Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Kristin Thebaud

United Way elects four new board members

2013-02-14T00:23:07Z

Four community leaders have been elected to United Way California Capital Region’s board of directors for the first time, and five current directors were reelected. New directors include Nancy Bui-Thompson, SMUD 2012 board president, Brad Liggett, vice president for the Pacific Coast region of Allied Insurance, Natasha Mata, Four River Market president for Wells Fargo Bank, and Yvonne Walker, president of SEIU Local 1000.

Re-elected to the board were Dan Drummond, West Sacramento police chief, Dr. Robert Harris, community volunteer, Genevieve Shiroma, chair of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Allen Taylor, business consultant, and Dave Wilson, partner with Grant Bennett Public Accountants.

“We continue to be blessed with outstanding community leaders on our board,” said Steve Heath, United Way president and CEO. “It is vital that we have high caliber volunteers such as these as we work to address pressing issues in education, health and financial stability across our region.”

Bui-Thompson is a former technology consultant with Accenture and Deloitte and was recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of 2011’s 40 Under 40. In addition to serving as board president for SMUD, she represents Rancho Cordova on the Sacramento Regional Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission advisory board and is a member of the national advisory board for the New Leaders Council, a nonprofit that trains and supports the next generation of political leaders and entrepreneurs. Bui-Thompson was a Marshall Memorial Fellow for 2012.

A 26-year veteran with Allied/Nationwide, Liggett is responsible for operations in California and Nevada. Prior to coming to Sacramento, he was regional vice president for Nationwide Insurance in Nashville and responsible for the south central states. He is actively involved in Allied’s community engagement activities, including the annual United Way campaign, which again this year posted an increase.

Mata is responsible for 600 team members and 44 banking stores in Placer, Butte, Shasta, Colusa, Nevada, Yolo, Yuba and Tehama counties. A 17-year financial services veteran, Mata joined Wells Fargo in 1996. Previously, she was community banking president for the North New Mexico region in Albuquerque, where she was active with United Way of Central New Mexico. Prior to that, Mata held various positions in retail banking, including personal banker, assistant manager, service manager, store manager and district manager.

Since 2008, Walker has led the largest union representing state employees with 95,000 members in nine bargaining units representing workers ranging from office technicians to IT professionals to bridge inspectors. Walker serves on the executive board of SEIU International and is a former Marine who has been in state service since 1995. She is also chair of the executive board of the Sacramento Central Labor Council.

For 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has actively worked to address the community’s most pressing issues, now focusing on innovative solutions related to high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity. United Way’s team of nonprofits, businesses, donors and volunteers are working together to provide positive, measurable results on these issues through United Way projects: STAR Readers, $en$e-Ability and Fit Kids. Community members can give, volunteer and advocate in support of the causes they care most about, benefiting United Way and hundreds of nonprofits in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. United Way is an independent, local affiliate of United Way Worldwide. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org

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Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits.

CVS grant supports horseback riding for people with disabilities

2013-01-31T00:10:17Z

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California has received a $1,500 CVS Caremark Community Grant. The Community Grants Program was created by CVS Caremark as part of its commitment to putting people on the path to better health by creating greater access to health care services and providing support for the uninsured and underinsured. Support from CVS Caremark will help UCP Saddle Pals, which provides adaptive horsemanship opportunities to children and adults with disabilities.

“Saddle Pals is one of our most popular programs but also one of our most expensive, due to the high cost of care for horses,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO. “CVS Caremark’s grant will enable children and adults with disabilities to improve their skills in an environment where they can also bond with the horses.”

The act of riding a horse can have intensive positive results for a person with a disability, from the rhythmic movement of the horse, which is close to a human's gait, the warmth and size of the animal and the special bond people develop with horses. Program participation results in growth, independence and improved quality of life for participants and their families. Unlike traditional approaches, horsemanship activities are enjoyable, and family and community members participate in the process.

“We are committed to helping people on their path to better health, and the CVS Caremark Community Grants program does just that by supporting organizations that provide access to health care to those who otherwise could not obtain it,” said Dennis Palmer, SVP, CVS/pharmacy West Division. “We are proud to support the work that UCP does in the community and we look forwared to working with them in the year ahead.”

Grants were awarded to organizations that support CVS Caremark’s goal of making health services affordable and easy to access for all by providing programs for the uninsured. The goal of the CVS Caremark Community Grants program is to provide relief for both adults and children who lack medical insurance to get the proper medical attention needed.

Each month, UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) of Sacramento and Northern California serves 3,300 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include Saddle Pals, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

CVS Caremark is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States with integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care. CVS Caremark is uniquely positioned to engage plan members in behaviors that improve their health and to lower overall health care costs for health plans, plan sponosrs and their members. CVS Caremark is a market leader in mail order pharmacy, retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy and retail clinics, and is a leading provider of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

As one of the country’s largest pharmacy benefits managers, CVS Caremark provides access to a network of approximately 65,000 pharmacies, including more than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy stores that provide unparalleled service and capabilities. Clinical offerings include our signature Pharmacy Advisor program as well as innovative generic step therapy and genetic benefit management programs that promote more cost-effective and healthier behaviors and improve health care outcomes. For more information, visit http://info.cvscaremark.com

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Pacific Coast gives grant to empower veterans with disabilities

2013-01-29T00:35:06Z

Pacific Coast Building Products Foundation and Pacific Coast Companies of Rancho Cordova recently awarded UCP of Sacramento and Northern California a grant of $7,500 to fund UCP Saddle Pals Heroes Astride, which provides adaptive horsemanship opportunities to disabled servicemen and women at no cost so they can recover from physical and emotional trauma.

“Our nation’s heroes serve their country around the world, but when they are injured, often have trouble finding the care they need close to home, “ said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “We are very thankful to Pacific Coast for its generous donation that will empower wounded veterans, servicemen and servicewomen to heal physically, mentally and emotionally.”

UCP’s accredited adaptive horsemanship program enables veterans – in partnership with their families – to receive care in an environment that promotes confidence, coordination and community so they can rehabilitate and reintegrate into their community. The act of riding a horse can have intensive positive results for a person with a disability, from the rhythmic movement of the horse, which is close to a human's gait, the warmth and size of the animal and the special bond people develop with horses. Program participation results in growth, independence and improved quality of life for participants and their families. Unlike traditional approaches, horsemanship activities are enjoyable, and family and community members participate in the process.

Each month, UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) of Sacramento and Northern California serves 3,300 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include Saddle Pals adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

Pacific Coast Companies provides a wide variety of products and services designed for residential, industrial and commercial projects of all sizes and complexities, including manufacturing, contracting and distributing building materials. The Pacific Coast Building Products Charitable Foundation focuses on community charities with an emphasis on children in need. For more information, visit www.paccoast.com.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Kick up your heels at 1920s United Way Emerging Leaders Event

2013-01-15T01:20:28Z

Local residents can celebrate the roaring 1920s at United Way Emerging Leaders’ 2nd Annual Cocktails & Ballet from 7-9 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Elks Tower Ballroom in Sacramento. In celebration of United Way California Capital Region’s 90th anniversary of its founding in 1923, guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s-themed attire and will enjoy a costume contest, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, photo booth, dancing, networking and more.

The Sacramento Ballet will present a dance from its upcoming show, “The Great Gatsby.” The ballet is based on the novel of the same name that was published one year before the local United Way was founded. Cost is $20 and guests must be age 21 or older. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/cocktailsandballet.

“We are so excited that our local United Way is turning 90, so we thought this would be a fun way to celebrate such an energetic decade as we look toward the next 90 years,” said Rocky Regino, United Way Emerging Leaders chair.

United Way Emerging Leaders are young or young-at-heart professionals who join together across varying backgrounds and industries to create lasting change in the community through hands-on volunteer opportunities, innovative leadership trainings and inventive networking events. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/el.

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Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Local low-income kids receive fresh fruits and veggies for holidays

2012-12-24T20:10:24Z

A hundred low-income Sacramento children at Capitol Heights Academy in Oak Park carried home bags of fresh produce for the holidays, thanks to California Food Literacy Center’s Holiday Fruits and Veggies Drive. Local residents along with Soil Born Farms and Feeding Crane Farms, donated around 3,000 pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables in the one-day drive held outside Nugget Market in West Sacramento, giving the children in the program the chance to meet their five-a-day nutrition goal for six days. With 85 percent of the students on free or reduced price lunches at school, compared to 70 percent across the nation, most of these students do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables outside of school.

“It was incredible to watch the fruits and veggies pour into our shopping carts last week, and even more exciting to see the grins on our kids’ faces as they carried their very own bag of fresh produce and gasped in glee at the leafy greens sticking out of their bags,” said Amber Stott, executive director, California Food Literacy Center. “We are so grateful to this community for stepping up to give these kids a healthy holiday, and we hope everyone will help us sustain these kids throughout 2013 by making a donation to our online campaign.”

To make a donation to California Food Literacy Center for its 2013 programs, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org.

California Food Literacy Center, based in Sacramento, was established in July 2011 to help kids improve their knowledge, attitude and behavior toward food through community food education. The organization empowers K-5 students to explore new foods, learn to cook healthy, sustainable snacks and make smart choices. Students learn fruit and vegetable appreciation, how to read nutrition labels, basic cooking skills and environmental impacts of their food choices. California Food Literacy Center’s efforts are yielding positive changes in perceptions of healthy food among youth. Before the organization began its food literacy curriculum, 82 percent of K-1st graders at Capitol Heights Academy said that healthy snacks did not taste good. After one month of food literacy education, 92 percent of the kids replied yes when asked the same question. For more information about California Food Literacy Center and how to get involved, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for California Food Literacy Center and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Women's Empowerment graduates 1,000th formerly homeless woman

2012-12-22T01:22:32Z

Sacramento resident Alicia Sanders volunteered for Women’s Empowerment years ago, but this fall, the 47-year-old found herself on the other side of the table. Struggling with homelessness, a thyroid disorder, depression, unemployment and a history of sexual and emotional abuse, she hit bottom.

“I was ready to go to a psych ward or check out at that point,” Sanders said. “Suddenly I heard ‘Women’s Empowerment’ and I remembered my volunteer work there. I called and a fragment of hope stirred in me when they said they were holding orientation the next week. When they called to say I was accepted, a flood of tears came. Hope was at my doorstep.”

Last week, Sanders became Women’s Empowerment’s 1,000th graduate, finishing the program with 35 other women no longer homeless. Sanders just accepted a position as a job coach with Goodwill Industries in Rancho Cordova where she will be helping clients reach their potential, just as Women’s Empowerment’s job-readiness program helped her do.

“Women’s Empowerment is a piece of heaven in the middle of hell,” Sanders said. “I grew up thinking I didn’t matter. Standing here today at graduation, I can tell you, I matter.”

More than 200 community members, including graduates’ mentors and families, attended the graduation where each graduate shared her story and future plans through poetry and speeches centered around the theme, “the beauty within set free.” Each woman received a new, donated handbag filled with a day planner and other items designed to help her succeed. The bags were sponsored by CGI in Sacramento.

“Each of these 36 women felt trapped by the dark weight of homelessness,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “But they joined the 974 women before them by working hard and overcoming powerful obstacles so they could be the capable women, mothers and employees they were meant to be. We could not be more proud of our 1,010 graduates who have broken the cycle of homelessness for themselves, their children and generations to come.”

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 1,010 homeless women and their nearly 2,000 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 74 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for Women's Empowerment and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Local women give 197 foster youth gifts and stockings

2012-12-14T22:16:45Z

One hundred twelve women donated 147 stockings and 132 gifts through United Way’s Women in Philanthropy so 197 local foster youth would have holiday wishes fulfilled. Fifty foster youth in Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program received the holiday gifts they requested. United Way’s Women in Philanthropy and community members also filled stockings for 147 foster youth with United Way’s $en$e-Ability project funded partners: Amador-Tuolumne Community Resources, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, Koinonia Family Services and New Morning Youth and Family Services.

“Some of these kids are scared, suddenly removed from their homes during what is supposed to be the happiest season of the year,” said Lisa Watts, chair of United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “Others have experienced years of pain as they bounce from one foster home to another and now prepare to live on their own. United Way’s Women in Philanthropy gives women across the region a tangible way to touch these kids’ hearts during the holidays.”

Dozens of volunteers wrapped gifts, stuffed stockings and wrote personal notes to foster youth, including United Way’s Women in Philanthropy members, community volunteers, representatives of nonprofits supporting foster youth, members of Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Junior Troop 1841 and two foster youth who received stockings in previous years. The gifts and stockings will be distributed through United Way’s $en$e-Ability project nonprofit partners and the County of Sacramento.

United Way’s Women in Philanthropy brings women together to foster the future, preparing foster youth for a successful adulthood. A dynamic group of businesswomen, homemakers and community leaders, Women in Philanthropy members raise funds, hold drives and provide trainings focused on helping foster youth rise to their dreams. The group also is a partner in United Way’s $en$e-Ability project, helping foster youth become financially self-sufficient through financial literacy courses and individual development accounts that provide a matched savings program. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wip.

Sacramento County’s Gifts from the Heart is an annual holiday gift-giving program that operates on donations and benefits children and seniors who are in the Department of Health and Human Services’ system of care. For more information, call (916) 875-2027.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits.

United Way announces Sacramento County project results

2012-12-13T01:10:12Z

Three projects funded by United Way California Capital Region are making significant differences in the lives of hundreds of Sacramento County residents, CEO Steve Heath said in a town hall meeting in Sacramento last week.

“We are working with several partner nonprofits to produce measurable results on issues of vital importance to Sacramento County and the regional community as a whole,” Heath said. Sacramento-based United Way California Capital Region serves Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties.

Heath noted the high school dropout rate in Sacramento County is 23.3 percent. The group created its STAR Readers project to improve early grade reading, a key indicator of whether or not a child will later graduate high school. In Sacramento County, 55 percent of children do not achieve proficiency on the STAR test schools administer at the end of third grade.

In Sacramento County, STAR Readers works with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento, Sacramento Children’s Home and Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center to provide instruction for kindergarten through third graders. All of the participants had tested well below grade level before starting the program. Now 58.8 percent of those students who had previously struggled are rapidly progressing toward proficiency.

“Our goal is to significantly increase the number of kids who are proficient and thus, ultimately improve high school graduation rates dramatically,” Heath said. “And that’s just one example of the projects we fund – projects that produce measurable outcomes. That’s why we’re holding town hall meetings throughout the region so people who give to United Way can see the great results from their gifts.”

United Way California Capital Region also is focused on obesity reduction, noting that 28 percent of Sacramento County residents are considered obese.

“The potential ramifications of those rates are staggering, not just for people struggling with obesity, but for all of us,” Heath said. “We think the key to reducing obesity rates is to form and reinforce healthy lifestyles, and that’s what our Fit Kids project is working on.”

In Sacramento County, United Way is providing funding to Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center and YMCA Superior California to provide healthy eating and active lifestyle programs for kids. Using an assessment tool called the Fitnessgram, the team establishes a baseline on pulmonary capacity, body mass index and more. In the first year of the program, 89.9 percent of participants improved performance in at least one of the six Fitnessgram domains.

United Way’s third focus area is household financial stability. Even before the recession, 30 percent of households in the region, and more than 26 percent of Sacramento County households, were financially unstable, spending 40 percent or more of their income on housing.
“We believe that one of the key things missing for people these days is financial literacy,” Heath said. “If people don’t understand or know how to participate in our economic system, they will struggle. Our $en$e-Ability project is providing knowledge and skills to 222 Sacramento County residents through our grants to Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, Opening Doors and Women’s Empowerment.”

Participants in the project are making progress by creating savings accounts and preparing to be self-sufficient. The $en$e-Ability project also works with 183 foster youth throughout the five-county region who are about to emancipate. As they go through the educational process, they earn credits toward individual development accounts – matched savings accounts. Savings can be used to pay college tuition or buy a computer, car and more.

United Way California Capital Region is investing approximately $481,000 in the three projects in Sacramento County, in addition to the money it raised for Sacramento County nonprofits from residents and businesses located inside and outside the county in 2011-2012.

“We would like to be able to expand that because there are certainly more people in Sacramento County who could benefit from these projects,” Heath said. “And I am confident that over time, that will happen as people learn more about the high-quality results we’re achieving. But in the meantime, we wanted to report back to our supporters – Sacramento County’s donors, nonprofits and volunteers who helped formulate, develop and fund these projects. We conducted town hall meetings here during our regional needs assessment. We thought it was time to conduct town hall meetings again – this time to share the results and say thanks.”

United Way is the region’s leading provider of innovative solutions on the community’s most pressing issues, including high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity. United Way’s team of nonprofits, businesses, donors and volunteers work together to provide positive, measurable results on these issues through United Way projects: STAR Readers, $en$e-Ability and Fit Kids. Community members can give, volunteer and advocate in support of the causes they care most about, benefiting United Way and hundreds of nonprofits in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. United Way is an independent, local affiliate of United Way Worldwide. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Fruit and veggie drive Sunday to benefit low-income kids in Sacramento

2012-12-12T23:06:14Z

Toy drives are in full swing, but California Food Literacy Center sees a different need: healthy food. Local residents can make sure every child in the Sacramento nonprofit’s after-school program at Capitol Heights Academy in Oak Park goes home for holiday break with a box of 25 fruits and vegetables – five a day for five days. The drive will take place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Nugget Market in West Sacramento, and the group hopes to raise 2,500 pieces of produce. Participants are encouraged to purchase produce at Nugget Market but can also drop off fresh fruits and vegetables during the eight-hour window.

“There are so many worthwhile causes right now providing gifts to kids, but we’re in a school where 85 percent of the kids are on free and reduced price lunches,” said Amber Stott, executive director, California Food Literacy Center. “When they go home for the holiday, we know they don’t have access to the fresh produce they’ve grown to love in our class. We all know weight gain rises during the holidays, so this will help them maintain healthy habits while also maintaining their enthusiasm for healthy food while they’re on break from school.”

For more information or to make a monetary donation toward the campaign, contact Stott at amber@californiafoodliteracy.org or (916) 873-2025.

Editor’s note: Every Thursday we deliver a local event guide straight to your inbox, right on time to make your weekend plans. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for California Food Literacy Center and works with numerous local nonprofits.

UCP receives tech grant for people with disabilities

2012-12-07T00:27:51Z

The California Communications Access Foundation recently awarded nonprofit UCP of Sacramento and Northern California (United Cerebral Palsy) a grant of $25,000 to purchase 11 iPads, one SMART Table and one SMART Board for its adult day programs and Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State that serve people with developmental disabilities. The new devices are providing children ages 8-12 at the Autism Center for Excellence with reinforced communication and increased motor and daily living skills. Adult day program participants are enhancing their community participation and group skills, vocational training, language development and cognition.

“We’re very thankful for California Communications Access Foundation’s generous gift that is helping people with developmental disabilities access the educational resources needed to live independent and meaningful lives,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California.

At UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence, instructors are using an iPad to reinforce good behavior. They will soon begin exploring educational apps. The center also received a SMART Table, which is giving three to four kids at a time the chance to interact and build their social skills while solving puzzles and completing coloring projects.

In UCP’s adult day programs, participants are using iPads to play educational games that enhance early literacy and math skills, create movies through iMovie, improve communication, and take photos and creatively manipulate them using the built-in camera and iPhoto. SMART Boards are allowing instructors to have a large, interactive screen to teach weather science and vocabulary using Weather.com, as well as to teach current events and geography using Google Earth. Thanks to the interactive features, participants are using the screen to move around letters and create new words and to improve their range of motion, hand-eye coordination and learn cause and effect.

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 3,300 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include Saddle Pals adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

California Communications Access Foundation is a nonprofit that specializes in improving access to telecommunications services for people with disabilities and other traditionally underserved populations. The foundation’s primary work is to manage and operate the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program through a contract with the California Public Utilities Commission. This program provides specialized telecommunications equipment and services for people with disabilities in California. For more information, visit http://ccaf.us.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Local blogger holiday recipes to benefit California Food Literacy Center

2012-12-04T19:14:59Z

Several renowned bloggers, many of whom are local, have joined with nonprofit California Food Literacy Center in Sacramento to create an electronic collection of their holiday recipes. “Jolly Food Literacy Holiday Recipe Collection” benefits California Food Literacy Center’s work to help low-income kids understand the impact of their food choices on their health, the environment and their community.

The recipe collection is available to people who donate $50 or more to California Food Literacy Center. To make a donation, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org/donate.

Participating bloggers include Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes; Garrett McCord of Vanilla Garlic; Tess Masters of The Blender Girl; Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking; Deena Wachtel of Stay at Home Foodie; Jillena Hernandez of Eat Well, Live Free; Chef Tina Jo of Real Life Raw; Hank Shaw of Hunter Angler Gardener Cook; Kate McDermott of Art of the Pie and more.

“We hope these dishes bring cheer to people’s holiday tables in the same way that their gifts will bring inspiring education to the low-income children we serve,” said Amber Stott, executive director, California Food Literacy Center. “Thank you to our blogger friends who have shared their holiday recipes with us – dishes they prepare for their own friends and families. This joyful holiday collection is filled with fresh veggies, nuts, herbs and a few sweet treats – a food literacy-friendly harvest of dishes.”

The recipe collection is part of California Food Literacy Center’s campaign to raise $11,000 by Jan. 1 to fund its programs. California Food Literacy Center was established in July 2011 to help kids improve their knowledge, attitude and behavior toward food through community food education. The organization empowers K-5 students to explore new foods, learn to cook healthy, sustainable snacks and make smart choices. Students learn fruit and vegetable appreciation, how to read nutrition labels, basic cooking skills and environmental impacts of their food choices.

California Food Literacy Center’s efforts are yielding positive changes in perceptions of healthy food among youth. Before the organization began its food literacy curriculum, 82 percent of K-1st graders at Capitol Heights Academy said that healthy snacks did not taste good. After one month of food literacy education, 92 percent of the kids replied yes when asked the same question. For more information about California Food Literacy Center and how to get involved, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for California Food Literacy Center and works with numerous local nonprofits.

United Way to hold community forum, announce results Monday

2012-11-29T21:54:54Z

Residents, nonprofits and businesses based in Sacramento County are invited to gather for a United Way Community Forum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at United Way California Capital Region, 10389 Old Placerville Road, Sacramento.

The event will give participants the chance to discuss United Way’s projects impacting early childhood literacy, obesity prevention and financial stability. United Way also will announce project results for Sacramento County and discuss its new Volunteer Services program.

“We began these projects after input from the community, and now is the chance to have us report back on the difference the projects are making. We hope the community will come out to hear about our great results and to share their valuable input,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region.

United Way held community forums in Woodland on Nov. 26 and in Auburn on Nov. 27. Additional forums will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Jackson at the City of Jackson office on Dec. 5 and in Placerville on Dec. 11 at the El Dorado County Office of Education.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Bring holiday cheer to formerly homeless women and children

2012-11-21T22:26:29Z

Christmas morning will be filled with holiday cheer for formerly homeless women and their children, thanks to Sacramento-area residents who are donating to Women’s Empowerment’s annual Holiday Stocking Drive.

The group is seeking stockings and specific fillers for infants and toddlers, children, teens and adult women. For the list of items needed, visit www.womens-empowerment.org. Residents also can make a financial donation and volunteers will then shop and fill the stockings. The average filled stocking costs $30. Items are needed by Friday, Dec. 7, at 1400 North C Street, Sacramento. For more information, contact Kate Towson at kate@womens-empowerment.org or (916) 669-2307.

“These remarkable women and children have worked tirelessly to break the cycle of homelessness, and these stockings bring immeasurable holiday cheer to their hearts and their new homes,” said Lisa Culp, executive director.

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 974 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 74 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For information and to donate online: www.womens-empowerment.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for Women's Empowerment and works with numerous local nonprofits.

Give holiday stockings and gifts for foster youth

2012-11-09T22:03:06Z

As foster youth in the Sacramento area spend the holidays away from home, local residents can ensure they still have stockings and presents to open, thanks to United Way’s Women in Philanthropy and Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program.

“I cannot imagine how lonely it must feel to be removed from your home, especially during the holidays,” said Lisa Watts, chair of United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “This is a fantastic way to give back during the holiday season and know that your gift will brighten the holidays for a hurting child.”

Visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org to sign up to bring specific gifts for children in Sacramento County’s Child Protective Services. Holiday gifts will be distributed through Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program.

Local residents also can provide a $30 donation through www.yourlocalunitedway.org to purchase a holiday stocking for a foster youth preparing for emancipation. United Way will fill the stockings with blankets donated by Project Linus, socks donated by Macy’s, first-aid kits, snacks, hats, Target gift cards and personal notes. Stockings will be distributed through United Way’s nonprofit partners that work with foster youth preparing to leave the foster care system.

All items must be received by 4 p.m. on Dec. 3 at United Way’s office, 10389 Old Placerville Road, Sacramento. For more information, contact Leslie Ortiz at lortiz@uwccr.org or (916) 856-3977.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Local foster youth nutrition program receives grant from Herbalife

2012-10-18T21:30:03Z

Foster youth at Koinonia Homes for Teens in Loomis will have an upgraded teaching kitchen, healthier meals and better therapy for eating disorders, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Herbalife Family Foundation.

“We’re working with teens in foster care who are getting ready to move out on their own, so we must make sure they have a basic understanding of nutrition and how to cook,” said Bill Ryland, director, Koinonia Homes for Teens. “But many of our teens also deal with eating disorders, so it’s important that they receive therapy, too. By cooking, eating healthy and having a healthy mindset about food, these kids will be better prepared to take care of themselves.”

Most of the ingredients for meals served to kids in Koinonia’s homes are purchased from Costco or donations from local food banks. The group now plans to use the Herbalife grant to purchase fresh vegetables instead of canned vegetables and buy higher quality ingredients. The grant also will help purchase new supplies for the teaching kitchen that Herbalife helped fund in 2011 when it named Koinonia Homes for Teens a Casa Herbalife, one of only seven in the country. The Casa Herbalife program was established in 2005 to provide good nutrition to children in need around the world.

“Becoming a Casa Herbalife has opened the door for ongoing support from the Herbalife Foundation and more than 200 Herbalife independent distributors in the Sacramento area,” Ryland said. “With this grant, Herbalife has empowered us to offer services that go far beyond that of traditional foster care and allow us to really address lifelong issues.”

Koinonia Homes for Teens, a division of Koinonia Family Services, works with teens in several specialized programs. With six homes located in Placer and Sacramento counties, and a Community School and Treatment Center in Loomis, Koinonia is one of the premiere adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in the state. Each home is staffed with caring professionals that bring a home-like atmosphere and quality treatment during this difficult out-of-home placement. For more information, visit http://teens.kfh.org.

The Herbalife Family Foundation’s Casa Herbalife program provides financial resources and volunteers to nonprofits around the world in the area of healthy nutrition programs for at-risk and low-income children. For more information, visit www.herbalifefamilyfoundation.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for Koinonia Homes for Teens and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Local women help foster youth blossom

2012-10-18T20:58:13Z

Two hundred twenty-five people helped foster youth blossom at United Way’s 11th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon on Oct. 15 at the Crocker Art Museum. The flower-themed event included a fashion show, gourmet lunch, discussion panel with two foster youth, and a book signing and presentation by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, author of “The Language of Flowers.” United Way’s Women in Philanthropy members also discussed their work supporting financial literacy courses and a matched savings program for foster youth, and guests donated $100 to have foster youth participating in the fashion show keep their ensembles.

“I was so proud to be surrounded by foster youth and the women who care so much about them,” said Lisa Watts, chair, United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “It’s inspiring to see the powerful effects on young people in challenging circumstances when they learn confidence and self-sufficiency.”

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month with UCP

2012-10-15T23:17:58Z

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Sacramento and Northern California is supporting National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with a spectrum of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization's success," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy when announcing this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme, which is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy leads National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“This is a fantastic awareness campaign to ensure people begin to understand just how capable people with disabilities really are,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “There is a wide spectrum of disabilities, and it’s important to remember how many capable people are presumed to be unemployable simply because of a disability.”

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages during October and throughout the year at www.dol.gov/odep/.

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 2,600 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include Saddle Pals adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Local foster youth take to runway for fundraiser

2012-09-22T00:19:19Z

Local residents can help foster youth blossom at United Way’s 11th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Crocker Art Museum. The flower-themed event will include a fashion show, gourmet lunch and book signing and presentation by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, author of “The Language of Flowers.” United Way’s Women in Philanthropy members also will discuss their work supporting financial literacy courses and a matched savings program for foster youth.

Tickets are $100. Guests also can donate $100 to have a foster youth participating in the fashion show keep her ensemble. To purchase tickets, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wiplunch.

“Books, art, fashion and food will come together at this beautiful event to raise funds to support local foster youth,” said Lisa Watts, chair, United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “This is such a great opportunity for women to come together and make a difference in our community.”

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Celebrate formerly homeless women at annual gala

2012-09-17T22:24:05Z

Community members are invited to the 11th Annual Celebration of Independence Gala that benefits Women’s Empowerment, a local nonprofit helping women who are homeless find homes and jobs so they can support their families.

The event, which raises funds for the organization and honors the group’s 974 graduates, will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 at The Grand, 1215 J Street, Sacramento, and will feature a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, live music, and presentations from the graduates and local community leaders. Tickets are $85 each. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call (916) 669-2307.

“We hear over and over again how special this event is because the community gets to witness the incredible transformation that the women in our program experience,” said Lisa Culp, executive director. “This is an amazing opportunity to see women once homeless now dressed to the nines as they celebrate breaking the cycle of homelessness. This is also our largest fundraiser of the year and a profound way for the community to support our work to end homelessness one woman at a time.”

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 974 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 74 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono marketing and PR consultant for Women's Empowerment and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Vote for the winning Kids Food Literacy Sandwich recipe

2012-09-17T18:41:13Z

Local residents can vote for the best Kids Food Literacy Sandwich recipe from Sept. 17-21 on the California Food Literacy Center’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/californiafoodliteracycenter. Voters can make their selection by liking one of two entries in each age category. The final winner will be selected on Sept. 29 by judges in a tasting contest.

Contestants were asked to create a healthy sandwich recipe and write about why it represents food literacy, which the center defines as “understanding the impact of your food choices on your health, the environment and our community.”

“In California, 38 percent of children are overweight – a rate three times higher than it was 30 years ago when the obesity epidemic began,” said Amber Stott, founder, California Food Literacy Center. “We have a major opportunity to get kids thinking about healthy food choices in a creative way, and that’s what this sandwich recipe contest is all about.”

The Kids Food Literacy Sandwich Contest kicked off a series of events in Sacramento that promote healthy, sustainable eating during the month of September, including a restaurant sandwich campaign, upcoming Food Literacy Fair at the Oak Park Farmers Market on Sept. 22 and a launch party on Sept. 29. Assemblymember Roger Dickinson authored ACR-161, a resolution sponsored by the California Food Literacy Center, to declare September Food Literacy Month and to raise awareness about food literacy on the state level. For more information, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org.

The California Food Literacy Center was established in July 2011 to help kids improve their knowledge, attitude and behavior toward food through community food education. The organization empowers K-5 students to explore new foods, learn to cook healthy, sustainable snacks and make smart choices. Students learn fruit and vegetable appreciation, how to read nutrition labels, basic cooking skills and environmental impacts of their food choices. The California Food Literacy Center’s efforts are yielding positive changes in perceptions of healthy food among youth. Before the organization began its food literacy curriculum, 82 percent of K-1st graders at Capitol Heights Academy said that healthy snacks did not taste good. After one month of food literacy education, 92 percent of the kids replied yes when asked the same question. For more information about the California Food Literacy Center and how to get involved, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono marketing and PR consultant for California Food Literacy Center and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Outdoor '80s party to raise funds for disabilities

2012-09-13T23:11:05Z

Sacramento area residents can cut footloose for people with developmental disabilities as they celebrate the decade of parachute pants, neon spandex and shoulder pads at the annual UCP Dance Party 7-11 p.m. on Sept. 22. The largest outdoor ‘80s party in the Sacramento area will take place at the Sunset Whitney Golf Club, 4201 Midas Avenue, Rocklin, and will raise funds for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California.

“This is such a fun and creative way to raise money,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO. “We are always excited about partnering with creative people to find new ways to empower people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits.”

The event includes dancing, specialty drinks, food from top restaurants, prizes, a silent auction and live music from ‘80s cover band Rebel Yell. Tickets are $40 each or $75 per couple. Those purchasing more than 10 tickets will receive a 10 percent discount. To purchase tickets, visit www.ucpdanceparty.org.

To learn more about creating a fundraiser for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, visit www.ucpsacto.org/create-your-own.htm.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Charity runway event to benefit local foster youth

2012-08-31T22:28:46Z

Local residents are invited to LOVE FASHION. GIVE HOPE., a fashion soiree from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Arden Fair Mall that includes a preview of fall fashions, wine, appetizers and prizes. Guests will have the opportunity to win Michael Kors and Oakley sunglasses, Hudson jeans, an iPad, designer handbags and more.

All ticket proceeds benefit United Way’s Women in Philanthropy, which helps local foster youth prepare for independence. Tickets are $30. VIP Access Tickets are available for $100 and include reserved seating at the fashion show, access to the Mikuni VIP Lounge, complimentary valet parking, VIP swag bag with $25 Arden Fair gift card, exclusive retailer discounts and five complimentary raffle entries. For tickets, visit www.lovefashiongivehope.org.

The event is part of the national Fashion’s Night Out and will take place in the Center Court in front of Nordstrom. Many stores throughout the mall also will host in-store parties, special offers and discounts. Participating stores include Ann Taylor, Art of Shaving, Bare Escentuals, Bebe, Chicos, Gap, J. Crew, Macy’s, Juicy Couture, L’Occitane, Michael Kors, Origins, The Body Shop, The Limited, Sephora, True Religion, White House Black Market and more.

Fashion's Night Out began in New York in 2009 as a celebration of fashion, and to restore consumer confidence, boost the industry's economy and put the fun back in shopping. The celebration marks the kick off to New York Fashion Week, and all festivities across the nation take place from 6-11 p.m. on Sept. 6.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Koinonia to celebrate 10 years keeping Placer families together

2012-08-29T17:35:36Z

Local residents can help celebrate Koinonia Homes for Teens’ 10th anniversary of the Crisis Resolution Center that has helped more than 1,000 Placer County families stay together. The free event will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Koinonia’s Crisis Resolution Center, 3751 Magnolia Street, Loomis, and will include live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and presentations from county officials and families who have received help. For more information, call (916) 652-0171.

Koinonia’s Crisis Resolution Center is funded through Placer County and works to resolve family crises and reunify Placer County youth ages 12-17 with their families. The Crisis Resolution Center provides counseling and referral services, as well as six beds for short-term residential services when youth need somewhere to stay while a family crisis is being resolved. Ninety percent of families at the Crisis Resolution Center stay together. For more information, visit http://www.kfh.org/services/crc.cfm.

“We are proud of the people who, over the last 10 years, have worked hard to rebuild their families at the Crisis Resolution Center, and we’re grateful to Placer County for keeping this resource available to local families,” said Bill Ryland, director of Koinonia Homes for Teens and the Crisis Resolution Center. “The anniversary event will provide a great opportunity for people to hear some inspiring stories and to celebrate the center’s great achievements over the last decade.”

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for Koinonia Homes for Teens and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Six local restaurants to serve Food Literacy Sandwiches

2012-08-27T19:02:54Z

Six Sacramento restaurants, including Firehouse, Dad's Kitchen, R15, Cafe Bernardo, The Shady Lady and La Bonne Soupe Cafe will feature a Food Literacy Sandwich on their menus Sept. 2-8 in honor of Food Literacy Month. Restaurants interested in participating can contact California Food Literacy Center founder Amber Stott at amber@californiafoodliteracy.org.

“Food literacy is about understanding the impact of our food choices on our health, the environment and our community. The restaurants participating in our sandwich campaign will show the community the many different ingredients that can make up a healthy and delicious sandwich. We hope it will inspire people to create their own food literacy sandwich recipes,” Stott said.

The Food Literacy Restaurant Sandwich Campaign kicks off a series of events in Sacramento that promote healthy, sustainable eating during the month of September, including a Kids Food Literacy Sandwich Contest, Food Literacy Fair and a launch party. Assemblymember Roger Dickinson authored ACR-161, a resolution sponsored by the California Food Literacy Center, to declare September Food Literacy Month and to raise awareness about food literacy on the state level. For more information, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for the California Food Literacy Center and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Kids can enter sandwich recipe contest for Food Literacy Month

2012-08-22T03:06:57Z

The California Food Literacy Center will hold the Kids Food Literacy Sandwich Contest from Sept. 2-8 as part of Food Literacy Month. Contestants must create a healthy sandwich recipe and write about why it represents food literacy, which the center defines as “understanding the impact of your food choices on your health, the environment and our community.”

Kids can submit their sandwich ideas in four different age categories at www.californiafoodliteracy.org. The top eight semi-finalists will be featured on the website, and the community will vote for the top recipe in each age category on the California Food Literacy Center’s Facebook page Sept. 17-21. The final winner will be selected on Sept. 29 by judges in a tasting contest.

The Kids Food Literacy Sandwich Contest kicks off a series of events in Sacramento that promote healthy, sustainable eating during the month of September, including a restaurant sandwich campaign, Food Literacy Fair and a launch party. Assemblymember Roger Dickinson authored ACR-161, a resolution sponsored by the California Food Literacy Center, to declare September Food Literacy Month and to raise awareness about food literacy on the state level. For more information, visit www.californiafoodliteracy.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for the California Food Literacy Center and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Food Literacy Month events announced

2012-08-16T19:07:55Z

In honor of Food Literacy Month this September, the California Food Literacy Center will hold a series of events in Sacramento that promote healthy, sustainable eating, including the children’s Food Literacy Sandwich Contest, restaurant sandwich campaign, Food Literacy Fair and a launch party.

Assemblymember Roger Dickinson authored ACR-161, a resolution sponsored by the California Food Literacy Center, to declare September Food Literacy Month and to raise awareness about food literacy on the state level.

“We partnered with Assemblymember Dickinson to create Food Literacy Month so more California residents understand the positive impacts of healthy eating and how to make nutrition fun. Each event aims to inspire the community to create healthy meals while inviting local restaurants, community members and food producers to get involved,” said Amber Stott, California Food Literacy Center founder and executive director.

The Food Literacy Sandwich Contest for kids will kick off the month of events. From Sept. 2-8, youth in the community can create a healthy sandwich recipe and write about why it represents food literacy. Kids can submit their sandwich ideas in four different age categories at www.californiafoodliteracy.org. The top eight semi-finalists will be featured on the website, and the community will vote for the top recipe in each age category on the California Food Literacy Center’s Facebook page Sept. 17-21. The final winner will be selected on Sept. 29 by judges in a tasting contest.

Several Sacramento-area restaurants will feature a Food Literacy Sandwich on their menus September 2-8. Restaurants interested in participating can contact Amber Stott at amber@californiafoodliteracy.org.

Local residents also can attend the Food Literacy Fair at the Oak Park Farmers Market at 9 a.m. on Sept. 22. The event will include cooking demos, kids’ activities, live music and farm fresh produce stands. Assemblymember Dickinson will speak at the event. Food Literacy Month will close with California Food Literacy Center’s launch party at 1 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Mayahuel Restaurant, 1200 K Street. Registration details for the event will be available soon on www.californiafoodliteracy.org. The event will include refreshments, and the children’s sandwich contest winner will be selected.

Parents and teachers can download educational toolkits, including cooking and seed planting activities, at www.californiafoodliteracy.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for the California Food Literacy Center and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

United Way elects new chair, vice chair, board members

2012-08-15T17:37:47Z

Carolyn Mullins, AT&T executive director, will lead United Way California Capital Region’s board of directors with Jim Shetler, retired SMUD assistant general manager, serving as vice chair. The board also elected three new members: Monica Baumann, associate with Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Jeremiah Smith, executive vice president and chief financial officer of First Northern Bank, and Barry Brundage, senior vice president, managing director and wealth management advisor for the Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank.

Mark Hoag, president of United Corporate Furnishings, will continue as treasurer. Re-elected board members include Ruth Miller, vice president of insurance administration at Wraith, Scarlett and Randolph Insurance, Terry Myrrdin, chief of facilities oversight for the Secretary of State, Pam Stewart, owner of Cole Stewart Consulting, and Carolyn Turpin, regional vice president of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

“We have an outstanding board of highly engaged leaders who do a great job of representing the five counties we serve,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We and the community benefit greatly from their vision and expertise as we work to impact important issues in the areas of education, health and financial stability in our region.”

New board member Baumann represents clients in government enforcement actions and business litigation, including labor and employment matters ranging from discrimination to wage, hour and benefit claims. She received her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and her JD from UC Davis. Baumann is active with Ducks Unlimited and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Sacramento, and serves as a mentor to a teenager in foster care.

Brundage oversees the private banking, personal trust and investment management business in Sacramento. Prior to joining U.S. Bank, he served as a region manager with Comerica Bank Wealth Management, regional sales manager for Wells Fargo Private Client Services and market director for Bank of America Investment Services. Brundage earned his MBA and BS in business from the University of La Verne in Southern California. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Placer Food Bank and as a member of the Planned Giving Committee for United Way California Capitol Region.

Smith joined First Northern Bank in 2003, was named assistant controller in 2005 and was promoted to his current position in 2010. He advises management on financial control and profitability and is responsible for overseeing the bank’s investment portfolio. He interprets major financial reports for senior management, directors, shareholders and government agencies, and directs the preparation of all financial reporting. He chairs the bank’s Asset/Liability Management and Profit Improvement committees and is a member of the Compliance, Information Services and Ethics committees. He received a BS in business administration with a concentration in finance from Sacramento State. He is a certified public accountant and graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

United Way to kick off campaign at River Cats game

2012-08-11T17:59:54Z

Residents can help United Way California Capital Region and its partner nonprofits score a home run in the annual campaign this year by attending United Way Night at the River Cats on Aug. 23 at Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento. United Way expects 1,000 people for the event that will include a fair where residents can learn more about United Way’s 140 certified local nonprofit partners, a barbecue dinner, keynote speaker and the River Cats game.

Tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for children ages 10 and under. Residents can also sponsor one of United Way’s Fit Kids participants to attend the event for $30. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.yourlocalunitedway.org. Other sponsorship opportunities are available.

“This campaign benefits 140 nonprofits, so you can imagine how many people will receive help because of community donations,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “This event is a great start to the campaign: Guests will enjoy great food, music, a ballgame and the chance to hear from one man making a difference in the area of childhood obesity.”

The event keynote speaker will be Teddy Herrera who founded Across America for Childhood Obesity. He recently finished a 10-month, 22,000-mile bicycle tour to raise awareness for childhood obesity across the nation. During that time, he gave more than 500 speeches at schools in more than 100 cities. Herrera’s passion for helping youth lead a healthy and active lifestyle began when his father died of a heart attack at age 47. He decided to travel the world, and upon his return in March 2011, he was struck by how American children have a less active lifestyle than other kids around the world. That day he founded his nonprofit and began planning his ride across the nation. He will speak at United Way Night at the River Cats in support of United Way’s Fit Kids project that is working to fight childhood obesity in the community.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Stamp Out Homelessness by donating postage stamps

2012-07-27T00:39:17Z

Local residents can donate postage stamps to help Women’s Empowerment offset mailing costs for the 11th Annual Celebration of Independence Gala invitations. Women who are homeless or recently homeless also will use the stamps to send resumes and job applications. To participate in the Stamp Out Homelessness campaign, visit shop.usps.com, select Forever 45-cent stamps and have them shipped to Women’s Empowerment, Attn: Stamp Out Homelessness, 1400 North C Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

“When you donate stamps to Women’s Empowerment, you help redirect funding to where it is most needed: ending homelessness for women and children,” said Lisa Culp, Women’s Empowerment executive director.

The 11th Annual Celebration of Independence Gala will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 4, at The Grand, 1215 J Street, Sacramento, and will feature a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, live music, and presentations from the graduates and local community leaders. Tickets are $85. For an additional $85, local residents can sponsor a graduate of Women’s Empowerment to attend the gala. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call (916) 669-2307.

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 939 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 74 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for Women's Empowerment and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Ballgowns needed for formerly homeless women

2012-07-20T22:38:05Z

Women’s Empowerment is seeking used prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses or other formal gowns for formerly homeless women to wear at this year’s Celebration of Independence Gala. Plus-sized gowns are especially needed. Dresses can be delivered to Women’s Empowerment, 1400 North C Street, Sacramento, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hours on Tuesday are 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dresses are needed by Aug. 10 to allow time for alterations.

“This is a chance for women in the community to let their old dresses take on new life as they strengthen a formerly homeless woman’s independence and self-esteem,” said Lisa Culp, Women’s Empowerment executive director.

The 11th Annual Celebration of Independence Gala will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 4, at The Grand, 1215 J Street, Sacramento, and will feature a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, live music, and presentations from the graduates and local community leaders. Tickets are $85. For an additional $85, local residents can sponsor a graduate to attend the gala. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call (916) 669-2307.

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 939 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 74 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for Women's Empowerment and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Sacramento residents can recycle e-waste curbside through UCP

2012-07-11T18:52:36Z

Local residents now can have their e-waste picked up curbside along with donations of household items, thanks to UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s thrift store service. All items benefit UCP’s programs that empower people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits. To schedule a pickup, call (800) 860-0357 or look for the yellow postcard delivered throughout the year.

“There are countless e-waste collection events, but this is a great opportunity to properly dispose of e-waste without having to leave your home, and it benefits people with disabilities. It’s a win-win,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California.

UCP’s thrift program also accepts household items, from clothing and kitchen items to collectibles and small furniture. Most items in good condition will be accepted, except for mattresses and large furniture.

“At UCP, we’re making the word ‘regifting’ positive,” Bergman said. “When people give unused items to support children and adults with developmental disabilities, they’re giving people time on a horse in our adaptive horseback riding program, time playing basketball at our Autism Center for Excellence or time learning how to become independent.”

UCP also offers a vehicle donation program that includes cars, trucks, trailers, boats and RVs. For more information, call toll-free (866) UCP-7212.

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 2,600 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

UCP raises $250K for people with developmental disabilities

2012-05-30T20:53:41Z

Five hundred people raised $250,000 at UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s 19th annual Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner on May 10.

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, which empowers people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits, honored Chevo Ramirez, regional vice president of Wells Fargo Foundation for the Northern and Central California Region. The Humanitarian of the Year Award is given to individuals who have displayed a passion for life and a desire to work toward enhancing the lives of others.

“Chevo has made a profound impact on our community through his work with the Wells Fargo Foundation,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “He has donated resources to empower the many children, adults and families in our community who need support. He works hard to ensure that everyone has opportunity in the face of barriers such as disability, gender and race, and he inspires others with his positive influence.”

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 2,600 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Got TP? Donate to United Way's Toilet Paper Drive

2012-05-30T00:12:12Z

Can you spare a square for local nonprofits?

Nonprofit Wellspring Women’s Center spends $5,860 on toilet paper each year – money that could instead provide 200 women and children with a nutritious breakfast every weekday for three weeks. St. John’s Shelter Program for Women and Children spends $4,000 on toilet paper, the equivalent of a week’s worth of shelter, food and services for 33 children.

Toilet paper? This humble but essential item is costly for countless nonprofits in Sacramento.

Sacramento Life Center’s toilet paper budget is $1,362, which would buy 1,047 free pregnancy tests. Women’s Empowerment’s toilet paper budget is $1,300, which would buy 433 bus passes so women who are homeless can find work.

Four years ago, United Way California Capital Region realized toilet paper was – pun intended – wiping out nonprofit budgets.

This year marks United Way’s 4th annual LIVE UNITED Toilet Paper Drive to help local nonprofits offset the cost for this staple item. The drive will take place 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on June 14 at the Cal Expo main entrance, 1600 Exposition Boulevard in Sacramento. Residents also can donate toilet paper online at www.yourlocalunitedway.org/tp-drive.

“It’s amazing the number of expenses nonprofits face that people don’t think about,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Nonprofits work magic with their budgets to make a positive difference in countless lives in our region, but there’s only so much they can do. Donating toilet paper is a great way to join together and ensure more money goes toward vital programs that change people’s lives.”

Sacramento Children’s Home’s Crisis Nursery spends $1,300 on toilet paper each year – money that could provide 190 kids with food for four months. UCP of Sacramento and Northern California spends $868 on toilet paper, the equivalent of 31 hours of support for someone with a developmental disability.

Last year’s Toilet Paper Drive raised 115,840 rolls of toilet paper and this year’s goal is 125,000 rolls. Sac-Val Janitorial Supply will donate one roll for every two rolls collected.

Food Link, a Sacramento nonprofit, will store the toilet paper and help distribute it the following week to many of United Way’s 142 certified nonprofit partners in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties.

Woodland United Way also will hold a toilet paper drive on June 14. Toilet paper can be dropped off at Woodland United Way, 1017 Main Street in Woodland. For information on the Woodland drive, call (530) 662-3633.

70 adults and children protest adult ESL budget cuts

2012-05-28T02:58:53Z

Adult ESL learners and their children came out in droves to rally for Sacramento City Unified School District to reinstate funding for the ESL program at Fremont Adult School in Sacramento. Seventy people waved signs and cheered outside the school district office on 47th Avenue on Thursday. Countless cars honked and showed their support.

Student Juan Navarrete said in a letter to the school board, “I learned a lot as you see. Now I can write, read, speak. Also I completed my GED and some computer programs, but the more important thing is that I can help my kids with homework. Incredibly, their grades have gone up in school. They have dreams, hopes, they have a future.”

Teacher Marge Matoba said, “With the school slated for closure at the end of this semester, students are understandably devastated at the prospect of having nowhere to go to learn English so they can survive and thrive in Sacramento.”

To get involved, e-mail savefremont@hotmail.com.

With more than 2,000 students enrolled in its 181-day regular school year programs, Fremont School for Adults works to educate adults so they will have the basic life skills and academic skills essential to be successful. Fremont students come from around the world and bring with them a wide range of languages and cultures, providing the campus with rich cultural diversity. Fremont offers a fully accredited High School Completion program, as well as an ESL program and an Adult Basic Education program that provides foundation skills for elementary reading, writing and math. Fremont also offers GED test preparation.

Beer tasting to raise funds to send children with autism to camp

2012-04-10T21:09:14Z

Local residents can sample new Pyramid brews at a fundraiser for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s Autism Center for Excellence summer camp. The tasting event will take place 5-8 p.m. on April 19 at Pyramid Alehouse, 1029 K Street, Sacramento, and will include unlimited samples of Pyramid’s new beer releases, light snacks and live music from local band Secret Argyle. Tickets cost $25 and must be purchased at http://ucpacecamp2012.eventbrite.com.

The event will help raise funds to send 15 children with autism to summer camp at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola. All 15 campers have been learning the skills to interact with other children with autism, as well as typically developing children, at UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State. A.C.E. Camp will give them the chance to put those skills into practice.

“We rely on the community to fund this wonderful experience for kids,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “Summer camp is a rite of passage, and we want to make sure all kids have the chance to enjoy this experience, regardless of having a developmental disability. We hope everyone will come out to Pyramid and enjoy some new beers and ensure all these kids have a summer they’ll never forget.”

A.C.E. campers will learn swimming, arts and crafts, kayaking, archery, volleyball, scooter hockey, fishing, soccer and dancing. They also will have a movie night, campfire time and a talent show, as well as the chance to build on the skills they learn throughout the year.

A.C.E. Camp costs $1,350 per child, but families are only charged $600. UCP relies on the community to fund the remaining $750 per child.

A.C.E. Camp compliments UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, which includes an interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, speech therapists, adaptive physical activity specialists and behavioral analysts. During the school year, children ages 8-12 take part in a large group activity to practice communication skills and divide into smaller groups that help them see the inter-relatedness of people in their lives. Parents are instructed on techniques to use at home.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Nine local companies, three people honored by United Way

2012-04-06T17:57:20Z

United Way California Capital Region honored nine employers and three volunteers from across the region for their outstanding leadership in local philanthropy at an awards ceremony on March 22.

United Way works with 450 employers across five counties to provide workplace giving campaigns through which employees can donate to the causes they care most about via automatic payroll deduction.

Intel Corporation, who again led all private sector campaigns in total giving, received the Outstanding Campaign Event award for its Intel Basket Drawing. UPS earned the Best Practices Campaign Techniques award, Allied/Nationwide the Outstanding Campaign Committee award, Lilliput Children’s Services the Best Agency Campaign award, Macy’s the Outstanding Corporate Partner award and Care Innovations the Best New Campaign award. Safelite Auto Glass received the Best Increase for a Small Company Campaign award, Nordstrom the Best Increase for a Large Company Campaign award and SMUD the LIVE UNITED organizational award.

Charles Lincoln of the United States Postal Service and Carol Ponce of Campbell’s Soup were honored as Employee Campaign Coordinators of the Year, and Tim Ray of AT&T received the LIVE UNITED individual award for outstanding overall support.

“The entire regional community has benefited from the generosity of these employers and volunteers,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “They represent what community is all about and we are very grateful to them.”

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Community raises 615 books for United Way drive

2012-04-02T17:36:47Z

Local residents have contributed more than 600 books, one for each child in United Way California Capital Region’s STAR Readers project, thanks to a drive presented jointly by United Way, Barnes & Noble, the Sacramento Public Library and the Sacramento Bee.

STAR Readers is a project headed by United Way in which 615 children are receiving intensive assistance from eight nonprofits in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. The objective of the project is to dramatically increase the percentage of children who score “proficient” or better on the STAR reading test all students take at the end of third grade. Reading proficiently by fourth grade is a key indicator of whether a child will graduate high school.

“The success of this book drive shows that we live in a community that values education,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “I want to thank everyone who purchased books. Thanks to them, there are 615 kids who are going to find learning to read a lot more fun. And that means that these are 615 kids who are far more likely to graduate from high school on time.”

The book drive conducted both online and at Barnes & Noble’s Citrus Heights store focused on four books, three of which were written by local authors, for children in kindergarten through third grade: “Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox” by Erin Dealey, “In the Trees Honey Bees,” by Lori Mortensen, “Gecko’s Complaint” by Ann Martin Bowler and “The Absent Author” by Ron Roy.

As part of the book drive, United Way teamed up with Barnes & Noble in Citrus Heights for a children’s reading event on March 14. Three of the local authors participating in the book drive read from their books, which were available to purchase that night for the drive.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

900th formerly homeless woman graduates from Women's Empowerment

2012-03-27T17:58:53Z

Twenty-nine women graduated from Women’s Empowerment’s job-readiness program for women who are homeless on March 22, including the group’s 900th graduate, Stacey Jackson, age 53. Jackson is now in housing and enrolled in Paratransit Inc.’s vehicle operator training program.

“Women’s Empowerment showed me that you can do things and make changes after 50,” Jackson said. “I am now very proud to see what I see when I look in the mirror. The changes I’ve gone through have shed a whole new light on my life.”

Jackson was born in Missouri to a low-income military family that mostly ate rice and beans. She and her sisters slept in one room while her brother slept in the living room. She married, and 31 years later, her husband left her. She lost her house and turned to Women’s Empowerment for help. At Women’s Empowerment, she drew on her father’s work ethic and encouragement to continually “better themselves.”

“At orientation, I was asked why I wanted to come to Women’s Empowerment,” Jackson said. “I told them I have too much talent and too many skills not to share myself with the world.”

More than 200 community members, including graduates’ mentors and families, attended the graduation where each graduate shared her story and future plans through poetry, songs and speeches centered around the theme, “diamonds in the rough.” Each woman received a donated gift bag filled with a day planner and other items designed to help her succeed. The gift bags were donated by the Zonta Club of Sacramento and Soroptimist International of Greater Sacramento.

“We are profoundly proud of each of these 29 women who have joined 887 other women who were once homeless but have found a safe home, a steady job and a healthy lifestyle,” said Lisa Culp, Women’s Empowerment executive director. “They are breaking the cycle of homelessness for generations to come.”

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 916 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 73 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the pro bono PR consultant for Women's Empowerment and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Children in pajamas hear authors read for United Way book drive

2012-03-19T20:30:45Z

Dozens of children in pajamas and their parents crowded into Barnes & Noble in Citrus Heights on March 14 to hear local authors read from their books that are included in United Way’s STAR Readers Book Drive March 5-23. The drive benefits the group’s STAR Readers project that is helping children read at grade level by fourth grade, a key indicator of high school graduation rates.

At the event, Erin Dealey read her book, “Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox,” Lori Mortensen read her book, “In the Trees Honey Bees,” and Ann Martin Bowler read her book, “Gecko’s Complaint.” Children also enjoyed a craft project, milk and cookies.

“The kids had an absolute blast,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “The authors really engaged the children in the stories, helping to strengthen their love of reading. The results said it all: Parents and authors purchased dozens of books that night. We hope the community will continue to support this drive as we work toward our goal of 615 books, one for every child in our STAR Readers project.”

The online book drive includes four books for children in kindergarten through third grade. To purchase books, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/bookdrive.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and PR consultant for United Way California Capital Region and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Teaching Kitchen for foster youth launched at Koinonia

2012-03-15T19:07:45Z

Seventy residents from Sacramento and Placer counties attended the grand opening of Koinonia Homes for Teens’ Teaching Kitchen for foster youth in Loomis on March 2, which included appetizers and cake pops handmade by teens in the program.

“This was a great opportunity to show our kids how much this community cares about them and to show our community members how much their generosity makes a difference in young lives,” said Bill Ryland, Koinonia Homes for Teens administrator. “The kids and guests alike had a great time.”

Koinonia created the Teaching Kitchen thanks to grants from Herbalife Family Foundation and Bank of America to ensure foster youth in the program receive proper nutrition education, learn how to create healthy meals for themselves and a group, and explore career opportunities in the culinary field.

Prior to the Teaching Kitchen, teens in the program learned how to cook nutritious meals, but were gathered in a small kitchen with few appliances and just enough curriculum to ensure they learned the basics. With the new kitchen, more teens can gather around a kitchen island designed for instruction and use new appliances. Koinonia also will bring in more guest speakers to teach about nutrition and cooking as a profession.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the PR consultant for Koinonia Homes for Teens and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Help nonprofits raise funds, awareness through t-shirts

2012-03-06T22:30:04Z

Seventeen nonprofits, mostly local, are raising awareness and funds through high-end custom t-shirts created and sold by Fibers.com, a custom t-shirt company based in Sacramento. Fibers.com creates the designs and hosts online stores for each nonprofit, with 25 percent of proceeds donated to the nonprofit.

“When t-shirts look good, people notice. We thought this would be a creative way for people to learn about the amazing work nonprofits are doing in our community while also raising funds for these groups that are working so hard,” said Melody Stone, Fibers.com marketing director. “It’s a great opportunity for people to share the causes they care most about.”

Local participating nonprofits include the California Food Literacy Center, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, Artober, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, Women’s Empowerment, Sactomofo, Koinonia Homes for Teens, Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails and the Heart Gallery. Others include Donors Choose, Clean Water Network, Friends of the River, Urban Aspirations and Humanitarian Foundation.

For nonprofits interested in learning more about partnering with Fibers.com, contact Stone at melody@fibers.com or (888) 542-0808. To shop for nonprofit t-shirts, visit www.fibers.com/shop/non-profits.

Fibers.com empowers idea mobilization through wearable self-expression that also promotes social responsibility and charitable giving. With innovative technology, Fibers.com provides customization for every design. Customers can upload their own artwork or choose from more than 8,000 art elements including text, design, color, style, size and more. For more information, visit www.fibers.com.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the PR consultant for Fibers.com and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Yocha Dehe donates $25K for people with disabilities

2012-03-06T18:45:57Z

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California has received a $25,000 grant from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Community Fund to empower people with developmental disabilities in three programs serving Yolo County. Funding will support UCP’s respite program, transportation program and Woodland adult day program.

“We are honored to receive funding from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Community Fund, which supports so many worthy causes in our region,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “We look forward to empowering more people with developmental disabilities in Yolo County to live life without limits.”

UCP’s Woodland adult day program serves 47 adults each month who have physical disabilities but are more advanced cognitively. The program helps participants develop skills and encourages individual choice. These skills promote an independent lifestyle and contribute to making the participant an active member of the community. Instruction includes personal choices, decision making and problem solving, communication skills and assistive devices, basic reading and math skills, financial management, cooking and nutrition, mobility, computer skills, physical health and well-being, wheelchair aerobics, community integration, social development, leisure activities, self-advocacy, access to community support systems and functional living skills.

UCP’s in-home respite program provides care for people with developmental disabilities so family caregivers can focus on other family members or tasks. Respite care is a prevention technique that not only protects caregiver health and well-being, it prevents out-of-home placements and reduces the risk of abuse or neglect. The program serves 56 clients in Yolo County. Respite workers are trained in CPR and First Aid, as well as in tactics on how best to care for people with a variety of disabilities. Each client has an individualized plan so that respite workers can work on personal goals: learning new skills, participating further in the community or socializing with someone new.

Every weekday, UCP provides transportation on a curb-to-curb, fixed-route service where participants can ride the bus to their adult day programs. The program provides 4,381 miles in service each month for Yolo County residents with developmental disabilities to access the Woodland adult day program. UCP’s transportation program encourages people with developmental disabilities to experience mobility, independence and a greater connection to their community.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund was established in 2000 as the philanthropic branch of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The fund provides more than $1.5 million annually to nonprofit organizations to strengthen regional programs and services in areas including health and wellness, education, arts and culture, and environmental stewardship. The fund was one of the first of its kind to be established by a tribal government in California. For more information, visit www.yochadehe.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing and fundraising consultant for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Wells Fargo's Chevo Ramirez to be honored at UCP Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner

2012-03-05T16:23:24Z

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California will hold its 19th annual Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner 6-9 p.m. on May 10 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Sacramento. The group, which empowers people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits, will honor Chevo Ramirez, regional vice president of Wells Fargo Foundation for the Northern and Central California Region. The Humanitarian of the Year Award is given to individuals who have displayed a passion for life and a desire to work toward enhancing the lives of others.

More than 500 people are expected to attend Sacramento’s premier humanitarian event, which has raised nearly $1.75 million for children, adults and families living with disabilities. Last year’s event raised $240,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, live and silent auctions and the Fund-a-Success.

Sample bids for this year’s Fund-a-Success live auction include $2,500 to help someone with a disability learn how to live independently, $1,000 to help children with autism become active members of the community and $500 to support horses in the adaptive horsemanship program for children and adults.

The silent auction includes vacation packages, winery tours, golf packages, poker night, sports suites and more. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Brooke Poggi at bpoggi@ucpsacto.org or 916-283-8317.

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 2,600 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

United Way elects two new board members

2012-03-03T01:08:50Z

Annette Bachmeier of Placerville and Julie Quinn of Natomas have been elected to the board of directors for United Way California Capital Region. Bachmeier is director of global outsourcing business operations in sales and marketing at Intel. Quinn is office managing director and marketplace leader for Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Sacramento office.

“We already have witnessed Annette’s exceptional leadership in Intel’s Community Giving Campaign, which has raised well over $1 million for our local United Way each of the three years she has chaired it. We look forward to her bringing that same kind of leadership to our Board,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Julie has fantastic organizational design and project management skills, and we look forward to her guidance as we work to impact the areas of education, health and income in our region.”

Through Intel’s sales and marketing organization, Bachmeier is responsible for driving efficiencies and productivity, enabling Intel’s mission and growth. She has worked with Intel for 17 years in a number of roles within sales and marketing, primarily focusing on transforming and optimizing the resource model. Prior to Intel, Bachmeier was a supervisor at the 911 Sacramento Regional Fire Dispatch Center. She is a member of the American River College Foundation board of directors and treasurer of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire Giving committee.

A certified Project Management Professional, Quinn has more than 20 years of management consulting experience with public sector entities throughout the United States. Her areas of expertise include project management, business process management, organizational design, and enterprise transformation for large, complex public sector organizations. More broadly, Quinn focuses on helping state government organizations improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their internal operations by redesigning business processes, developing short- and long-term organizational strategies, providing change management services, and managing complex business process and information technology projects.

During her nearly 15 years with Deloitte, Quinn has held a variety of client service and leadership roles, including working with tax and revenue organizations in California, Montana, Michigan, Kentucky and Florida. She also has managed projects for several California state agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Motor Vehicles and Health Services, and the California Public Employees Retirement System. She currently serves as the lead human capital director for Deloitte’s work with the State of California. Quinn recently led two significant pro bono engagements for the State of California and the national Reimagining Service initiative and recently had the opportunity to facilitate a White House forum to advise the nation’s leaders on supply and demand issues impacting nonprofits and volunteers.

Re-elected United Way board members include Diana Borroel of Principal Financial Group, Kim Hewitt of IBM, Carolyn Mullins of AT&T and Rick Young of State Street.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

Help kids become STAR readers through United Way book drive

2012-03-02T22:33:49Z

Local residents can help kids reach for the stars by participating in United Way California Capital Region’s STAR Readers Book Drive March 5-23. The drive benefits the group’s STAR Readers project that is helping children read at grade level by fourth grade, a key indicator of high school graduation rates.

“Through third grade, children are learning to read; in fourth grade, they’re reading to learn,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Children reading at grade level entering fourth grade are far more likely to graduate high school. This book drive will help 615 kids have access to books that will set them on a path for success.”

The online book drive includes four books, three of which were written by local authors, for children in kindergarten through third grade. The goal is to collect 615 books, one for each child in the STAR Readers project. To purchase books, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

As part of the STAR Readers Book Drive, United Way is teaming up with Barnes & Noble in Citrus Heights for a children’s reading event. Families are invited to A Starry Night from 7-8 p.m. on March 14 at 6111 Sunrise Boulevard. Three of the authors participating in the book drive will read from their books, which will be available to purchase that night for the book drive. The event will include refreshments, and children are encouraged to wear pajamas. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

United Way names new senior vice president

2012-02-24T22:58:35Z

Andrew Sheehy, former executive director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater Sacramento and Northern Nevada, will lead United Way California Capital Region’s resource development team. Sheehy will serve as senior vice president of resource development, directing individual giving campaigns and more than 700 workplace giving campaigns that benefit hundreds of nonprofits across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties.

“Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO of United Way California Capital Region. “He has proven strength in creating and executing successful fundraising campaigns. Not only will he be bringing this knowledge to United Way, all of our nonprofit partners will benefit from his work.”

At the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Sheehy merged regional offices while increasing fundraising results by formulating and implementing major gift campaigns targeting individuals, corporations and government funding sources. He secured two major national corporate relationships for the association. Prior to his work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Sheehy was the area director and program director for Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, where he developed and implemented a program that trained homeless and underemployed veterans for living wage jobs. A former member of the United States Marine Corps, Sheehy holds a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge, and is an elected member of the Eureka Union School District board of trustees in Granite Bay.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

Sacramento-based app lets customers provide private feedback to local businesses

2012-02-21T23:17:04Z

Sacramento residents weary of writing public online reviews can provide private, anonymous and immediate feedback to local businesses through the new free Sacramento-based iSuggest app. iSuggest is a Sacramento mobile technology startup company that gives customers a voice while providing tools for businesses to improve customer satisfaction.

“Often people want to provide suggestions to local businesses without risking the company’s reputation by writing a public review,” said Matt Brickley, iSuggest marketing director. “iSuggest gives them the chance to communicate directly with the manager or business owner right away without tracking someone down in person or searching for an online contact form.”

Customers visit iSuggest.com or download iSuggest for free from their app market. When the app is launched, customers see all nearby businesses or can search for businesses in other locations. After a suggestion is written, it is delivered instantly and privately to the manager or owner. Businesses can then respond to customers and offer rewards for helpful feedback. The basic iSuggest service is free for all businesses, but a Pro Plan upgrade will soon be available to businesses looking for additional tools such as customer rewards and analytics.
“This is a win-win,” Brickley said. “Customers have the chance to share their brilliant ideas, and businesses can correct errors or implement new ideas before negative public reviews hit the web. The result benefits the entire community.”

iSuggest can provide feedback to any business, but many local businesses have signed up to promote their desire to receive feedback, including De Vere’s Irish Pub, Hot Italian, Sterling Hotel, Sacramento Comedy Spot and Mike’s Bikes of Sacramento. Businesses receive iSuggest’s green “We Heart Feedback” stickers, bill inserts, table tents and more, and can manage their online suggestions and provide incentives through a control panel. To sign up as an iSuggest partner, visit www.isuggest.com or call (888) 907-2054.

iSuggest was created by Sacramento entrepreneurs Cory Robertson, Mike Machado and Matt Brickley when they noticed physical suggestion boxes were dwindling while at the same time, online review sites were lacking privacy, timeliness and direct communication. iSuggest provides a virtual suggestion box that allows customers to provide anonymous, private and immediate feedback through their mobile devices directly to management. iSuggest gives customers and businesses the chance to communicate privately and make changes that benefit the community as a whole. For more information, visit www.isuggest.com.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the PR consultant for iSuggest and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Assemblymember Pan helps United Way honor nonprofits and volunteers

2012-02-14T21:54:22Z

Assemblymember Richard Pan presented Mark Joske of AT&T with United Way California Capital Region’s Clarence La Rue Award for volunteerism at United Way’s Nonprofit Appreciation Event on Jan. 26 at Mulvaney’s in Sacramento. Forty of United Way’s nonprofit partners and their top volunteers attended the event.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

183 foster youth receive holiday gifts and stockings

2011-12-15T23:20:12Z

Ninety-six women donated 133 stockings and 150 gifts through United Way’s Women in Philanthropy so 183 local foster youth, and those emancipated, would have holiday wishes fulfilled. Fifty foster youth in Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program received the holiday gifts they requested. United Way’s Women in Philanthropy and community members also filled stockings for 133 current and emancipated foster youth with United Way’s $en$e-Ability project funded partners: Amador-Tuolumne Community Resources, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, Koinonia Family Services and New Morning Youth and Family Services.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

College student wins awards for work in memory of son with cerebral palsy

2011-12-02T19:33:49Z

Catalina Rodriguez of Winters was in high school when she lost her 18-month-old son to complications from cerebral palsy. Now a sophomore at Solano College, she has won several awards for her advocacy work with UCP of Sacramento and Northern California to honor her son.

Rodriguez was named the 2011 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals California Capital Chapter at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon in November. In September, she was named a Local Hero by Bank of America, and in the same month, was a top 10 finalist for Most Influential College Student at the national Stay Classy Awards. This spring, she received the Youth Volunteer Award at Community Services Planning Council’s People Helping People Awards Luncheon and received the Youth Volunteer Spirit Award from the Volunteer Center of Sacramento.

“We are so proud of this incredible mom, whose love for her son shines through everything she does,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, who nominated her for the awards.

Rodriguez dedicated her high school senior project to raising funds for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, which empowers people with all developmental disabilities to live life without limits. Rodriguez’ senior project began in early 2010 when she formed a partnership with First Northern Bank in Winters. When customers made a donation, a paper heart was displayed. By the end of April 2010, the bank was covered in paper hearts. Rodriguez also held car washes, garage sales, a hike-a-thon and sold a spa to raise funds. She dedicated more than 300 hours and raised $7,800 for UCP.

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 2,600 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

United Way grants more than $1.1M to nonprofits across five counties

2011-11-24T00:29:13Z

United Way California Capital Region will make grants totaling $1,168,008 to 13 local nonprofits, United Way president and CEO Steve Heath announced today. Funded partners serve people across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties and participate in United Way’s projects: STAR Readers, $en$e-Ability and Fit Kids.

“All of our funded partners have proven their incredible abilities to produce profound change in our community,” Heath said. “They know how to achieve measurable outcomes on important issues, and we’re excited to see what they do in the very important areas of children’s education, financial literacy and childhood obesity.”

United Way’s STAR Readers project is working to ensure all children are reading at grade level by fourth grade, a key indicator of whether or not a child will eventually graduate high school. The project uses a three-pronged approach: after-school tutoring to at-risk children from kindergarten through third grade, tools and resources for parents to involve them in their children’s reading, and summer reading programs for children.

STAR Readers partners are Amador-Tuolumne Community Resources ($48,903), Boys & Girls Clubs of El Dorado County Western Slope ($82,000), New Morning Youth and Family Services ($54,281), Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento ($50,000), Sacramento Children’s Home ($70,000) and Sacramento Chinese Community Services Center ($94,283).

United Way’s $en$e-Ability project is working to ensure low-income households are financially literate so they can meet their current obligations and maximize longer-term financial well-being. United Way partners are providing financial education and follow-up support on bank services, budgeting, saving, debt management, retirement planning and insurance.

Several $en$e-Ability partners are working specifically with foster youth to create Individual Development Accounts so they can be self-sufficient when they leave the foster care system. These special bank accounts earn one dollar for every dollar the foster youth saves, and the matching funds can be used to purchase specific items. While earning, foster youth take financial literacy classes and receive financial counseling.

$en$e-Ability partners are Amador-Tuolumne Community Resources ($81,791), Koinonia Family Services ($40,175), Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento ($81,836), Community Link ($94,070), Women’s Empowerment ($40,000), New Morning Youth and Family Services ($27,500) and Yolo Family Resource Center ($70,000).

United Way’s Fit Kids project is working with several nonprofit partners to address the rise in obesity and challenges related to weight gain so that more people will live a healthy lifestyle and fewer people will battle obesity and its corresponding health challenges. Fit Kids partners are teaching kids about nutrition and physical activity and providing opportunities for healthy eating and exercise.

Fit Kids partners are YMCA Superior California ($40,160), Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento ($72,347), Sacramento Chinese Community Services Center ($63,429) and Health Education Council ($197,393).

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

Make holiday dreams come true for Sacramento foster youth

2011-11-23T00:25:34Z

SACRAMENTO – As foster youth in the Sacramento area spend the holidays away from home, local residents can ensure they still have stockings and presents to open, thanks to United Way’s Women in Philanthropy and Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program.

Visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org to sign up to bring specific gifts for children in Sacramento County’s Child Protective Services or to provide a $30 donation to purchase a holiday stocking for a foster youth preparing for emancipation. All items must be received by 4 p.m. on Dec. 5 at United Way’s office, 10389 Old Placerville Road, Sacramento. For more information, contact Kaila Ricci at kricci@uwccr.org or (916) 856-3910.

Holiday gifts will be distributed through Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program, and stockings will be distributed through United Way’s certified nonprofit partners that work with foster youth preparing to leave the foster care system.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.

Help fill holiday stockings for homeless women and children

2011-11-15T00:07:24Z

SACRAMENTO—Christmas morning will be filled with holiday cheer for formerly homeless women and their children, thanks to Sacramento-area residents who are donating to Women’s Empowerment’s annual Holiday Stocking Drive.

The group is seeking stockings and specific fillers for infants and toddlers, children, teens and adult women. For the list of items needed, visit www.womens-empowerment.org. Residents can also make a financial donation and volunteers will then shop and fill the stockings. The average filled stocking costs $30. Items are needed by Friday, Dec. 2, at 1400 North C Street, Sacramento. For more information, contact Courtney Parmer at courtney@womens-empowerment.org or (916) 669-2307.

“In this economy, more than half of the women who walk through our doors are homeless for the first time,” said Lisa Culp, executive director. “These remarkable women have worked tirelessly to break the cycle of homelessness, and these stockings bring immeasurable holiday cheer to their hearts and their new homes.”

Women’s Empowerment is the only job-readiness program exclusively serving homeless women in the greater Sacramento region. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 831 homeless women and their more than 1,000 children, with 93 percent of them finding permanent housing and 74 percent finding jobs or enrolling in school, despite the current economy. This unique program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. For more information visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is a pro bono PR consultant for Women's Empowerment and works with numerous local nonprofits and companies that give back to the community.

Cocktails, appetizers, networking and...ballet?

2011-11-07T22:00:40Z

Sacramento’s young professionals are invited to attend United Way’s unique twist on a networking event. Sacramentans can enjoy drinks and appetizers while learning about the origin of ballet at United Way’s Emerging Leaders Fall Event on Nov. 10.

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet will present a costumed Ballet 101 demonstration at the event as well as a sneak peek at the group’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The event will take place 5:30-7 p.m. at Lounge ON20, 1050 20th Street in Sacramento. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Proceeds will benefit United Way California Capital Region and its nonprofit partners working on high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity through United Way projects: STAR Readers, $en$e-Ability and Fit Kids.

United Way’s Emerging Leaders are young or young-at-heart professionals who join together across varying backgrounds and industries to create lasting change in our community. The Emerging Leaders’ mission is to engage members to make a difference in their community through hands-on volunteer opportunities while providing members with professional and personal development through innovative leadership trainings and inventive networking events. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/el.

Disclosure: Kristin Thébaud is the marketing consultant for United Way California Capital Region, as well as other local nonprofits and philanthropic companies.