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Homelessness and Poverty and the COVID-19 in the Coachella Valley
As the COVID-19 situation worsens across our country, in Riverside County, and in the Coachella Valley, we must consider the most vulnerable in our community: our homeless and impoverished neighbors. As the spread of the disease continues, Martha’s Village and Kitchen stands at the ready to serve. We are already seeing an increase for demand in our services. With your help, we can make a difference during this challenging time—especially for the homeless, impoverished, elderly, hungry and other vulnerable populations living in crisis.
We are staying abreast of the COVID-19 situations and making decisions in real-time regarding how to best care for a serve those who need our help. We are continuing to provide crucial services to children, families and individuals including food services, childcare, housing, medical services, help with employment and emergency services. Our staff is monitoring those we serve for symptoms and encouraging people to self-report if they are not feeling well. We have stepped up our efforts around the coronavirus by including street outreach to people experiencing homelessness to provide them with information, hand sanitizer and soap. We need your help to bolster supplies, please consider a donation today.
COVID-19_MVK Press Release_031620
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Designated as Deployment Site for 2020 Homeless Point In Time Count
Indio, California— Martha’s Village & Kitchen will once again be the deployment site for the Homeless Point-in-Time Count for the city of Indio.
This year’s count will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Volunteers for Indio will arrive at Martha’s Village & Kitchen at 5:30 AM and will be deployed to conduct the count from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
PIT Count 2020_MVK Press Release_012920
Martha’s Village & Kitchen and BrightDyed Designs host winter needs Pop-Up Shop
Martha’s Village & Kitchen and BrightDyed Designs (www.brightdyeddesigns.com) were proud to host a winter needs Pop-up Shop to provide a free shopping experience to impoverished and homeless families, children, and individuals in the Coachella Valley.
This event was open to the public on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. Over 511 individuals were provided donations including winter coats, sweaters, blankets and heavy socks. Additionally, 225 pairs of new TOMS shoes were made available free the public. These new shoes were donated by Cornerstone OnDemand (www.cornerstoneondemand.com) through their annual corporate give-back event held on Thurs., January 9, 2020 at the JW Marriott in Palm Springs.
Winter Pop-Up Shop_MVK Press Release_012220
Martha’s Village & Kitchen selected as beneficiary of Cornerstone OnDemand’s Anniversary Give-Back event
Cornerstone OnDemand (www.cornerstoneondemand.com) a global leader in the cloud-based learning, talent management and emerging talent experience market, has selected Martha’s Village & Kitchen as a beneficiary of it’s Anniversary Corporate Give-Back event. The event will be held at the JW Marriott in Palm Desert and attended by over 1300 Cornerstone OnDemand employees from North America (US/Canada) and Latin America (Mexico/Columbia/Brazil/Argentina). Employees will participate for up to 90 minutes decorating new TOMS shoes.
Over 500 pairs of shoes were donated to 3 different local non-profits. Martha’s Village & Kitchen will be distributing their donation, 225 adult shoes, at events such as the winter Pop-Up Shop and at our Palm Springs location to the community free of charge.
MVK Media Alert_Cornerstone_010920
La Quinta High School Fill the Truck Food Drive benefiting Martha’s Village & Kitchen
La Quinta High School will be collecting non-perishable food items at the Fill the Truck Food Drive event.
The fill the Truck event will assist in restocking Martha’s emergency food pantry. The emergency food pantry at Martha’s Village is open Monday-Friday and provides nutritional emergency food and baby supplies to our neighbors in need.
Press Release: LQHS Fill the Truck 8.15.19
Martha’s Village & Kitchen and BrightDyed Designs to host Pop-up Shop
Martha’s Village & Kitchen and BrightDyed Designs are proud to host a Pop-up Shop to provide a free shopping experience to impoverished and homeless families, children, and individuals in the Coachella Valley.
This event is open to the public and takes place Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 9am-4pm at Martha’s Village and Kitchen.
Press Release: Martha’s Village & Kitchen and BrightDyed Designs Pop-Up Shop
Monthly Food USDA Distribution Event
Martha’s Village & Kitchen will host their monthly USDA Food Distribution event on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 from 8:00am – 10:00am on their campus located at 83791 Date Avenue in Indio.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, meats and other essential items will be distributed to community members in need. This monthly event helps supplement the diets of low-income families and individuals by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.
This event is open to the public.
Press Release: Monthly USDA Distribution At Martha’s Village
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Is The Beneficiary Of Spotlight 29 Casino’s All Star Jam Concert To Be Held On November 2, 2019. Tickets Are On Sale NOW!
Spotlight 29 Casino is proud to present All Star Jam featuring several rock legends including Wally Palmar (The Romantics), Steve Augeri (Journey former lead vocalist), Jason Scheff (former lead singer of the band Chicago), John Elefante (former lead singer of Kansas), and the critically acclaimed Sixwire, who was the 2019 house band for the NFL Draft in Nashville. The ultimate jam session takes place Saturday, November 2, at 8 p.m. in the Spotlight Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino. Martha’s Village & Kitchen is the beneficiary of this event, and tickets are on sale now!
All Star Jam Concert Press Release
Registration Is Open For The 13th Annual Fortem Financial Thanksgiving Day 5K Benefiting Martha’s Village & Kitchen
The Fortem Financial 13th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K benefiting Martha’s Village & Kitchen is fast approaching, and registration is open! The charity race, presented by NBC Palm Springs, is both competitive (certified course/timed race) and casual with prizes for the winners in several age categories. The event takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2019, at 8:00 AM on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Presents The Steve Mitchell Culinary Job Training Program.
Martha’s Village & Kitchen launched a culinary training program thanks to a gift from some generous donors! This new program will allow MVK to not only feed the impoverished and homeless, but also train them for gainful employment.
Steve Mitchell Culinary Training Program to Open at MVK
Martha’s Village & Kitchen $5 Million Dollar Capital Campaign Closing Celebration
Martha’s Village & Kitchen was joined by a festive crowd of more than 75 supporters for the $5 Million Dollar Capital Campaign Celebration Event held on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, CA.
Press Release: Martha’s Village & Kitchen Reaches $5 Million Goal!
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Designated as Deployment Site for 2019 Homeless Point In Time Count
Indio, California— Martha’s Village & Kitchen will once again be the deployment site for the Homeless Point-in-Time Count for the city of Indio. This year’s count will take place on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. Volunteers for Indio will arrive at Martha’s Village & Kitchen at 5:00 AM and will be deployed to conduct the count from 5:30 to 9:30 AM.
PRESS RELEASE: Martha’s Village & Kitchen Deployment Site for 2019 Homeless Point In Time Count
Several Local Businesses Partner With Martha’s Village & Kitchen To Stomp Out Hunger In The Coachella Valley
Several Valley businesses are partnering with Martha’s Village & Kitchen during the month of November to “Stomp Out Hunger.” Jensen’s, Anytime Fitness Indio, El Tapatio Restaurant, El Ranchito Restaurant, Maxcy’s Grill, and Wildest Greens and Martha’s are coming together to draw attention to the struggles of hunger, poverty, and homelessness.
Press Release: Stomp Out Hunger
Martha’s Village and Kitchen wins $20,000 “Best Pitch” Award at RAP Foundation’s Fast Pitch Competition Amongst Local Nonprofits
Indio, California— Martha’s Village and Kitchen’s Executive Vice President, Stephanie Minor, was awarded the “Best Pitch” $20,000 prize on Tuesday afternoon from the Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation at their Desert Fast Pitch Finals, a nonprofit competition held at the UCR Palm Desert Campus.
12th Annual Fortem Financial Thanksgiving Day 5K Benefiting Martha’s Village & Kitchen to Stomp Out Hunger in the Coachella Valley
Join us as we run, walk and stroll down El Paseo Thanksgiving morning to help Stomp Out Hunger in the Coachella Valley! This family friendly event is great for the avid runner and for those walking at a slower pace. Register today to join in on the fun!
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Emergency Food Pantry at a Critical Low
There is no single face of food insecurity, hunger, and the need for help. The working poor, the elderly on fixed incomes, college students, the impoverished, the disabled, children, families and individuals benefit from this program provided by Martha’s Village & Kitchen.
PRESS RELEASE: Martha’s Village and Kitchen Emergency Food Pantry at Critical Low
Registration is Open for The Fortem Financial 12th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Benefiting Martha’s Village & Kitchen
Martha’s Village & Kitchen is proud to celebrate our 12th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K! We are once again thankful for our Title Sponsor, Fortem Financial and our Presenting Sponsor KMIR. Registration for the event is now open and everyone can save $10.00 when they sign up in the month of July. For more information visit www.marthasvillage5K.org
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Opens Cooling Center to Help Those In Need
Indio, California—With the summer heat already hitting triple digits, Martha’s Village & Kitchen reminds the community that their Cooling Center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 83791 Date Avenue, Indio CA.
The center is open to the general public and provides a cool environment, water, and snacks. Free public lunch is provided Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to Noon. Martha’s Resource Room is also open to provide computers for those looking for housing, employment or other services. A volunteer will be on site to support the community with any needs.
PRESS RELEASE – Martha’s Village and Kitchen to Open Cooling Center to Help Those In Need
Celebrating our Pre-School Graduates at Martha’s Village & Kitchen
Martha’s Village & Kitchen is proud to celebrate our 2018 graduation class of pre-school students from our Child Development Center. On Wednesday, May 30th at 10:00am, teachers, parents and families will join us as we prepare our class to graduate at our campus location at 83791 Date Avenue in Indio. The Child Development Center has prepared all of the graduates to be ready to move on Kindergarten next year.
PRESS RELEASE – New Graduates at Martha’s Village & Kitchen Child Development Center
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Celebrates 28 Years of Service
Martha’s Village & Kitchen, a vital component of the Coachella Valley’s safety net for the impoverished and homeless, is proud to celebrate 28 years of service on April 10, 2018. On this day, the agency reaches the 28-year milestone of providing life-changing programs addressing needs and providing solutions for the most vulnerable in The Valley.
Martha’s began in 1990 when the founders served meals to their homeless neighbors with a donation of $5.00. The organization has come a long way since these humble beginnings and has grown to be one of the largest providers of homeless services in the Coachella Valley, serving over 6000 people each year from its campus in Indio, CA.
PRESS RELEASE: Martha’s Village & Kitchen Celebrates 28 Years of Service
Martha’s Village & Kitchen to host FREE Tacos and Taxes Event
Indio, California – Martha’s Village & Kitchen is partnering with Cal EITC 4 Me and Community Action Partnership of Riverside County to host a FREE tax preparation event on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The event will take place at Martha’s Village & Kitchen located at 83791 Date Avenue in Indio.
On Saturday, hundreds of people are expected to join volunteer tax professionals on hand to prepare and electronically file Federal and State taxes and provide screenings to determine eligibility for the earned income tax credit.
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- Event Flyer – English
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- VITA Volunteers
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- Event Flyer – Spanish
PRESS RELEASE: Martha’s Village and Kitchen to Host FREE Tacos and Taxes Event
Martha’s Village & Kitchen Over Halfway to Capital Campaign Goal of $5 Million
Indio, CA – March 27, 2018 – Martha’s Village & Kitchen was joined by a warm crowd of supporters and government officials for the announcement of a $5 million campaign to Renew Hope and Rebuild Lives in the Coachella Valley.
Henry Burdick, Chairman of the Board at Martha’s Village & Kitchen, announced that $2.8 million has already been raised by the generous supporters and partners of the organization. Being over halfway to the campaign goal was exciting news for many. Burdick also announced that an anonymous donor has pledged to donate an additional $1 million dollars when the campaign reaches $4 million. Martha’s Village & Kitchen has just $1.2 million dollars to go to reach their goal.
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- Pictured from left to right: Henry Burdick, Board Chairman -MVK, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Bill DeMucci, Board Treasurer –MVK
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- From left to right: Steve Brown, Councilmember, City of Coachella; Sabby Jonathon, Mayor, City of Palm Desert; Kimberly Muzik, Mayor, City of Indian Wells; Jan Harnik, Councilmember, City of Palm Desert; Dan Dunlap, Martha’s Village & Kitchen Board of Directors, Glenn Miller, Councilmember, City of Indio
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- (Pictured Reed and Nan Harman)
PRESS RELEASE – Martha’s Village & Kitchen Over Halfway to Capital Campaign Goal of $5 Million
“Renewing Hope, Rebuilding Lives” Campaign Reaches Milestone
Indio, CA, March 7, 2018– Martha’s Village & Kitchen has reached a significant milestone for its funding campaign for facility and program improvements. $2,700,000 in pledges was announced yesterday towards Martha’s $5,000,000 campaign goal. In addition, another $1,000,000 is pledged as soon as the campaign reaches $4,000,000 leaving just $1,300,000 left to raise. This fundraising success sets a trajectory for the organization to reach, and even exceed its goal.
The “Renewing Hope, Rebuilding Lives” campaign will fund improved Martha’s Village & Kitchen facilities and enhanced programming for Coachella Valley families and individuals who require emergency housing assistance, homeless prevention services, or community resources. Funds are also slated to create a new culinary program to provide food service employment opportunities at area institutions and restaurants and to expand Martha’s licensed Child Development Center.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen Designated as Deployment Site For 2018 Homeless Point-in-Time Count
Indio, California— Martha’s Village and Kitchen will once again be the deployment site for the 2018 Homeless Point-in-Time Count for the city of Indio. This year’s count will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Volunteers for Indio will arrive at Martha’s Village and Kitchen at 5:00 AM and will be deployed to conduct the count from 5:30 to 9:30 AM.
The Homeless Point-in-Time Count occurs once a year on a single day in January. Cities across Riverside County create teams of volunteers who spend the morning surveying the unsheltered homeless population in their cities. A count of the sheltered homeless (e.g. homeless in transitional housing and emergency shelters) is also completed in partnership with local service providers.
Press Release – 2018 Homeless Point in Time Count at MVK
Carl’s Jr. Hosted Month Long Giving to Help End Hunger in the Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley Carl’s Jr. locations came together this November for a month long campaign to help build awareness of Martha’s Village and Kitchen and to support their efforts in ending hunger for our local neighbors in need.
For each $1 donation, restaurant patrons received a “pin up,” to personalize and place on display in the lobby of the restaurant. Donors also received a coupon for a free, small drink with any purchase. This campaign coincided with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which is an annual program where people come together to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness, and to make a difference.
Press Release – Carl’s Jr. Hosts Month Long Promotion to Help End Hunger in the Coachella Valley
Little Caesars Love Kitchen To Serve Free Pizza To The Impoverished And Homeless At Martha’s Village And Kitchen
The Little Caesars Love Kitchen will be stopping by Martha’s Village and Kitchen to provide fresh Little Caesars pizza meals for hundreds of people in need on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM.
2017 Little Caesars Love Kitchen Press Release
Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery To Hold Annual “Boo-Tox Party” Benefiting Martha’s Village and Kitchen
Dr. Maria Lombardo, a successful Board Certified General Surgeon and Cosmetic Surgeon, based in Rancho Mirage, CA, is hosting a special “Boo-Tox” Event with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Martha’s Village and Kitchen.
The beauty event will be held in Dr. Lombardo’s office located at 41606 Indian Trail, Suite A-1 Rancho Mirage, CA on October 27th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The party will feature refreshments, games, raffles and prizes of various services and products. Specially priced packages can be purchased, as well as raffle tickets that will be sold for $5 each or five tickets for $20 with proceeds donated to Martha’s Village and Kitchen. Appointments are required for treatment at the Boo-Tox party. Specials may also be purchased and scheduled for a later date.
Registration is Open for the 11th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K benefiting Martha’s Village and Kitchen
The 11th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K is fast approaching! The charity race, presented by KMIR and Carl’s Jr. is both competitive (certified course/timed race) and casual with prizes for winners in several age categories. Put on your Turkey Tot Attire or purchase some from Martha’s Village and Kitchen and great ready to have fun! The event takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017, at 8:00AM on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen to Host Health Fair and USDA Food Distribution Event
Martha’s Village and Kitchen will host a mini health fair during their monthly USDA Food Distribution event on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 8:00am – 10:00am. Fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, meats and other essential items will be distributed to others in the community who need it. This important event will also feature healthcare information tables hosted by FCPP Internal Medicine Palm Springs and Health to Hope Clinics. This event is free and open to the public.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen To Host Health Fair and USDA Food Distribution Event
Martha’s Village and Kitchen Cooling Center Is Open To Help Those In Need
With the summer heat already hitting triple digits, Martha’s Village and Kitchen reminds the community that their Cooling Center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 83791 Date Avenue, Indio CA. The Center is open to the general public and provides a cool environment, water, and snacks. Free public lunch is also provided Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to noon. Computer access is also available during the week to help the community in their search for employment opportunities or other resources.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen Cooling Center is Open to Help Those In Need
Martha’s Village and Kitchen Awarded $15,000 Let’s Play Grant For Imagination Palyground In A Cart™ Play System From Dr. Pepper Snapple and Nation Non-Profit KaBOOM!
Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS) and national non-profit KaBOOM! awarded Martha’s Village & Kitchen a $15,000 Let’s Play Improvement Grant to use toward the purchase of an Imagination Playground in a Cart™, an innovative playground equipment system. The system will be installed at the Children’s Services playground on the MVK Campus. The innovative design in play equipment encourages creativity, communication, and collaboration in play. It includes a collection of custom-designed, oversized blue foam parts, Imagination PlaygroundTM provides a changing array of elements that allow children to turn their playground into a space constantly built and re-built by their imagination.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen to Host Graduation Ceremony for Child Development Center
Martha’s Village and Kitchen will host a graduation ceremony for our Pre-School graduates on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM on the MVK campus.
MVK Designated as Deployment Site for 2017 Homeless Point-in-Time Count for Second Year
Martha’s Village and Kitchen will once again be the deployment site for the 2017 Homeless Point-in-Time Count for the city of Indio. This year’s count will take place on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. Volunteers for Indio will arrive at Martha’s Village and Kitchen at 5:00 AM and will be deployed to conduct the count from 6:00 to 9:30 AM.
Press Release – MVK Deployment Site for 2017 PIT Count
Martha’s Village and Kitchen to Kick Off Youth Soccer Academy
On October 27, Martha’s Village and Kitchen’s Child Development Center will begin offering Coachella Valley homeless and impoverished youth an opportunity to learn and play soccer. The Academy’s first class will include 20 students ages 3-5 and will meet on a regular basis. Many of the students will be residents in Martha’s Transitional Housing Program which provides housing and wrap-around services to homeless individuals and families in Coachella Valley.
Press Release – MVK to Kick Off Youth Soccer Academy
Registration is Open for the 10th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Benefiting Martha’s Village and Kitchen
Dust off your turkey hat and put on your running shoes because the 10th Annual Fortem Financial Thanksgiving Day 5K is fast approaching! The charity race, presented by Carl’s Jr.® and KMIR, will take place on Thursday, November 24, 2016 at 8:00 AM. Don’t miss out on new additions to this year’s 5K including a Kid’s Zone with fun activities for the family and a beer garden hosted by La Quinta Brewing Company.
5K FAQsPress Release – Registration Open for 2016 Thanksgiving Day 5K
Little Caesars Love Kitchen To Serve Free Pizza To The Less Fortunate At Martha’s Village and Kitchen
The Little Caesars Love Kitchen will roll onto Martha’s Village and Kitchen’s campus to provide fresh Little Caesars pizza meals for hundreds of people in need on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM. A pizza kitchen on wheels, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen travels across the continental United States and Canada meeting the needs of the hungry, the homeless and disaster survivors.
Press Release – 2016 Little Caesars Love Kitchen
MVK Cooling Center Now Open
The Cooling Center is now open at Martha’s Village and Kitchen as an escape from the summer heat for the homeless and impoverished of the Coachella Valley. The Cooling Center is open daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and provides a cool environment, drinking water and movies for entertainment.
Press Release – 2016 Cooling Center
Graduation Ceremony
Martha’s Village and Kitchen will host a graduation ceremony for pre-school graduates from our Child Development Center on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM.
Press Release – Child Development Center Graduation June 2016
Unlock the Vault at BIGHORN 2016
The Vault is a state-of-the-art car club within the confines of BIGHORN Golf Club. This ultra-exclusive fundraising event will feature 50 of the world’s most unique and exotic vehicles. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, fine jewelry and much more will make for an extravagant and charitable evening. Event Date: February 16, 2016.
www.UnlockTheVault.org
