IGAC Press Release

If Given A Chance Partners with Students Rising Above to Expand Services to Napa County At-risk Youth

Napa, California—August 28, 2022—In its 27 years as one of the most lauded non-profit organizations serving the Napa Valley, If Given Chance (IGAC) has served over 400 underserved and at-risk youth. As the services it provides are even more necessary in this time of deep economic uncertainty, IGAC has established a strategic partnership with Students Rising Above (SRA).

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

With this strategic partnership, 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.

Our Mission & Vision

IGAC is currently providing funds, training, guidance and emotional support to 17 high school students and 29 college students as they pursue their education. For the first year of the partnership, the college students will be supported by SRA while the high school seniors will be supported by Student Services Manager, Katlin Kiehl, and Vintage High School counselor, Norma Magdaleno.

“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,” said

— Allison Haley, President of the Board of IGAC and District Attorney of Napa County

About If Given A Chance

If Given A Chance identifies Napa County high school juniors who have overcome extraordinary challenges and demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education to support their positive path to success. IGAC helps students regain their sense of self-worth, emotional balance, and independent living skills through mentoring, life-skills training, and financial assistance. IGAC provides ongoing support as these students navigate the challenges obtaining a college degree or completing a professional/technical training program. IGAC believes in the transformative power of financial support, education, mentors, and role models to change lives and create new pathways for success.

For More Information

Contact Peg Maddocks, executive director, at 707-260-5656 or email info@ifgivenachance.org.

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