Announcements

August 22, 2022

A New Day for If Given A Chance

In 1994, when a group of passionate and committed members of the Napa Valley community came together to found our organization, we dedicated ourselves to supporting the most underserved and at-risk youths in our community as they strived to achieve a better life through education. Thanks to the compassion and generosity of countless, what started as a grassroots effort evolved into one of the most lauded non-profit organizations serving the Napa Valley community, and we are beyond proud of the many milestones that have been achieved by our more than 400 program alumni.

While we have accomplished much, and fostered profoundly positive changes in many, many lives, the services we provide are even more necessary than before in this time of deep economic uncertainty. After reflecting on how we could expand our youth outreach yet still provide the most meaningful and effective program for our mentored students we realized it was time to change our business model. After careful consideration and research, we have made the exciting decision to establish a strategic partnership with another amazing organization called Students Rising Above (SRA).

Like IGAC, San Francisco-based SRA is dedicated to impacting the future by investing in low-income youth who have demonstrated a deep commitment to education and the strength of character necessary to overcome poverty, homelessness, neglect and more. The SRA team has built a deep bench of talented and compassionate individuals, including college and career advisors, healthcare coordinators, college admission counselors, and youth mental health professionals, a feature which is very important for our IGAC recipients.

By forming this strategic partnership with SRA, our IGAC students will have access to a host of new benefits and services, including:

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Meetings

Monthly meetings with peer mentors and fellow students
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Health professionals

24/7 access to mental health therapists

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Workshops

Workshops on everything from college admissions, career choices and financial independence, to stress reduction and mental health

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Financial Support

Financial aid support and advocacy

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Online resources

Access to The Hub, SRA’s first-of-its-kind online resource designed to provide students comprehensive, up-to-date information, personal advisors to facilitate college and career opportunities, and a supportive online community of motivated peers.

Simply put, SRA is a full-service organization with the resources to allow us to do so much more for our students.

“While this partnership will bring many new services to our program, some important things will stay the same. Our mission will remain dedicated solely to supporting at-risk youth in Napa County. We will maintain our own board, conduct our own philanthropic activities, and work closely with Napa County high schools to select the neediest, yet most resilient students within our community.”

— Allison Haley, If Given A Chance Board President and Napa County District Attorney
Announcements