Introducing our Monthly Newsletter: Your Insider’s Look

Apr 10

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MOMENTUM

We’re thrilled to share that Momentum Film is going on PBS starting in May! You can also bring Momentum Film directly to your school, nonprofit, gym, or company as an engaging, interactive event hosted by the Marcella Foundation. Fill out a screen request form here! Momentum showcases the captivating story set in our very own South Lake Tahoe. Follow Chris 'Coco' Cocores as he discovers solace in Mixed Martial Arts amid a challenging childhood. When a devastating car accident jeopardizes his fighting career, Chris, guided by his coach Ryan Wallace, a Paralympian wrestling champion, navigates a journey of healing and resurgence. Witness the compelling narrative of resilience and companionship, illustrating how sports can transcend adversity, empowering individuals to flourish both within and beyond the arena.

THREE PILLARS: FEED, READ, LEAD

The Marcella Foundation is dedicated to investing in innovative ideas to make a positive impact in South Lake Tahoe and beyond across three core pillars: FEED, READ, and LEAD. Under FEED, we aim to ensure that the community has access to essential food for healthy lives. In READ, we foster childhood literacy through community support. Lastly, under LEAD, we offer scholarships, support college readiness, and are piloting a program called Momentum Mentors.

DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! In just over a week, over 1,300 children have joined the program! This incredible initiative spreads the joy of reading by providing children with new books every month until they turn 5, creating a FREE home library. Now, every child in El Dorado County ages 0-5 can enjoy FREE new books.

None of this would be possible without our incredible partners and sponsors: First 5 El Dorado, El Dorado County Library, Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library, El Dorado Community Foundation, and United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra.

Let's make reading accessible and fun for kids and parents alike!

MOMENTUM MENTORS

The LEAD pillar, as part of our organizational framework, encompasses various initiatives aimed at fostering leadership skills and personal growth among our community members. One prominent feature within this pillar is the Momentum Mentors program, designed to facilitate mentorship relationships that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

The program recently launched with great enthusiasm, as evidenced by the attendance of an eager and motivated group at its inaugural meeting. Since then, our dedicated team of Momentum Mentors has been actively engaging with students from Mt. Tallac, a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Through personalized mentorship, our Momentum Mentors are dedicated to helping students cultivate essential life skills and attitudes. They guide them in embracing positive traits, such as resilience, determination, and empathy, which are crucial for navigating the challenges they may encounter on their journey. Interested in becoming a mentor? Sign up here.

“Our mentors support students in to create identity based habits and their very own Momentum Story”

“Thank you to our first cohort of Momentum Mentors working with students from Mt. Tallac!”

By fostering meaningful connections and providing guidance rooted in empathy and understanding, our Momentum Mentors play a vital role in equipping students with the tools and confidence needed to pursue their goals. Through this program, we aim to instill a sense of agency and self-belief in our mentees, enabling them to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The Momentum Mentors program underpins our LEAD pillar by embodying the values of mentorship, empowerment, and personal growth. Through collaborative efforts and genuine care, we strive to create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive and flourish, ultimately shaping a brighter future for themselves and those around them.

Fannan Fellowship

Congratulations to all the applicants to the Fannan Fellowship! This year, we received many outstanding applications and conducted scholarship interviews last month. Awards will be announced at the STHS Scholarship Night on April 23rd.

READING NETWORK WORKSHOP

The Marcella Foundation, First Five, and LTUSD came together to host a thought-provoking Reading Network Workshop, delving deep into the heart of literacy in Tahoe! Together, we explored the powerful Campaign for Grade Level Reading framework, brainstorming creative ideas for a community-wide effort to boost school success for all children in Tahoe.

GREAT LIBRARY REFRESH

We are proud sponsors of Lift Literature’s Great Library Refresh project! This month marks their 2nd book delivery, where they added over 480 BRAND NEW books to all six Lake Tahoe Unified School District libraries, totaling over 1,000 new books delivered so far!

This achievement underscores the dedication of our school librarians! Special thanks to CuppaTahoe for their support, and heartfelt gratitude to all of the other donors supporting school libraries!

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AWARD

We were nominated and received the Outstanding Community Organization award from the El Dorado County School Board Association!

VOLUNTEER

At the Marcella Foundation, we recognize the crucial role that volunteers like you play in fostering positive change and building a stronger local community. Please volunteer today!

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