A volunteer with Make It Happen for Yolo County helps a local student select items for her first apartment. Courtesy photo

DAVIS, CA (MPG) – The Walter S. Johnson Foundation has granted $20,000 to local nonprofit Make It Happen for Yolo County to increase its partnerships and create a sustainable outreach program that will expand its ability to serve Yolo County youth for years to come. The nonprofit provides under-resourced youth moving out on their own with furniture, appliances and household items needed to fully furnish a small apartment, as well as bicycles for transportation.

“The funds we received from the Walter S. Johnson Foundation are allowing us to further explore and develop corporate sponsorships and partnerships, and to identify additional revenue streams that will ensure we can continue to grow and meet the rising needs of youth in our county,” said Cathi Schmidt, executive director, Make It Happen for Yolo County. “We are grateful to the Walter S. Johnson Foundation for recognizing our work and ensuring we can increase community engagement and sustain our organization for the future.” 

Make It Happen for Yolo County served 12 youth when it was founded in 2014. For the past three years, the organization has experienced a five to 10 percent increase in clients served, and this year expects to serve 72 youth. 

Make It Happen for Yolo County equips local transition-age youth aged 16–24 with essential furnishings, household goods and bicycles to create safe, stable homes as they move into independent living. Serving young people emerging from foster care, the juvenile justice system or homelessness, the nonprofit provides items that turn an apartment into a place of comfort, dignity and belonging. To address transportation challenges, Make It Happen provides refurbished bicycles, helmets, locks and lights. Clients are referred through county agencies and community partners and receive personalized support from our primarily volunteer team, along with connections to partner organizations and ongoing advocacy. Since its founding in 2014, Make It Happen for Yolo County has helped nearly 400 transition age youth and is the only organization in Yolo County offering these services. To make a financial or furniture donation, visit www.MIHYolo.org.

The Walter S. Johnson Foundation assists young people aged 14-26 who are disconnected from education and employment in Northern California and Nevada to become successful adults. For more information, visit www.wsjf.org.