May 26, 2015
Yocha Dehe Community Fund gathers to honor the achievements of its local partners .
(photo left to right) Christina Michel-Albers, Northern California Children’s Therapy Center; Yocha Dehe Treasurer Anthony Roberts; Yocha Dehe Council Member Mia Durham; Yocha Dehe Secretary James Kinter; Cathie Wicks, RISE Inc.; Yocha Dehe Chairman Leland Kinter; Tico Zendejas, RISE Inc.; Chelsea Becker, RISE, Inc.; Jill Aguilar, Winters PTA; Kurt Balasek, Winters Education Foundation; Carrie Green, Winters School Board Member; Dr. Paul Fawcett, Principal, Winters High School
The Yocha Dehe Community Fund honored the achievements of its local partners at its seventh annual Partners in Philanthropy Luncheon at the Yocha Dehe Community Center in Brooks.
In 2014, the Community Fund focused on supporting partners and neighbors in Yolo County and the surrounding areas, funding more than two million dollars in grants to 60 organizations including education, health care, native rights, social services and environmental stewardship.
Partnership Awards, recognizing ongoing excellence in service, were presented to:
• Northern California Children’s Therapy Center, which provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, and child development services to children with disabilities, regardless of their ability to pay.
• Winters PTA and Winters Education Foundation, which together are committed to promoting academic excellence and creating opportunities for all students (K-12) in the Winters School District.
The Tahtimihn Award (“star” in the Tribe’s native Patwin language) was presented to:
• Rural Innovations in Social Economics (RISE, Inc.) for its dedication to serving the rural community by providing resources and programs in ways that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.
The Yocha Dehe Community Fund is governed by a Board of Directors, made up of tribal citizens and supported by government staff. Consistent with its vision, the Board strives to develop strategic partnerships that will result in lasting community impacts. Since 2000, Community Fund has provided grants totaling more than $25 million to more than 360 diverse organizations.