Baby Supplies Needed at Sac Life Center

Posted on by kthebaud

Local residents can help low-income new moms in Sacramento this holiday season through the Sacramento Life Center’s annual Baskets4Babies drive running through Dec. 31. The drive stocks the Sacramento Life Center’s baby needs center so the nonprofit can provide a basket of needed items to every patient who gives birth in 2022. Donations can be made in any increment, but $50 guarantees a new mother has everything she needs to bring her baby home from the hospital, including diapers, clothing, bottles, formula, homemade blankets, bibs, bathing supplies and more. A pledge of $50 per month guarantees a mother can return each month to the baby needs center for additional necessities until her child is 2 years old. Donations can be made online at www.saclife.org.

“It’s been an exhausting year for everyone, but especially for pregnant women and new moms in need,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Having supportive people surrounding them makes all the difference. Our baby baskets give pregnant mothers practical and necessary items and show them they have a community of support.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

United Way Launches “United We Shine” Holiday Campaign

Posted on by kthebaud

This holiday season, the local United Way is shining a light on its nonprofit partners working to end poverty in the Capital Region. Each day for 12 days starting Nov. 29, United Way’s United We Shine campaign will feature a different nonprofit partner that is working to build equity and end poverty in the region, including a specific need each is facing and how local residents can help. To participate, follow United Way California Capital Region on social media. For more: YourLocalUnitedWay.org/post/United-We-Shine.

“We are proud of the work we do at United Way to bring nonprofits together to work toward equitable systems and reduce poverty so all families in our region can thrive,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “After another difficult year, we can come together this holiday season to generously support the important work being done in our community. Over these 12 days, I hope everyone will join us in supporting as many of our local nonprofits as possible.”

Featured nonprofits include Community Housing Opportunities Corporation, St. Vincent de Paul Sacramento Diocesan Council, Urban Strategies Inc., Computers 4 Kids, Yolo County Children’s Alliance, Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency, Bless Child Community Association, YMCA, Sacramento County Gifts from the Heart, New Morning Youth and Family Services, and Empower Yolo. On Nov. 30, Giving Tuesday, United Way will share more about the work it is doing and how local residents can get involved.

For nearly 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought local people together to make community change happen. With a mission to build stronger, healthier and more compassionate communities, the local United Way starts at square one: helping every family succeed so their community can too. Serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way is working to meet its 20-year commitment to significantly reduce poverty in the region by helping kids excel in school, investing in families, creating meaningful partnerships and organizing to lift impacted families. For more information or to make a donation, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

Tickets on Sale for United Way Brews and Brains Fundraiser

Posted on by kthebaud

Local residents can enjoy independent craft brews and trivia in an urban Biergarten at United Way’s 7th annual Brews and Brains fundraiser on Oct. 14, hosted by United Way’s Young Leaders Society and sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Tickets are on sale for the outdoor event at SacYard Community Tap House that also will include a raffle, commemorative pint glass, food and entertainment to raise funds for United Way’s work to create digital equity across the region. Tickets are expected to sell out. To purchase, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org/YLS-Brews-Brains.

“Brews and Brains is one of the most anticipated trivia nights of the year,” said Eric Grabin, chair, United Way’s Young Leaders Society. “What can be better than trivia, brews and food while supporting the ongoing effort of United Way’s Digital Equity program and Young Leaders Society?”

United Way launched its three-year digital equity partnership with the City of Sacramento, SMUD, City of Rancho Cordova and community nonprofits in July to close the local digital divide – unequal technology and internet access – that has expanded during the pandemic. Building on its pilot project with the City of Sacramento in fall 2020, United Way and its partners are working to address the issue of digital equity long-term both inside and beyond the city limits. The program will provide internet access for up to 1,000 households a year, refurbished desktop computers for up to 500 people per year and digital literacy training through online resources and classes.

With more than 24 million unconnected households nationwide, the digital divide disproportionately affects minority and low-income populations. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 35 percent of adults who do not use broadband at home are older, poorer, less educated, more likely to be a racial or ethnic minority, and more likely to have a disability than those with a home connection. In Sacramento, there are neighborhoods where 25 percent of households have no internet access. To learn more, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org/Digital.

“The digital divide is not new, but it has expanded rapidly with the pandemic when so many parents began working from home and kids began learning remotely,” said Amber Lovett, interim president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We need to address this issue immediately. We are grateful to United Way’s Young Leaders Society for recognizing that this is a critical program for achieving equity across the region, and for selecting this program for their fundraising work this year.”

United Way’s Young Leaders Society creates opportunities for young professionals who live or work in the California capital region to connect with peers and community leaders and give back through acts of service and volunteering. For more information or to join, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org/YLS.

For nearly 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought local people together to make community change happen. With a mission to build stronger, healthier and more compassionate communities, the local United Way starts at square one: helping every family succeed so their community can too. Serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way is working to meet its 20-year commitment to significantly reduce poverty in the region by building capacity in undervalued communities, creating meaningful partnerships, seeking equity in education and making social justice investments in families. For more information or to make a donation, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

Local Doctor to Run Castle Peak 100K to Support Sacramento Life Center

Posted on by kthebaud

Local physician Dr. Timothy Phelan will run one of the most difficult trail races in the country, the Castle Peak 100K in Truckee, on Aug. 14 to raise funds for the Sacramento Life Center’s work to help low-income women improve their health during pregnancy. Phelan practices at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom and has completed 50 competitive running events in the last 10 years, including 10 road marathons and 18 ultra-marathons. This is his third fundraiser for the Sacramento Life Center, raising more than $15,000 total in his previous 40K and 50K runs. Phelan hopes to raise $10,000 during the Castle Peak 100K. To make a donation, visit SacLife.org.

“Not all women have access to the support and resources they need for a healthy pregnancy and baby,” Phelan said. “The Sacramento Life Center offers a safe place for women to find the compassion and support they need to become a parent.”

The Castle Peak 100K is a mountain foot race covering more than 62 rugged miles. The race starts on the Pacific Crest in Truckee at the Donner Ski Ranch before ascending and descending more than 15,000 feet at an average elevation of 7,400 feet above sea level. The course travels roughly 95 percent of demanding single-track trails while journeying through some of the most dramatic scenery and vistas Tahoe has to offer.

Funds raised during Phelan’s run in the Castle Peak 100K will provide Sacramento Life Center’s pregnant moms with health education, as well as medical care, prenatal vitamins and more.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Phelan for his commitment to help our moms stay healthy during pregnancy, especially during these difficult times,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “The Sacramento Life Center is a central resource where women who are pregnant and in need can access everything they need to be healthy, successful mothers. We saw a sharp rise in need when the pandemic hit, so any gifts to Dr. Phelan’s fundraiser will make a big difference in the lives of pregnant women right here in Sacramento.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

United Way Launches REMIX Virtual Speaker Series for Young Professionals

Posted on by kthebaud

United Way’s Young Leaders Society is hosting a virtual speaker series this fall to meet the most pressing work-related and mental health needs of young professionals during the pandemic. The REMIX speaker series will launch on Oct. 6 with a free virtual presentation by Celeste Sekigahama of the Yoga Seed and will be followed by a free virtual presentation on Oct. 27 by Nihal Satyadev, MPH, founder of The Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s. The series will culminate on Nov. 17 with a virtual presentation by Isaac Serwanga, TEDx-featured speaker, best-selling author, and founder of Inform and Inspire. Tickets for Serwanga’s presentation are $15 for general admission and $10 for members of United Way’s Young Leaders Society. To get tickets to any or all of the three events, visit www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org/YLSREMIX2020.

“The challenges of 2020 have tested our community’s creativity and resilience,” said Alison Leary, chair, United Way’s Young Leaders Society. “As we work remotely or differently in light of the COVID-19 crisis, it’s important that young professionals continue to build professional and leadership skills while also taking time to support their personal well-being and health of communities. We hope young professionals across the region will join us as we work to REMIX our lives and the rest of 2020.”

On Oct. 6, Sekigahama will provide insight on prioritizing self-care to achieve work-life balance during the pandemic. Later in October, Satyadev will share his story and offer tips on amping up one’s role in the community and taking on more leadership. The series will end with Serwanga’s presentation on establishing a healthy professional network online, leveraging personal brand to establish more quality connections, and keeping motivated and inspired to take action.

United Way’s Young Leaders Society harnesses the passion and energy of the Sacramento region’s young professionals to create stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. The group volunteers and holds fundraisers for United Way’s Square One Project, a 20-year project to significantly increase the number of students in the region who graduate from high school ready for success in college and beyond. To join or learn more, visit www.YoungLeadersUWCCR.org.  

For nearly 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought local people together to make community change happen. Today, the nonprofit is bringing people together across Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties for its Square One Project. United Way believes ending poverty starts in school and is working to ensure kids meet important milestones and their families receive support and resources. To learn more and make a donation, visit www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

See Dad Run to Benefit Sac Life Center

Posted on by kthebaud

Local residents can walk or run where and when they want on Father’s Day weekend and raise funds for Sacramento’s low-income pregnant women and teens through the Sacramento Life Center’s See Dad Run fundraiser. The event will take place on June 20 and will allow for social distancing by giving participants the chance to hike their favorite trail or walk around the block, either as an individual or a team. Those who raise $200 or more will receive ice cream for four at Leatherby’s Family Creamery. Registration is $10 per individual or $25 per team. To sign up and create your personal fundraising page – or to make a donation – visit SeeDadRun.com.

“This is such a great way to honor the dads in our lives while getting out in the fresh air and doing some good for our community,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Together, we can do so much for the pregnant women and teens in need in our community.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a school-based teen education program, 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

Women’s Empowerment Gala Goes Virtual May 21

Posted on by kthebaud

With just a few clicks, community members can attend Women’s Empowerment’s annual gala fundraiser, this year a virtual event themed “WE are Resilient.” The local nonprofit job training and empowerment program for women who are homeless and their children raises a fifth of the organization’s annual budget through the gala, which honors the group’s 1,657 graduates. The event will take place from 6:00-6:45 p.m. and will include videos of the graduates, a live auction, presentation of the To Heal the World Award and Sacramento entertainment artist David Garibaldi in his home studio creating a resilience-themed painting. RSVP for the event at Womens-Empowerment.org to receive updates and a first look at auction items.

“As we see so much chaos and bad news around us, we are looking forward to shining the light of hope on May 21 as this community learns about the incredible women who have overcome homelessness despite obstacles like the housing crisis and pandemic,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “Women’s Empowerment is resilient because the women in our program are resilient. This year’s Gala attendees will be inspired.”

Women’s Empowerment was featured on NBC’s The TODAY Show in 2015 for offering the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The award-winning organization has graduated 1,657 homeless women and their 3,792 children. Last year, 70 percent of graduates found homes in the midst of the housing crisis, and 79 percent secured jobs or enrolled in school or training. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes, support services and paid job training to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded through private donations from the community and grants. To donate: Womens-Empowerment.org.  

United Way Finds Innovative Way to Help Foster Youth Through COVID-19

Posted on by kthebaud

Citing the profound needs of local foster youth during the COVID-19 crisis, United Way California Capital Region has created a way for the 400 women who were supposed to gather for today’s Women United Luncheon to instead support local foster youth through United Way’s social media channels. From videos of local leaders and former foster youth to important facts and inspiring messages, participants can join in celebrating the accomplishments of Sacramento area foster youth, while meeting their most pressing needs during this health crisis so they can succeed in college and career. Local foster youth who were set to perform in a fashion show of their career outfits sponsored by guests – a favorite among longtime luncheon guests – have created a video in its place.

Participants can join the virtual Women United Luncheon on United Way’s social media channels: Facebook.com/UnitedWayCCR, Twitter.com/unitedwayccr, Instagram.com/unitedwayccr and LinkedIn.com/company/unitedwayccr.

“We are profoundly grateful to the vast majority of our sponsors and ticketholders who recognize that foster youth needs continue as we battle COVID-19, and therefore converted their sponsorships and ticket costs to donations, “ said Stephanie Bray, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Our United Way will take the magic of a room filled with hundreds of women and make just as big of an impact online. This virtual event will showcase the foster youth who are benefiting from the support of women across our region through our Women United action group. We hope that our supporters and friends will be inspired and uplifted by these young people during these challenging times.”

United Way’s 18th Annual Women United Luncheon was scheduled to be held today at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, but was converted to an online event after the statewide shelter-in-place directive took effect. United Way’s Women United action group will discuss its history working with local foster youth, highlight its policy work resulting from United Way’s Foster Youth Summit held last spring and offer opportunities to join United Way’s Women United action group.

For nearly 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought local people together to make community change happen. Today, the nonprofit is bringing people together across Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties for its Square One Project, a 20-year promise to significantly increase the number of students in our region who graduate from high school ready for success in college and beyond. United Way believes ending poverty starts in school and is working to ensure kids meet important milestones and their families receive support and resources. To learn more and make a donation: YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

Baby Basket Drive Raises $16K for Sacramento Life Center

Posted on by kthebaud

The Sacramento Life Center’s sixth annual Baby Basket Drive for new moms raised $16,000 from the community in December, which will buy 320 baskets for Sacramento Life Center patients throughout 2020. The drive is held each December to kickstart the 500 baby baskets needed so that every Sacramento Life Center patient who gives birth in the coming year can receive a basket of needed items, including formula, diapers, newborn clothes, pacifiers and more. Last year’s drive raised $10,000.

Donations will be accepted throughout 2020 and can be made online at www.saclife.org by writing Baby Basket Drive in the message box on the donation page. Gifts can be made in any increment, but a donation of $50 buys one basket.

“One of the most overwhelming feelings is learning that you’re pregnant and fearing you won’t have the resources to care for your vulnerable baby,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Sometimes something as simple as a gift of diapers and newborn clothes can give expecting mothers the confidence that they have a support system to help raise their child. These baskets give expecting mothers proof that they will always have a family here at the Sacramento Life Center and supporters out in the community rooting for their family.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a school-based teen education program, 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

Filled Holiday Stockings Needed for Formerly Homeless Women

Posted on by kthebaud

Local residents can bring smiles to formerly homeless women and children in Sacramento this holiday season by contributing to Women’s Empowerment’s annual Holiday Stocking Drive. The group is seeking 250 unstuffed stockings and specific fillers for local infants and toddlers, children, teens and women by Dec. 11. Stockings for teens and women are especially needed. For the list of items needed to fill each stocking, visit Womens-Empowerment.org.

“The women and children in our program have experienced such pain and isolation and are ready to start a new decade filled with hope and the comforts of a warm home,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “These stockings not only provide warm clothes for winter, they provide fun toys and gifts that help these amazing women and children experience joy this holiday season.”

Those interested also can donate $35-$40 to have a volunteer elf fill a stocking or donate $15-$20 gift cards for Target, Walmart and grocery stores. Items can be dropped off at 1590 A Street in Sacramento, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Women’s Empowerment was featured on NBC’s The TODAY Show in 2015 for offering the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The award-winning organization has graduated 1,611 homeless women and their 3,701 children. Last year, 82 percent of graduates found homes and 76 percent found jobs or enrolled in school or training. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’sEmpowerment is funded through private donations from the community and receives no government funding except for in-kind rent from the County of Sacramento. To make a donation: www.womens-empowerment.org .