Program areas at Garces Family Foundation
FOOD PANTRY: In response to the ongoing food insecurity challenges faced by Philadelphias immigrant community, the Food Pantry program distributed 2,700 boxes of nutritious food to families in need. This initiative not only addressed immediate hunger concerns, but also promoted long-term health and well-being among vulnerable populations.
COMMUNITY HEALTH DAYS: Quarterly Community Health Days in Philadelphias Old City provided critical medical care to 131 uninsured patients, delivering an estimated $80,000 worth of essential diagnostic and preventive services. This program exemplifies our commitment to improving healthcare access for the immigrant population, addressing a vital need in our community. Expanding our helathcare initiatives, the Sonrisa Dental Program provided $267,234 worth of dental care to 857 patients through our weekly clinic. This program significantly improves the oral health and overall well-being of our comunity members who might otherwise lack access to dental services.
ENGLISH FOR THE RESTAURANT AND EVERYDAY LIVING: Through educational programming, the English for the Restaurant and Everyday Living (EREL) program achieved unprecedented success in 2023, with a record-breaking enrollment of 512 students. This significant increase demonstrates the growing demand and effectiveness of our tailored ESL curriculum. Most importantly, we observed a remarkable 94% improvement rate among our English language learners, showcasing the programs efficacy in empowering immigrants to advance their careers and integrate into the community. Through workshops and digital literacy, we conducted 12 free workshops covering a diverse range of topics, from Digital Literacy to Business English and Family Art. These initiatives, along with the addition of four new computer stations, enhance our communitys access to valuable skills and information, fostering both personal and professional development.
CHEFS IN RESIDENCY: A program in conjunction with Chef Jose Garces and the Volver Restaurant. Chef Garces selects promising new talent affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and provides them with a residency at the Volver Restaurant. The Chefs in Residency have the opportunity to raise money to support their work or a new venture, in accordance with the mission of the Foundation.