Bolt of Hope Team Supports InterVarsity with Transformational Grant
This year was especially meaningful for Bolthouse Properties’ Bolt of Hope Team as they awarded grants to five exceptional organizations. Among the recipients was InterVarsity, which received a Bolt of Hope Grant to fund a three-month initiative aimed at fostering connection and hope among college students.
Founded in 1941, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is an interdenominational, evangelical Christian campus ministry dedicated to supporting students and faculty on college and university campuses. For over 75 years, InterVarsity has maintained a strong presence at hundreds of campuses, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior, engaging students in scripture-based discipleship, and embracing people from all backgrounds and cultures.
InterVarsity Bakersfield’s vision is to cultivate a movement and sense of family that unites students from diverse backgrounds, guiding them to discover the true nature of Jesus and spreading God’s love throughout campuses, cities, and families.
Paul Benthin, InterVarsity’s Area Director, oversees the ministry’s work at six campuses across Kern County, including California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield College, San Joaquin Valley College, College of the Sequoias, Porterville College, and Taft College.
The three-month initiative supported by the Bolt of Hope Grant aimed to combat the growing epidemic of loneliness among college students. Key components of the project included distributing self-care gift bags to 500 students, hosting a one-day retreat, and organizing a fall conference designed to foster connections among students and reinforce messages of hope found in the gospel.
Measurable Success
InterVarsity’s ambitious goal was to reach 1,000 college students in Bakersfield and connect them to transformative opportunities that inspire leadership and strengthen their faith. Thanks to the grant, InterVarsity achieved remarkable outcomes:
- Leadership Development: 52 college leaders and 16 faculty members received training to bring hope to their campuses.
- Outreach Efforts: Engaged 1,770 students through self-care outreach and prayer.
- Social Media Growth: Gained 146 new social media followers.
- Gift Distribution: Provided 500 students with Hope Gift Bags containing self-care essentials.
- Event Participation: 60 new students attended the Self-Care Beach Getaway, 86 students attended weekly Bible study groups, 30 students attended the Fall Conference, and 10 students attended a leadership meeting.
“This outreach was more than a shot in the arm. It was a catalytic event the created a new normal for our ministry.” shared Paul Benthin.
A Vision of Hope
InterVarsity’s mission aligns closely with the Bolt of Hope Team’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth and supporting the community through compassion and faith-based initiatives. By investing in this project, the Bolt of Hope Team has played a pivotal role in addressing students’ emotional and spiritual needs, equipping them to become world changers who bring the hope of the gospel to their generation.
For more information about InterVarsity and its impact in the South Valley, visit: www.intervarsitysouthvalley.org.
About Bolt of Hope
The Bolt of Hope Team, comprised of Bolthouse Properties employees, strives to expand God’s kingdom in Bakersfield through acts of love and compassion. They remain dedicated to supporting local organizations that share a passion for spreading light in the world and nurturing seeds of hope within the community.