NOVEMBER 11, 2026 — 3:45 PM

Members of the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund (RSFWF) visited A Step Beyond (ASB), one of 11 grant recipients in 2025/26, to support the organization’s literacy program. The event, which took place in Escondido, was organized by RSFWF Volunteer Program co-chairs Lisa Hwang and Lynn LaRue. The volunteer program underscores the commitment the RSFWF makes to establishing permanent relationships with the organizations it funds, a news release stated.

A Step Beyond is a Creative Youth Development organization serving youth and their families living at or below the poverty line with free after-school dance classes, academic support, and social services. To cement the artistic, academic, and social-emotional development of the youth ASB assists, the organization makes a 10-year commitment to support students and their families from third grade to high school graduation and beyond, the news release stated. Visit https://a-step-beyond.org/ for more information.

Members of the RSFWF were greeted by James Wright, CEO of A Step Beyond, followed by a briefing from ASB Academic Manager Kimberley King. Once books were selected, RSFWF members and ASB students divided into small groups. Students and RSFWF members enjoyed taking turns reading to each other, before co-mingling with other groups. Heather Rodriquez, a former ASB graduate now volunteering as Academic Lead before continuing her education, helped guide the event, the news release stated.

To learn more about grantmaking, membership and volunteer opportunities at the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund, visit www.rsfwomensfund.org or contact admin@rsfwomensfund.org.