WSSNews VOl.39 No.32

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

AcademyGO Celebrates 25 Years of Empowering Nonprofits at "Because of You" Anniversary Luncheon

INLAND EMPIRE, California, Acad professional fundrais- CA Academy for emyGO began as a ing and grantwriting Grassroots Organiza- grassroots network- tions (AcademyGO) ing group supporting is proud to celebrate 25 years of strength- ening the region's nonprofit community at its highly anticipat- ed "Because of You" 25th Anniversary Luncheon. The cele- bration took place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Eastvale Community Center.

Continued from the front page

Every Baby Born in San Bernardino

County Has a Scholarship Waiting

San Bernardino, CA ing. For newborns with a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive," said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California. "CalKIDS is a powerful way to show fami- lies that their child's future matters from the very beginning."

With August, Sep- tember, and October among the most com- mon birth months in California, thousands of families are be- coming newly eli- gible for a CalKIDS Scholarship. It's a timely opportunity for parents to take an easy first step that can grow into a lifelong advantage for their child's education.

San Bernardino County families wel- coming a new baby can also celebrate another milestone: their child's very first scholarship. Through the California Kids Investment and De- velopment Savings Program (CalKIDS), every child born in the state on or after July 1, 2022, automati- cally has a CalKIDS Scholarship Account waiting in their name including more than $5 million in scholarship funds set aside for children in San Bernardino County alone.

CalKIDS is the na- tion's largest chil- dren's development account program, de- signed to support col- lege and career trainand young children, the state invests up to $175 in a CalKIDS Scholarship Account:

$100 for being born in California (babies born July 1, 2023 or later; $25 for those born between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023)

$25 extra when parents claim the ac- count online

$50 extra for link- ing the account to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan

That's up to $175 already invested in a child's future, long before applications, admissions essays, or financial aid forms come into play. "At First 5 Califor- nia, we recognize that supporting healthy development begins development, val- ues-based leadership training, and peer learning opportuni- ties, the organization empowers nonprofit professionals to ex- pand their knowl- edge, increase their funding, and lead with purpose. "Because of you, AcademyGO has had the privilege of walking alongside thousands of non- profit professionals, helping them lead with confidence and purpose," said Deb- bie A. Cannon, Ex- ecutive Director of AcademyGO. "This luncheon is not just a celebration of our history-it's a tribute to the changemakers, donors, and partners who've made it pos- sible, and a call to keep moving forward together."

a few dozen com- munity-based orga- nizations in sharing resources and knowl- edge. Since then, it has grown into a recognized leader in nonprofit training and collaboration, with a network that now spans thousands of nonprofit profession- als and volunteers across the Inland Em-

This commemora- tive event brought together nonprofit pire. Today, Acad- professionals, munity leaders, funders, and support- ers to celebrate Acad- emyGO's legacy and lasting impact. Guests will enjoy a meaning- ful program reflecting on the organization's journey, honoring dedicated champions, and inspiring contin- ued investment in the future of the Inland Empire's nonprofit sector.

emyGO plays a vital role in strengthening the region's nonprofit ecosystem-equip- ping leaders with the tools, skills, and con- nections needed to drive lasting change throughout Southern California.

• com-
• To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.
• Continued from the front page

LWVSB Celebrates 70 Years with the 50th Citizens of Achievement and Civic

Engagement Awards

SAN BERNARDI- ceptional individuals through mentorship, AcademyGO's mis- sion is to strengthen and positively impact communities by con- vening, equipping, and guiding nonprofit leaders. Through ac- cessible, high-quality Continued from page 3

NO, CA--- The League of Women Voters of the San Bernardino Area (LWVSB) is mark- ing a historic mile- stone 70 years of empowering citizens and defending de- mocracy with its 50th annual Citizens of Achievement and and two community organizations whose service, leadership, and vision continue to shape and uplift the Inland Empire.

The 2025 Citizens of Achievement honor- ees are Jocelyn Har- ris, Dr. Lisa Henkle, Prince education, and ser- vice.

Tickets are $25 per person or $150 for a table of eight. Pro- ceeds and additional donations help sup- port LWVSB's ongo- ing efforts in voter registration, civic ed- ucation, and protect- ing the right to vote.

Founded in 2000 in the City of Barstow, To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

Celebrating 10 Years of Empowering have gone on to col- lege, careers, and bright futures. Each represents hard work, resilience, and the belief that with the right support, anything is possible. Their suc- stories reflect

City of Moreno Val- ley, and the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce each commending OFY's ongoing dedication to education and com- munity partnership.

sonalized education. Guests reflected on the students whose lives have been transformed through per- learning, sonalized dedicated staff, and strong community support.

Ogidkipe, Gerry Ramos, and Edwina Thomas each recognized for my.lwv.org/califor- their dedication to nia/san-bernardinovisit

Engagement Awards. The celebra- tion takes place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with reg- istration and a pre- reception beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Sterling Natural Re- source Center, 25318 5th Street in High- land.

register, Civic

To social impact, educa- tion, advocacy, and community empowerment. The Civic

Principal Richard Community leaders Aguilar shared heart- joined in recognizing felt remarks, reflect- OFY's achievements, ing on the lives trans- presenting Certifi- formed through the cates of Recognition program: from the offices of "In the last decade, Senator Cervantes, we've served more Riverside County than 2,000 students Supervisor Dr. Yx- and proudly gradu- stian Gutierrez, the ated over 250 who area.

cess

For more information, contact Twillea

Evans-Carthen, Citizens of Achievement Committee the dedication of our teachers, staff, and families who trust us with their children's education."

Engagement awards be will presented National Black Grads and Youth Ac- tion Project, two or- ganizations inspiring the next generation changemakers

Chair, tevanscarthen@ icloud.com or (909) 234-4980, or Kathy Ervin, President, at [email protected].

to at To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

This year's ceremo- ny honors five ex- of