Celebrating ECF-Boeing: Crystal Vision Award

The Employees Community Fund of Boeing-California has been a friend to the Rescue Mission for decades, providing grants for our programs and matching its employees’ donations. The fund is run by Boeing member employees, who thoughtfully recommend and support nonprofit organizations for funding.The Employees Community Fund of Boeing, California annually selects a theme for their “Crystal Vision Award,” with several gifts (each up to $50,000!) to help nonprofits achieve their goals. In past years, themes have included environmental stewardship and education, ending youth violence, community heroes, and, this year, organizations helping to end homelessness.

Thanks to the efforts of Board Member Charlene and her husband Todd Calish, as well as long-time Boeing employees and Rescue Mission supporters like Shauna M. and Nate D., the Village of Hope was selected as one of seven awardees!

On November 28, we received the $50,000 grant at an award presentation in Seal Beach. It’s an incredible gift, as it is made up of thousands of small donations from individual Boeing employees and represents their time, energy, and passion for helping the community. Thank you, to all Boeing employees and retirees who have been a part of ECF-Boeing CA to make these great and generous gifts!

As part of the presentation, Shauna graciously introduced the Rescue Mission’s programs to the attending Boeing employees and retirees. It is always wonderful to have friends in the community, especially those who are willing to speak publically on our behalf. Attending with me was Mike, who has recently completed his program at Orange County Rescue Mission’s Double R Ranch. Mike shared some of his story with the employees and retirees, speaking clearly and movingly about the impact the program had on his life. We were blessed to have him there!

The grant will significantly help with our 70-bed expansion, as $39,000 is allocated to the Village of Hope’s shelter costs, $6,500 to the Parent and Child Enrichment Center, and $4,500 to the Success Center (our job and academic readiness hub)

Again, we would like to thank Charlene Calish and her husband Todd for recommending us, reviewing the grant application, and for their time on the site visit; and to thank Shauna M. and all ECF Boeing employees who donate or recommend us for opportunities like this. You are a big reason we can keep doing what we do.

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