NASFAA 2025 Charity Partner: Higher Ground Youth & Family Services
By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant
We are thrilled to introduce Higher Ground Youth & Family Services as our local charity partner for the NASFAA 2025 National Conference in Anaheim, California, where we will be bringing back our Charity 5K and Trivia Night events to support our partner’s incredible work.
Higher Ground is a non-profit family resource center founded in 2012 to provide wrap-around services, family support, and community resources to youth and families in Orange County, CA. Through a multi-building campus, they offer an array of programs, including youth mentoring, mental health services, sports leagues, enrichment classes, a community garden, and more.
“We envision a society where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential,” said Jordan Barrera, Higher Ground’s director of communications.
“Through providing support and guidance, we help young people see the multitude of possibilities available to them and empower them to take the necessary steps toward a fulfilling future.”
Higher Ground’s impact extends beyond academic support for youth and their families. They also provide after-school camps, literacy initiatives, college readiness support, teen mentorship, and other essential needs services.
In 2024, Higher Ground served over 6,500 people, including 2,700 youth, through their programs. Higher Ground distributes over 1,890 meals annually and offers an on-site market to help address food insecurity. With continued support, Higher Ground plans to grow its food security programs and increase access to healthy food for vulnerable families.
“We recognize that empowered youth with access to the necessary knowledge and resources are key to building a community where everyone can flourish,” said Jordan. “By promoting lifelong learning, resilience, and stability, we aim to create an environment where everyone can achieve optimal health and well-being at every stage of life.”
“That is why NASFAA is proud to support Higher Ground at our 2025 National Conference. Our Charity 5K and Trivia Night are a great way to have fun, connect, and support an amazing organization while attending the conference,” said Carissa Uhlman-Campana, NASFAA’s manager of corporate partnerships.
During the Team Trivia Night, there will also be a Silent Disco Dance Party option at the same venue. If running isn’t your thing, you can still get involved with the Charity 5K! NASFAA Communities will host a pre-race social the evening before the race with refreshments and a poster-making station.
Our shared commitment to expanding opportunities is what makes our partnership with Higher Ground so meaningful. Thanks to the generosity of our charity event sponsors and the enthusiasm of our members, we can help the folks at Higher Ground continue their vital work.
But don’t just take our word for it – hear from those who are making this partnership possible:
“College Aid Services is proud to sponsor NASFAA’s Charity 5K as part of our commitment to social responsibility and giving back to the community. We believe in supporting meaningful causes that make a positive impact, and this sponsorship allows us to contribute to local organizations in the communities where the annual conferences are held. Sponsoring the 5K is a rewarding way to support a great cause and to engage with others who share our passion for service and philanthropy.”
-Alex Fuentes, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, College Aid Services“At Gravyty, we believe in creating meaningful connections not just with our customers, but within the communities we serve. Sponsoring an additional charity event was an easy decision for us because it aligns with our values of impact and engagement. These charity sponsorships offer a chance to support a great cause while fostering deeper relationships with attendees. Plus, they add an extra layer of purpose to our event participation by providing us with an opportunity to make a real difference.”
-Kristine Dill, Director of Events, Gravyty“Being a charity sponsor brings all vendors together with a common goal and purpose. This will be our third year participating and we consider it our “kick-off” event for NASFAA with all team members participating. It’s such a positive, uplifting event. Everyone is excited to be there, get their NASFAA charity t-shirt, stop by the tables, and visit the sponsor vendors. It’s such a feel-good event!”
-Cecilia Dwyer, Head of Campus Development & Marketing and Anne Heck, School Marketing Communications Specialist, College Ave“To us, it’s all about connecting with passionate professionals in higher education who are dedicated to student success. This sponsorship not only supports a great cause but also provides a meaningful way to engage with attendees, build relationships, and make a lasting impact.”
-Alexandria (Alex) Miller, Assistant Director of Business Development, Mohela“For the past two years, Sallie Mae has proudly sponsored the NASFAA 5K Walk/Run, supporting a cause that makes a meaningful impact in our community. Giving back through a charity is important, and we are grateful for the opportunity that NASFAA gives us to come together, enjoy the city, and walk for a greater purpose.”
-Heather Shea, Senior Manager & Channel Marketing, Sallie Mae
By participating in these charity events, NASFAA members and sponsors help create brighter futures for youth and families in Orange County. There are many ways to support Higher Ground while attending the NASFAA 2025 National Conference. Whether you prefer to run (or walk!) in the Charity 5K or put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night, you can make a difference while having fun with your colleagues.
Higher Ground believes every young person deserves access to opportunities that help them thrive. Their programs provide mentorship, job training, and essential family services to create lasting change in their community. By coming together through our Charity Events at the NASFAA 2025 National Conference, we can help expand that impact and show our shared commitment to making education and opportunity accessible to all.
Check-in for the Charity 5k run/walk will start at Tuesday, June 24 at 7:00 a.m. (race begins at 8:00 a.m.), and the Trivia Night & Silent Disco will be held Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. Be sure to register for these events by May 1. These events require separate registration. Visit our website to learn more about Higher Ground and other ways you can support their mission.
At NASFAA, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Higher Ground’s commitment to engaging, equipping, and empowering under-resourced communities aligns with our members' tireless work to expand educational opportunities for students.
Are you interested in becoming a 2025 Charity Sponsor? Contact Carissa Uhlman-Campana by May 1, 2025.
Publication Date: 4/2/2025
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