Must! Charities

PROVIDING HOPE & AFFORDABLE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING Our partnership with Lumina Alliance stems from "trust philanthropy." We believe philanthropy is more strategic, rewarding, and impactful when funders approach relationships with nonprofit partners from a place of trust and collaboration rather than compliance and control. Open, honest, and transparent conversations are the root of this project. Lumina originally focused on its emergency shelters, which operate in Atascadero and Paso Robles. We listened, remained curious, and quickly learned that the real need in our region was transitional housing. In fact, none existed, and in the first quarter of 2024, 17 families consisting of 18 adults and 27 children were turned away because of this lack of affordable transitional housing. Transitional housing programs are more effective than emergency shelters. They help establish long-term goals, provide safe, stable housing, and provide the space to heal. Transforming one of the emergency shelters into long-term affordable housing is a game changer for those who are healing and building a new life on their own. We are proud to partner with Lumina Alliance to help them further their mission and meet the needs of families in North County. Visit our website's project page to learn more about this partnership.

DONOR HIGHLIGHT!!! "The Breytenbikes:" Anneline and Noella Breytenbach Cycling from Canada to Mexico. Anneline dreamed of doing this ride ever since she was confined to a spin bike mid-running season at Westmont College due to an injury. Her little sister Noella is always down for an adventure, so it didn’t take too much convincing to get her on board. Finally, Mama Breytenbach couldn’t resist the chance to join her girls as captain of the SAG vehicle. As they prepared for this epic adventure, they received much guidance and gear from family and friends. Overwhelmed by how much they had been poured into, the sisters knew they wanted to give back in some way. As a member of the Must! Charities Youth Board in high school, Anneline recalled how she was always struck by the amazing impact that Must! has made in her home county. Thus, fundraising along their ride for Must! was a natural choice. The girls made their way along the Pacific Coast and arrived at the Mexico Border just 24 days after their departure from Canada! Thank you to Anneline, Noella, the Breytenbach Family, and all of their supporters along the way!! What an inspiring way to give back to your community. 🚴💙🚴♂

Part 7: This abstract pattern left behind in the artist's mixing tray reminds us that as we identify needs and develop new projects within the community, it's inevitable that some of our most creative work gets left behind. How can we utilize the ideas that are left on the table to the community's benefit? More importantly, should we think more creatively (and perhaps less efficiently) if it means solutions for today's concerns can provide the answers to problems we haven't yet considered? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Part 6: If we admit that philanthropy can be fashionable, is that something we should embrace? Do the ends justify the means, or does the cause suffer when the messenger becomes the message? Can we popularize philanthropy in our community without embracing popularity? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Part 5: When Must! lifts an individual or a group within our county, how do we ensure that the community is lifted at the same time? Or is that even a goal? Is it enough to target specific needs without a larger strategy of community welfare, or should we look at our projects with a mind toward a more holistic approach? If so, what does that look like? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Part 4: It can be difficult enough to get a teen to look up from their phone on a good day but it can be nearly impossible to engage with one who is in the middle of a mental health crisis. Must! partnered with Transitions Mental Health Association to rebuild their Crisis Call Center, which included new texting services essential to teens. In what other areas can we play a role relative to mental health in our community? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Part 3: Homelessness affects the fabric of a community in myriad ways. Our partnership with ECHO has paid dividends as that organization continues to grow its programs in ways that are meaningful. Regardless, homelessness in our county is in the middle of a historic growth cycle, with economic stress increasing at rates we haven't seen in generations. What should be our next focus as we look to mitigate this fundamental issue in our county? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Part 2: Is it the bag, or is it what's in the bag? Is it who delivers the bag, or is it who deserves the bag? Food insecurity is a complicated issue that affects San Luis Obispo County in ever-increasing ways. If you could come up with a solution, what would you do? We are grateful for our past investments with the SLO County Food Bank, which have paid dividends as that organization continues to grow its programs in ways that are meaningful. Share your thoughts in the comments.

In an era where societal needs evolve rapidly, so too must the approach to philanthropy. Shifting from traditional models focused solely on charity and antiquated grant systems, today's philanthropists must embrace a dynamic vision that marries strategic investment with lasting impact. This new paradigm fosters partnerships, empowers local communities, and leverages innovation to tackle systemic issues at their roots. By redefining philanthropy as a force for sustainable change rather than temporary relief, we are paving the way and trailblazing to inspire a future where every act of generosity builds towards a more equitable world. We are starting right here in our own backyard. At Must! Charities, our vision is to change the model of philanthropy. We unite donors, pool resources, and strategically invest back into our community. This post kicks off a series of 7 pieces of artwork produced by @TheRealBarryGoyette and shared at our VISION event in 2021. We decided to revisit the artwork and the conversations around each piece because these pieces evoke thought and should inspire conversation amongst the community. Resources aren’t just about money—our minds are valuable, too. Follow our social media channels and check in daily to see where this artistic and inspiring journey takes us and join in the conversation.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT! Meet my friend and Must! partner Koene. She is a beacon of inspiration whose life embodies philanthropy, advocacy, resilience, leadership, compassion, and relentless determination. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others, coupled with her life experiences, education, drive, and optimism, makes her a role model for all who aspire to make a difference in the world. Every time I spend the day with Koene, I am in awe – her life stories are an inspiration to me. She has inspired me to learn more, travel more, live more, love more, garden more, walk more, celebrate more, invest more, create more, laugh more, and, most of all, surround yourself with those who lift you up. She is that person to me; she lifts me up, and I am so blessed to have her in my life. If it weren’t for Must! Charities, our lives might not have ever crossed, and I’m so grateful that they did. She is a gift to me and our community! ~ Becky