SIMA Humanitarian Fund 2017 Year End Reports
SIMA Humanitarian Fund 27831 La Paz Road Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Phone: 949.366.1164 Fax: 949.454.1406 www.sima.com
2017 YEAR END REPORTS
AccesSurf Hawaii
Amazing Surf Adventures
Best Day Foundation, Inc.
Boys to Men Mentoring Netwok Inc.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation
John Wayne Cancer Foundation
Life Rolls On
Mauli Ola Foundation
Outdoor Outreach
STOKED Mentoring, Inc. ("STOKED")
SurfAid
Surfers Healing Foundation, Inc.
Valpo Surf Project
2017 YEAR END REPORT
AccesSurf Hawai'i
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: AccesSurf Hawai'i
Contact Person: Cara Short
Title: Executive Director
Purpose of Grant: AccesSurf has a simple goal to provide beach and ocean access programs for people with disabilities. The main structure of these programs provide the physical support on land and in the water, with accessible equipment and trained volunteers, for people who do not have regular access to experience the healing power of the ocean and surfing. Over the past 11 years with the expansion of programs, clinics and special events AccesSurf has become much more than a platform for people with disabilities to heal and gain strength through surfing; it has also created an accepting and inclusive community that brings awareness for people with disabilities throughout society. Through surveys and focus groups we have learned the depth of the impact of our programs. Participants share how their lives have been dramatically changed through AccesSurf because; they have gained personal strength and confidence which empowers them in all aspects of their lives, they have created friendships and relationships that stretch outside of AccesSurf programs and many have become mentors to others who are either newly injured or being introduced to adaptive (modified) surfing for the first time. Feedback that we receive reflects that many people and families who attend our programs are not regularly included in mainstream activities and social gatherings and AccesSurf has had an extraordinary effect on their lives because we focus on inclusion, empowerment and creating community. In 2017 AccesSurf provided 44 program days and special events plus support, competitions and training for our adaptive surf team through out year. Serving 1,272 registered participant numbers made possible by over 3000 volunteer registrations.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. The request for this grant is for support to purchase a much needed equipment van. The fleet of necessary accessible equipment has grown as we keep up with the demand. The equipment and supplies are vital to our programs and without a permanent location we need transport to every event. We are in great need of a reliable vehicle.
Expected results will be for AccesSurf to be able transport equipment to continue to provide current programs and events.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? We were able to obtain funding for our equipment vehicle from multiple sources including this grant from SIMA.
The equipment vehicle was outfitted with shelving and storage by our volunteers and a local wave muralist, Hilton Alves, will be donating a mural for the outside of the vehicle. With these additions and the increased space of the newly purchased equipment vehicle our equipment transportation needs with our current program size have been achieved.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? Having the ability to properly transport and store our equipment necessary for our equipment is what makes our programs possible.
Our programs in 2018 served 1773 participants.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) AccesSurf experienced a 30% participant increase in 2018 throughout all programs and clinics. Being able to increase programs in is a direct result from several advancements including an improved system for equipment storage and transportation with the newly purchased equipment vehicle which this grant contributed to.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Amazing Surf Adventures
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Amazing Surf Adventures
Contact Person: Amanda Curaza
Title: Executive Director
Purpose of Grant: To support Amazing Surf Adventures program, Operation Surf. Operation Surf is a weeklong program that offers a week of adaptive surfing and healing for wounded military men and women. Participants are paired with professional surf instructors and develop a goal-based curriculum around their unique abilities. Operation Surf offers an environment of camaraderie and healing to its participants by giving them a shared experience in the water each day.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. Funds were used to help feed, house, transport and provide equipment for our participants of Operation Surf.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? All the goals were met during Operation Surf. All accommodations and needs of the program were a success. We are constantly working to improve our programs. Looking at efficiency, logistics, budget and staff. Each year we re-evaluate what works well and what we can do to improve.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? Operation Surf was able to serve over 60 veterans through its week-long program. Our purpose is to change their life, not just their week, aiming to provide them a wellness experience that inspires them to carry wellness throughout all aspects of life as they return home. Below is a testimony from one of our participants and a participant family member.
“There’s something about being able to talk to all these guys who have been through PTSD themselves that really helps, and no pun intended, from the first day I surfed, my whole perception and attitude changed and (negative thoughts) washed away.” - Kyle Kelly Operation Surf Participant
“With Operation Surf, we finally had a support system, the responsibility of my Veterans overall wellness was no longer on just me, but instead we had a community of Veterans and Operation Surf staff who just simply showed up for him, for us. I can't begin to tell you what that alone did for us.” - Makenzie Rana, military spouse
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) This SIMA grant has allowed the support for these veterans to experience Operation Surf at no cost to them. With an average of $5,000 to put one participant through, it is critical to the success of the program to have grants like SIMA.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Best Day Foundation, Inc.
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Best Day Foundation, Inc.
Contact Person: Brooks Lambert
Title: Executive Director
Purpose of Grant: Best Day continues to expand. In 2018 we will have 8 chapters operating serving Southern Florida, Southern Virginia/Northern North Carolina, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Orange county, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura areas in California. Each chapter typically hosts 4 – 8 events, with each event serving between 40 and 45 children and young adults with special needs with the support of approximately 130 volunteers per event.
Our growth has also triggered the need for more gear to support our events as outlined in the program budget. Beach wheelchairs have been a key limiting component that has caused us to not accept requests from participants in wheelchairs once the few we have in each area have been allocated. We hope to add 2 more to each of our truck/trailer gear set ups this season.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. The gear needed is made up of beach wheelchairs, wetsuits, helmets, pfds, and tents. When we split our gear to support the new vehicle to serve the Southern California chapters we have been hampered with not having proper sized wetsuits, helmets or pfds to serve the kids at each event so we plan to fill out the lacking areas, as well as add 2 beach wheelchairs to each vehicle to better serve our participants in wheelchairs.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? We purchased 2 beach wheelchairs and 6 pop up tents. We did not purchase more PDFs, helmets, wetsuits etc for 2 reasons, we received a donation from an organization wrapping up operations that filled in our PDF and helmet needs, and we didn't raise enough money to purchase the needed wetsuits.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? This Year we hosted - 34 Events, after having to cancel 4 due to crazy weather at 15 Venues with 8 Chapters Serving 885 Participants joined us from the 1258 registered With the support of 3065 Volunteers who made it all possible We were very fortunate to be selected as the grand prize winner in the Children's Charity Spotlight Challenge for National Child Awareness Month.We were awarded GuideStar's Gold Seal of Transparency - they are the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. We achieved Top Rated Non-profit status with Great Nonprofits again, thanks to all of the amazing reviews you submitted.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) We were able to serve more youth in wheelchairs as this has been a limiting factor in the past. We provided more shade and better recognition on the beach with the pop up tents.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Boys to Men Mentoring Network Inc.
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Boys to Men Mentoring Network Inc.
Contact Person: Lauryn Semere
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager
Purpose of Grant: Boys to Men’s intent was to provide a Summer Surf Nights experience to 80 boys in 2017. To remain transparent and honor our relationship with SIMA Humanitarian Fund, funds received on October 10, 2018 were used to reimburse our program costs for 2018 Summer Surf Nights. The Summer Surf Nights program timeline is from May through September each summer. This report will include both 2017 and 2018 program results. SIMA Humanitarian Funds were used to host four (4) Summer Surf Nights in both 2017 and 2018 throughout the summer for boys and mentors to bond with each other, transport the boys to and from the beach. Boys to Men staff used these generous funds to: 1. Recruit boys, mentors, and additional experienced male surfing instructors (volunteers) 2. Schedule staff to execute the Surf Night Plan which includes purchasing food, transporting boys to and from Summer Surf Nights, and chaperoning boys on the beach 3. Coordinate food and the transportation of boys and surfing gear (wetsuits, boards, etc.) 4. Provide food to feed the boys and volunteers Our BTM Summer Surf Nights continues to be a popular program activity among our boys. BTM Summer Surf Nights offers boys an opportunity to learn to surf while interacting with adult male surfers and volunteers who share their love of surfing as well as their own past mistakes and how they overcame them. Surf Nights are held twice monthly on alternating weeks from our mentoring group meetings. In the Summer of 2017 and 2018, Surf Nights have been successful in fulfilling the need of boys to have a healthy and safe activity to engage with their peers and mentors.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. The purpose and goal of the SIMA Humanitarian Funds was to provide funding for the Boys to Men Summer Surf Nights aimed to: 1. Provide additional opportunities for mentors to teach 96 fatherless and/or disconnected boys to surf and interact in a positive, fun environment; 2. Improve their decision-making ability and more likely to consider consequences of their actions; 3. Develop new friendship with peers; 4. Have a better understanding of the consequences of their actions; 5. Develop friendships with many positive male role models in their community; and 6. Choose to participate in other group mentoring programs as result of their participation in Summer Surf Nights.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? Boys to Men worked to achieve its Summer Surf Nights program goals and objectives in 2017 and 2018.
Objective 1: Provide additional opportunities for mentors to teach 96 fatherless and/or disconnected boys to surf and interact in a positive, fun environment. Outcome: In both 2017 and 2018, we hosted four (4) Summer Surf Nights with a minimum of twenty (20) boys in attendance at each event. In addition, every surf night had a minimum of three (3) surf instructors with some nights having as many as six (6) instructors. This is not including the additional mentors that also were in attendance. We have learned to focus on the quality of the program and the experience we are providing for boys rather than the quantity of boys being served. This change in program emphasis resulted in boys having more time to connect with mentors, and the opportunity to learn in a smaller group setting which is less intimidating for them.
Objective 2: Improve their decision-making ability and more likely to consider consequences of their actions. Outcome: Our mentoring programs are focusing on providing a safe space for boys to openly express their emotions without fear or judgement. This also allows us to help boys evaluate their current life decisions, encourage healthier life choices and critical thinking skills, and challenge boys to be held accountable for their actions moving forward.
Objective 3: Develop new friendship with peers. Outcome: Boys were able to connect with their peers in a beautiful, outdoor environment, experience camaraderie as they learned a new skill together and built their social network.
Objective 4: Have a better understanding of the consequences of their actions. Outcome: Our program provides role modeling by positive mentors who share with boys how their personal decisions have impacted their lives and the consequences they faced. The open dialogue aids boys in sharing their thoughts, challenges they are facing and how they plan to resolve or address those challenges. This gives mentors, peers and boys to discuss what it means to be responsible and accountable for their decisions and possible outcomes based on their actions taken to resolve their dilemmas.
Objective 5: Develop friendships with many positive male role models in their community. Outcome: In tandem with our biweekly open community groups, the Summer Surf Nights teach our boys a new skill while also allowing them to engage with new positive, male mentors in a more relaxed setting than our group circles. Boys are able to connect and bond with their peers in a fun yet calming environment as they learn to surf together and enjoy a barbecue meal.
Objective 6: Choose to participate in other group mentoring programs as result of their participation in Summer Surf Nights. In some cases, the first time a boy is introduced to our organization is through the Summer Surf Nights and that initial engagement leads to them participating in other programs (in-school, group mentoring, open community groups, and Adventure Mountain Weekends).
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? The measurable impact on boys through Summer Surf Nights, has been boys: • Learn to surf, enjoy nature and be safe in the ocean • Improve their decision-making ability and more likely to consider consequences of their actions • Develop new friendships with peers • Have a better understanding of the consequences of their actions • Develop friendships with many positive male role models in their community • Choose to participate in our other group mentoring programs as a result of their participation in Summer Surf Nights Although boys did display a different attitude about their academic performance and school attendance, we currently do not have a system in place to track their academic and behavioral performances in this program. This is particularly true when we do not have a Memorandum of Understanding established with the school that boys attend the following semester.
BTM’s partnership with SIMA is having a positive impact on the lives of boys through our mentoring program. An example is Amar, a boy we introduced you to in our last report. Amar initially became involved with our program through our Summer Surf Nights. Amar does not attend a traditional high school and instead is enrolled in online courses while also holding a part-time job. Since being introduced to us this summer, Amar regularly attends our open community groups that occur bi-weekly. Recently, Amar was invited to attend his first Adventure Mountain Weekend in October as an initiate. Now a Journeyman, Amar is slowly becoming a leader amongst the other Journeymen and continues to participate in our other events. A photo from his first Adventure Mountain Weekend is attached. He is the young gentlemen wearing the sunglasses.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) The measurable grant results to date are reflected in how our program functions. BTM has shifted its recruitment focus from aiming to increase the quantity of boys in the program to focusing on quality programming. We are seeking to provide boys an opportunity who are genuinely interested in Summer Surf Nights and provide meaningful interactions between mentors and the boys during the summer. Secondly, we have learned to streamline our costs enabling us to develop a financially efficient program. We have been able to deliver a proficient program by continually analyzing our program and improving our processes.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Contact Person: Drew Hoyer
Title: Associate Executive Director
Purpose of Grant: Continue to grow the Pipeline to a Cure National SUP Day event and teach new CF families about water sports.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. 1. Strengthen the Orange County National SUP Day event and reach new cf families 2. Create four new National SUP Day events in CFF Chapters around the country 3. Using the Young Professional network create four new SUP day events led by young professionals for a total of eight new SUP events
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? 1. Strengthen the Orange County National SUP Day event and reach new cf families - 100% achieved! 2. Create four new National SUP Day events in CFF Chapters around the country - 100% achieved and we are building a new Orange County event based on the success of this event! 3. Using the Young Professional network create four new SUP day events led by young professionals for a total of eight new SUP events - Our young professional program was held back a little and launched in 2018 so we will be using our new group of Young Professionals to help launch our new ocean event in May of 2019.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? Through our SUP Day event we were able to reach 5 new families which is a big win for us since over 50% of the population is not active with a local chapter. We continually look for new ways to engage our community with events that do not require a fundraising component and our SUP Day continues to help with this effort.
We were able to formally create a Pipeline to a Cure national task force to build out Pipeline SUP events around the country, which is paving the way for more SUP and Paddle events nationwide.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) The SIMA grant has allowed us to increase our capacity to host this free event for our families. Almost every event we do at our chapter is fundraising based because of the need to fund medical research, so having something that our families can attend for free has been great for our families and kids with CF. This event has also allowed us to test and try new ideas that we have passed along to the other chapters doing water sport events.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation
Contact Person: Pam Sousa
Title: Executive Administrator
Purpose of Grant: Ocean Therapy Program for Underprivileged Youth
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. To further support our unique Ocean Therapy Youth Program, serving more than 150 underprivileged youth from the Los Angeles area annually. The purpose of the Ocean Therapy Program is to inspire enhanced self-efficacy and vision forward in its participants, as well as to build proficiency in ocean safety awareness and board sport skill acquisition. Grant funds would directly support the staffing, equipment and resources contributing to the youth.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? With SIMA's support, the funding allowed us to continue to provide a unique combination of recreational, educational and mentoring programs to more than 150 at- risk children. Our Ocean Therapy Program uses the healing properties of physical contact with the ocean’s waters as the centerpiece of a carefully coordinated array of psycho-social treatments that have been shown to enhance participants’ well-being. We have found it is essential to have a professional staff on hand to ensure the safety, support and success of our programming. Our goals and objectives were met at 100 percent.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? Ocean Therapy stresses that by successfully engaging in the activity of surfing and riding waves, individuals will increase their self-confidence and belief in their ability to achieve their goals in other life areas. We have carried out groundbreaking work in this field, and have been working closely with a research team to analyze the programs’ effectiveness. We use the Children’s Hope Scale and the children drawing pictures of their activity that are later analyzed by a clinical team. The results have been simply amazing. The vast majority of participants have displayed measurable improvement in their outlook, attitudes and behaviors.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) Over the past 12 years the JMMF has been a beneficiary of SIMA funds, the JMMF has had the opportunity to enhance their professional staff, increase their cadre of equipment and board sport activities offered, as well as to continue to grow our Youth program to meet the needs of close to 200 participants annually. SIMA grant funding has created measurable progress in our enhanced JMMF Ocean Therapy operations. Our exceptional staff is the backbone of our operations and by expanding the staff and Youth programs by sustaining the highest standards in qualifications, we maintain our status as one of the most qualified surf therapy programs in the world.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
John Wayne Cancer Foundation
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: John Wayne Cancer Foundation
Contact Person: Lauren Fraga
Title: Senior Program Director
Purpose of Grant: The funds requested from the SIMA Humanitarian Fund were used to fund John Wayne Cancer Foundation’s Block the Blaze youth skin cancer education program for California junior lifeguard boardsport athletes, and to expand this program to junior lifeguard boardsport athletes in other states in 2018. Sun exposure is cumulative, so the sooner we get the information into the minds of the boardsport athletes who are being exposed to high amounts of UV radiation the better off they will be. One blistering sunburn doubles a child’s chances of developing malignant melanoma later in life. The program teaches the following 5 Sun Safe Tips to Block the Blaze: wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing and seek shade.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. Our goal was to be able to educate more youth, in new states; while continuing to educate the CA based junior lifeguards we have been educating for the past 5 years. By bringing the presentation to the beach, we are educating junior lifeguards and boardsport athletes in their element. Block the Blaze does not encourage youth to stay out of the sun and give up their passion; Block the Blaze wants youth to embrace the ocean and outdoor activities, just understand how to do so safety. Youth share the information that they are given with their friends and families, enabling us to reach thousands of people in addition to the youth themselves. Along with sun safe presentations each youth receives the tools to make it easy and fun for them to get started playing it safe in the sun. Each youth who hears a presentation also receives:
• 2oz. John Wayne Cancer Foundation water resistant sun stick (SPF 50, natural mineral formula, child & baby safe, chemical free, ocean and reef friendly, 25% zinc oxide, hypoallergenic, non-nano, paba-free, gluten free, vegan, biodegradable, with certified organic ingredients made in the USA). • John Wayne Cancer Foundation trucker hat. • Block the Blaze brochure (12 pages of invaluable information).
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? We are thrilled to report our goals were met in 2018! Block the Blaze educated 85,975 youth including boardsport athletes from 1/1/2018 – 11/1/2018! This is a 24% increase over the same time period last year! Not only did we educate 24% more youth, we expanded into 4 new states! We are happy to see the program grow while keeping our core California group educated year over year.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? We are seeing youth excited to put sunscreen on after our presentations. Telling them how to use sunscreen is great and we think education is key to prevention. However, actually seeing them apply the John Wayne Cancer Foundation sunscreen after we present is an indicator that they understand it is pertinent to apply the 5 sun safe tips every time they are outside.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) The total number of youth educated has increased, the program has been able to expand into new states, all while the education has not been compromised or watered down to accommodate rapid expansion. Knowing that snow reflects UV rays the way the ocean does, Block the Blaze is looking forward to growing the program into a new boardsport athletes group, snowboarders and youth in cool climates!
The John Wayne Cancer Foundation appreciates the financial support of SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant in helping us achieve this vision.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Life Rolls On
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Life Rolls On
Contact Person: Jesse Billauer
Title: Executive Director
Purpose of Grant: To help us fund our Quality of Life program called They Will Surf Again.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. To help us purchase more adaptive surfboards for our quality of life programs where we take people with various disabilities surfing.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? We continue to achieve our goals thanks to the support of our dedicated sponsors and loyal volunteers.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? We were able to add an extra team to our program which allows more volunteers and more adaptive athletes to participate in our programs.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) It has allowed us to continue to grow as an organization which has impacted more families in a positive way around the country.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Mauli Ola Foundation
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Mauli Ola Foundation
Contact Person: Hans Hagen
Title: Director
Purpose of Grant: Grant will be applied to our 16 Surf Experience Days across the country. Getting individuals with cystic fibrosis into the ocean water (which is high in saline) to experience what the natural therapies can do for their lungs. Along with supporting pediatric hospital visits for the kids to sick to make it to the beach that are scheduled in between our Surf Experience Days.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. Our goal is to reach more families facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis through our Surf Experience Day program. Funds will be applied to the list of items below:
Travel Costs (Staff/ Volunteers) Folding Tables (2) 8’ Permit Table Covers Additional Liability /Consent Gifting (bags, swag, etc) Agreements/Release forms MOF Tri-folds Pens, Markers, Tape, Utility Knife, Trash Bags w/fold up frame (Recycling) scissors Audio Visual iPad for registration/clipboard Bullhorn and batteries Walkie Talkie Mic, Speaker (charged) and speaker Square Space stand Portable Chargers for iPhone’s Surf Boards Event Site: Hand Sanitizer and Sanitizing Wipes Tents Event Shirts Tent Frames (2) 10’x10’ Participant shirts- Yellow w/blue logo (in Tent Tops (2) usually attached to frames gift bag) Side Rails (2) Volunteer shirts- Blue w/yellow Side Banners (2) Event Shirts- Family etc. Back Panels (2) Rash Guards Yellow w/blue logo for participants Catering Blue w/yellow logo for Instructors Breakfast Wetsuits Bananas, granola, coffee, etc Life Jackets Lunch- catered by local restaurant Coolers Utensils and napkins Ice Food serving gloves Water Plates Sports drinks
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? Going into our 11th year as a foundation we have always met our goals of providing safe and enjoyable Surf Experience Days across the country. Our goals are to continue to grow our outreach for patient support along with meeting our fundraising goals to create continued stability. Bringing in an operational manager and events/fundraiser coordinator is a goal for the 2019.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? MOF's program has continued to grow getting new families every year around the country to sign up for the program along with retaining participants year after year.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) MOF has been unwavering in its continued growth of its mission to introduce surfing as a natural therapy for cystic fibrosis. We have produced events around the country with a good employee, partnership and volunteer retention. We have expanded the mission to new locations including our annual pilgrimage to Australia to kick off our event season teamed up with the WSL is Australia.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? MOF's program has continued to grow getting new families every year around the country to sign up for the program along with retaining participants year after year.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) MOF has been unwavering in it's continued growth of it's mission to introduce surfing as a natural therapy for cystic fibrosis. We have produced events around the country with a good employee, partnership and volunteer retention. We have expanded the mission to new locations including our annual pilgrimage to Australia to kick off our event season teamed up with the WSL is Australia.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Outdoor Outreach
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Outdoor Outreach
Contact Person: Ben McCue
Title: Executive Director
Purpose of Grant: The SIMA Humanitarian Fund’s generous grant of $1,500 provided positive opportunities and supports for vulnerable youth through surf programs that help them overcome risk factors to become healthy, happy, successful adults.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. The purpose of our 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant was to provide 40 out-of- school time surf programs, and opportunities for 300 individual at-risk youth from low- income communities to learn, connect, lead and grow through surfing. Through these surf programs, our goals were for our youth participants to develop the skills, competencies and coping strategies they need to be healthy, prosperous, resilient adults.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? Over the grant period, Outdoor Outreach provided 44 out-of-school time youth development (surfing) programs for San Diego at-risk youth surpassing our original goal of 40 programs. Our partners included 11 Title I schools serving communities where at least 75% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch; the San Diego County District Attorney and the Juvenile Court and Community Schools; and two local nonprofits who share our mission of serving at-risk teens. Through our partnership model, we were able to promote positive social-emotional, health, and educational outcomes for the youth we serve through surfing.
In total, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund connected 504 individual youth from low-income, “park-poor” communities to surf programs and close-to-home beaches including Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado Shores, Coronado Central Beach, Seaside State Beach and Imperial Beach.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? With the support of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, Outdoor Outreach provided 404 “user days” at the beach for underserved and at-risk youth, ages 14 - 19, from low- income communities.
The Search Institute’s Developmental Assets Profile (DAP) measures the strengths and supports young people have in their lives -- known as developmental assets -- which guide the choices they make, where they turn for help, and how they contribute to their communities. In the category of external assets (or the levels of supports youth have in their families, schools, and communities), Outdoor Outreach’s youth participants were most vulnerable in the area of constructive use of time; or the need for young people to have opportunities outside of school to learn and develop new skills and interests with other youth and adults. In the category of internal assets (their personal strengths and competencies), Outdoor Outreach’s youth participants were most vulnerable in the area of positive identity; or the need to believe in their own self-worth and feel that they have control over the things that happen to them. Outdoor Outreach surveys show the power of the outdoors as a tool for youth development to help build these internal and external assets: Respondents are more likely to agree that they fit in and belong at school; demonstrate increased agency and sense of control over their future; and feel more confident in themselves and their abilities. In 2018, Outdoor Outreach administered 193 pre- and post-trip surveys; 74% of youth surveyed get a high level of enjoyment from exploring nature; and 73% say nature in their community is very important to them.
SIMA’s support of Outdoor Outreach’s surf programs made a measurable impact in improving the quality of life, health, and welfare of our youth participants. Pedro Sanchez grew up in poverty, surrounded by gang violence, and struggled with mental illness throughout high school. He had a deep desire to surf but couldn’t get to the beach. Instead, he settled for watching Surfline’s livestream videos. "Then I met some friends that were talking about Outdoor Outreach. I thought it was a joke: “Really? Surfing? For free?”
Pedro started joining his friends on Outdoor Outreach’s surf trips, and though his initial draw was the free surf lessons, Outdoor Outreach gave Pedro access to positive, supportive relationships, a sense of control and optimism for the future, and the opportunity to join our field staff.
“The first time I tried to take my life was the summer after Junior year. Senior year I was hospitalized for two weeks. Coming back to school was the hardest. Between the new meds, bullying, and suspensions, Outdoor Outreach trips were the only times I felt relief. This program was my lifeline but school was ending, and for the first time I was dreading the start of summer. I was scared of being stuck in a cycle of anxiety and depression. Luckily, I got into the Leadership Program, and for 8-weeks I was able to surf, rock climb, camp, and bond with a new loving family. These opportunities brought me the hope, support, and strength I needed. It allowed me to escape the negativity, to heal and catch my breath. It taught me better ways of coping, and showed me that I could continue fighting for a better me.”
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) By providing initial entry points to surfing, Outdoor Outreach continues to open employment pathways for youth that are at high risk of being disconnected from work or school. This summer, Outdoor Outreach welcomed 13 young adults into our nature- based, summer job training program. For 8 weeks (July 18 - August 10), youth leaders participated in classroom workshops (approx. 25%), where they learned independent living skills like financial literacy; soft skills like communication and leadership styles; and industry skills like risk management. In the outdoors (approx. 75%), youth practiced outdoor and leadership skills while building soft skills like teamwork and decision-making.
SIMA’s support also enabled Outdoor Outreach to conduct an innovative, one-day Outdoor Leadership surfing program through a new school partnership with E3 Civic High. Located in the New Central Public Library, E3 Civic High serves scholars from San Diego’s urban core and lacks access to many of the recreational facilities available at other school campuses. During the program, the beach became the classroom and students earned credits as they explored connections between outdoor recreation, health equity, environmental careers, and civic engagement. We hope to explore the expansion of this type of programming both at E3 and to other San Diego schools.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
STOKED Mentoring Inc.
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: STOKED Mentoring Inc.
Contact Person: Steve Larosiliere
Title: President
Purpose of Grant: To support STOKED’s paddleboarding and surfing programming from June 2018 to August 2018.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. For 12 years, STOKED’s Surf Mentor program has developed self-confidence and self- efficacy among underserved students, ages 13 - 18, by providing free access to surf gear, supportive volunteer mentors, and enriching community service projects.
Surf preparation begins with a week-long swim program in June. All students are required to be certified as “water ready” prior to going out in open water, by passing a swim test. On Saturdays in July and August, volunteer mentors provide 1-on-1 instruction for students during 4 hour sessions.
We kick off each surf day by “paying for waves”, a group clean-up effort, in which students and volunteer mentors comb the beach and shoreline for litter, reinforcing our duty to care for the environment. Students are then paired 1-on-1 with volunteer mentors, who guide them through the selection of their stance (“regular” or “goofy”), “popping up” smoothly, paddling out, and ultimately catching a wave. It’s here that students build long lasting relationships with their mentor and develop resiliency as they learn to take risks and recover from failure.
Additionally, we partner with the Surfrider Foundation to lead student workshops on local environmental issues such as shoreline erosion, ensuring that our students feel connected to and protective of their beaches.
In the 2017-18 fiscal year, our goal was to serve over 150 youth through this initiative, and provide approximately 40 hours of surf/paddleboard related training, programming, and skill building per student.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? Our goal was to take 150 youth surfing in the 2017-18 fiscal year. We exceeded this by taking 152 students. We also delivered 50 hours of surf related training, programming, and skill building per student, through six 4hr surf sessions (NY, LA); five 2hr swim trainings in (NY, LA, CHI); and four 4hr paddleboarding sessions (NY, CHI). Additionally, 33 students went 4+ times (the highest this number has ever been)! Over 40 mentors volunteered their time with us this summer.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? With SIMA’s support, 152 students were enriched by a combination of boardsports and community service. 25% learned to swim within STOKED and 100% were certified “water ready” prior to the start of the Surf Mentor program.
STOKED intentionally partners with schools and community centers that serve low- income youth living in high-risk areas. Facing several barriers to meaningful outdoor experiences including: 1) cost/distance of transportation; 2) neighborhood safety; 3) parental involvement; and 4) equipment costs, such as snow gear, these students stand to benefit the most from action sports programming, yet are unable to participate.
Our students are low-income (93% receive free or reduced lunch) and diverse (93% are Black, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Native American). 42% of STOKED students identify as female, which is almost double the percentage of women that participate in action sports in society at large (25%). As such, we view issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion as inseparable from the action sports community, which historically, has seen low engagement from women and people of color.
Our 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant allowed us to provide dynamic action sports programming and supportive mentorship to these populations, faced with a multitude of economic, educational, and societal hurdles toward achieving success in school and eventually attaining a fulfilling career.
Additionally, last year, we are proud to have 1) maintained a 100% high school graduation rate; 2) facilitated an average of 9 mentor connections per student each year; 3) and created a community in which 100% of youth feel safe, 98% of students met positive role models; 90% of students demonstrated resiliency; 85% of students overcame obstacles; 73% of students feel more confident when presenting themselves; and 68% of students learned to manage their time better (based on student surveys).
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) Throughout the years, SIMA’s support has resulted in a variety of program (the piloting of a paddle boarding program); participation (an increase in students and volunteers each year); capital (remodeling of the surf shack) improvements. We are truly thankful for your support.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
SurfAid International
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: SurfAid International
Contact Person: Erin Miserlis
Title: US Director
Purpose of Grant: In the remote communities of Hiliduho and Gido sub-districts, in Nias, Indonesia, SurfAid is working with 37 villages to improve Mother and Child Health status. These villages are amongst the most disadvantaged areas in the country in terms of poverty, health status and access to basic services such as healthcare.
This project involves equipping ‘posyandu’ (community health posts), training mothers, support groups, water committees and ‘kaders’ (community health volunteers), facilitating village health and sanitation regulations, and constructing water facilities and latrines.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. This 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant contributed to SurfAid’s project: Enhance Health of Women and Under fives, Phase 2 (‘EHOWU2’), in Hiliduho and Gido, in Nias, Indonesia.
The goal of the Mother and Child Health Project specifically is to improve community knowledge and access to services on nutrition, hygiene and sanitation. We are pursuing this by continuing to train community health volunteers and government staff to confidently educate and support pregnant mothers and women in their communities on mother and child health issues.
Over the five-year lifespan of the project, goals include: · Reducing malnutrition among children under five from 1% to <1% in Hiliduho, and from 23.6% to 10% in Gido · Decreasing diarrhoea rates in children under five from 20.7% to 10% in Hiliduho, and from 23.9% to 10% in Gido · Increasing the % of mothers who give birth with health professionals from 85% to 90% in Hiliduho, and from 53% to 60% in Gido · Increasing the % of children under five visiting Posyandu from 90% to >90% in Hiliduho, and from 62.5% to 75% in Gido · Increasing number of functional Posyandu with improved status and number of Posyandu with highest (independent) status, from 0/4 to 10/7 in Hiliduho, and from 0/0 to 20/4 in Gido
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? With support from the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, SurfAid’s Mother and Child Health Project has already met or exceeded all of the above outcomes: · Malnutrition rates are now 0.15% in Hiliduho, and from 1.1% in Gido · Diarrhoea rates are 10% in Hiliduho, and 4% in Gido · 100% of mothers give birth with health professionals in Hiliduho, and 63% in Gido · 93% of children under five visit Posyandu in Hiliduho, and 76% in Gido · The number of functional Posyandu with improved status and number of Posyandu with highest (independent) status, is 10/14 in Hiliduho, and 22/0 in Gido
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? SurfAid’s 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant has contributed towards positively impacting the lives of 19,138 people, in 37 remote Indonesian communities, in Nias. This is being achieved by equipping 36 ‘Posyandu’ (community health posts), training 488 mothers, support groups, 103 water committees and 308 ‘kaders’ (community health volunteers), facilitating village health and sanitation regulations, and constructing or renovating 413 water facilities. Overall, SurfAid’s Mother and Child Health Project has provided continuous support to the community to ensure the provision of basic health services run independently by the community, health staff and local government.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) SIMA’s 2017 grant has contributed to SurfAid’s overall organizational mission to improve the heath, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions, who are often forgotten. The Mother and Child Health Project builds capacity in health volunteers, staff, community members, mothers and families. SIMA’s Humanitarian Fund grant has helped SurfAid to address maternal and child health, food security and economic development, and ultimately foster resilient villages.
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Surfers Healing Foundation, Inc.
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Surfers Healing Foundation, Inc.
Contact Person: Terri Remley
Title: Accounting Manager
Purpose of Grant: The purpose of applying for the 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund Grant was to further our mission: Through the transformative experience of surfing, Surfers Healing attains greater mainstream acceptance for both the families of and the kids living with autism.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. The grant received from SIMA was used to help fund our 2018 surf camp tour which included 19 cities in 4 countries with a total of 25 camps. All of our instructors are hand-picked by our Co-Founder, Israel Paskowitz. They are not only chosen for their strong surfing skills, they also need the temperament and patience to successfully care for and engage with a child with autism. Some of our instructors are flown in from Hawaii, California, Australia, and New Zealand. The SIMA grant went towards travel expenses to get our amazing team in place.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? In 2018 Surfers Healing broke our previous record and was able to work with close to 6,000 children and their families living with autism. We brought our team and special brand of aloha to 25 surf camps. Surfers Healing prides itself on offering our surf camps completely free of charge to the families living with autism. Thanks to supporters like SIMA, we intend to keep it that way!
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? The grant from SIMA not only helps support the logistical aspect of our surf camps, it helps bring together families living with autism as a community and support system.
In August 2018 one family drove over 1,000 miles so their child could participate in our surf camp. Alisha C, said, “What an amazing experience we had. Thank you Izzy and all the volunteers that made this One Perfect Day possible!!!”
Another mother of a child with autism, Tamara M, said, “Surfer's Healing is a program and experience that is not only life changing for the children with Autism but their families as well. It is one of the first times we as a family felt accepted, a part of a community and unconditionally cared about. To see my sons, smiling from ear to ear on those boards... priceless. Izzy, Danielle, and the team of volunteers, they are angels on earth.
One father, Sam L said, “What an amazing experience it was for my son yesterday! Surfers Healing was amazing in every way, from their volunteers to all of the surfers. My son's smile said it all and I’m thrilled that he got the chance to participate. Still crying about it.”
We may not find a cure for autism, but with the help of SIMA, Surfers Healing continues to reach out to the autism community with #OnePerfectDay at the beach.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) With SIMA’s constant support over the years, Surfers Healing has continued to grow and expand our reach. In 2018 we were able to add an additional camp to our surf tour thereby reaching more children in the autism community. The CDC now states that about 1 in 59 children have been identified with autism. This number grows every year. As long as there is a need, Surfers Healing will continue to embrace our autism ohana.
When we help kids get up on a surfboard, we’re challenging preconceived notions of capability. When we encourage participants to dive in, we’re empowering them to engage with the world. And when we ride the waves together, we’re affirming that every person is a gift!
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Valpo Surf Project
2017 SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUND YEAR END REPORT
Organization: Valpo Surf Project
Contact Person: Wiley Todd
Title: CEO/ Founder
Purpose of Grant: Through surfing, academic tutoring, and environmental stewardship, the Valpo Surf Project provides individualized mentorship to urban, at-risk youth. The realities our students face are not unique to Valparaíso. We have seen the effects our program has on coastal urban populations and the US based Global Board of Directors has made known that, with the right funding partners, our long term aspirations are to expand our powerful program nationally and globally. As the VSP continues to grow, the organization remains committed to providing high quality programming and mentorship to each student, empowering them with the tools to better their own lives and positively impact their communities.
Grant money from the SIMA Humanitarian Fund was requested to help facilitate an expansion of the Valpo Surf Project into the neighboring city of Viña del Mar. Though Viña del Mar is known as a popular tourist and beachside destination, a great socioeconomic inequality is apparent in the city. Much of the city’s infrastructure and resources are concentrated in the tourist areas along the coast, greatly ignoring the poverty that exists in the hills set back from the beaches. Children who live in these forgotten neighborhoods often bear the greatest burden of inequality. Similar to our students in Valparaíso, they often face tremendous hardships from an early age. Poverty, drug abuse, and violent crime are everyday realities in their neighborhoods and positive role models are few and far between.
Briefly describe the specific purpose and goal for your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant. With the help of the 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant, the VSP intended to engage and empower even more at-risk youth in the Valparaíso region of Chile by expanding our programming into an additional neighborhood in the city of Viña del Mar. Through surfing and academic tutoring, the VSP would expose these new students to a reality beyond their immediate communities and provide a healthy outlet to grow and pursue new opportunities that were not previously available.
To what degree were these goals and objectives achieved? If not fully met, what factors affected the success of the project? Since the inception of our organization the VSP has been committed to responsible growth. When we launched our pilot program in 2010, we worked with 20 students in one community in the hills of Valparaíso. Over the past 8 years, our number of students has increased 9 fold, and we have grown to serve 5 distinct populations. As enrollment has grown so have the amount of mentorship hours received by each student. We felt that in 2018, without the appropriate funding, we would not have been able to expand into Viña del Mar without negatively affecting programming hours within our current neighborhoods. We are excited and ready to expand our organization and reach more children in need, but will only do so without compromising the quality of care for our current students. The plans are set, we just need committed donors to give at the necessary level.
In 2019, we will expand by increasing enrollment in the four current neighborhoods. We will also be working with three additional SENAME centers (state-operated child protective facilities for both juvenile rehabilitation and care for children removed from unsafe homes). We have strong relationships in each of these communities, and will utilize these connections to reach more children in need. This is our most cost effective and viable goal considering the networks of families, neighbors, and mentors we have built in each of these eight populations. In 2019, we will also be searching for donors and partners who are committed to fund growth in a sustainable manner. We plan to complete our expansion into Viña del Mar within the next two years.
What has been the measurable impact of your 2017 SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant on the population or area you serve? In 2018 we worked with 163 students from 5 different populations (Mariposa, SENAME, Toro, Laguna Verde, and Montedóncio). On average each population received 238 hours of programming and mentorship:
Mariposa - 267 hours SENAME - 154 hours Toro - 254 hours Laguna Verde - 255 hours Montedónico - 257 hours
It’s important to note that students from SENAME only participate in our surf programming therefore their total programming hours are lower than the other neighborhoods. The small fluctuations in programming hours between the remaining four populations are due to weather, holidays, or scheduling conflicts with class spaces.
2018 was our best year to date in programming hours. In comparison to 2014, programming hours have increased on average 311%. Additionally, programming hours increased on average 4% from last year. We feel confident in the amount of programming hours we are offering, which result from seeing our students at least twice a week. We plan to offer the same amount of programming hours in 2019.
Grant money from the 2017 SIMA Humanitarian fund contributed to the execution of our surf programming in 2018. SIMA, along with other funding sources, made it possible to achieve the increases in the amount of mentorship hours we were able to provide for our students.
What have been the measurable results to date of this grant on the functioning or effectiveness of your organization? (i.e. enhanced operations, increased capacity, etc.) The measurable results of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund grant, along with other funding sources, are evident across many aspects of our metrics and program offerings:
In 2018 we were able to offer on average 238 hours of programming per population, which is not only the largest amount of programming hours offered in the organization’s history, but an incredible 311% on average increase since 2014.
163 students participated in our program this year with an additional 10 program graduates returning as mentors and volunteers.
Under the directive of our programming director, Nicolas Napolitano, we introduced a more intensive after school surf program for motivated surfers called GROM. Our students who have gravitated to and excelled in GROM have been our most at-risk kids, which further demonstrates the importance of VSP in our most vulnerable students’ lives.
Nicolas, along with our social worker Carla Poblete, ran a pilot program during the second half of 2018 in which we conducted home visits with parents, organized community events with the help of our students, and increased our overall student outreach in the neighborhood of Montedónico. This pilot program led to an 11% increase in active students from 2017, as well as Montedónico holding the highest level of attendance in all activities compared to our other neighborhoods. The results of this program have also been reflected in more qualitative ways: families have become more involved in the organization, parents have held community fundraisers to support the program, and we have received reports from our student’s schools on overall improvement, especially in English. We will able to replicate this program in all of our neighborhoods in 2019, which will take an already effective and powerful programming model and significantly amplify our impact with each student.
We are proud of the work we accomplished in 2018 and are excited for an even more impactful 2019. We are grateful for the support of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund and look forward to continue advancing this important work together.