Grants

Leslie H.

Assisted a member of our community with a terminal diagnosis of ALS with a six month supply of catheters needed for her care.

Grant made in March 2018

Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Youth Scholarships

Two separate scholarships were presented to two trans students pursuing higher education at the Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Youth Scholarships Awards. These scholarships assist high-achieving trans students defray the cost of college, graduate school or trade school.

Grant made in March 2018

Heidi

Heidi is an elderly woman that has been living with HIV for over 20 years and is now struggling with dementia. Earlier this year, Heidi was approached by a salesperson at a trolley stop that convinced her to sign up for a free “Obamaphone”. Heidi signed up, but did not realize that the new phone contract would cancel her Lifeline with AT&T (a special reduced phone service for the elderly on a limited budget). Over the next few months, the phone charges for the new service began to accumulate and since she did not have the income to support the huge phone bill, her phone was service was cut off. Heidi desperately needed to have her phone service reinstated, since she was missing important messages and reminders for her care from her doctors and caregivers. The Foundation paid for the past due amount of her phone bill which allowed her to have her original discounted service reinstated.

Grant made in December 2017

Interaction for Peace

The Foundation funded a grant for Interaction for Peace, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, for Beyond Bullying – Awareness, Education, Action, their anti-bullying program in elementary and middle schools in San Diego County. Beyond Bullying – Awareness, Education, Action is an innovative, unique experience that brings awareness to bullying behaviors and their impact and builds resilience through live theatre, group discussions, specific tools, and curriculum in local elementary and middle schools in San Diego County.

Grant made in November 2017

Sandra

Sandra learned she was pregnant and soon afterward was the victim of domestic abuse when her husband almost strangled her to death. Her husband was subsequently arrested. Sandra now lives alone and is due to deliver her baby girl by C-section in less than 30 days. The Foundation assisted her with paying her rent, so that she can recover from the surgery and take care of her new baby girl.

Grant made in November 2017

Scott Carlson Community Thanksgiving Dinner

The Rob Benzon Foundation has again answered the call to assist with costs of the annual Scott Carlson Community Thanksgiving Dinner held at the San Diego LGBT Community Center on Thanksgiving Day. Started in 1988 by Scott Carlson as a dinner for HIV/AIDS patients, the tradition of giving continues to provide a hot Thanksgiving meal for those in need in our community on the day we earmark to give thanks. The dinner now includes people with cancer and other ailments, homeless people, and anyone needing a safe and inviting place to come together as a community on this holiday. More than 500 individuals benefited from this year’s dinner.

Grant made in October 2017

Nickey

Nickey suffers from Lupus Nephritis that has affected her kidney function and has had to deal with advance kidney disease. She has had to endure a very rough road of aggressive treatment and it has been overwhelming for her. Unable to work, the Foundation paid for her rent and basic necessities.

Grant made in September 2017

Vanita

The Foundation provided cleaning and home day care support services for this individual with a terminal diagnosis of chronic obstructive respiratory disorder and congestive heart failure.

Grant made in August 2017

Cheryl-Anne

Cheryl-Anne was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and has undergone a lumpectomy, reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy. The Foundation provided funds to pay her rent for one month while she underwent radiation treatments.