In a time of financial struggle for so many, there is one organization that is working to ensure that needy families are cared for as they strive for a better life.
Santa was on hand to pass out gifts to the children at the CARE event. (Daniel Lane/SWRNN)
Mt. San Jacinto College Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) Program is a state-funded program designed to provide assistance and support for single parent, head-of-household who are participants of the CalWorks/TANF, EOPS students.
The main goal is to help obtain a degree, certification, transfer and/or marketable job skills.
Winchester resident and single mom Cherie Johnson, 43, credits CARE with giving her the encouragement she needed to resume her education.
“It’s a ton of support. It’s (helpful) knowing that I can go to the CARE program if I get into trouble or I need anything,” Johnson said. “CARE basically saved my life and gave me the confidence I needed to come back to school after 23 years.”
Johnson was among more than 50 single mothers and single dads from low-income families who received gifts for their children during a holiday celebration on Dec. 8 hosted by CARE at the Mt. San Jacinto College Menifee campus.
The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, Soboba Casino and the Soboba Foundation donated 100 toys for the children of CARE program parents.
Additionally, toys were donated by Mt. San Jacinto College staff members.
And Santa, escorted by Cal Fire crews in a shining red fire truck, was on hand to pass out gifts to the children.
Video courtesy of Daniel Lane:
“This is an annual CARE holiday event where we provide support for our single moms. It’s wonderful event for our students and their children,” said EPOS/CARE Director Ketmani Kouanchao.
The families participating in this year’s celebration were from Hemet, San Jacinto, Cabazon, Banning, Beaumont, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Perris, Sun City Winchester and Wildomar.
Daniel Lane contributed to this report.
Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.
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