St Francis Scholarship Outreach Fund
By Cheryl Gutierrez, March 2023,
For those who may not be familiar with this Outreach Program at St. Francis, the fund was started in 1998 by Mrs. Joni McIntyre, with the hopes of helping one student complete a college degree. Fast forward to 2023, our fund has helped more than 50 students, some of which we have seen through 4 years of college earning their chosen degrees. Our first two recipients were the daughters of our former Sexton. In subsequent years we have found our students through high school counselors at various local schools. Our total outlay of funds to deserving students is approaching $340,000. Our founder, Joni, is now almost 101 ½ and is still interested in our current activities and grateful that the fund has continued their work.
In 2022, the St. Francis Outreach Scholarship Fund, helped a total of 11 students: Christopher, Edlyn, Eghosa, Estrella, Kelsey, Madelyn, Mohammed, Nicolette, Pablo, Shania and Tamilore. We have been able to disburse over $18,000 to these students in 2022 by helping them with new laptops, books and other school supplies. The students are attending universities in California: UC Santa Cruz, UC Merced, UC Irvine, UC San Diego and Stanford. We continue to support some of these students in 2023.
The Fund is overseen by a committee of 6 parishioners: Cheryl Gutierrez, Robin Pano, Sue Egan, Janet Laudeman, Fabrizio Pela, and Gayle Taylor. We always welcome new members. You might not realize that something in YOUR background may help a student navigating their college degree, courses, finding internships etc.
For over 20 years our committee hosted a “Designs for Dining” event at St. Francis and had the last large event March 6, 2020, just before the Pandemic shutdown. The committee had one offsite fundraiser in April 2022 and also receives funds from Ralph’s/Food 4 Less Community Rewards. If you shop at these stores please see below, or contact Cheryl Gutierrez (310) 791-7038. A portion of your shopping $$ is sent to our fund.
Thanks for all your support. We couldn’t have accomplished this without you!
We supports students both financially and through one-on-one mentoring, to achieve their dream of a college education:
- What courses and tests to take
- Filling in application forms
- Applying for financial aid
- Financial awards
- Encouragement through difficult times
- Continued support to find financial aid
- Being a listening ear, and provision of independent advice
Find out more – contact Cheryl Gutierrez (310) 791-7038.