Partnerships Newsletter | Summer 2023 |
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FEATURES
The Center at Sierra Health Foundation Awards Nearly $4 Million
for Inclusive Economic Development
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On July 6, 2023, The Center announced $3.995 million in grants awarded across 22 new grantee partners of the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI).
With this, our investment reaches nearly $14 million across 44 impactful CEMI organizations!
CEMI is focused on diversifying the nonprofits that receive and direct federal and state funding for economic development initiatives. All funded partners receive robust technical assistance—including free online resources—to build their capacity in reaching this goal. For example, The Utility Reform Network (TURN) will advance digital and energy equity through its Charging Faith project, which mobilizes Black clergy in educating Black communities about cost effective electric vehicles and financial incentives.
“Our work impacts all California residents, but we have a particular focus on low-income communities of color,” said Mark Toney, executive director of the San Francisco-based organization. “For them, 'inclusive economic development' means investment of dollars, it means jobs and it means infrastructure.”
A significant milestone was achieved on July 24, as the complete cohort of grantee partners convened for the first time ever at Sierra Health Foundation’s Sacramento location. This gathering served as an opportunity to showcase tangible progress in inclusive economic development, highlighting real examples that inspire and motivate.
With the inclusion of workshops focused on solidarity economics and more, the convening successfully reinforced the urgency of our mission and also facilitated the establishment of strong connections and mutual support among partners.
“Economic progress is only meaningful if it’s equitable,” said Chet P. Hewitt, CEO of The Center. “We’re proud that our CEMI partners are committed to leveraging public investments to create a more inclusive economy, and The Center is committed to investing in their capacity to help them do so.”
Congratulations to our CEMI grantees!
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Black Child Legacy Campaign Receives Standing Ovation During Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Meeting
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Black Child Legacy Campaign (BCLC) partners, in partnership with Sacramento County's Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, the Department of Human Assistance, the First 5 Sacramento Commission, and Sacramento County Probation, shared the program’s results and successes during the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 25.
BCLC works to reduce deaths and improve safety and well-being for Black children and families in Sacramento County by focusing on the top four preventable of Black children’s death. These causes are perinatal conditions, infant sleep-related deaths, child abuse and neglect and third-party homicide.
“I’m hopeful, seeing this sea of green in the room,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, who was an integral member in establishing this initiative back in 2013. “When the board [deliberates] its budget for the next fiscal year, we’ll again let them and the public know these investments are absolutely essential in addressing the most important thing in our community – the health of our children.”
Click the video to watch the full presentation on YouTube.
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Senior Program Officer Madeline Sabatoni Co-Authors Landmark Article for Grantmakers in Health
When the pause on Medicaid redeterminations ended this past April, up to three million Medi-Cal enrollees were at risk of losing coverage.
Madeline Sabatoni, Senior Program Officer at Sierra Health Foundation, co-authored an informative article featured in Grantmakers in Health's prestigious Views from the Field series delving into California's ambitious efforts to address enrollment churn in its Medicaid and Medi-Cal programs to promote health equity for all.
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Artwork courtesy of Grantmakers in Health.
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Over two years, The Center at Sierra Health Foundation and Transform Health partnered with the state to develop innovative outreach and enrollment strategies to help the hardest-to-reach communities regain consistent coverage. These strategies helped reduce adverse health outcomes and administrative costs.
The article highlights the essential role of local navigators as powerful community messengers, as well as the impactful role that philanthropy can play in Medi-Cal outreach and enrollment.
Click the artwork to read the full article Grantmakers in Health website.
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Sponsorships in Action: Sierra Health Foundation Helps Welcome
the 2023 World Homeless Cup to #Soccermento ⚽🏆
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Homelessness is on the rise across the globe and visibly increasing in Sacramento, the Foundation’s president and CEO Chet P. Hewitt said during the inaugural Global Symposium on Homelessness at Sacramento State’s University Union Ballroom on July 12.
The symposium was part of the 2023 World Homeless Cup in Sacramento, an inspiring event that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds, using the power of soccer to create positive change and uplift the lives of people experiencing homelessness. The Sierra Health Foundation was a proud sponsor of this year’s event, held from July 8 to 15.
Hewitt joined a panel of esteemed experts from around the globe to discuss the factors that contribute to homelessness, as well as how soccer and the Homeless World Cup can be tools for recovery and stability. During his remarks, he noted that homelessness in Sacramento has increased by a staggering 67% since 2019 and that the city was doing “too little, too slowly” to address the growing epidemic.
“If you have the will and the means, you have an extraordinary responsibility to make a difference,” he said.
Read a full recap of the Global Homelessness Symposium from the Sacramento State Newsroom.
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CLICK PHOTO TO READ STATEMENT: On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court imposed new restrictions on affirmative action programs, interfering with U.S. college's autonomy to shape diverse student populations. Sierra Health Foundation, alongside the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and more than 130 other philanthropic organizations from across the nation, stands united in our belief that racial equity and diversity in higher education are vital for our nation's future prosperity, vitality and unity.
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CLICK PHOTO TO WATCH: The Black Child Legacy Campaign has made remarkable strides, reducing African American childhood deaths by 35% in #Sacramento since its inception in 2013. On July 31, Associate Director of Community Economic Development Shelley Dyer made an appearance on KCRA News to talk more about the campaign's pursuit towards a long and healthy future for Sacramento families and children.
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SacBee Profiles BCLC-Sponsored Kings and Queens Rise Program
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The Sacramento Bee profiled the Kings and Queens Rise Co-Ed Youth Sports and Mentoring League, a youth recreational basketball summer league supported in large part by the Sierra Health Foundation and the Black Child Legacy Campaign.
The league was formed in response to the March 2018 killing of Stephon Clark, who tragically passed away after Sacramento Police Department officers mistook his cellphone for a gun.
Read more:
State-Sponsored Stop the Hate Program Receives Renewed Attention Upon Release of Latest Report on Hate Crimes
Despite a decrease in reported anti-Asian hate crimes over the past year, the fight against hate and violence remains critical. An article by the Sacramento Bee highlights insights from the recently released 2022 Hate Crimes Report and underscores the concerted efforts made to combat discrimination and violence, such as the Stop the Hate program.
The Center at Sierra Health Foundation plays a pivotal role in this vital initiative, made possible by the state's Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Budget, which earmarked $166.5 million over three years to support agencies combating the surge of hate incidents during the COVID pandemic. Through strategic funding and partnerships, the community is coming together to build a healthier, safer region for everyone affected by hate. Read more about Stop the Hate on The Center’s website, or click the "Stop the Violence" photo to read the article.
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Sierra Health Foundation is leading the charge to bridge the gap in mental health care for the Black community as part of the Capital Region’s essential community care initiatives.
This strategic partnership empowers healthcare professionals to understand and respect the diverse beliefs, experiences, and practices that may impact patients' mental health and their understanding of mental health care.
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“Juneteenth is not Black history,” said Gary Simon, executive director of Sacramento Juneteenth Inc., during this year’s festival held from June 16 to 18 at William Land Park. “[It is] American history.”
The Black Child Legacy Campaign, Kings & Queens Rise and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation proudly partnered with Sacramento Juneteenth Festival to celebrate its 22nd year of operation.
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Program Officer Ray Green was honored earlier this Spring as a community leader during the Council of Elders’ Metro Sacramento “Youth on Fire” banquet.
He was recognized alongside 11 other local leaders as “young, passionate visionaries promoting change and growth in the future of their community.” Congratulations, Ray!
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Learn more about Mr. Green’s honor in the Sacramento Observer.
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PARTNER NEWS
Virtual Policy Roundtable To Be Held on August 29
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Chris Cooper, Program Officer at Sierra Health Foundation, moderated an insightful Policy Roundtable on July 25, featuring esteemed participants such as California State Senator Elena Durazo, Sasha Feldstein of California Immigrant Policy Center and Ny Nourn of Asian Prisoner Support Committee. The discussion, which was held virtually via Zoom, focused on crucial policy priorities to uplift economic justice and mobility for Black and Brown immigrants in California.
Click the flyer to register!
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We sincerely thank the California Funders for Boys and Men of Color for hosting this essential discussion.
The Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance equitable policies and create a more inclusive future for all communities.
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FUNDING NEWS
Upcoming Opportunities
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We are thrilled to announce the fifth round of funding for the Elevate Youth California Standard Track!
The goal of the Youth Substance Use Disorder Prevention Program: Standard Track funding is to promote substance use prevention among young adults and youth through policy, systems and environmental change.
Applications are due August 28 by 1 p.m.
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During the week of August 14, The Center at Sierra Health Foundation will release an RFP aimed at enhancing access to behavioral health recovery services and eliminating barriers to care for communities of color, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
The Behavioral Health Recovery Services Project, known as "Hear Us!," will allocate approximately $65 million in funding to support California non-profit organizations. This initiative is generously funded by California’s Department of Health Care Services.
For inquiries, please send an email to [email protected], and write "RFA: HEAR US Phase 2" in the subject line. The deadline for submitting proposals is September 19, 2023.
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NEW STAFF
Juan Acosta, Program Officer
Antonia Gonzalez, Program Associate
Dana Moore, Payroll Specialist
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community? Are you passionate about meaningfully addressing issues of health equity and social justice? We are looking for mission-driven professionals just like you to join our team!
Learn more about careers at the Sierra Health Foundation on our website and become the change you wish to see in the world!
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1321 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA 95833
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Sacramento Office
1321 Garden Hwy, Suite 210, Sacramento, CA 95833
San Joaquin Valley Office
1401 Fulton Street, Suite 510, Fresno, CA 93721
559.992.0670
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