San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum (Valley Days) – San Joaquin Cty, CA
Hinds Hospice (Circle of Friends Children and Teen Support Group) – Fresno Cty, CA
Urban Dove (HiRisers Peer Mentoring) – Bronx County, New York
[Linden, CA] Aaron Judge, New York Yankee and former Fresno State Bulldog, and founder of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation (AJARF) is proud to announce the May 2022 Mini-Grant recipients, each receiving $2,500. These three organizations connect with the AJARF’s mission to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens and reach unlimited possibilities.
San Joaquin County Mini-Grant Recipient: San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, Valley Days Valley Days is an educational, immersive living history experience which gives local 3rd through 5th grade students the chance to be pioneer children for a day. Students dress in period clothing, attend classes in the 1860’s Calaveras Schoolhouse, and learn traditional crafts such as ropemaking, blacksmithing, and branding while parent volunteers work alongside. Students also discover the rich history of San Joaquin County and learn how they have a role in shaping their community through action and invention. The mini-grant funding will offset the cost of operating and updating the program ensuring all students receive the safest and highest quality experience. This includes in part, the maintenance of educational facilities, adding curricular supports to living history areas such as our “Dry Diggins Gold Mine”, and retooling our award-winning Valley Days curriculum for more culturally and ethnically diverse audiences.
Bronx County Mini-Grant Recipient: Urban Dove, HiRisers. HiRisers is a peer mentoring and youth employment program preparing students for a lifetime of professional success. Formed when Urban Dove was an after-school organization, it is now a weekly class offered to all students. In addition, HiRisers has introduced in-house internships for students, located within many different school departments. The Mini-Grant will help provide 12 hours of initial HiRisers training for each student, their first opportunity to learn what is required for a professional position. Trained students receive work experience leading activities at a local elementary school. They work two days per week and are paid for their time. In addition, the new in-house internships will provide students with a diversity of options to gain new experiences and insight into future career interests.
Fresno County Mini-Grant Recipient: Hinds Hospice, Circle of Friends Children and Teen Support Group. Since its inception in 1981, Hinds Hospice has understood the value of providing ongoing support to families after the death of a loved one. The "Circle of Friends Children and Teen Support Group" is a specialized program that helps children deal with grief of losing a close loved one, in most cases either a parent, both parents or a sibling. This group is designed to provide a safe space to process their grief and our support groups are facilitated by experienced bereavement support specialists. These group sessions are critical for the well-being, mental and physical development of children & teens who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a parent or sibling. The Mini-Grant will provide financial support for the "Circle of Friends Children and Teen Support" group sessions for children of families who can't afford to pay. This Mini Grant was made possible with the support of the Gregg Raymundo Family, Provident Payments.
“As we continue to support youth organizations, we are encouraged by the great work they are doing”, said Aaron Judge. “This season of Mini-Grants offer historic education, leadership for internships and work experience, as well as compassion and support. They each align with our Mission, and we are proud to be part of their on-going efforts.”
All funds donated for the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Mini-Grant Program go directly to children and youth programs that support ongoing citizenship and education development in San Joaquin County, California; Fresno County, California; and Bronx County, New York.