MONTEREY COUNTY — Sun Street Centers has been awarded a $50,000 Community Impact grant from the Lauralie and J. Irvine Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC).
This two-year grant will support the Safe Teens Empowerment Project (STEPS), aimed at increasing peer-to-peer education on substance use and developing opportunities for high school students to participate in drug prevention initiatives.
Between June 2023 and November 2024, the STEPS Program involved 154 student volunteers from various high schools in Monterey County. This volunteer-based after-school program focuses on preventing drug and alcohol use among high school students.
Student volunteers gather weekly to organize prevention campaigns, educate peers about substance use risks and collaborate with community organizations to advocate for drug-free communities.
“The program’s success is measured not only by the number of students it engages but by the positive impact it has on their lives and the broader community,” stated Sun Street Centers in a news release. “Student volunteers undergo comprehensive training that equips them with the skills to lead discussions, plan events and serve as role models for their peers. Our Prevention services educated over 10,000 people in Monterey County last year.”
Sun Street Centers’ collaboration with local schools, parents and law enforcement agencies further strengthens the program’s reach and effectiveness. By fostering a supportive network, the STEPS Program not only educates, but also empowers students to make informed decisions and become proactive leaders in their communities.
“The CFMC’s continued support is important in continuing these efforts and ensuring that the message of prevention resonates throughout Monterey County,” added Sun Street Centers. “Together, we are building a safer, healthier future for the next generation.”
Community Foundation for Monterey County makes grants to create healthy, safe, vibrant communities in Monterey County and beyond. A design studio for philanthropy, the CFMC works with individuals, families and businesses to design customized giving plans to make an impact now and in the future.
