Community Impact · Charity in Bloom
We thought we raised $1,500. Then the phone rang.
If you’ve been following our journey with the Charity in Bloom program, you know we set out with a simple goal for our holiday campaign: to support The Children's Cabinet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $1,545.
That number alone is something to be proud of. But then, something amazing happened. An anonymous donor saw what we were doing and offered to match that amount dollar-for-dollar! Then, their employer stepped in and matched that donation!
$1,545 → $4,635
While we are incredibly grateful for the funds—and the generosity of our community never ceases to amaze us—we wanted to see exactly how these numbers translate into real change. So, we took a trip to 777 Sinclair Street in Reno to tour The Children's Cabinet’s Wilbur D. May Youth Center.
Standing there, the sentiment from our team was unanimous: we had no idea just how many programs they support, or how many thousands of lives are impacted by this incredible nonprofit every single day.
Here is what we saw inside the building that is quietly changing our community.
1. Mental Health Support (With Zero Red Tape)
In a healthcare system where waiting lists can be months long, The Children's Cabinet offers free family counseling.
We aren't talking about a pamphlet and a referral number; we are talking about actual, no-cost access to professionals who help families navigate trauma, behavioral issues, and crisis. It is immediate, accessible, and life-changing.
2. Redfield Academy: A School for the "At-Promise"
Tucked right inside the center is a fully functioning Washoe County school. Redfield Academy serves students who weren't thriving in a traditional large high school environment.
With smaller class sizes and a "no-judgment" atmosphere, students who were at risk of dropping out are recovering credits and graduating. You could feel the safety in the hallways.
3. Cabinet Ink: A Business Run by Teenagers
This was the highlight of the tour for many of us. Cabinet Ink is an onsite screen printing and embroidery shop, but the employees are youth from the program.
They apply and interview for the job, run the machines, and manage the business "ends and outs." Some local businesses even have their embroidery and print done by their shop. When you order from them, you are funding job training for a teenager building their resume.
4. Saving Lives in Middle School
This is the heavy one, but the most important. The Children's Cabinet runs the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program.
They go into every middle school in our district to provide free screenings. Those who screen positive are connected with resources immediately—and so are their families, friends, and designated trusted adult.
On top of that, they serve as a designated Safe Place. Any youth in crisis can walk through their doors (or find a Safe Place partner location) to find immediate safety and shelter from the streets.
5. Supporting Child Care (For Everyone)
Affording quality child care is one of the biggest hurdles for working parents. The Cabinet administers Child Care Financial Assistance (subsidy) to help eligible families cover the cost.
But they don't just help the parents; they help the caregivers too. They offer coaching and support for Child Care Providers to ensure our early childhood professionals have the training and resources they need to help our little ones thrive.
6. The "Market"
The onsite market is designed to look and feel like a grocery store to preserve dignity.
Families shop for what they actually need, including fresh meat and dairy. Local gardeners can even donate their harvest (hello, extra summer tomatoes!) directly to the shelves, ensuring fresh, healthy options are always available.
7. The Final Piece: Wraparound Support
Perhaps the most incredible part is that they don't just offer one-off services. They offer Wraparound Support.
Every child and family who contacts The Children's Cabinet gets a dedicated case manager. These case managers act as shepherds to this entire system, helping families navigate the resources and ensuring that absolutely no one falls through the cracks.
Our Gratitude
To everyone who donated to our Charity in Bloom campaign: Thank you. You didn't just donate money; you helped fund a safety net for thousands of local families.
And to The Children's Cabinet: Happy 40th Anniversary! For four decades, you have been a pillar of hope in our community. It was an absolute honor to partner with you during such a milestone year.
A special thank you to Ashleigh and Emily for welcoming us into your world, touring us through the Rock location and the Midtown Youth Center, and helping us understand the incredible scope of your programs.
We barely scratched the surface. To see the full list of 40+ programs or to book a tour yourself (we highly recommend it), visit:
Visit The Children's Cabinet