Racial Justice Grantees 2022/23

Racial Justice Grants Committee
2022 Grant Recommendations Totaling $40,000
Approved by FUMCSD Church Council on 11/12/2022

In our third annual grant cycle, after reviewing 15 applications and interviewing representatives from 4 finalist organizations, the Racial Justice Grants Committee recommends the to the Church Council the following three grants, totaling $40,000. The organizations were chosen in alignment with the 2022 Racial Justice Grant Focus Area of: Health care equity/mental health

Health Care Equity/Mental Health

$10,000 to The San Diego Black Nurses Association 
The San Diego Black Nurses Association (SDBNA) is in its 45th year providing health screenings, immunizations and education to African Americans and undeserved communities. Over 1,700 people a year receive free flu immunizations at our yearly clinic sites. In addition, participants are screened for diabetes and high blood pressure. Education sessions, advocacy, and access to healthcare resources alongside organization and community partnerships help achieve their mission. Longstanding linkages to Black churches, local businesses, African American sororities, residential facilities, colleges, universities and health and human service institutions bolster these efforts. Grant funds would help to support a project integrating mental health questionnaires into existing health screening procedures, as well as mental health education at “Dinner & Learn” sessions within their existing networks. Volunteer opportunities for First Church members would include help with registration and intake at various community screening events throughout the year.

$15,000 to SD LGBT Community Center – Black Services Program
The SD LGBT Community Center has a long history of enhancing and sustaining the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities to the betterment of our entire San Diego region. After extensive community surveys showed a gap in the Center’s services to Black LGBTQ San Diegans, the Center established the Black Services program in 2021 to provide discussion groups, case management, advocacy, and support services to Black LGBTQ community members. Black Services is peer-led and provides direct referrals to internal resources including behavioral health services, healthcare enrollment, support groups, housing resources, and sexual health education and testing. Grant funds would support staffing for the Black Services program case management coordinator, as well as meeting and educational materials. The Center is happy to explore any potential volunteer opportunities with our congregation.

$15,000 to Reality Changers
Reality Changers has been preparing City Heights youth to become first generation college graduates and agents of change in their community since 2001. The organization works to break the cycle of poverty and transform families and communities one college-bound student at a time. While primarily an educational non-profit, Reality Changers has recently added a pilot program where a Masters of Social Work intern from SDSU provides counseling and case management services on-site for Reality Changers students 3 days per week. The program has supported over 35 students and families in its first year, and our grant funds would continue the success of their pilot program. Volunteer opportunities with Reality Changers include evening tutoring and mentoring, as well as support for various outreach events throughout the school year.

Respectfully submitted by the 2022 Racial Justice Grants Committee: Dione Tayler (Chair), Francine Dewitt-Haynes (St. Paul UMC), Susan Ladrido, Priscilla Venegas, Maggie Hundley, Pamela Henson, Lyn Hayes (St. Paul UMC), Marian Hart, Karen Pierre (St. Paul UMC), Maya Hundley (FUMCSD Youth).

MEET THE 2022/23 GRANTEES

Presentation recorded during the 2/5, 2023 Sunday Service  in Trotter Chapel

Visit our Racial Justice Grant page to learn more about this program.