Stephanie Avena has always been passionate about helping the community, but with the formation of her nonprofit, Something Positive Inc., she has taken her efforts to an entirely new level. As the president of the organization, Stephanie is joined by her vice president and treasurer, Harry Means, and her sister, Heidi Rosen, who serves as the secretary. The nonprofit is driven by a strong sense of community, a mission to help children, and a broader commitment to assisting various groups in need throughout the area.
The idea for Something Positive Inc. had been on Stephanie Avena’s heart for years. While she frequently collaborated with various local organizations—often lending her time and energy to support their efforts—she was never officially part of those groups. Though she admired their missions, she often found herself limited by the specific focus each one held. Some concentrated solely on children with special needs, others on foster youth, and while each served an important purpose, Stephanie dreamed of something more inclusive. She envisioned an organization that could reach all children—and eventually, the wider community—without restriction. With the launch of Something Positive Inc., she now has the opportunity to bring that vision to life, creating events and initiatives that reflect her passion and purpose, while offering help to anyone in need.
While Something Positive Inc. is a new entity, its foundation is built on years of philanthropic work. The Facebook page “Positive Pahrump” has served as a community hub for over 15 years, hosting toy drives, duffel bag collections, and school supply giveaways. Now, with the official nonprofit status, the work is set to expand significantly. Stephanie ensures that Positive Pahrump remains active, running giveaways and community discussions, but Something Positive Inc. will take things to a professional level, with structured events, tax-exempt donations, and a dedicated board to oversee operations.
For those seeking assistance, reaching out is simple. Individuals can connect with Something Positive Inc. through social media or directly contact Stephanie by phone. She recently received a request from a mother in need of Easter baskets for her children, and the board quickly approved support for those kids. This personalized approach ensures that help reaches those who truly need it, offering direct, immediate relief to families and individuals in difficult situations.
The organization’s official 501(c)(3) status means that all donations are tax-deductible, providing an added incentive for businesses and individuals to contribute. Rather than routing funds through multiple organizations, donors can now write checks directly to Something Positive Inc., ensuring that every dollar is utilized efficiently and transparently.
Expanding the board is also a priority. While Stephanie, Harry, and Heidi currently hold the official titles, several additional members actively contribute, including Tom Klenczar, Racheal Walker, Jessica Hargis, Paula Cooper, James Rosen and Royce Avena. Though these individuals do not yet have official titles, they play crucial roles in the organization’s decision-making and event planning. Ideas often originate from Stephanie, who describes herself as a natural salesperson, but the board provides valuable input and support. Some members push back when she dreams too big, such as her ambitious plans for extravagant Easter baskets, but they work together to find a balance between vision and feasibility.
Funding remains a work in progress. Unlike some organizations that begin with large financial backing, Something Positive Inc. is building its resources gradually. The nonprofit was originally founded in 2010 by a different set of board members, later passed down to a man known as “Santa John,” and eventually entrusted to Stephanie. When she took over, the organization had just $700 in its account. For the upcoming Easter basket initiative, Avena and Sons will personally fund the effort, allowing the nonprofit to reserve its resources for larger projects. Each event is approached with a fresh fundraising strategy, ensuring that funds are raised specifically for their intended purpose.
The first major event for Something Positive Inc. will be a Christmas in July golf tournament—an exciting and heart-filled fundraiser that perfectly captures the spirit of the organization. With Santa himself planning to make an appearance on the green in festive knickers, the event is sure to bring smiles and community spirit. Stephanie and her team are aiming for at least 100 golfers and 18 hole sponsorships, and confidence is high thanks to the passion and dedication behind the scenes. This tournament will serve as the kickoff fundraiser for the annual holiday toy drive, a cause especially close to Stephanie’s heart. Last year, the toy drive raised over $25,000, and this year, the goal is set at $35,000. With a strong network of supporters and an unwavering commitment to giving, the team is optimistic this event will set the tone for a successful year of community impact.
Rather than setting up booths at community events to raise funds—an approach already well-covered by many local organizations—Stephanie has chosen to take a different path. She wants to complement, not compete with, those existing efforts. Her focus is on building strong, meaningful partnerships with businesses and individuals who are passionate about giving back. While she’s open to participating in larger events like the 4th of July celebration or the Chili Cook-Off in the future, her current strategy centers on cultivating connections and creating unique, intentional fundraising opportunities that align with Something Positive Inc.’s mission.
This year, Something Positive Inc. has chosen to shift its focus away from school supply drives in order to explore new ways of making a more visible and immediate impact. While those drives have been successful in the past, Stephanie and her team are passionate about creating moments where they can see the joy and relief their efforts bring firsthand. Whether it’s delivering thoughtfully assembled Easter baskets to children or providing food for shelter animals, Stephanie is guided by a desire for meaningful, heart-to-heart giving—where the results are not only tangible but deeply personal.
Stephanie envisions Something Positive Inc. as more than just a seasonal charity. She wants it to be a force for good year-round, assisting families facing unexpected hardships, providing relief during crises, and creating moments of joy for children. She is determined to make the nonprofit a cornerstone of community support, offering assistance where it’s needed most and ensuring that every dollar raised translates into tangible benefits for the people of Pahrump and beyond.
With a heart full of determination and a board of dedicated individuals by her side, Stephanie Avena is proving that a single vision, backed by community support and relentless passion, can indeed create something positive for everyone.
