The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation awarded a $40,000 Impact Grant to Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert to expand outreach and early childhood development services in Mecca and Desert Hot Springs. The funding will help bring critical support directly to families in communities where access to care and transportation remain major barriers.
“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 founded in 1987, and as the valley has evolved, the nonprofit has adapted, but always focused on promoting the health, mobility, independence, and social inclusion of special needs and underserved children in the area.
“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,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “We’re really proud to support that effort.”
The grant funding will allow Variety to strengthen programs at its regional offices in the East and West Valley—extending free developmental and autism screenings, case management, and family resources beyond its Palm Desert Resource Center. This expansion includes additional staff training, telehealth options for screenings, and enhanced case management and follow-up support. Variety anticipates completing more than 300 developmental screenings and 25 autism screenings through this initiative, distributing more than 2,000 educational materials and 800 food bags to strengthen family health and stability.
“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,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3.
The Berger Foundation presents Impact Grants through a partnership with News Channel 3. Representatives from both entities look for local 501(c)3 nonprofits to recognize for their outstanding work to improve people’s lives and help those in need. Impact Grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness, we are “Making a Difference Together.” Beyond the funds, each organization also receives media coverage about its mission across a variety of News Channel 3’s platforms, including News Channel 3 News at 4 and kesq.com.
To learn more about Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert, visit varietyofthedesert.org. For more information about Impact Grants, go to kesq.com/life/impact-grants.