Agency: Donaldson Way Elementary School
Support Needed: $11,600
Purpose: Books and video equipment for new school library

Donaldson Way Elementary School's (DWE) library just got a makeover. The only thing missing is books to fill the gleaming shelves. Voters approved new libraries for public schools in 2002, in part so these institutions could meet state requirements for books and technology instruction. While the bond measure funded space and furniture, it omitted spending for materials and equipment. Last September, DWE opened the doors to its new library, a double-wide portable building that was a much-needed upgrade from the cramped classroom it had been using for many years. However, the school, located in American Canyon, already was facing a state budget crisis so severe that it could no longer afford to buy books or set up a technology lab. DWE boasts 530 students and one of the most diverse populations in the district: Nearly half are either Hispanic or Filipino, and the remainder is comprised of African American, Asian, Pacific Islander or multi-ethnic kids. Many of the children (27 percent) come from immigrant families, and they--along with their parents--are learning to speak and read English. California's school library standards prescribe 21 books per student; DWE's current ratio is just 14 to one, plus its collection is outdated and has large gaps in certain subject areas. Nonfiction books are top on the shopping list for two reasons: This genre is most effective for helping English learners improve their language skills; and, standardized exams for all students use nonfiction samples to test reading comprehension. Bi-lingual books also are a priority, to encourage parents to read with their kids. To meet the guidelines, DWE needs to purchase 1,114 books, which will cost $20,000, or roughly $18 apiece. Also needed: a television and DVD player, which will allow teachers to deliver state-mandated lessons in social studies, math and science. The school's budget, which has been slashed 16 percent the last two years, has $3,000 available to spend, as well as $1,800 in cash donations. Fundraisers also yielded $10,000 to buy 10 computers for a first-ever computer lab. Support of this project will give DWE's students the resources they need for a 21st century education.

Agency: Napa Solano SANE-SART
Support Needed: $16,000
Purpose: Pay nurses for on-call hours in Napa County

Since 1988, a grassroots nonprofit has been quietly making a profound difference in the lives of Napa County's victims of sexual assault. Napa Solano SANE-SART has a dual purpose: to provide medical and forensic exams that are delivered by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to children and adults; and to serve as an active member of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), a collaborative of law enforcement agencies, nurses and nonprofits offering victim advocacy services. SANE-SART's cadre of four nurses is trained to use state-of-the-art medical technology, including digital colposcopes and photography, in examining both victims and suspects. These nurses also are skilled and compassionate listeners, which allows them to support victims at a vulnerable time. This trusting relationship enables SANEs to elicit valuable information that, along with the evidence collected during the exam, is essential for suspect identification and conviction. SANE-SART nurses each work a 24-hour shift. When law enforcement investigates a sexual assault, they request the on-call SANE to perform an exam. Queen of the Valley Hospital has dedicated space for adult exams; child victims go to Napa's Courage Center. Exams take two to four hours. The nurse collects both medical and forensic evidence; preserves it for investigation and criminal proceedings; and testifies in court. All services are provided at no charge to the victim. SANE-SART logged 70 cases of sexual assault in Napa County last year (130 in Solano County), and in more than half of them the victims were 18 or younger. SANE-SART has eight board members (four are from Napa County) and an annual operating budget of $215,000. Half goes towards exams and on-call hours; $8,550 is earmarked for trainings and certifications; and $57,500 for the director's salary. The nurses earn roughly $5 per hour for an on-call shift. Law enforcement pays fees to the nonprofit for exams and nurse testimony, but not for on-call hours, which generate an annual cost in Napa County of $16,000. Your support would ensure these dedicated nurses are available to victims in our community all day, every day, year-round.

Agency: Interactive Parenting Media
Support Needed: $20,000
Purpose: Radio air time costs in Napa County for "Nuestros Niņos"

A father receives professional advice for disciplining his son. A worried mother learns how to get help for her baby's ear infections. And neither has had to leave home or the workplace to obtain valuable information and referrals to local services. Instead, they tuned in to a radio show called "Nuestros Niņos," which means "our children." The program is produced by a nonprofit called Interactive Parenting Media (IPM) and hosted by a Spanish-speaking, bi-cultural psychologist. The group launched its call-in radio shows six years ago to reach parents that are difficult to reach: isolated stay-at-home moms; adults living in rural communities with minimal support services; and caregivers with limited or no English language skills. IPM, which was started by a registered nurse that ran parent training classes for health clinics, also produces an English-language version of the radio program. Both shows are broadcast on stations across 14 counties, from Monterey to Del Norte. A recent addition is KBBF, the first non-commercial Spanish-language radio station in the United States. IPM develops 100 radio programs annually, and works on the premise that a call-in show hosted by parenting, health care and child development professionals is a trusted source of information. In a recent survey of 200 listeners, nearly 80 percent reported feeling less isolated and more informed. Producing a radio program from scratch is expensive and staff-intensive. Nine part-time employees, as well as the executive director, produce and host the shows, plus conduct outreach and fundraising activities. These costs, and broadcast fees, run between $6,000 and $7,000 per show. IPM's annual operating budget is $864,000; First Five grants from several counties account for more than half of revenues. State funding for First Five County Commissions is in jeopardy. In response, the nonprofit has cut staff, increased local fundraising, and negotiated temporary fee reductions with some radio stations, including KBBF, which broadcasts "Nuestros Niņos" in Napa County. IPM needs to raise $350,000 to keep its programs on the air. The cost for "Nuestros Niņos" in our county is $20,000. Support of this project will help Spanish-speaking parents stay tuned in.