Class community service projects are a part of the LSBC program. Each year LSBC class participants adopts one or more community projects that will impact the community, provide class participants a “hands-on” chance to address issues in San Benito County, and use the leadership skills being taught in the class.
Class of 2010Project #1 - "Comfort and Care Backpack Project" This project will provide 75 filled backpacks to children (infant to 17 years) who have been taken from unsafe situations – many times with nothing but the clothes on their backs – and are placed in safe places in our County. The backpacks will be distributed to Chamberlain’s Children Center, Emmaus House and SBC Kinship and should keep these three organizations supplied for one year! The class is nearing their fundraising goal and all backpacks, stuffed animals, and homemade blankets have already been donated! A presentation celebration will be held on May 25, 2010 at 2pm at Chamberlain’s Playground ~ symbolic of the first Leadership's class project!
Project #2 - "Welcome Sign Project" The Class is sponsoring a Welcome to Hollister sign. The 7’ x 12’ sign will stand at the north end of Hollister near San Felipe Road and Hwy 25. The San Benito County Council of Governments owns the land and has solicited bids to sell and remove the building, avoiding demolition costs. Contractors have been identified that would donate labor for the sign installation. The Class anticipates completion by the end of July. They successfully obtained a grant from the Hollister RDA to help fund the project. Great job!
Drawing by David Huboi, Arctitect
Class of 2008Project #1 - Emmaus House Raised-Bed Garden The class of 2008 built a large raised-bed garden for Emmaus House, San Benito County's only Domestic Violence Shelter. The class built a 10' x 12' decorative concrete, raised bed for vegetables and flowers. Rose bushes and trees were also planted around the shelter. The class of 2008 demonstrated that organization and teamwork can make things happen to bring happiness and beauty to women and children in need. This was a project that will remain in place and have a lasting significance for a long time.
Project #2 A Night on the Vine – This fundraiser, on behalf of Leadership San Benito County was held at Leal Vineyards and it was a great success. “A Night On The Vine” was an evening of wine tasting, gourmet food, live music, casino action and silent and live auction items. The event raised money and promoted awareness of the LSBC program in San Benito County.
Project #3 The Drop Zone –The Drop Zone is a free after school drop-in center for youth ages 11 to 14. The Drop Zone was created to demonstrate how creative and strategic partnerships could provide our youth with safe places to belong and life enriching programs. Open one night per week, and staffed by trained volunteers, the program operates under the oversight of Hollister Youth Alliance, in cooperation with the City of Hollister Recreation Division. Check out the website for ongoing events and generous sponsors at www.hollisterdropzone.com
Class of 2007 Project #1 -“Keep the Music Flowing” – A campaign to raise awareness of the shortage of musical instruments in county schools. Instruments were collected and distributed and enough money was donated to start an endowment to meet this need on an ongoing basis.
Project #2 - Partnering with Vision San Benito to gain community and media visibility through the organization of two public meetings helping breath new life into Vision San Benito.
Class of 2005 Chamberlains Children Center Park, Playground and Fence. – Money was raised and a large weed filled field was transformed into a multi faceted “Fun” park for the children living at the center. In addition to a new park, playground and fence, the LSBC class of 2005 successfully “reintroduced Chamberlain’s and its important work to the community.
