​We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mary Watkins, a dedicated and passionate member of the BASIC Board. As the Associate CFO, Mary handles all things payroll and ensures that our financial operations run smoothly. With her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, Mary has played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to support students in the Borrego Springs community. Her innovative ideas and compassionate approach have made a significant impact on our programs, and we are incredibly grateful for her invaluable contributions. Thank you, Mary, for your inspiring dedication and service! Read more about her below.

Position: Associate CFO
Committees: Finance, Golf Tournament Fundraiser, Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser, Ask Letter Fundraiser


Why is the BASIC Mission so important to you?  I believe that everyone who wants to learn and improve themselves should be pointed in the right direction with knowledge and financial help, if possible, to work towards their positive goals.

• Why is the BASIC Mission important to our community?  It helps students improve their knowledge and I hope they will in turn be able to give back more to all of us.
• What is your favorite project that you've worked on for BASIC and why?  It’s hard to pick a favorite project because I have enjoyed working on many of them.  I’ve just finished working on the payroll setup for the Learning Academy staff and I’ve gotten to know most of the staff for the first time.  I look forward to working with them in the future as well.
• What project are you currently working on for BASIC and what is your hope for the outcome?  Right now I’m working on Fundraising for the Murder Mystery Dinner and the Golf Tournament both for next year.
• Anything else you want to share?  I enjoy working with our Board because their goals are so worthwhile.

Join our incredible team of volunteers at BASIC and make a real difference in the Borrego Springs community. Whether you have a few hours or more, your time and talents can create positive change. Sign up today and be a part of our mission!

​​The BASIC (Basic Assistance to Students in the Community) team joyously celebrates the
successful conclusion of its dynamic 4-part webinar series. This initiative aimed to engage the
community, offer deeper insights into BASIC’s transformative programs and gather invaluable
feedback for continuous improvement. Moreover, it provided a platform to share volunteer
opportunities and upcoming events.

Spearheading this initiative was Board Director, Urmi Ray, who guided the series to success with
unwavering dedication and leadership.

The journey began with an inspiring kickoff webinar, where the essence of BASIC’s mission was
unveiled. Attendees were introduced to dedicated Board of Directors, given an overview of the
Cradle to Graduation (C2G) educational programs, and treated to a deep dive into the Dolly
Parton Imagination Library initiative, complete with a heartfelt video message from Dolly Parton
herself.

The second webinar, led by Programs Director, Joann Stang, spotlighted the newest program, the
Latino Family Literacy Program (LFLP), focusing on the crucial early learning impacts for
children aged 0-5 and their parents. Following this, CFO, Joanne Ingwall, delivered an
enlightening presentation on BASIC’s foundational Scholarships and Mentorship program,
sharing its rich history, current achievements, and future aspirations.

The grand finale, presented by Managing Director, Nidia Meza, showcased the Learning
Academy—a transformative summer learning program supported by the local school district.
This initiative has been a beacon of hope, moving learners who have fallen behind academically
toward grade-level proficiency and providing enriching experiences for the youth of Borrego
Springs.

BASIC extends heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in the webinars and continue to support
the children of Borrego Springs. These programs would not be possible without the dedication
and passion of our supporters who share our commitment to the youth and education in Borrego.
Your involvement is crucial in helping us make a lasting impact. We humbly ask for your
continued support through volunteering or donations to ensure these programs thrive.
For those who missed the live sessions, recordings are available here:
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https://www.borregobasic.org/webinar-series.html
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If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about any of the C2G programs, please
reach out at [email protected]. Thank you for being a part of our mission!