CERV’s 2023-2024 Year in Review: Empowering Resilience in Monterey County
At the Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) of the Monterey Peninsula, our mission is to enhance disaster preparedness, build community resilience, and ensure timely responses to emergencies. Over the past two years, we’ve made remarkable progress thanks to the support of our partners, volunteers, and donors.
As we close out 2024, we’d like to share some of the milestones and achievements that have shaped our work.
Leadership That Drives Change
CERV's accomplishments are driven by our dedicated leadership team:
- Board of Directors: Lee Whitney (President), Gene Rizzo (Vice President), Sarah Blackstone (Secretary/Treasurer), Kim Stemler (Director)
- Advisory Council: Harvey Pressman, Sean Brownlee, Carolyne Profeta, Greg Profeta, Mike Brassfield
We are grateful for their tireless efforts in guiding CERV’s vision and initiatives.
Major Achievements in 2023-2024
CERV’s projects over the past two years have been fueled by grants totaling $861,607. Here are the highlights:
1. Listos California
- Total Funding: $498,807 from the California Office of Emergency Services
- Target Grant Funding: $299,142.00
- Target Grant Focus: Disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery for the most vulnerable, underserved, disabled, and low-income individuals in Monterey County
- Key Collaborators: Mujeres en Acción, Special Kids Connect, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, ITN Monterey County, and Fire Safe Council for Monterey County.
- Youth Grant Funding: $199,655.00
- Engagement: Empowering youth for disaster preparedness and introducing them to first responder careers.
2. Supporting Unhoused Youth
- Funding: $170,000 from the Payette River Foundation, Community Foundation for Monterey County, and Sharing, Inc. CERV is supporting ongoing efforts of the MPUSD team's Family for Housing program.
- Impact: Housing support for 28 families (so far) with students in the Monterey Peninsula School District. Outcomes on academic performance are being analyzed.
3. Improving Healthcare Outcomes Through Effective Communication (IHOTEC)
- Funding: $75,000 from Ability Central Philanthropy
- Products Developed:
4. Strengthening CERT Programs
- Funding: $42,800
- Focus: Supporting Big Sur CERT and Carmel Valley CERT with materials, trailers, uniforms, and communication equipment.
- Grants: Community Foundation for Monterey County, Rotary Club Foundation, and the City of Carmel.
5. Wildfire Education
- Funding: $15,000 from CAL Fire Foundation
- Focus: Wildfire education and planning for farm worker families.
6. Reviving MontereyCo.Recovers.org
- Funding: $60,000 from United Way and Community Foundation for Monterey County
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Achievements:
- Revamped MontereyCo.Recovers.org to enhance usability and accessibility.
- Hosted a webinar to train nonprofits and agencies, now available on CERV’s YouTube Channel.
Looking Ahead: CERV in 2025
As we move forward, CERV remains committed to its mission of creating safer, more resilient communities across Monterey County. Your continued support will help us expand our reach and impact in the years to come.
Thank You to Our Supporters
From our board members and advisory council to the countless individuals and organizations that have partnered with us, thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Monterey County.
