Hard Rock Casino Tejon is proud to announce that emPOWERment has been selected as a 2026 Hard Rock Heals Foundation grant recipient. The organization will receive a $5,000 grant to support this non-profit community organization aiding and assisting at-risk youth and individuals impacted by human trafficking.

Nominated by the team at Hard Rock Casino Tejon, emPOWERmernt is one of 51 global nonprofit organizations to receive a grant as part of Hard Rock’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. The grant is awarded this year by the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, with $255,000 total supporting local nonprofit organizations around the world.

We nominated emPOWERment for its outstanding work raising awareness of human trafficking, advancing prevention efforts, and providing critical support to survivors and their families.

said Chris Kelley, President. “We’re honored to support their work and proud to partner with organizations that bring Hard Rock’s mottos, ‘Love All – Serve All’ and ‘Take Time to Be Kind,’ to life in our community.”

emPOWERment is a Bakersfield-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and individuals impacted by human trafficking through prevention, education, advocacy, mentoring, and survivor-centered services. The organization serves Kern County and surrounding communities, providing resources, awareness programs, life-skills development, scholarships, clothing, hygiene supplies, and support for trafficking survivors and vulnerable youth.

To celebrate the grant, Hard Rock Casino Tejon & the Tejon Indian Tribe [hosted/will host] [Nonprofit Organization] for [check presentation/volunteer activity/community event] on [date].

Media Contact

Jimmy Yee – Yankee Communications - [email protected]

Kathy DeGolia- Hard Rock Casino Tejon – [email protected]

About Hard Rock Heals Foundation®

The Hard Rock Heals Foundation® is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization that oversees philanthropic activities for Hard Rock International. Guided by the belief that music is a universal force for good, the Foundation funds health, wellness, disaster relief and community-based programs that promote healing through music and kindness. Since launching its grant program in 2016, Hard Rock Heals Foundation has supported hundreds of local organizations making a lasting impact. For more information, visit the Hard Rock Heals Foundation website.

About Hard Rock Casino Tejon

Since its opening, Hard Rock Casino Tejon has positioned itself as a premier entertainment destination along the I-5 corridor, just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. The property features 150,000 square feet of gaming space, 2,100 slot machines, over 60 table games, and multiple dining destinations, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, The Marketplace, Deep Cut Steak | Seafood and YouYu.

The entertainment venue is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield, on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, situated at the southernmost tip of California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley and nestled near the base of the historic Grapevine Mountain Pass that connects Southern California to the Central Valley. This region of the San Joaquin Valley is home to one of the most productive agricultural counties in the country and is the center point of the state with access to the Central Coast and both Northern and Southern California within a couple hours’ drive.