Desert Charities - Women in Philanthropy - Oct-Nov-Dec 2023

Patty Newman Coachella Valley Wellness Foundation Board Chair Making A Dierence How does one go about making a di’erence? It starts by being aware of the needs of others. It is necessary to be well informed, thoughtful, compassionate, humble, and kind. Making the world a better place can range from empathetic daily interactions to leveraging resources and connections for the greater good. With a mission to support and promote good health in our community, I am especially honored to work toward those acts of kindness, leadership and philanthropy that contribute to the quality of life in the Coachella Valley. Michelle Newman CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Philanthropic Support Analyst Making A Dierence The Palm Desert Campus of CSUSB has been committed to the success of our students. Through our core values of; inclusivity, innovation, respect, social justice and equity, sustainability, transparency and wellness and safety we seek ways to connect students to resources and career pathways, provide opportunities for educational and personal growth and raise money for scholarships. This in turn creates transformational opportunities for our students and the campus community that sustain the intellectual, environmen- tal, economic and cultural richness of the Coachella Valley. Kaira Nayfack Palm Valley School Director of Admissions and Marketing Making A Dierence As the Admissions Director at Palm Valley School, I am committed to creating a diverse and inclusive student body by implementing strategic plans and conducting e’ective outreach e’orts. By prioritizing inclusivity, I ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives, feel valued, respected, and supported throughout their educational journey. By embodying the mission and values of PVS, I lead with integrity and a commitment to education. At Palm Valley, we value respect, empathy, and lifelong learning. I am proud to contribute to the development of future leaders and global citizens who will positively influence the world. Jessica Muñoz Voices for Children President & CEO Making A Dierence Voices for Children (VFC) transforms the lives of abused and neglected children in foster care by providing them with volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). Under Muñoz’s leadership, VFC’s Riverside County program has seen incredible growth, going from serving 140 children in 2016 to a record-breaking 521 youth in foster care in 2023! Muñoz said, “Together, we can ensure children in the Coachella Valley have a voice. With the support of our caring community, we can expand our reach and provide a dedicated CASA volunteer for each and every child in foster care who needs one.”. Cynthia Moses Integrated Learning Institute Director/ Educational Therapist Making A Dierence Children and adults with learning di©culties face a plethora of challenges. Often the im- mediate challenge, usually school or behavior related, receives the most time and attention. Compensatory approaches prove useful in the short term, but must be continually repeated. The learner is unchanged. The non-compensatory strategies and tech- niques taught at Integrated Learning Institute strengthen the weaknesses that are keeping the student from learning in the first place. The student learns to process what is seen and heard accurately. Memory is improved. Strategies are developed for things like planning, problem solving, and evaluation. The student becomes a competent, confident, independent learner. Susie Morales ACT for MS Managing Director Making A Dierence Helping people living with MS within my community is an incredibly rewarding experience. I find being of service and giving even the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the person you are helping. Our clients receive free programs each month and everyone we help contributes to making our community a better place. This positive ripple e’ect is undeniable, and I see it every day. When we come together to support one another, we create hope and a better place we live in. At ACT for MS we help “Clients Live Stronger Longer”. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 11 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT DeAnn Lubell Prize-winning writer, publicist, and a teacher of the arts, DeAnn Lubell, has lived in Coachella Valley since 1991. She has produced seven known ballets and wrote one original. Her writings have been featured in the Palm Springs Life Magazine, The Desert Sun, Uken Report, Coachella Valley Weekly, Coachella Valley Independent, Palm Springs Times, Palm Springs News, Desert Charities News, and The Desert Magazine. Published works include a novelette Nightmare Island; historic and educational books for Little Folk Visuals; and a medical educational guide Functions of the Human Body. Her historical novel, The Last Moon, has garnered five national awards and three international awards. Among her awards, she won a gold medal for Readers Favorite Awards and took first place at the 2016 Amsterdam Book Festival in the category of historical fiction. In 2016, she served as the unit publicist and an extra for the movie Do It or Die produced in Palm Springs. DeAnn is currently working on a new historical novel, The Bamboo Moon, that takes place during the Vietnam War. DeAnn has represented many local nonprofits and businesses over the years as their publicist. Currently, she represents Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley www.bgcofcv.org , Read With Me Volunteers www.readwithmevolunteers.com, and her own nonprofit Amy’s Purpose www.amyspurpose.net. Please go to their websites for updates on special events and ticket purchases. Amy’s Purpose is to hold a fashion show luncheon featuring high profile leaders and local celebrities on October 12, 2023. DeAnn was honored as National Pen Woman of the Year by the National League of American Pen Women; the Media Mavens public relations person of the year; presented with the coveted Bob Brennan Award at the annual Desert Samaritans Faith ‘n Begorra Annual Fundraiser; and in 2019 honored as Angel Light Academy’s Above and Beyond Award as an Angel on Earth. DeAnn Lubell, President Amys Purpose PO Box 1427 Morango Valley, CA 92256 (760) 831-3090 lulubell24@aol.com www.amyspurpose.net