Desert Charities - Oct-Nov-Dec 2023

www.kyleandcoadvertising.com Graciela Montano Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation Grants Manager Making A Dierence As the Grants Manager at the RAP Founda- tion, investing in nonprofits, increasing their capacity, and addressing unmet needs brings me immense joy and fulfillment, catalyzing positive change and community impact each time a grant is awarded. My passion for social welfare and attention to detail drives me to assist organizations with programs and projects seeking funding for health, mental health, and juvenile intervention that primarily support underserved and marginalized populations. These initiatives make a significant dierence in the lives of those in need. Together, our collective eorts foster transformation, creating a better, more inclusive community for everyone’s brighter future. Tamara Hedges Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter President Making A Dierence My heartfelt bond with animals goes way back, taking in neighborhood strays and nurturing injured wildlife back to health as a young child. Decades later, as board president of Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, I am committed to transforming lives through extraordinary animal care and advocacy, inspiring compassion and positive relationships between the community and animals through direct action and humane education. I am consistently inspired by the kindness of our community, and know that one day, we will have a humane, cruelty-free Coachella Valley, where all pets have the love and care they so richly deserve. Chris Clemens Martello Clemens & Co. Founder Making A Dierence I have worked with a variety of local nonprofit organization’s by providing marketing services, and find it so rewarding to support these clients who oer so many valuable services to the people in our community. Many of these clients inspired me to create a nonprofit cat recue and adoption organization, www.cvcatclub.org , in 2020. I am fortunate to have made a dierence for not only the rescued kitties, but for changing people’s lives with adoptions. It has been a remarkable journey. Debra Mumm Create Center Executive Director Making A Dierence As director of CREATE CENTER, I inspire positive change in our community by fostering creativity, providing accessible art education, and facilitating inclusive cultural engagement. By oering diverse artistic programs, workshops, and exhibitions, I aim to empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds, nurturing self-expression, cross-cultural understanding, and personal growth. Through developing collaborative projects and partnerships, CREATE has become a welcoming space where people can connect, heal, and thrive, making art an instrument for social impact, well-being, and a stronger, more vibrant community. Art and creative practices make a dierence to individuals and to the places they live. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 17 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS