The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation has awarded a $40,000 Impact Grant to Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert. The grant aims to expand outreach and early childhood development services in Mecca and Desert Hot Springs, areas where families often face challenges accessing care and transportation.
“Families in outlying communities often struggle to access essential developmental screenings and the social services that we offer,” said Heidi Maldoon, Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert. “These funds and the media exposure awarded through the Impact Grant are giving us an opportunity to bring services into underserved parts of our valley with cultural understanding and Variety’s trusted local reputation.”
Variety’s Desert Chapter was established in 1987. Over time, the organization has adapted its programs but has remained focused on supporting the health, mobility, independence, and social inclusion of special needs and underserved children in the region.
Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, stated, “The leadership at Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert is dialed into the needs of the valley, and they have been bold in taking big strides to reach families where they are. We’re really proud to support that effort.”
With this funding, Variety plans to strengthen its programs at regional offices in both the East and West Valley. The expansion will extend free developmental and autism screenings, case management, and family resources beyond its Palm Desert Resource Center. Plans include additional staff training, telehealth options for screenings, and enhanced case management and follow-up support. The organization expects to complete more than 300 developmental screenings and 25 autism screenings as part of this initiative. Additionally, more than 2,000 educational materials and 800 food bags will be distributed to help improve family health and stability.
Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company—which owns KESQ News Channel 3—said, “By sharing this story, we hope to raise awareness about the needs in our community and the remarkable work that Variety is doing to help create brighter futures for children and families across the valley.”
The Berger Foundation awards Impact Grants through a partnership with News Channel 3. Representatives from both organizations select local nonprofits for recognition based on their work to improve lives in the community. Each grant recipient receives both funding and media coverage on platforms such as News Channel 3 News at 4 and kesq.com.
More information about Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert can be found at varietyofthedesert.org. Details about Impact Grants are available at kesq.com/life/impact-grants.
Photos are courtesy of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert
