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Local nonprofits present youth mentoring and museum updates to Desert Hot Springs council
Summary
At the Sept. 2 meeting, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation described its Ophelia mentoring program for vulnerable adolescent girls and the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert presented an expanded, more accessible facility and outreach plans. Both presenters asked for volunteers and partnerships with the city.
Two community organizations presented to the Desert Hot Springs City Council on Sept. 2 about programs serving youth and families.
Peter Sturgeon, president and CEO of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation, described the Ophelia program, a women‑mentoring program for vulnerable girls in grades eight through 12 that the affiliate runs in Coachella Valley schools. Sturgeon said the affiliate’s volunteers have been working in the valley for 27 years and that "we have 100% high school graduation rate," a claim he offered as evidence of the program’s impact. He said Painted Hills and Desert Hot Springs High School have participated and that scholarship support has been provided to local Ophelia seniors.
Cindy Burrison, CEO of the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, reviewed a multi‑year reimagination of the museum that reopened with new exhibits, expanded accessibility features (automatic doors, sensory room, ASL interpreters and Spanish graphics), and plans for a teen center with maker‑space equipment. Burrison said, "We see about 86,000 visitors a year," and highlighted a "Museums for All" reduced‑admission program allowing EBT cardholders to visit for $5 with up to four guests.
Both presenters invited the council and residents to engage: Sturgeon asked local women to consider mentoring and Burrison asked the city to consider a Desert Hot Springs museum day and to appoint a council liaison to the museum board. Councilmembers thanked the presenters and several indicated willingness to assist or serve as liaisons.
What happens next: presenters were given time for council questions and staff follow‑up; council members expressed interest in volunteer participation and outreach coordination.
Context: The presentations occurred at the start of the meeting and were followed by staff and council updates; claims about program outcomes and attendance were made by the presenters and were reported as stated.
