Paso Robles, Calif. (March 13, 2018) –JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery today announced $100,000 in awards through the JUSTIN Community Grants program to 20 organizations serving the North San Luis Obispo County region. JUSTIN launched the program in 2016, and since that time has experienced significant interest, receiving applications from 54 organizations this year, a 75% increase from the previous cycle.

JUSTIN Community Grants provides funding to projects and services that directly benefit the local community. The 20 recipients selected this year all demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the region through services that include youth programs, social services, and community investments. Applications will be accepted for the next round of grants beginning in January 2019 at http://justinwinegrants.com/community.html and awarded by the second quarter of 2019.

“We are deeply committed to supporting local efforts that are meaningful to our employees and have a significant impact on the well-being of our region,” said Matt Steel, General Manager of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. “As this program matures, we appreciate the increasing diversity of organizations that we are able to assist.”

The 20 organizations each receiving a $5,000 grant today are:

• Atascadero Land Preservation Society – Funds equipment that will be used to maintain and improve the Stadium Lane trail in Atascadero.
• Affordable Housing Paso Robles – Assists the YouthWorks program, which provides academic support, job skills training and college prep for at-risk youth.
• CASA San Luis Obispo County – Expands CASA’s ability to train volunteer advocates for foster youth in North County.
• Center for Family Strengthening – Teaches 1^st and 2^nd grade students how to report abuse and bullying.
• Children's Resource Network of the Central Coast – Supports the operations of a mobile van that provides clothing and supplies for needy families.
• The Children's Museum at the Paso Robles Volunteer Firehouse – Funds a new interactive exhibit that teaches STEM principles.
• Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo –  Funds an Adult Day Center that provides specialized care for adults with dementia and other mental health conditions.
• Courtney's House – Supports marketing for the Fig social enterprise restaurant and its mission to teach job skills to adults with developmental disabilities.
• El Camino Homeless Organization – Provides case management services to help the homeless access permanent housing.
• Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County – Provides farmers-market style food distributions, along with healthy recipes.
• Foundation for the Performing Arts Center – Brings North County students to see theater productions and learn about the arts.
• Jack's Helping Hand – Assists families with children battling cancers and rare diseases.
• One Cool Earth – Provides garden and nutrition education for Atascadero youth.
• Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation – Provides free after-school art, dance, and theater classes for youth.
• Restorative Partners – Funds playground equipment for a halfway house that serves women reuniting with their children.
• Studios on The Park – Provides arts education for students throughout North County.
• Transitions - Mental Health Association – Supports counseling and therapy services.
• Transitional Food & Shelter – Provides case management to the homeless with severe illnesses.
• Tolosa Children’s Dental Center – Offers free dental services for children, regardless of insurance.
• Upper Salinas Las Tablas Resource Conservation District – Funds irrigation assessments and environmental education for youth.

More information about JUSTIN’s grant programs is available at http://justinwinegrants.com/.

About JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Located in Paso Robles, JUSTIN® Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 and is known for crafting world class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties. Widely recognized for their iconic ISOSCELES Bordeaux blend, JUSTIN is also known for their Cabernet Sauvignon. The property at JUSTIN features a Tasting Room, luxury suite accommodations and a Restaurant – making it one of the only wineries on the Central Coast to offer all three options. In addition to its stellar hospitality offerings, JUSTIN consistently receives top honors around the world, establishing JUSTIN as a leader in luxury Bordeaux variety winemaking. In 2015, JUSTIN was named “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. JUSTIN wines are available through discerning fine wine retailers and restaurants throughout the United States, or directly from the Winery via JUSTIN’s Tasting Room, on-line store or to members of the exclusive JUSTIN Wine Society wine club. To discover more about what makes JUSTIN so unique, visit www.justinwine.com.

About The Wonderful Company

The Wonderful Company is a privately held $4 billion global company dedicated to harvesting health and happiness around the world. Its iconic brands include FIJI® Water, POM Wonderful®, Wonderful® Pistachios & Wonderful® Almonds, Wonderful® Halos®, Teleflora®, JUSTIN® Wines and Landmark® Wines.

The Wonderful Company’s connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back in its DNA. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and core values, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.