Q: How did you get connected with CHS?
A: I was introduced to CHS when I first came to Modesto many years ago. I believe it was at an event I attended with a friend and the work made a lasting impression on me. I had been involved in similar organizations in the Bay Area and was thrilled to see such a program here in the Central Valley.

Q: What has kept you engaged with us?
A: I know that when adults and children who need help find the right resources they can stabilize and rebuild their lives. The human spirit and the need to thrive is so strong in most people that if given the tools, compassion and resources to heal their lives can change and in turn whole communities can transform. CHS programs do just that for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I find this invigorating and it keeps me wanting to do whatever I can to support these life-saving programs.

Q: What programs or services resonate with you the most, and why?
A: The Youth Navigation Center is a heroic program. I was involved in the campaign to raise funds for that project. This program resonates with me because youth are so resilient and just need stability to gain traction and lead productive lives. The drop in and residential components serve a variety of cases and minimize youth falling through the cracks. Our family has been involved in bringing meals to the housing units and I was involved in the renovation of some of the units that house teens.

I also salute the mental health programs CHS runs because youth and adults with mental health challenges need on-going support to be able to live productive lives. These services are not just needed on a temporary basis but must endure for a lifetime to insure that the patients continue to progress with a solid support system and foundation for success beneath them. CHS does an excellent job in this category and I feel it is one of the most important services the agency provides.

Q: You’ve been an Edible Extravaganza vendor for several years, why do you continue supporting this fundraiser?
A: Edible Extravaganza is a hallmark event in our community! So many people come and support this event and frankly, it’s just plain fun!! Our business, Greens on Tenth, has been a vendor for many years because our team loves doing the event and it is yet another way we can support CHS and the fantastic work they do in our community.

Q: What would you tell someone who is considering getting involved with CHS?
A: I would encourage people to look at the many different programs that CHS runs and they will find that the organization touches the most vulnerable population and provides life-saving services to adults and youth. Not many agencies have the breadth of programs, in several geographic areas, serving as wide of a population as CHS. Contributing to CHS leverages your donation into many critical areas of need for both youth and adults and helps strengthen families and our community as a whole. It is an excellent investment in the future!

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