WHITTIER – Río Hondo College has received $15,000 in gifts from community groups for its Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) Program, which helps provide educational support services and activities for academically under-prepared, welfare-dependent, single parents. CARE students are part of EOP&S, which serves more than 1,600 students at Río Hondo College.

The gifts, presented May 22 to Río Hondo College Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes, EOP&S/CARE Director Heba Griffiths, and CARE Specialist Laura Verdugo, include $5,000 from Soroptimist International of Whittier and $10,000 from Credit Union of Southern California.

“This show of support from our Soroptimist sisters and the Credit Union of Southern California is a terrific testimonial to our community partnerships and the impact of Río Hondo College in helping residents overcome challenges to pursue their educational dreams,” Verdugo said.

Verdugo is also a member of the Soroptimist, which also offers annual scholarships that benefit Río Hondo College students each year.

This spring, 13 students in the CARE program will be among the more than 1,900 Río Hondo College students earning degrees.

“Part of Río Hondo College’s mission is to ensure the promise of higher education reaches all members of our community, and especially those who otherwise would be unable to pursue their education,” Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes said. “I am so thankful to our friends at the Soroptimist International of Whittier and Credit Union of Southern California for these unsolicited gifts for our students.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Check Presentation: Río Hondo College received a $15,000 check for its Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) Program, presented by Soroptimist International of Whittier President Lorraine Quiros (left) to CARE Specialist Laura Verdugo (center left), EOP&S/CARE Director Heba Griffiths (center right), and Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes (right).