Assistance League of Diablo Valley Scholarships Recipient Gives Back!

Since 1999, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley’s Scholarships program has provided financial and emotional support to high school, community college, university students and returnees to the academic community. Each applicant has expressed a desire to advance through education by maintaining a designated grade point average, volunteering in campus and community projects and charting an academic timeline.

In 2005, Olympic High School, Richmond student and emancipated foster youth Joni Richardson received a scholarship to Contra Costa College, Pleasant Hill, where she majored in Criminal Justice/Sociology. (Note that the year 2005 predates the Extended Foster Care, Assembly Bill 12, which continued assistance for foster youth until the age of 21. This adds significance to Ms. Richardson’s achievements.)

Today, as owner of Picture Perfect Designs, Joni’s career path focuses on Entrepreneurship. As a Holiday Décor Stylist and Christmas enthusiast, Joni does not merely transform a space into a holiday scene; each year, she virtually embraces its spirit to be enjoyed by “each and every one of us!” Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s ongoing support and community presence since 1967 inspired her to give back. To that end, she approached a chapter member with an idea. Joni offered to create and donate a holiday scene at Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s offices, located in Walnut Creek.

As it happens, Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s TeleCare philanthropic program hosts its annual Holiday Party at the site, where clients consisting of seniors and homebound clients share their holiday wishes with none other than Santa, himself! They also enjoy Christmas carols and fine holiday fare. At this writing, all attendees are enjoying Joni’s creativity and generosity.

As for Joni’s message to give back to the community, she encourages everyone to “pay it forward,” as it is an opportunity for personal growth. Let it “enrich your life, acquaint you with your community…and enhance your perspective.” Obviously, Joni has cultivated the art of turning her life’s challenges into a gift. Each of us has a gift to offer.

To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s 16 hands-on programs, please visit: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.