Celebrating the Difference

134th Annual Meeting of the Association and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony YMCA of the East Bay

134th Annual Meeting of the Association and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

Extraordinary volunteers are a vital part of our causeto strengthen the foundations of community. Without volunteer support, the Y would not have the resources to nurture and develop youth, promote healthy living and support our neighbors each and every day. The Annual Meeting celebrates just a few of the outstanding volunteers in our community.

The YMCA of the East Bay celebrates the difference that volunteers make throughout the East Bay and tonight we will be honoring volunteers from:
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR KIDS COLLABORATIVE CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER DEVRY UNIVERSITY EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT GREAT OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS THE LAKE MERRITT UPTOWN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION & THE DOWNTOWN OAKLAND ASSOCIATION LEVEL PLAYING FIELD INSTITUTE MAKING WAVES MINDFUL LIFE PROJECT OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA THE PLEASANTON COMMUNITY OF CHARACTER COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL PARKS FOUNDATION RICHMOND MAIN STREET INITIATIVE SAN LEANDRO SPORTS FOUNDATION YOUTH ENRICHMENT STRATEGIES YMCA OF THE EAST BAY Congratulations to all our award recipients! We know that the generosity of others is at the core of our existence. It is only through the support of our hundreds of thousands of volunteers and public and private donors that we are able to give back to the communities we serve. Your dedication and commitment to the youth, adults and communities of the East Bay are truly inspirational.

YMCA of the East Bay

134 Annual Meeting of the Association and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

th

October 16, 2013 Oakland Marriott City Center Hotel

Welcome YMCA Youth Participants Opening Remarks Aimee Allison Director of Media and Community Outreach SF Department on the Status of Women Inspirational Interlude Keynote Remarks Wright Lassiter III Chief Executive Officer, Alameda County Medical Center Chairman of the Board, YMCA of the East Bay Come Sunday Oakland Jazz Choir Volunteer Awards Presentation Youth of Character Awards Adult Volunteers of the Year Thank You Adjournment Robert Wilkins President and Chief Executive Officer YMCA of the East Bay Musical Inspiration and Exit Oakland Jazz Choir

YMCA YOUTH of Character Award Recipients

Emma Russell-Zazueta
DOWNTOWN OAKLAND YMCA Emma has been a familiar site at the Y for some time. She is a year round participant in the Healthy Kids Club, and a joyful presence in our Day Camp programs. But she is also a vibrant volunteer at several key Y events such as our Annual Gift Giveaway and Healthy Kids Day celebrations as well. She always exemplifies YMCA Core Values and radiates positivity, creativity and helpfulness. As one of our oldest program participants in Healthy Kids Club, she serves as an example to younger children and always encourages them to do their best. Emma is a born leader; she is an independent thinker and shares her insights to all with great respect. The most profound aspect of her leadership, however, is how her kindness impacts all who come into contact with her. We are proud to have her as a member of our community and look forward to her future accomplishments.

Kalliyah Dunn
E.M. DOWNER YMCA Kalliyah became a member of our Y family at the tender age of 5 when she was a rookie day camper. This year she served as a CILT Leader! Kalliyah consistently demonstrates our core character values, and acts as role model for all of the campers even mentoring the new CILTs. She also serves on our Youth and Government. Kalliyahss commitment and dedication extend beyond the Y and into the greater community. She has managed to cheerlead (go Berkeley High!) and intern at Oakland Childrens Hospital, all while being an outstanding student no easy feat your Junior Year! The Y is not alone in recognizing Kalliyahs accomplishments and we know she is destined for greatness. She has been invited to travel and study abroad in the People-to-People program, and will undoubtedly represent us well overseas. Her goal is to attend Baylor University, where she will work hard to become a Sports Physician or Physical Therapist.

Personal Growth
Brie James
Eastlake YMCA

Success Mentor

Community

Brie has been a member at the Eastlake Y for three years, and has grown tremendously throughout her time there. She has participated at Eastlake by coordinating a Y dance group with her peers from Fremont High School, volunteering to make and serve healthy snacks to members, and participating in the Eastlake Youth Leadership Council, which exposes teens in East Oakland to a variety of healthy living activities such as hiking, ropes courses, and healthy eating. Most recently, she completed writing, directing, and filming a short movie titled Good and Bad Ways to Communicate. With complete autonomy, Brie explored a teens perspective on how to have healthy communication between adults & teens and in domestic relationships. She took full responsibility of every aspecteven casting!and a Y staff director found herself under the direction of one of her students! We celebrate Bries enthusiasm and trailblazer spirit and her commitment to Y values.

Stacey Pulu
Eden Area YMCA Stacy was an exceptional camper throughout the summer at Castro Valley Elementary School and the Eden Area Y. She is always willing to help out when counselors ask, but also volunteers to help anywhere she can. She makes friends out of every new camper and whenever the younger children were struggling, she would take time out of what she was doing to make sure that they were okay. She would ensure they were having fun, and help them out in any activities that they needed support in. As things tend to happen at camp, the room at CVES was constantly messy at the end of the day. Stacy would willingly go clean the mess that she did not make, without a counselor telling her to do so. Stacys efforts to keep camp a fun and clean environment for the kids was consistent throughout the entire summer, and we are very proud of her for receiving this years Youth of Character award!

YMCA YOUTH of Character Award Recipients

Chesna Pokharel
Fremont/Newark YMCA Chesna is a Junior at Irvington High School in Fremont. She is very active in our Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) during the summer. Chesna is a dedicated volunteer who helped at both our Healthy Kids Day and Kid City events. She played an integral part in both events, directing runners and handing out the goodie bags to our runners during our HDK event and assisting kids in our arts & crafts area of the Kid City event. Chesna has an outstanding personality and is a great role model for all our younger campers while continuing to be a positive influence at all our events.

Alexis Argueta
Hilltop Family YMCA In the past Alexis has volunteered at multiple Hilltop events & celebrations and more recently as an assistant coach at the Ys 3-5 year old soccer program and as a Counselor in Leadership Training for 7 full weeks of his summer break! One thing you can count on is that Alexis will always give 100%. He does that in his tasks and in his definitive display of the Ys four core values. Not only did he assist in your expected camp activities but he also worked to help kids develop communication and friendship building skills. The kids love him because he was always quick to jump in and play but also to listen with a caring and patient ear. He has a special gift of connecting with participants who were quiet or nervous about trying new activities. As a sophomore at Making Waves School, Alexis excels in his academics, on his soccer team and in his participation in the YMCA Leaders in the Making Program. Alexis aspirationsa four year college, a volunteer placement at Childrens Hospitalshow how high he has set his sights, and we have no doubt that every dream will be reached!

Personal Growth
Jovant Jackson
M. ROBINSON BAKER YMCA

Success Mentor

Community

In the years that Jovant has been active with the Ys After School Program at West Oakland Middle School, it has been our privilege and pleasure to watch him grow in areas that exemplify both his extraordinary character and his worthiness to receive this award. We have seen Jovant develop academically, distinguishing himself in his commitment to pursuing academic achievement. But Jovant also balances that with a deep interest in a variety of extra-curricular activities. And in those programs, you can usually find Jovant stepping into a leadership role, whether it is sports, theater productions, the student government or as one of the three Executive Directors of the California YMCA Model United Nations Conference for 20122013! In that role, he has been a tireless advocate and a very engaging leader. But his leadership is not just about roles. Jovant embodies the Y values in such a way that his friends and peers aspire to follow in his footsteps. It is our pleasure to nominate Jovant, as he continues to distinguish himself at the Y!

Kenny Collings
Tri-Valley YMCA For the last three summers, Kenny has participated in the CILT program at Tri-Valley. Every day that he comes to camp, he is ready to help. He is constantly planning activities for the campers, eating with them, helping them with their activities and helping counselors with whatever they need. He always asks what more he can do to make camp a better place. More than that, he has an amazing attitude. Even if he is cleaning up glitter and feathers, he has a smile on his face. He is an excellent role model for not only the campers, but also the other CILTs. This past summer, he excelled at teaching other CILTs what they should be doing and how they should be interacting with the campers. Whenever there was a new camper at camp, he would spend the day helping that new camper make friends and have fun at Y Camp. Kenny is hands down one of the best CILTs that weve had at Y Camp and were so excited that he is this years recipient!

YMCA YOUTH of Character Award Recipients

Cullen Uh-Oh Ridgway
YMCA CAMP RAVENCLIFF Cullen Uh-Oh Ridgway was an inspiration not only to his fellow Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs) during his time at YMCA Camp Ravencliff this summer but also to each of the campers. In his last year as a CILT he took on an even larger leadership roleplanning activities and reflections for his campers, which enhanced their experience at Camp Ravencliff. His enthusiasm for the program and concern for the campers and program was clearly evident with everything he did. From spending his free time playing games with campers to canoeing when a camper was unable to find a buddy, his focus was always on the campers and their experience. Because of his hard work and dedication he has given fellow youth volunteers a standard to strive for.

Joelle Mojo Richardson

YMCA CAMP Loma Mar Joelle arrived at Camp Loma Mar this summer without having any prior camp experience but from the start Mojo had an open mind and a willingness to learn new things and meet new people. She possesses a warm and sincere personality that allowed her to make meaningful connections with others and to make them feel comfortable around her. As she helped lead a cabin under the supervision of her counselor she was able to relate to her campers and help them get engaged in camp activities, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones by meeting new people and trying new things. As a CILT, Joelle was able to develop her leadership style immediately and showed a tremendous amount of growth. Whether Joelle knew it or not, she was able to teach her peer CILT group how to be a leader purely by example. The way she cared for others and listened to what they had to say without being overbearing with her own opinion was note worthy and admirable. We appreciate her dedication and excitement and know that she has a bright future ahead of her.

YMCA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

Dr. Jerry Michaels
DOWNTOWN OAKLAND YMCA Jerry has been on the Downtown Oakland YMCA Board of Managers for 3 years. He is a strong advocate for the needs of children and families in Oakland. When the Ys Building Futures Mentoring program was launched, Jerry was one of the first to become a mentor where he was matched with Eddie. Jerry has often said that meeting with Eddie is the best part of his week. He has involved Eddie in other Y programs and secured a scholarship so that Eddie could attend resident camp at Camp Loma Mar. Jerry relays this story, When I picked up Eddie for our mentoring visit several days after he returned from his week at camp, I asked him what his favorite activity at was. I thought he would talk about team sports, or maybe about archery which he had been looking forward to trying. Instead, he said his favorite activity was called Reflection. He explained that each evening after dark the campers climbed the nearby mountain and when they got to the top, they lay on their backs and looked at the stars, and for five minutes they reflected on the day that had just passed, thinking about what they most liked about it. Hearing this, I felt pride that this 10 year-old boy had the opportunity and the interest to climb a hill in a beautiful part of California and contemplate the stars. Building Futures is contributing to make Eddie a strong, positive individual who can be a source of pride to himself, his family and his community. And Jerry? He exemplifies what volunteering is all about. Its about what you give but mostly its about what you receive.

Happiness

Success Personal Growth Mentor

Community

YMCA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

Everett Jenkins
E.M. DOWNER YMCA Everett EJ joined the West Contra Costa Y Board in 1987 and has been a very active volunteer with the branch including serving as Chair of the Annual Partners Campaign. He served as Board of Managers Chair from 1996-98. As part of his service as Branch Chair, EJ took a seat on the Corporate Board of Directors. After his 2 years of service, EJ was asked to continue his service on the Corporate Board of Directors and has served as the key liaison between West County and the Corporate Board. EJ has received both the Rita Davis Volunteer Award and the Fred Breen Humanitarian Award from the West Contra Costa branch for his dedicated service to the West Contra Costa Community. In July of this year, EJ stepped down from the Corporate Board of Directors after 16 years of service. But no one doubts that EJ will continue his volunteer service in West Contra Costa! EJ is the Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Richmond. Tonight we honor him for his long and distinguished service!

Jonathan & Jennifer Escalante

EDEN AREA YMCA Jonathan and Jennifer have been huge supporters of the Eden Area Y, as well as other branches in our Association. Jonathan originally sought out the Eden Area Y for a volunteering opportunity in his own community. He helped work on the grounds to get the site ready for the KaBOOM! playground build in March. Jonathan was so excited about what was going on here at Eden, that he volunteered to be the First Aid team on Build Day with his wife Jennifer. Since then, Jennifer and Jonathan have volunteered at various other special events, and have continued to work with our branch to set up programs to benefit the community such as free CPR trainings, First Aid seminars, etc. All of these programs are in the works due to Jonathan and Jennifers dedication and support!

Personal Growth
Betty Kalawaia
FREMONT/NEWARK YMCA

Success Mentor

Community

Betty Kalawaia is an vibrant part of our membership base at the Fremont/Newark Y. You can always find her at our morning coffee group. She generously brings snacks, but even more importantly, she creates a friendly and welcoming environment to new and old members alike. Her generosity is extraordinary because it comes unsolicited. Bettys initiative in cultivating community, whether it is a friendly welcome or a potluck, does not go unnoticed, so it is with pleasure that the Fremont/Newark Y honors Betty!

Karin Knowles
HILLTOP YMCA Karin became a member at Hilltop Y in 2005, but she wasnt new to the Y! She spent her youth at the Mather Y in Illinois. In 2006, Karen jumped right in and started to fundraise for the Y with the Annual Partnership Campaign. Soon, she was a team captain, supervising up to 12 other volunteers. She has proven how well she understands our programs and her ability to communicate our mission with others. Karin always reaches her personal goal, as well as team goals, during campaign! Karin also helps with Youth & Government and marks her trip to Sacramento VIP Day as a highlight of her Y experience. She also volunteers at our Homefront 5K/10K Runs, along with working with community children learning water safety at our SPLASH week. In 2011, Karins dedication to our mission was even more apparent when she agreed to become a board member of the E.M. Downer Y. She lives in Pt. Richmond with her husband and is a mother of two and grandmother of two. When she isnt helping the Y, or working out here!, she is an avid sailor.

YMCA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

Christopher Perryman
M. ROBINSON BAKER YMCA Chris has spent over half of his life working with youth, especially in Oakland and Richmond. He strives to meet the challenges facing youth as a mentor, coach and friend. Chris first encounter with the YMCA was as a child at the former Oakland Central YMCA. He came back to the Y as an employee in high school and college. Since then Chris has spent over 5 years volunteering as a coach for Berkeley Youth Alternative (BYA) and refereeing for Special Olympics at UC Berkeley. Chris now brings his gifts back to the M. Robinson Baker YMCA by participating in the Over 40 and Still Ballers group, in an effort to find positive outlets for kids. Chris has been a member and an honoree of the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area since 2002 where he is a Board Member and involved in all facets of the organization, particularly those closest to his heart, which are mentoring and health & wellness programs. He is a devoted husband and enjoys spending quality time with his wife, his four daughters, and his seven grandchildren.

Leah Hall
San Leandro YMCA LLeah has been an outstanding supporter and volunteer for the YMCA San Leandro Partners. Noticing that the community of San Leandro could greatly benefit from the services of the Y, Leah came directly to YMCA of the East Bay President and CEO, Robert A. Wilkins, to discuss the possibility and process for establishing a Y in San Leandro. In 2012 Leah assembled a group of San Leandro leaders to continue the discussion with the Y, resulting with the launch of two signature pilot programs in the focus areas of Youth Development, and Healthy Lifestyles. In addition to spearheading the arrival of the Y in San Leandro, Leah serves as the delegation advisor for the Youth and Government program. With Leahs guidance, the delegates authored a bill entitled the California Promise Neighborhoods Initiative, and presented their arguments before an audience of San Leandro community leaders and then presented in the State Capitol of Sacramento. With the dedication and leadership of Leah Hall, the community of San Leandro has greatly benefited from her service.

Personal Growth
Mike & Teri Bunnell
TRI-VALLEY YMCA

Success Mentor

Community

Teri and Mike Bunnell have volunteered for the Tri-Valley YMCA for the last three years. Mike has been an advisor for Tri-Valleys Youth & Government delegation going on all of the conference trips and helping with everything from setting up chairs to running errands to making sure the kids are safe and happy. This past year, he volunteered to help run the Board of Education program area for the entire state. Additionally, he was the lead advisor for Y&G and took the delegation to Spring Conference. Teri has helped with pretty much every Tri-Valley special event & fundraiser. She helped bring in items for our rummage sale fundraiser, set up & worked our Breakfast with Santa event and helped prepare for our Golf Tournament. Both Teri & Mike go above and beyond to fundraise and support the programs of the Tri-Valley YMCA. Not enough can be said about their unwavering dedication and support!

Lois Barber
YMCA CAMP ARROYO Lois has been an enthusiastic volunteer at our garden for years. Dont be fooled by the fact that Lois is an octogenarian; age is never a limiting factor for her! She is always willing to help wherever is needed, no matter what the task is. She is a kind woman with a heart of gold and we all wish to have her energy and positive outlook on life when we are in our 80s! Lois is an incredibly knowledgeable gardener and is able to identify the tasks that need to be accomplished in the garden. Lois helps by taking the lead with our volunteer groups and showing them the ways of the garden. She loves working closely with our Outdoor Education groups in the garden and inspiring them through her passion and love of gardening. By the smiles on our students faces, we can tell that she is making an impact on their education. Not only is Lois a cherished volunteer, managing to sow and transplant hundreds of seeds for our garden bounty, but she comes armed with soil and new seed varieties for us to try out. We are incredibly grateful to Lois for her dedication to our visiting groups and our garden!

YMCA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

Matt Lemmy Lang
YMCA CAMP RAVENCLIFF Volunteer recognition of Matt Lemmy is long overdue! A past camper and staff member, Lemmy now can be counted on any time we need extra help. He is a regular at our volunteer work parties, not hesitating to work through the pouring rain, taking multiple trips up and down the hill hauling supplies, digging trenches, and just about anything else we ask of him. He was instrumental in some of our biggest projects. One of the things we appreciate most about Lemmy is that hes always just a phone call away. We typically operate all summer without maintenance staff other than a few sporadic volunteers. Inevitably something breaks or stops working when we dont have anyone in camp to help. We know we can pick up the phone and Lemmy will be down as quickly as possible to help us, even when that call was to fix the PA system we couldnt get working. Despite having made an hour and a half drive to, as it turns out, teach us how to turn the volume up, he is always happy to help. He is a true treasure to us and we are so grateful for his years of service to camp.

Happiness

Success Personal Growth Mentor

Community

COMMUNITY PARTNER VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

Building Blocks For Kids Collaborative
The Collaborative is comprised of a couple dozen governmental agencies, nonprofit groups, and local leaders, all creating change in Richmonds Iron Triangle neighborhood. Some member organizations have worked with one another for as many as 35 years. The organizations share similar philosophies on how best to achieve the mission of keeping Iron Triangle residents happy, healthy, and informed. BBK recognizes that no single agency can address the myriad needs facing residents of the BBK Zone and surrounding neighborhoods, therefore, while each individual member provides valuable social, health and/or academic supports to the Iron Triangle children and families, the Collaborative collectively knits those services together in a more comprehensive and coordinated system. Chief of Operations: Jennifer B. Lyle HONOREES: Helida Solorio LiShon Petite

Chabot Space and Science Center

Founded as an observatory in 1883, today Chabot offers visitors the very latest in hands-on, interactive exhibits, displays, and Planetarium shows that explore the mysteries of the universe and of life here on earth. But Chabot does more than provide programming, workshops and special events. They work to bring their assets to the community and the classroom. And in addition they collaborate with teachers, museum learning resources and educators to broaden science learning and introduce children to space exploration. Chabot Space & Science Center has become the Bay Areas go to destination for visitors of all ages who want to discover and learn about space and earth sciences. Executive Director: Alex Zwissler HONOREES: Faride Khalaf Don Saito

COMMUNITY PARTNER VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

DeVry University
DeVry was founded in Chicago and opened in 1931 as the DeForest Training School. The name was changed in 1953 in dedication to its founder, Herman A. DeVry Although they are a for-profit organization they are community minded! They recognize that careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are expected to grow faster than non-STEM occupations. DeVry launched its STEM Ready initiative to promote these careers and subjects to high school students, with a special initiative to raise that awareness amongst teenage girls. STEM Ready includes inspirational and interactive programs, as well as resources for both students and educators. They are also a generous sponsor of community events promoting organizations that focus on community development. President: Michael Cubbin HONOREES: Daniel Cardenas

Early Childhood Mental Health Programs

Concerned about the number of emotionally disturbed children entering kindergarten, in 1974 a group of local parents, teachers, social workers, and community activists founded the Therapeutic Nursery School, dedicated to serving children in West Contra Costa County. Following the lead of pioneering researchers in the field of infant-parent therapy, the agencys work with children became so widely recognized that it eventually won government support to formalize its Infant-Parent Home Visiting services. To expand the agencys reach, Preschool Mental Health Consultation Teams were later added. Today they provide a broad range of mental health services to children ages birth to six years and their family/caregivers, as well as consultation services to day care providers and preschools both public and private. Executive Director: Lynn Martin, M.H.S. HONOREES: Doug Corbin Jean Lipton

AR

Personal Growth
East Bay Regional Park District

Success Mentor

Community

East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay. The EPRPD seeks to preserve a priceless heritage of natural and cultural resources, open space, parks and trails for the future and to set aside park areas for enjoyment and healthful recreation for generations to come. An environmental ethic guides them in all that they do. Their aim is to acquire, develop, manage, and maintain a high quality, diverse system of interconnected parklands which balances public usage and education programs with protection and preservation of our natural and cultural resources. General Manager: Robert E. Doyle HONOREES: Tikal Ramirez Zachary Su

Great Oakland Public Schools

Great Oakland Public Schools is a nonprofit membership organization that connects and activates an informed community network to advance policies that ensure that all Oakland students have the opportunity to attend a quality public school. Great Oakland Public Schools is a coalition of parents, teachers, principals, and community leaders from the hills and flatlands, East, West, and North Oakland, charter and district public schools who share a vision of an Oakland where all children receive the schooling and support they need to live successful, fulfilling lives. Executive Director: Jonathan Klein HONOREES: Jane Klein Annette Miller

COMMUNITY PARTNER VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

Level Playing Field Institute
Level Playing Field Institute is committed to eliminating the barriers faced by underrepresented people of color in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and fostering their untapped talent for the advancement of our nation. This level playing field would start in our educational system. Disparities in resources, high-quality teachers, rigorous courses, and technology would not exist. All students, regardless of race/ethnicity, economic background, parent education level, or neighborhood would be provided with opportunities to excel academically, access rigorous courses, and be prepared to apply to, and graduate from, top colleges and universities across the United States. Recently, LPFI brought computer programming to the Ys day camp, Camp Code, for under-resourced students from West Oakland Middle School and exposing them to computer science for the first time while making an explicit social justice connection. Executive Director: Jarvis Sulcer, Ph.D. HONOREES: Eugene Lemon Mercedes Castro Michelle Lopez

Making Waves
Launched in 1989, the Making Waves Education Program in Richmond has educated seven Waves of students. (A Wave is a cohort of students who enter in a given year and stay together through their time with the program.) Making Waves is dedicated to helping their students go on to higher education and professional degrees. They work in partnership with faith communities, cultural organizations, educators, public and private youth service providers and families. Participants receive individualized academic support and attention to help them to achieve their goals. Dean of Students, Richmond Education Program: Leland Johnson HONOREES: Aaron Gutierrez Karla Mckan

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Personal Growth
Mindful Life Project

Success Mentor

Community

Mindful Life programs focus on empowering students by providing them with skills and tools that lead to improved self-awareness, impulse control, confidence and resiliency. They believe that every student has the innate ability to be a successful member of the school and the community. By providing at-risk students with skills through mindfulness, yoga, therapeutic art and hip-hop/performing arts, they endeavor to help students achieve positive results and successful school experiences. Mindful Life Project was developed with the understanding that our communities need resources that will lead to healing and developing skills that will support lifelong resiliency. Founder and Director: J.G. Larochette HONOREES: Aliza Metzner Ursula Stoller

Oakland Museum of California

The mission of the Oakland Museum of California is to connect communities to the cultural and environmental heritage of California. Through collections, exhibitions, education programs, and public dialogue, they inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to think creatively and critically about the natural, artistic and social forces that characterize our state and influence its relationship to the world. Specifically, the Oakland Museum works to bring the benefits of the museum to the families and community members who may not come to their facility. They are committed to educating and inspiring the community. They utilize partnerships with community organizations, such as the Y, to further advance their vision of reaching new neighborhoods and families. Director & CEO: Lori Fogarty HONOREES: Juliane Monroe June Yee

COMMUNITY PARTNER VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

The Lake Merritt Uptown District Association & The Downtown Oakland Association
The DOA and the LMUDA are two jointly managed Community Benefit Districts (CBDs). The two CBDs serve to revitalize the historic downtown and the central business corridor in Oakland. They provide special benefit services such as district maintenance, safety and security management, as well as cultural and community enrichment. Working collaboratively with local businesses, community organizations and the City of Oakland, the Lake Merritt/Uptown and Downtown Oakland Community Benefit Districts are continually striving to make the area an ideal place for everyone to live, work and play. District Manager: Steve Snider HONOREES: Paul Tutwiler Mabel Hom

The Pleasanton Community of Character Collaborative

The Community of Character Collaborative is a non-profit organization of volunteers working together to create a Pleasanton community culture built on values, goodwill, and community-accepted traits of Responsibility, Compassion, Self-Discipline, Honesty, Respect, and Integrity. This volunteer committee is jointly supported by the City of Pleasanton, Pleasanton Unified School District, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and various business, service and faith organizations. Vice President: Joanne Gunson HONOREES: Joanne Gunson Heather Rizzoli

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Personal Growth
Regional Parks Foundation

Success Mentor

Community

The Regional Parks Foundation was established in 1969 to encourage private contributions in support of the East Bay Regional Park District. Besides directly supporting EBRPD programs, the Foundation holds and invests funds for future use by the EPRPD. Over the past 42 years, the Regional Parks Foundation has received donations, land, and in kind services valued at more than $35 million. The Foundations mission is to support our regional parks through fundraising that provides broader public access, resource protection and preservation, education and recreational programs, and the acquisition of parklands. One of the top priorities is to ensure that underserved populations have equal access to the East Bay Regional Parks Districts parks, trails, programs and services. Executive Director Carol Johnson HONOREES: Rand Swenson Jay Gilson

Richmond Main Street Initiative

The Richmond Main Street Initiative is a community-based nonprofit that is dedicated to revitalizing historic downtown Richmond as a pedestrian-friendly urban village, offering products, services, arts and entertainment that reflects the communitys rich and diverse heritage. Committed to the community, Richmond Main Street partnered on the REACH initiative with Building Blocks for Kids whose goal is to improve health and eliminate disparities related to chronic disease in communities of color. The Richmond Main Street has made great strides in helping residents feel safe, secure and proud of their city. Executive Director: Amanda Elliot HONOREES: Andromeda Brooks

COMMUNITY PARTNER VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Award Recipients

San Leandro Sports Foundation
The mission of the San Leandro Sports Foundation is to support and improve physical fitness programs, help maintain existing athletic facilities, and advocate for the development of new athletic facilities in and around the community of San Leandro. The guiding principle of the SLSF is that supporting health and fitness programs and their accompanying infrastructure will encourage more of our youth and adults to play and exercise, creating a healthier and happier community. SLSF is an ALL volunteer organization, comprised of local business people, parents, teachers and concerned community members. President: Jerry Engler HONOREES: David Ellington Jerry Engler Evelyn Gonzales Jack Nelson

Youth Enrichment Strategies

Youth Enrichment Strategies (YES) provides children and families in West Contra Costa access to experiences in the natural environment opportunities that can ignite the imagination, build self-confidence and enhance social skills. Educators, parents, and camp counselors observe that early exposure to an array of enriching experiences crate a childs sense of possibilities and provide the foundation for success. Each year since 1999, YES has brought children from gritty and often dangerous neighborhoods to summer camps located in pristine redwood settings across Northern California. Over the past 14 years YES has evolved to become a well-established and major promoter of health and wellness practices reaching nearly 1,000 low income Richmond and West Contra Costa County residents each year. Executive Director: Eric Aaholm HONOREES: Tico Chacin Masha Modarres

AR A Final Word the Difference Celebrating

No one organization can meet the great need that our communities face. So it is with extreme gratitude that we honor our co-laborers this evening. We honor the work, the dedication and the sacrifice of volunteers who are shaping their communities. We are different, but its a difference to be celebrated. Although we welcome every volunteer at the Y, our great hope is that every adult and every youth will dedicate themselves to the well-being of their community whether it is the Y or elsewhere. No matter your talent or your passion, you have something important to give. Be inspired. Volunteer.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead, anthropologist

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY IS OUR CAUSE

Volunteer and Make a Difference
With the Y, youre not just a member of a facility or a volunteer; youre part of a cause. With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and giving back and supporting our neighbors, you also have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Y volunteers are vital partners! It is through their contribution that we can all show how much can be achieved in our community by pooling our resources and working together. Since it was founded in 1844, the Y has offered a place for people to gather and work together to volunteer, advocate and support programs that strengthen community. Across the country, the Y helps people give back and assist their neighbors. As a Y volunteer, you can lead a program, serve as a role model for young people, help out in the office or at a special event, raise much-needed funds, or be part of a group or committee working on a neighborhood issue. No matter how you help, youll make a big difference as you volunteer with others to create a feeling of connectedness in your community.

Do something good. Volunteer at the Y.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world! Anne Frank, diarist (Age 15)

YMCA of the East Bay 2330 Broadway | Oakland | 510 451 8039 | ymcaeastbay.org