News
Community Leadership Project Convening: December 2015
The Community Leadership Project held its final gathering. More than 65 organizations came together to share what we have learned, celebrate successes, and explore new opportunities for partnering with those doing vital work to serve low-income communities and communities of color in California.
Visit the event photo gallery.
Media Coverage
When a grassroots organization makes a positive impact in its community, people take notice. The following is a selection of media coverage from the past year that highlights the work being done by Community Leadership Project grantees.
- Latrinas Contra Cancer and its founder Ysabel Duron were recognized for 14 years of service to underserved, Spanish-speaking communities. The Mercury News, September 30, 2017.
- San Joaquin Pride Center presented a Community Award to three local residents for their work to help make the country more tolerant and accepting of LGBTQ individuals. Recordnet.com, September 30, 2017.
- Faith in Action co-sponsored a discussion with LGBTQ seniors about their housing and social security rights. Times-Herald, September 27, 2017.
- Sol Treasures hosted a performance of “Of Thee I Sing,” a dramatized reading of selections from the book “CITIZEN: An American Lyric.” The Californian, September 27, 2017.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts welcomed visitors as part of an Open Studios Tour community event. Monterey Herald, September 22, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin is organizing an End Gun Violence summit. CBS Sacramento, September 21, 2017.
- Watsonville Law Center and other partners received a grant to start an innovative total health program. Register-Pajaronian, September 19, 2017.
- The Village Project welcomed its new executive director, Ben Nurse. The Californian, September 6, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin co-hosted a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Recordnet.com, September 5, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin joined others to march in support of prisoners’ human rights. San Francisco Bay View, September 5, 2017.
- CASA of San Benito County and Community FoodBank of San Benito were recipients of United Way Community Investment grants, presented at a recognition event. BenitoLink, September 2, 2017.
- Fresno Street Saints helped coordinate a meeting to discuss how a new satellite campus for the Fresno City College could positively impact the area and its residents. The Rampage, August 30, 2017.
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative was featured for forming partnerships with local salon owners to establish healthy nail programs. Capital & Main, August 29, 2017.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations Advocacy Manager Masih Fouladi commented on the organization’s work to conduct more than 75 Know Your Rights workshops and raise awareness about the importance of reporting discrimination. The Orange County Register, August 29, 2017.
- The Village Project participated on a panel about racial divides in the U.S. and in Monterey County. Monterey Herald, August 26, 2017.
- Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action joined the Technical Advisory Committee for the Alisal Vibrancy Plan, which seeks to create a blueprint to improve the overall quality of life in east Salinas. The Californian, August 24, 2017.
- San Joaquin Pride Center organized the sixth annual Stockton Pride Festival and first inaugural March for Equality. Recordnet.com, August 24, 2017.
- The Village Project will launch a Saturday camp program to teach youth about African history and culture. Monterey Herald, August 24, 2017.
- Peninsula Interfaith Action joined San Mateo residents and other organizations to protest unsafe living conditions. NBC Bay Area, August 22, 2017.
- ACT for Women and Girls celebrated National Women’s Equality Day with a Wine, Women, and Equality fundraiser. The Foothills Sun-Gazette, August 16, 2017.
- Faith in Action engaged LGBTQ seniors for their input on community events. Daily Republic, August 12, 2017.
- West Fresno Family Resource Center held a back to school health fair that included health screenings, nutrition education, free haircuts, free backpacks and school supplies, and information on college and employment opportunities. The Fresno Bee, August 11, 2017.
- Acta Non Verba hosted students from Black Girls CODE, who learned about social justice and food deserts. East Bay Times, August 7, 2017.
- CASA of San Benito County was awarded a matching Impact Grant from the Community Foundation for San Benito County to expand advocacy services. BenitoLink, August 5, 2017.
- Pajaro Valley Arts Council will present the exhibit “My Mother Thinks I’m a Great Artist,” illuminating the importance of art education and supporting creative practice for all children. Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 30, 2017.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations is offering free training on how bystanders can best protect targets of hate crimes. Bay Area Reporter, July 27, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin hosted a screening of the documentary “Life After Life,” chronicling the experiences of three men as they return home after decades of incarceration. Recordnet.com, July 13, 2017.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations Executive Director Zahra Billoo commented on an increase in anti-Muslim speech and hate crimes in urban areas, and stated importance of reporting and tracking incidents of incivility. New America Media, July 11, 2017.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito was featured for the growth of its programs over the past three decades, and for the renovation of its space. BenitoLink, July 6, 2017.
- Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice filed a petition with the Nuclear Regulatory Committee to revoke the license of a federal contracting firm that oversaw the incomplete cleanup of a radioactive shipyard. SFGate, June 29, 2017.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations and three other organizations provided civil rights lawyers to help people at San Francisco International Airport impacted by a travel ban. CBS SF Bay Area June 29, 2017.
- CASA of San Benito County was named Nonprofit of the Year by the 12th Senate District. BenitoLink, June 28, 2017.
- Pajaro Valley Arts Council received a federal grant to help support the exhibition “Hablamos Juntos/Together We Speak,” including grade-specific curriculum materials, an interactive virtual gallery, mobile app, artist talks and school field trips. Register-Pajaronian, June 28, 2017.
- ACT for Women and Girls had a presence at the Pride Visalia event. Visalia Times-Delta, June 22, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin’s work was mentioned in a feature about parenting while incarcerated. In These Times, June 16, 2017.
- Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice released a report detailing the results of an investigation into Bay Area concrete batching plants and air pollution regulation. EconoTimes, May 25, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin, San Joaquin Pride Center and other community organizations spoke to Stanford University MBA students about inequality issues including health, education, families, special needs services and housing. Recordnet.com, May 24, 2017.
- West Fresno Family Resource Center hosted an Elder Care Symposium to provide seniors and caregivers with vital knowledge and goals for healthy aging. The Fresno Bee, May 23, 2017.
- Pajaro Valley Arts Council coordinated the annual “Sculpture IS in the Garden” exhibition. Register-Pajaronian, May 18, 2017.
- Sunday Friends is teaming up with EqOpTech and Integrated Device Technology to redeploy used laptops. Miltech, May 18, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin Executive Director Sammy Nunez wrote an op-ed supporting construction of cabins to give low-income Californians access to nature and the coast. The Mercury News, May 17, 2017.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations advocated that state funding for security should be equally earmarked for all schools or religious organizations that have experienced hate crimes. The Algemeiner, May 16, 2017.
- ACT for Women and Girls was praised during a student’s speech at a Visalia Unified School Board meeting for implementing unbiased, comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education. Visalia Times-Delta, May 15, 2017.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts honored mothers with a free visual and performance art show. The Californian, May 14, 2017.
- CASA of San Benito County participated in the San Benito GIVES county-wide day of giving. BenitoLink, May 9, 2017.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts partnered with other organizations to host the annual Take it Outside recreation event. The Californian, May 5, 2017.
- San Joaquin Pride Center was featured for its services and role in the community, and for an upcoming expansion of outreach efforts to youth. The Bay Area Reporter, May 4, 2017.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito began construction on a floor-to-ceiling renovation and re-imagining of its space. BenitoLink, April 30, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin joined other organizations at a May Day march and rally to advocate for immigration reform and migrant workers. Recordnet.com, April 28, 2017.
- Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice helped organize and participated in a march and rally to demand action from the Environmental Protection Agency. KQED News, April 21, 2017.
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative co-sponsored legislation requiring cosmetic companies to list the ingredients on beauty products used in professional salons. KQED News, April 20, 2017.
- Sol Treasures hosted workshops encouraging artistic exploration. The King City Rustler, April 19, 2017.
- Faith in Action hosted a volunteer orientation training for those who would like to help the growing number of homebound elderly people in need. The Reporter, April 15, 2017.
- ACT for Women & Girls organized a rally to demand equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. Visalia Times-Delta, April 11, 2017.
- San Joaquin Pride Center received a $1.18 million state grant to increase services for LGBT+ youth through a Cultivating Acceptance program. Recordnet.com, April 11, 2017.
- Sol Treasures co-presented performances of Shrek Jr. the musical. King City Rustler, April 10, 2017.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito County hosts a group of high school student volunteers each week. BenitoLink, March 26, 2017.
- ACT for Women & Girls launched a Billboard Revolution campaign, promoting inclusiveness through two billboard ads in Tulare County. Visalia Times-Delta, March 24, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin received a grant to turn a vacant lot into an urban forest. Recordnet.com, March 21, 2017.
- ACT for Women & Girls helped sponsor a senate bill to improve the safe and prompt access to comprehensive reproductive health services for young adult women. East County Today, March 17, 2017.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts hosted a La Fogata Indivisible artist showcase in solidarity with community struggles. The Californian, March 14, 2017.
- Acta Non Verba Founder and Executive Director Kelly Carlise shared the history and impact of the organization’s Youth Urban Farm Project. KQED, March 7, 2017.
- ACT for Women & Girls encouraged participation in the A Day Without a Woman silent strike on International Women’s Day. Visalia Times-Delta, March 7, 2017.
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative was featured for its growth and success in reducing the hazardous chemical exposures of nail-salon workers. The Mercury News, March 6, 2017.
- Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County hosted a Conflict Resolution Skills for Work and Life course. Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 5, 2017.
- CASA of San Benito County hosted its annual appreciation event honoring volunteer advocates for foster children. BenitoLink, March 3, 2017.
- Big Sur Health Center provided medication refill services to individuals who became isolated following a series of severe winter storms. Monterey County Now, February 27, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin hosted a one-night art event, For the Love of Soul, which included a live art demo and hands-on painting. Recordnet.com, February 24, 2017.
- CASA of San Benito County will host its annual Sip, Savor & Celebrate fundraiser on April 29. BenitoLink, February 21, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin Founder and Executive Director Sammy Nuñez spoke at a Faith in the Valley rally encouraging elected officials to discuss issues of health care, immigration, and racial justice in the Central Valley. Recordnet.com, February 20, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin is pursuing ways to help make reading a priority for kids and improve the Stockton literacy rate. CBS Sacramento, February 16, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin marched in support of the Affordable Care Act. Recordnet.com, February 14, 2017.
- ACT for Women and Girls co-presented at a local One Billion Rising march promoting justice for women and girls in Tulare County and around the world. Visalia Times-Delta, February 13, 2017.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito County hosted Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and board members who helped assemble backpack kits for its weekend food program. BenitoLink, February 10, 2017.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito County is accepting bids for a comprehensive, floor-to-ceiling remodeling project to transform its headquarters. Free Lance News, February 8, 2017.
- Faith in Action hosted a volunteer orientation for those who would like to help the growing number of homebound elderly people in need. The Reporter, January 30, 2017.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin held a Reading is Lit event to get children and their parents excited about reading. Recordnet.com, January 28, 2017.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito County has a 96 percent customer satisfaction rate, according to a survey conducted by Gavilan College students. Free Lance News, January 27, 2017.
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative was mentioned for its work during a profile of a nail salon that improved its safety measures. NPR, January 21, 2017.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations Executive Director Zahra Billoo spoke at the Women’s March on Washington. Yahoo News, January 21, 2017.
- Fresno Barrios Unidos participated in a panel to improve relations between area youth and police. ABC 30, January 21, 2017.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito County partnered with Pinnacles National Park to hold service projects recognizing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. BenitoLink, January 14, 2017.
- The Village Project co-founder Regina Mason was sworn in as Monterey County NAACP President. Monterey Herald, January 2, 2017.
- Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice was included in a list of 2016 health care successes. Vida en el Valle, December 31, 2016.
- Merced Organizing Project is helping area congregations adopt official designations as sanctuary spaces. New American Media, December 30, 2016.
- West Fresno Family Resource Center hosted a workshop to help area residents engage in the annual action planning process for select federal programs. The Fresno Bee, December 30, 2016.
- The Village Project held seven days of community events as part of its 11th annual Kwanzaa celebration. Hoodline, December 26, 2016.
- Merced Lao Family Community held a three-day Hmong New Year celebration that featured dance, culture, and food. Merced Sun-Star, December 16, 2016.
- CASA of San Benito County and the Community Food Bank of San Benito County were two of five nonprofits to share more than $122,000 raised during the 12 Days of Giving charity campaign. BenitoLink, December 15, 2016.
- Merced Organizing Project and its partners held a rally asking federal and local officials to protect undocumented families. Merced Sun-Star, December 15, 2016.
- Sol Treasures was spotlighted for its arts programs that helped build confidence, teamwork, and self-esteem in kids. Monterey County Now, December 15, 2016.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations voiced support for engineers, designers, and business executives who have taken a stand against tracking people based on immigration status or religion. ABC 7, December 13, 2016.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts hosted live performances by artists as part of Niche de la Virgen Tonantzin (Night of the Virgin of Tonantzin). The Californian, December 13, 2016.
- Sunday Friends was profiled for its services that seek to break the generational cycle of poverty. The Mercury News, December 12, 2016.
- Fathers & Families of San Joaquin was featured for its work to reunite and uplift formerly incarcerated fathers and their families. Recordnet.com, December 11, 2016.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts co-hosted an event honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Californian, December 9, 2016.
- Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative, through its fiscal sponsor Asian Health Services, received a grant to help salons achieve healthy status by obtaining zero-interest loans for equipment. NBC News, December 6, 2016.
- Boys & Girls Club of Merced County hosted a community meeting to educate the public on new and best practices for helping youth development in Merced. Merced Sun-Star, November 30, 2016.
- Faith in Action hosted a volunteer orientation for those who would like to help the growing number of homebound elderly people in need. The Reporter, November 28, 2016.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations called for increased protection of mosques after receiving threatening letters. Los Angeles Times, November 26, 2016.
- Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County created a free “listening zone” for downtown residents to discuss their feelings. Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 25, 2016.
- Boys & Girls Club of Merced County received a donation of refurbished technology to help youth learn life, career, and education skills. Merced Sun-Star, November 24, 2016.
- Boys & Girls Club of Merced County offered flu vaccines to its members. Merced Sun-Star, November 20, 2016.
- Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice Community Organizer Marie Harrison co-wrote an op-ed about a company’s environmental violations. The San Francisco Examiner, November 20, 2016.
- San Joaquin Pride Center Founding Director Nicholas Hatten addressed the crowd at a Day of Remembrance for transgender Stockton residents. Recordnet.com, November 20, 2016.
- Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action joined other immigration advocacy organizations that assembled and spoke about the current political climate. Monterey County Herald, November 18, 2016.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito County revealed a name and logo alteration. Free Lance News, November 18, 2016.
- San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations requested a criminal probe after a hate crime was committed against a Bay Area woman. Blasting News, November 17, 2016.
- California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative was granted the Roy Family Award for Environmental Partnership and participated on a panel discussing environmental and labor issues. The Harvard Crimson, November 16, 2016.
- Sunday Friends coordinated the ninth annual Holiday Shopping Spree to gather donations for its Treasure Chest store. Diablo Magazine, November 11, 2016.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts hosted children’s performances during the Salinas Christmas Tree dedication ceremony. Monterey Herald, November 10, 2016.
- San Joaquin Pride Center, Little Manila Foundation, and Fathers & Families of San Joaquin organized a peaceful protest about the recent presidential election. Recordnet.com, November 10, 2016.
- San Joaquin Pride Center Executive Director Nicholas Hatten commented on the results of the recent presidential election. Recordnet.com, November 9, 2016.
- Sunday Friends was featured for its work empowering families in need to break the cycle of poverty. Los Altos Town Crier, November 9, 2016.
- YWCA of Watsonville Executive Director Leticia Mendoza was elected to the Cabrillo Community College District Board of Trustees. Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 9, 2016.
- CASA of San Benito County and the Community FoodBank of San Benito County both participated in this year’s 12 Days of Giving campaign. Free Lance News, November 4, 2016.
- Community FoodBank of San Benito County began its annual Food and Fund Drive. BenitoLink, November 3, 2016.
- Boys and Girls Club of Merced County hosted its sixth annual Trunk or Treat and haunted house. Merced Sun-Star, October 29, 2016.
- Fathers and Families of San Joaquin helped organize a march, run and demonstration that brought attention to a lack of county medical trauma services. Recordnet.com, October 27, 2016.
- Fathers and Families of San Joaquin sponsored a Stockton stop of the #SchoolsNotPrisons Arts & Music Tour. Recordnet.com, October 27, 2016.
- Merced Organizing Project and Building Healthy Communities youth hosted a forum for Merced mayoral candidates. Merced Sun-Star, October 21, 2016.
- ACT for Women & Girls hosted a Coming Out for Justice community gathering to raise awareness of social justice issues. Visalia Times-Delta, October 21, 2016.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts is offering free World Beat drum workshops where elementary through high school students can learn African and Afro Latino rhythms. The Californian, October 20, 2016.
- Sonrisas Community Dental Center expanded its offerings through affiliation with Apple Tree Dental. Half Moon Bay Review, October 19, 2016.
- Fathers and Families of San Joaquin hosted a second round of candidate forums for the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. Recordnet.com, October 19, 2016.
- Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action will partner with the Monterey County Board of Supervisors to study options for a local program that will extend health care coverage to the uninsured. Monterey Herald, October 18, 2016.
- Fathers and Families of San Joaquin co-presented the film “Making a Killing: Guns, Greed and the NRA.” Recordnet.com, October 16, 2016.
- Alisal Center for the Fine Arts hosted a free Monterey County Pops! concert. The Californian, October 14, 2016.
