OCT 2016 – Member Profile – Children’s Fund

Children’s Fund providing hope for a brighter future

The idea of the Children’s Fund was recommended in 1985 as a better way to deliver services to at-risk children that fell under the responsibility of the respective County departments.  Led by Patrick J. Morris, the then presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, a Policy Council was formed. After reviewing many scenarios the endorsement was made to add a nonprofit 501(c) (3) component to the Children’s Network.

In 1986 Children’s Fund was founded.  Jack H. Brown, then Chairman & CEO of Stater Bros. Markets was the Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Realizing that children “in the system” were not always getting their needs met, Children’s Fund was created as a non-profit organization to be able to serve the children in our county who are in the most need of our support.

This year Children’s Fund has helped more than 53,000 children in San Bernardino County, bringing the total served since its inception in 1986 to more than 1.4 million children.

Children’s Fund established an Emergency Needs Program, which provides at-risk children with items such as food, clothing, beds, rental and utility assistance, medical and dental care.

Throughout the year, Children’s Fund collects backpacks filled with school supplies, winter coats to help children stay warm in the colder areas of their region, and hygiene products to provide for the basic needs for at-risk children.

After school programs, violence and gang intervention, and mentorship programs receive funding from Children’s Fund.  There are many programs that Children’s Fund supports throughout the year, supplying thousands of children with much needed items.

The San Bernardino County Amber Alert System received support from the Children’s Fund, allowing local law enforcement to link into the national system and communicate child abductions more quickly and effectively.

They have partnered with organizations that provide effective programs for at-risk children, including CASA, Parent Project, THINK Together, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Angel’s Charity Closet, Music Changing Lives and Highlanders Boxing Club.

If you would like more information about Children’s Fund or would like to donate log on to www.childrensfundonline.org or call 379-0000