Providing resources and support to schools in need with community connections, and HOPE initiatives.
Seeing my vision come to life at Ynez & Rice Elementary Schools starting fall 2025 has been most rewarding. It’s a joy to bring something new to the students who may not have had exposure to different foods and flavors outside their own culture. And teaching basic knife and cooking skills which I hope the students find valuable as they grow and develop. The best part is enjoying the fruits of their labor.
-Amy Kwan-Garcia, Enrichment Specialist
One of our community members celebrated her 80th birthday and asked for donations of school supplies and we connected her to our partner school, Ynez Elementary. Teachers were excited to receive additional supplies to support their classrooms all in thanks to her generosity! If others want to do a “birthday fundraiser” like this, let us know and we can make it happen locally!
Thank you to Citizens Business Bank for supporting our HOPE Initiatives for students and families in the schools we serve. Their generous commitment to those most in need is appreciated!
We spared no time to get started on the 4th/5th grade edible garden at #Ynez Elementary on the first week of school. Some of the herbs and veggies will help with the cooking enrichment classes that restart next month. Students were excited to plant and water!”
Privileged to support the staff and teachers by welcoming them back with lunch before the kids return to campus at our adopted schools, Marguerita Elementary and Ynez Elementary. We look forward to our ongoing partnership these schools this year!
This cohort from Ynez Elementary were shocked to find out it only takes three ingredients to make ice cream. They had so much fun they wanted to make it with other friends and posted on their social media stories! These middle school cooking classes and other skill building enrichment classes are part of Catalyst SGV’s Adopt-A-School program that we offer to our local school partners.
This spring we used grown tomatoes and basil in the garden to make a bruschetta with the 4th & 5th grade Gardening classes at Ynez Elementary – they kept coming back for seconds and thirds!
My name is Peir Huynh, and I am a Kindergarten teacher at Ynez Elementary School. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for awarding me the teacher mini-grant this school year. I have attached photos to show how meaningfully it was used in my classroom.
Your generous support has had a truly positive impact on my students’ learning experiences and has allowed them to take part in engaging and creative activities that would not have been possible otherwise. I deeply appreciate your kindness and investment in education.
Thank you once again for your generosity and continued support.
With gratitude,
Peir Huynh
Kindergarten Teacher
Ynez Elementary School
