H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Presents $25,000 Impact Grant

H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Presents $25,000 Impact Grant

Funds Will Help Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert Restore Site-Based Mentoring Programs

Palm Desert, Calif., (February 12, 2026) – The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation awarded a $25,000 Impact Grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert to support the restoration of its site-based mentoring programs at Boys & Girls Clubs in Indio and Coachella.

“We are grateful to the Berger Foundation for investing in the return of our site-based mentoring programs,” said Judy Tobin May, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. “This support allows us to expand access to mentoring for children who benefit from stable, positive relationships—while also empowering high school students to grow as leaders and role models.”

With the grant, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert expects to serve up to 80 youth, beginning next school year. Before then, efforts will be made to recruit, screen and train teens to become “High School Bigs.” The site-based model provides consistent, relationship-driven mentoring that builds confidence, resilience, and positive decision-making skills for younger participants, while also developing leadership, communication, and career-readiness skills for teen mentors.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert has powerful programs that support young people at critical stages in their development,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “We’re excited to be a partner in restarting this valuable site-based program.”

Prior to the pandemic, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert served more than 200 youth annually through its community-based and site-based mentoring programs across the Coachella Valley. The reopening of programs in Indio and Coachella represents an important step toward restoring services to pre-pandemic levels.

“The program seems simple, but it’s profound, and it’s a proven method that strengthens our community,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3.

News Channel 3 is proud to partner with the Berger Foundation to present Impact Grants. Representatives from both entities look for local 501(c)3 nonprofits to recognize for their outstanding work to improve people’s lives and help those in need. Impact Grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness, we are “Making a Difference Together.” Beyond the funds, each organization also receives media coverage about its mission across a variety of News Channel 3’s platforms, including News Channel 3 News at 4 and kesq.com.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, visit www.BBBSDesert.org. For more information about Impact Grants, go to www.kesq.com/life/impact-grants.