Erica Diamond began volunteering with California Homemakers Association ten years ago after witnessing the problems and suffering in Sonoma County’s low-income communities. “I wanted to do everything that I can to address the root causes of poverty,” she says. “And I found that CHA was organizing the low-income...
Mentors change the world. They empower success and support young people through their journey to reach their goals and dreams. They enable growth, connection, experiences and as 10,000 Degrees Sonoma County says, “They believe in their amazing students!” This past year, Beth Brown, CEO, and J...
At Community Foundation Sonoma County, we believe in the power of connecting people, ideas, and resources to benefit all who live here. There’s a small but critical word in that mission statement, one that deserves extra attention—all. As an organization that is deeply connected to this place...
Mary Stompe’s high job satisfaction is rooted in a truly personal situation; her mother experienced what far too many seniors do. Mary explains, “My own mother, who had lived a middle class life in Marin, began a rapid downward spiral when my father died unexpectedly....
Brothers, ages 11 and 9, are put on a train alone to escape a growing threat to Jews as war looms. Their parents stay behind in Germany, hoping to join them after taking care of family affairs. They will never see each other again. Hans (“Hank”)...
Expecting their first child, saving for a first home and working as a preschool teacher, all seemed well with a young family until their daughter’s birth had complications. The couple, having no health insurance, used all their savings on medical bills. Then, after her husband...
Every American generation must face defining moments. We are facing one now. The recent killings of people and police officers in communities across the country have stirred feelings of discord and despair, and left Americans wondering how we’ll find a way forward. Yet America has faced many...
What happens when 15 of Sonoma County’s most interesting women nonprofit leaders get together? A lot of laughter and support bubbles out of the room. Partnerships and friendships are formed. Ideas and best practices are generously shared. A circle of support is created. In February, Community Foundation...
“I’ll always remember a girl at my grade school who only had one dress. That just blew my mind. My family was in the retail business so I had a wonderful wardrobe and she had just one dress. I have never forgotten that and I...
The LGBTQI Giving Circle of Community Foundation Sonoma County has recently made 5 grants to non-profit organizations that serve the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI) residents of the region. The special grants were made through a collaborative group of people...