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Help Build the Future of MAKE Projects

Making Community

After years of pop-up and temporary spaces, MAKE Projects now has a home to deepen its mission of empowering refugee and immigrant women with the job readiness skills and confidence to achieve their dreams.

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Our new home will include a 3,000 square foot cafe, culinary garden and teaching space. It is located at 4712 Felton Street off Adams Avenue in the heart of the Normal Heights neighborhood. 

MAKE Cafe is no ordinary restaurant. It is a life-changing job training platform for over 40 refugee and immigrant women each year.  Since 2017, MAKE Projects has served over 400 program participants and our doors remain open to all our graduates.

Listen to the powerful, wise and hopeful voices in our alumni community about what making community means to them...

Food is Just the Beginning

From our globally-inspired, locally-sourced menu to a vibrant culinary garden packed with flowers and greenery, our new home is about drawing everyone in and making community.

 

MAKE Cafe realizes our vision of an inclusive San Diego that unites across social, cultural and economic lines and bonds over a common love of food and culture. We dream of MAKE Cafe as a neighborhood hub, a multicultural center and a joyful intersection of the globally-minded.

Let's Build the Future of MAKE Together

Support our capital campaign to raise $150,000!

These funds will help us in the final phase of construction costs.

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Campaign Update

MAKE Board Member John Kikuchi has generously offered a $25,000 match through September 1!

 

Donate now and John will match your contribution 100%

All donors will be invited to a special farm party we're throwing called
"A Taste of Community at MAKE Farm" on Saturday, September 6 and Saturday, October 4. Both events are from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Naming Opportunities Available

$1,000      Small Pollinators on Garden Wall (unlimited)

​​$5,000     Pollinator Plaques on Garden Wall (unlimited)

​​$10,000   Garden Beds, Table or Benches (8 available)

​​$25,000   Classroom (1 available)

$75,000   Kitchen (1 available)

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Help Us Build a Place Where Everyone Belongs​​​​​

How to share this campaign with friends

1. Talk to your friends and family - and share this webpage

2. Tag your friends and family to our "Making Community" campaign posts on Instagram and Facebook

3. Share our "Making Community" campaign posts on LinkedIn with your professional network

4. Upload a short video or write a meaningful post with a photo and tag #makingcommunitysd - some will be featured in our campaign

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  • Farm Camp sounds dirty – how do you maintain sanitation standards?
    There’s a big difference between getting dirty and being exposed to harmful germs! At MAKE, we regularly sanitize high-touch surfaces like tables, gardening tools, and art materials. Campers wash their hands before and after eating, harvesting, and using the restroom. We embrace healthy messes (mud, plants, and paint) but maintain high sanitation standards throughout the day.
  • MAKE Camp Cancellation Policy:
    We understand that summer plans can change. Our goal is to accommodate families as best we can while maintaining the integrity and staffing of our camp program. Cancellations & Refunds Full Refund: Cancellations made 14 or more days before the start of your registered session will receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. Partial Refund: Cancellations made 7–13 days before the session start date are eligible for a 50% refund. No Refund: Cancellations made fewer than 7 days before the session start, or no-shows, are not eligible for a refund. Transfers You may request to transfer your camper to a different session, pending availability, up to 7 days before the original session start date. One transfer is allowed per camper. Camp Cancellation If MAKE Camp must cancel a session (due to low enrollment, extreme weather, or unforeseen circumstances), families will be offered: a full refund, or the option to transfer to a different session, if space allows.
  • What does supervision look like at MAKE Farm Camp?
    We maintain low adult-to-camper ratios to ensure quality care and safety: Ages 7–8: 1 adult for every 6 campers Ages 9–12: 1 adult for every 8 campers Campers stay with their group and staff leader throughout the day, including during transitions and activities.
  • What do bathrooms look like at the MAKE Farm?
    The MAKE Farm has a clean, private port-a-potty with a handwashing station stocked with soap and water. Campers are given regular reminders and the opportunity to use the restroom as needed.
  • Summer is hot in Mission Valley! How does MAKE help my camper handle the heat?
    Camp takes place primarily in shaded areas under canopies and trees. We provide a water cooler and hydration mix for campers to refill bottles throughout the day. Staff prompt hydration breaks, hat use, and sunscreen reapplication to help keep everyone cool.
  • What does food look like at MAKE Farm Camp?
    Campers should plan to bring a hearty lunch to accommodate for all of the energy we will be expending while playing and learning at the farm. We’ll be harvesting and preparing some of our snacks at camp, so menus will vary based on what’s growing! A sample snack menu will be shared one week before each session. We do our best to accommodate dietary needs, but we’re a small team and may have limitations. Families are welcome to send specific snacks or substitutes. Please ensure all health and dietary needs are shared in the Camp Registration form.
  • What should a camper bring to MAKE Farm Camp?
    Small backpack Refillable water bottle Sunscreen Hat Sunglasses
  • What should a camper wear to MAKE Farm Camp?
    Closed toed shoes Clothing that can get dirty Layers! Chilly mornings and midday heat Sun protection
  • What do I do if my child is sick?
    Please keep your child home if they’re ill, have a fever, or show flu-like symptoms. Children must be fever- and symptom-free (without medication) for at least 24 hours before returning to camp. If a child becomes sick at camp (fever over 100°F, vomiting, or worsening symptoms), we’ll contact their emergency contact for immediate pick-up.
  • Do you require families to show an ID at pick-up?
    Yes. Anyone picking up a camper must bring photo ID and be listed as an authorized pick-up person.Need to add someonelast-minute? Text or email us before pick-up so we can update your list. If someone arrives who isn’t listed, we will contact you before releasing your camper.
  • How does MAKE hire staff for Farm Camp?
    All MAKE staff and program partners go through a rigorous hiring process including: background checks, in-depth interviews, and reference checks. Staff are also trained in Food Safety, First Aid/CPR, and our camp policies and emergency procedures.
  • What is MAKE's Late Pick-Up Policy?
    We understand that delays happen, and we’re here to help ensure a smooth experience for you and your camper. If you anticipate being late, please call or text us as soon as possible so we can support your camper accordingly. In order to respect the time of our staff and maintain a safe, supportive camp environment, MAKE has a late pick-up policy in place: Pick-up is expected promptly at the scheduled end of the camp day. If a camper is picked up more than 15 minutes late, a $10 late fee will be charged. After the initial 15 minutes, an additional $1 per minute will be added to the fee.
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