One of the most widespread impacts from both the 2017 and 2019 fires was on our community’s mental health. “Children are especially impacted by disaster, often experiencing trauma-related fears, anxiety and sleep disruption, even after the disaster is over, ” said Karin Demarest, vice president...
When the Kincade Fire ignited, multiple organizations responded quickly to ensure residents would be supported. Facing the loss of homes, paychecks, and other essentials as the holiday season approached, we immediately enacted a round of emergency grants from our Resilience Fund to help nonprofit organizations...
Leaders from six diverse nonprofit organizations serving the Sonoma Valley gathered at the Lodge at Sonoma this month to mark the launch of a three-year team-building cohort. This grant program, in it’s second iteration since first launching in 2015, is made possible through Community Foundation...
For Valentine’s Day, we asked staff members to share some of their thoughts and memories on what has helped spark their love affair with Sonoma County: Elly Grogan, Senior Philanthropic Officer I spent a good part of my childhood on a forty acre apple ranch outside Occidental....
If you’ve come by our office this past month, you might have seen a new face welcoming you at our front desk. We are delighted to welcome Abby “Tiny” Torrez to our team as our new administrative assistant. Tiny recently graduated from Sonoma State University...
From Elizabeth Brown, President and CEO: This recipe blends two key key facts about me—1) I am from Georgia and 2) I don’t cook. Please note: all other Georgians are amazing cooks! Beth’s Pimento Cheese and Crackers This recipe blends two key key facts about me—1) I...
From Caitlin Childs, Director of Communications: I learned to bake side by side with my mom using recipes from a cookbook her mom gave her when she moved into her own apartment in college. These classic cookies are beloved around the world, especially in my...
From Emily Johnson, Donor Services Coordinator: Ever since I can remember, our family has made peanut butter blossom cookies for the holidays. We haven’t missed a year yet, and aren’t going to start now – we’re getting together on Saturday to make our annual four or...
From Kristin Nelson, Director of Philanthropic Advising: Each Christmas Eve, I make a Tuscan dish called maiale di chianti. It isn’t fancy but it IS extraordinarily delicious. As it slowly simmers, it leaves the whole house smelling like rich wine, pork, and fennel while my family spends...
Nicole LeStrange, grants coordinator shares, "this is the recipe for the truffles my husband makes for us every Christmas. The recipe was given to him by his friend, Phil (“Philly Wonka” - because of these drool-worthy, addictive little nubbins he makes). Not an easy process,...