San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and nonprofit partners celebrate "acting on beliefs" at seventh annual Forging Hope Breakfast
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians honored four organizations that embody and demonstrate the Serrano concept of Yawa' – to manifest one's beliefs through action – at the seventh annual Forging Hope Breakfast March 24 in San Bernardino. googleoff: allgoogleon: all
The Children's Fund; Mary's Mercy Center; Crafton Hills Foundation's Increasing Engagement, Employment & Knowledge program; and Indian Youth of America were the four nonprofits receiving the tribe’s Yawa' Award.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
The tribe recognized Children's Fund in the area of health for their commitment to provide key support to at-risk children. Since it's inception in 1986, Children's Fund has served more than 1.4 million local children to help meet the needs of the region's most vulnerable youth.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Mary's Mercy Center was honored with the Yawa' Award in the area of economic development for its work to provide the less fortunate with essential needs through two programs. Mary's Table provides hot lunches, clothing, health screenings and other services. Veronica's Home of Mercy and Casa Merced I, II and III offer women and their young children an alternative to abuse and/or homelessness with the opportunity to regroup and get a start on a better life than they have known.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
In the area of education, the tribe honored the Crafton Hills program that combines scholarships and student employment opportunities to help students stay connected to school, succeed in their classes and reach their educational goals. googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Indian Youth of America was recognized with the Yawa' Award in special projects for improving the quality of life for Indian children. Since 1976, the group has served Indian youth from 192 tribes and 33 states through various programs including summer camps, Christmas programs and backpack and school supplies programs. Embracing the belief that “they are young once but Indian forever,” the group's goal is to enable Indian youth to establish a self-supporting life while always remembering that their background will be their strength and pride. googleoff: allgoogleon: all
"We recognize these four organization's for their tireless efforts in the community and look forward to continuing our work together in our own and other communities," said San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena.