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Monica (right) at Willow Pond Ranch in Soquel.

Monica Hebenstreit, a senior majoring in American Studies is extremely enthusiastic about learning the skills of community outreach, and grant writing. She is interning at Willow Pond Ranch, a recent nonprofit start up, described as “a sanctuary where rescued houses mentor the spirit.” The internship appealed to Monica because she appreciates what animals can to youth. The companion course for the program titled “Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship in the Nonprofit Sector” has given her the edge in writing grants and redefining the Willow Pond business strategy.
Monica has shown a great deal of initiative by completing various projects for Willow Pond Ranch. In order to gain a greater volunteer base Monica has helped manage the volunteer program. She has improved volunteer intake by preparing an information packet for new volunteers, and arranging for Willow Pond to run police and background checks on new applicants. She has also used her writing skills by creating an organizational resume for horse rescue, youth mentorship and volunteer programs. In order to advertise and outreach to the community she created press releases to the local newspapers. Monica’s mentor, Sharon Pohl, describes her writing as “eloquent, succinct, creative and truly an asset to our grant writing and business planning efforts. She has been an absolute wonderful intern.”
Monica has been essential in the revision of the Willow Pond business strategy. She has taken full advantage of the class and has seen the instructor Dr. Rex Walters several times for revisions, guidance and support. Monica composed a letter of intent and a grant packet to Greater Bay Bancorp Foundation. She is now proceeding to write another grant to the Santa Cruz Community Foundation. Through grant writing, she has gained a thorough understanding of the realities of working in the non-profit sector.