Community Projects
The Parents As Literacy Supporters (PALS)
Marcus Arellano
PALS will create a set of monthly workshops where Parents will be taught how to introduce reading in the home, and receive not only books, but lesson plans and activities to continue the enjoyment of reading between monthly workshops.
Goals for Giving Winter Soccer Camp
Yesenia Fresquez
This Winter Soccer Camp and Toy Drive was designed to provide children of all ages with an opportunity to learn and enjoy soccer while helping those in need. The camp was held at McNamara Park in Merced on December 21, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Led by Juan Fresquez and Merced United Soccer Academy, this camp was an inclusive community event where children participated in soccer activities in exchange for donating a toy to benefit CASA, an organization supporting foster children. The project aimed to help children experience the joy of the holiday season through the spirit of giving, while creating lasting positive community engagement.
Creative Roots: Art and Community in the City of Merced, California
Saul Gonzalez Laureano
"Creative Roots" is a community initiative in Merced, California, designed to make art more accessible to children, youth, and adults through free painting lessons. Its goal is not only to help participants develop their artistic skills but also to foster a stronger cultural identity and a more profound sense of belonging within the community.
The project is structured in two main phases: the first involves teaching painting and mural techniques through weekly classes, while the second phase focuses on applying these skills to the revitalization and beautification of public spaces through the creation of community murals.
R.I.S.E. Administrative Response Program
Reflect | Identify | Strengthen | Empower
Louis A. Mata
A new path forward in school discipline—restorative, reflective, and student-centered. This project started with a frustrating pattern I saw. After a school incident, students were being poorly interviewed, suspended too quickly for behavior issues, and spent days with few educational activities once in detention. And too often, it happens to students of color and other minority groups, getting caught in these inequities. Falling behind in school doesn’t just impact grades; it can also lead to more behavior problems and contact with law enforcement.
At its core, R.I.S.E. is about keeping students connected to school, building awareness, and creating a culture where discipline leads to growth, not just removal.
Give Me a Reason
Yanet Soto Pallares
The purpose of “Give Me a Reason” is to help families that have suffered trauma or are seeking community support through a podcast that provides the information they need. My podcast will motivate families in the Hispanic community to seek resources or higher education.
Pedestrian Crosswalk for Golden Valley High School
Jannel Avila & Norma Andrea Avila Castañon
We propose the creation of a pedestrian crosswalk on E. Childs Avenue, near Golden Valley School, to improve student safety when crossing the street.
Currently, there is no crosswalk in this area, which forces students to cross a very busy street without a safe path. This project would ensure a safer crossing, reduce the risk of accidents, and provide peace of mind to parents and the community.
Nourish Merced Community Calendar & Resource Page
Miranda Griswold
My project was inspired because I was constantly seeing people on social media say how there was nothing to do in Merced, and I knew that was wrong! There are a lot of community events, but there is not one concise place to retrieve that information. This is what gave me the idea to make a “one stop shop” community page for the entire county.
Teaching Opportunities
Oscar E. Mejia Coyoc
In our community, many people face difficulties accessing jobs in the construction industry due to a lack of training, experience, or documentation. However, this industry offers great opportunities for those with the necessary skills. The goal is to train people who are eager to work in the construction sector, providing them with essential knowledge and certifications that will allow them to access stable and well-paying jobs. My objective is to reduce the barriers to entering the workforce and improve the quality of life in our community.
White Dove Arts & Kids Daycare
Magdalena B. Gonzalez
The goal of this project is to create a daycare in Merced, California, that not only provides childcare but also integrates a focus on the teaching of “arts, painting, and music.” This space is designed for children aged 2 and older, providing a safe and stimulating environment where they can develop creative, cognitive, and social skills through artistic experiences.
Bracelets of Courage: A Gift of Strength
CLTI participants worked collaboratively on their group community project titled “Bracelets of Courage: A Gift of Strength”. Participants completed a meaningful two-part initiative. In February, they created and sent Valentine’s Day cards to patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, they handcrafted unique bracelets for cancer patients at Valley Children’s Hospital, each designed with love and care. The purpose of this project was to show support and compassion, to let these young patients know they are loved and not alone during one of the most difficult journeys of their lives.