Kelly Foundation Provides Two-Year Grant to Make It Happen for Yolo County

Funds will help sustain and expand program for local youth amidst growing demand

(From press release) The Kelly Foundation has granted local nonprofit Make It Happen for Yolo County $20,000 each year for two years for its program that equips underserved local young adults with essential furnishings and household goods to create safe, stable homes as they move into independent living. The two-year grant will help sustain and expand the organization’s work to address furniture poverty in response to significant growth in demand as well as rising prices of items.

“We are grateful to the Kelly Foundation for recognizing that having a fully furnished, safe and functional home is a fundamental need,” said Cathi Schmidt, executive director, Make It Happen for Yolo County. “The resilient young adults we serve have often experienced foster care, the juvenile justice system, homelessness or all three. Working together, we can turn their empty living spaces into places of comfort, dignity and belonging.”

Make It Happen clients are referred through county agencies and community partners and receive personalized support along with connections to partner organizations and ongoing advocacy. Since its founding in 2014, Make It Happen for Yolo County has helped nearly 400 transition age youth and is the only organization in Yolo County offering these services. To make a financial or furniture donation, visit: www.MIHYolo.org.

The Kelly Foundation envisions a Greater Sacramento region where everyone has a chance to live in a safe and affordable home; access to meaningful work, a sustainable environment, healthy food and quality education; and where each person’s ability to thrive is connected to the well-being of the community. The Kelly Foundation was founded in 1988. In 2009, the River City Bank Foundation merged with the Kelly Foundation. For more information: www.KellyFoundationSacramento.org.