For the seventh straight year, the Mid-Atlantic region will conduct a service project designed to serve the community in which its annual conference is held. The 2015 service project will benefit the Garces Foundation. Please consider supporting this organization by making a contribution at the Mid-Atlantic Region Conference in October. One of our committee members will be available at the conference to assist you.
About the Foundation
Garces Foundation is an IRS registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that Philadelphia's underserved immigrant community has access to health and educational services. Founded in 2012, Garces Foundation currently runs three programs which aim to address specific needs within the community and are structured to change as the needs of the immigrant community change.
The Garces Foundation also works to connect people to the many resources that already exist within the city. The Foundation partners with several organizations to bring awareness to their services. Garces Foundation’s goal is to see that Philadelphia's vibrant and growing immigrant community has access to the care and education they need so that they may actively contribute their talents to making this city truly world-class.
Community Health Days
Quarterly clinics are hosted at Garces Dental Group where uninsured patients can receive free dental care, glucose and cholesterol screenings, physicals, breast cancer health education, and HIV screenings. In 2014, over 200 patients were served and more than $64,000 in dental and medical services were
donated.
English for the Restaurant and Everyday Living
The Garces Foundation Learning Annex serves 75 restaurant workers in nine classes for three month long sessions. Students are offered classes in computer literacy, nutrition education, and restaurant skills workshops led by industry leaders. In 2014, we served over 150 students, representing more than 50 Philadelphia restaurants.
Luna Farm Field Trips
During the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons, groups of 30-50 school-aged youth are invited to visit Chef Garces’ Luna Farm in Bucks County for four-hour field trips. Participants engage in hands on learning activities that include fun physical exercise, informative nature walks, and most importantly, planting and harvesting vegetables which they then use to prepare their own lunch. In 2014, over 350 youth were served from 12 different schools or community groups spanning four counties in the greater Philadelphia region.
When individuals are at their best – healthy, educated, and confident— they are better able to contribute to our community and society.
~Beatriz Garces