Mountain Shadows Outreach Services Awarded San Marcos Community Foundation Grant |
The San Marcos Community Foundation presents its grant award to Mountain Shadows Outreach Services (MSOS). Photo, left to right, Flor Angel, Program Director, MSOS, Cecilia Bellos, Director of Ancillary Services, Mountain Shadows Ancillary Services, Stacy Sullivan, Executive Director, Mountain Shadows Support Group/ Mountain Shadows Ancillary Services, Kenny Lewis, Mayor of Mountain Shadows, Janice Miller, Board Member, San Marcos Community Foundation (SMCF), and
Carol Gendel, President, SMCF. |
by Sheryl Wilde
Psssst. Read on, because today we are sharing one of the best kept secrets in San Marcos!
“The San Marcos Community Foundation was founded in 1988,” says Carol Gendel, President, SMCF. “And we are one of San Marcos’ best kept secrets.”
The Foundation was gifted a million dollar endowment, and has awarded grants to nearly 400 organizations over the years. |
SMCF President, Carol, Flor, and MSOS participant/MSCH-San Diego resident, Eve, enjoy a conversation at Outreach. |
In 2025/2026, SMCF has generously awarded two grants to MSOS. The first award was for two power lift massage chairs, and the second grant will go toward the purchase of an electronic changing table for Outreach participants. “We have a fabulous board,” says Carol. “It’s a group of people who care, and it’s really a joy working with them. We’re an all volunteer board, appointed by the Mayor and the City Council. “When I talk about what we’re doing on the board, my eyes light up, and my whole attitude changes. What we do directly helps the community. And I just love that.” |
Adds Carol, “After visiting Mountain Shadows Outreach Services, my first thought was how fortunate we are to have people in our community who feel the calling to work with these individuals who need so much. And they do it with such patience and love! Those qualities are needed in huge quantities. “It’s a difficult task to care for people who cannot express for themselves what their needs are.” |
Janice Miller, SMCF board member. |
The Foundation provides grants to a wide variety of nonprofit groups serving San Marcos residents. Grants have been awarded to a diverse group of nonprofit organizations serving different purposes: Arts & Culture Children & Youth
Health & Well-being Education Seniors
Civic Life Wildlife
“Seeing the good we do in the community, it just makes my heart really, really happy. Volunteering is really valuable and really important. It’s always been a part of who I am. I grew up Jewish, and part of Judaism is “tikkun olam” or making the world a better place. That’s what I’m trying to do.” |
MSOS participant and MSCH – San Diego resident, Evelyn, relaxes in one of the power lift chairs purchased through a San Marcos Community Foundation grant. |
“One of Carol’s priorities as President of SMCF is to grow our endowment, so that we can give even more to the community,” says Janice. “When I walked through the double doors of Mountain Shadows Outreach Services, I was like, ‘Whoa!’ This is amazing! I was truly overwhelmed with joy. All of the people were so welcoming.” |
Mountain Shadows Mayor, Kenny, presents a handmade thank you card to Carol and Janice of SMCF. |
“I didn’t know there was a group like Mountain Shadows in San Marcos, so close to my home,” says Janice. “It’s amazing to see a place like this that does such good work for this community.”
Adds Carol, “I have a granddaughter who is on the autism spectrum, and to know there are organizations like Mountain Shadows here in San Marcos, that makes me grateful. And, as President of SMCF, I want to do everything we can to help MSOS in its mission.” |
A handmade thank you card, made with love by the participants of MSOS, for SMCF, the new members of our Mountain Shadows Family. |
“And the participants making gifts for us,” adds Janice. “That just totally warmed my heart. They made beautiful magnets and an amazing thank you card for us! “There are so many organizations and people in need, but the Mountain Shadows participants, they really pulled on my heartstrings. I know you call it the Mountain Shadows Family. And I could feel that when we visited. When Kenny gave me that thank you card, I was about to cry. It was so special. “When you get to a certain point in life, you just want to give back. That’s where I’m at. I just want to give back.
“The more we work together, it just makes the world a better place. We all need each other. And for the individuals at Mountain Shadows … well, if we didn’t have Mountain Shadows, where would they go?”
Our Mountain Shadows Founder, Doug Cook, often said the Mountain Shadows Family was the best kept secret in San Diego County.
Perhaps it is time, through the blossoming partnership between the San Marcos Community Foundation and Mountain Shadows, that both of our organizations come out of the shadows and into the light, forging a new and brighter future for all those we serve.
Tikkun olam! Together, let’s make the world a better place. Thank you, San Marcos Community Foundation, for your incredible generosity! |
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4th Annual Trunk or Treat |
The Mountain Shadows Foundation –
Because We CARE |
Thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, the Mountain Shadows CARE program provides recreational and social experiences to residents and participants adding meaning and richness to their lives.
It’s easy for you to help us continue to provide activities like this – activities that improve the quality of our residents’ lives in fulfillment of their dreams. Here are some ways you can help ensure these crucial activities can continue for years to come: -
Make a one-time donation today by clicking on the donate button below.
- Make a monthly or annual contribution.
- Leave a Legacy Gift.
To learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society, to include us in your estate plan, or to let us know if you have already designated Mountain Shadows to receive a legacy gift, please contact Mandy Huiras, Director of Development at: mhuiras@mtnshadows.org, or visit our website by clicking here:
Learn More About the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society Please share this story with your family, friends and co-workers to help grow our Mountain Shadows Family!
To learn more about Mountain Shadows volunteer opportunities, please click below:
Learn about Mountain Shadows Volunteer Opportunities Here |
Mandy Huiras
Mountain Shadows Foundation Director of Development
Contact Mandy today to learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation and how you can continue to make a difference in the lives of our residents:
mhuiras@mtnshadows.org |
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