Jessica Stops
When the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians bought the Palms last year from Red Rock Resorts, leaders of the tribe were outspoken about getting involved in the philanthropic community in Las Vegas.
Jessica Stops, vice president of strategic philanthropy for the band, is on the forefront of that effort.
About seven months after the California-based tribe’s reopening of the 766-room resort — it was closed from March 2020 until late April — Stops recently answered some questions about its philanthropic endeavors.
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority recently announced it plans to award $1.2 million in grant monies to 30 Southern Nevada charities. Tell us more about this and why it’s something that’s important to the tribe.
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is committed to fulfilling its legacy while aspiring to be a community leader for positive change. There is an ongoing mission among the SMGHA and Palms to provide a “hand up” to underserved populations in the community, and grants were awarded to local nonprofits that reflect the program pillars. Those include education, empowering lives, reinforcing healthy and resilient communities, and preserving cultural traditions.
Back when the announcement was made about San Manuel’s purchase of the Palms, executives talked about how the tribe could take steps to embrace and engage with the community here in Southern Nevada. So far, how have those efforts gone?
As stewards of the land, the tribe is committed to improving the region for everyone and improving the quality of life for all.
One way to create positive change in Las Vegas has been through the Tribe’s Call of Yawa’, which means to “act on one’s belief.”
We aim to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need and facing economic and social challenges in Nevada. We look forward to continuing to invest in the community and activate our team members through our Palms Cares volunteer program.
Tell us more about the Call of Yawa’.
The Spirit of Yawa’inspires us to give back and create a stronger community. In the early 20th century, the tribe experienced Yawa’ from others during times of hardship. This experience, along with its own values and beliefs, have led to a philosophy of giving a hand up to others.
How does the process work to connect with local charitable organizations and how do you know which ones to support?
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority takes a disciplined and strategic approach to philanthropy. Our team meets with local community partners often. This includes grassroots organizations, medium-size groups and large community organizations. We make an effort to participate in community conversations and learn about the many needs out there.
We have a formal grant application process in which nonprofit community partners can submit grant requests starting Feb. 1. The link for this application will be on the Palms Cares website just before the cycle opens.
Our team focuses on finding opportunities in which we can leverage our charitable investments to help address critical community needs and to support our partners in fulfilling their missions.
Has the community here in Southern Nevada been welcoming?
Absolutely. The tribe takes great pride and is humbled to be the first casino resort in Las Vegas to be fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe under the leadership of the SMGHA. It’s a historic moment for all of Indian country.
SMGHA is excited to not only be a gaming operator but to be a true community partner. We want to share the tribe’s values and principles with all in the Las Vegas community. We see ourselves as a partner that is always trying to bring people together.
Why is it important for the casino industry — which has traditionally been generous here in Las Vegas — to give back?
Corporate social responsibility is a concept that has been embraced by the tribe for many generations. It’s embedded in the tribe’s cultural values to be good stewards of the land and the environment.
It’s important for us to invest in our partners that are doing great work to give a hand up to those in need. We realize that these programs support the community at large, and we are mindful that some of our employees also participate in receiving services from the programs we support. We look forward to leveraging our investments to bring positive change to the community.