September 21, 2012
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Tribal Council has voted to continue the grant of more than $190,000 in “gap funds” to maintain certain essential services that aid the underserved residents of the Madison-Esparto-Capay Valley region.
In these difficult economic times, the tribe has stepped forward to backfill funds that have been cut due to federal and local government budget shortfalls, according to Tico Zendejas, executive director of RISE.
The tribe worked with RISE, an umbrella organization offering counseling, resource and referral, emergency and crisis assistance programs, in its efforts to provide monetary support to the community. RISE is the fiscal agent for these efforts.
“Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is committed to preserving local resources that are essential to helping our neighbors and our community,” said Yocha Dehe Tribal Chairman Marshall McKay.
The services aided by the tribe’s grant include operation of the Esparto Food Bank, operation of the local Clothes/Coat Closet, provision of emergency and walk-in support for families with unmet needs, resource and referral assistance, professional counseling for uninsured children, counseling for families in crisis, and support to host the Collaborative of Service Partners, a united group of agencies that bring additional services into the region.