn more, visit: facebook.com/minilaischolarshipfund

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Mini Lai Scholarship Fund. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Mark Bingham was a strapping 220-pound, 6-foot-5 rugby player who fought off muggers on the street and ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain before taking on terrorists who hijacked United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001.

One of the heroes to emerge from America’s biggest tragedy, Bingham has become a symbol of hope to the nation’s gays — a man whose sexual orientation made no difference when lives were at stake.

Bingham, who lived most of his life in Northern California but moved to New York not long before the terrorist attacks, was also a proven leader.

He coached a gay rugby team, the San Francisco Fog, was president of his fraternity, Chi Psi of the University of California at Berkeley (Cal) and started his own public relations firm, the Bingham Group, with offices in San Francisco and New York.

The Mark Bingham Leadership Fund provides scholarships to students interested in Cal, Chi Psi Fraternity, rugby, and those who possess qualities of teamwork, sociability, leadership and heroism.

Some of this biography was taken from the 10/22/01 AP Wire story, “Gay Hero Emerges From Hijackings.”

Visit the Mark Bingham memorial website to learn more about Bingham and recipients of the Mark Bingham Leadership Scholarship.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Mark Bingham Leadership Fund. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Les Shaw Junior Memorial Fund supports a deserving college-bound student at View Park Preparatory Academy.

Les Nelson Shaw Junior was a lifelong resident of the Crenshaw neighborhood in Los Angeles who passed away on February 3, 2011 after a four-year battle with cancer. Les was the son of noted civic leaders Ann Shaw and the late Leslie Nelson Shaw Senior.

Les Junior was a retired real estate appraiser who loved helping hundreds of Los Angeles residents during his career in their quest to own a home. Les Junior was an old soul, a truth teller who lived and died with courage and integrity. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Les Shaw Junior Memorial Fund For Literacy. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Mattel and the Mattel Children’s Foundation created the Joseph Cristina Children’s HIV/AIDS Fund to make a difference in the lives of children affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States by helping to meet their diverse needs, educating and advocating on their behalf, and bringing joy and fun into their lives. Exclusively endowed by the Mattel Children’s Foundation, the fund grants support to non-profit organizations which help children affected by HIV/AIDS.

More than 20 years ago, former Mattel executive Joseph Cristina turned the tragedy of an HIV-positive diagnosis into an opportunity by founding the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF). Through his vision, CAAF raised over $40 million dollars to support nonprofit organizations nationally, in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mattel, the Mattel Children’s Foundation and Mattel employees have been there every step of the way. In early 2012, CAAF joined forces with Keep a Child Alive (KCA) to help serve children and their families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

This fund makes grants by invitation only, for more information please click here.

To hear his story, see the video below.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Joseph A. Cristina HIV/AIDS Children’s Fund. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Jennifer Taylor Honick Foundation was established by Gigi Michaels in 2000 through The California Community Foundation (CCF), in memory of her daughter Jennifer as a continued celebration of her life and many accomplishments.

Current Project

As an advocate for the disability community, the foundation is currently serving as a fundraising, marketing & development partner for Whirlwind Wheelchair International. We are proud to be a part of an organization that focuses on producing durable, low cost wheelchairs which are distributed in over 60 countries worldwide, while contributing to sustainable local economic development. Whirlwind also makes the proper fitting of the wheelchairs a priority above all else. The RoughRider wheelchair was specifically designed to enable people with physical disabilities to navigate the rugged terrain that is often a major issue in developing countries that would otherwise make independence through mobility inaccessible. The gift of a wheelchair helps those with disabilities to develop a true sense of independence by providing them access to education, social engagement and work opportunities.

“We believe that all children, regardless of their abilities or circumstances should have an opportunity to share in educational and social experiences that enrich their hearts, minds, bodies and souls. And inclusion is one of the most important gifts we can give any child at risk.”

With your support we look forward to continuing to do just that!

THE JTH FOUNDATION is proud to have contributed to many other projects over the years that have included:

SHELTER DEVELOPMENT

• THE RAIN SHELTER IN CAMARILLO ~ a transitional home for displaced families where two rooms have been built in memory of Jenny.

SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

• EVERYBODY DANCE ~ Grants for inner city dance program for at-risk youth
• THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM ~ Scholarships for at-risk youth
• THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED YOUTH of MARIN COUNTY ~ Scholarships for visually impaired teens
• THE SANTA BARBARA YMCA ~ Scholarships for at-risk youth
• LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ~ Scholarships for disadvantaged youth

PROGRAM FUNDING / SPECIFIC SUPPORT

• CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE ~ A non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs at no charge to the recipient.
• THE CONEJO VALLEY FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE ~ The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization that addresses the challenges facing the families of children with special needs in a novel and innovative way.
• THE STEPHENS HOUSE ~ A transitional programs for young adults with disabilities.
• MENDING KIDS INTERNATIONAL ~ non-profit organization that provides surgeries to children across the world while training local medical communities to become self-sustaining.

As a donor directed fund, virtually all monies donated are designated directly to people in need. Only 1% of the total fund is used to provide for administrative purposes, which is why CCF was chosen to manage the JTH foundation. As we continue to build the endowment, we look forward to providing many more opportunities for children in need.

If you would like to make a secure, tax-deductible donation online, just click on the donation button located below and know that you will be helping to make a difference in the life of someone in need.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Jennifer Taylor Honick Foundation for Humanity.

You may also send checks payable to the California Community Foundation, noting that the donation is for the Jennifer Taylor Honick Foundation for Humanity. Checks should be mailed to:

California Community Foundation
717 W Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012