“I’VE SEEN HOW COMMUNITY ACTION MARIN HAS STRENGTHENED ADVOCACY TO KEEP PEOPLE HOUSED AND SAFE during the pandemic. They have taken on challenges no one else could sustain through homeless outreach, mental health, and basic needs. As a neighbor in Marin, I’m so proud to stand with Chandra and Community Action Marin in the work of achieving AN EQUITABLE RECOVERY.”
—Isabel Allende, Author
DEAR COMMUNITY AND COLLEAGUES,
The past year went by quickly given the pace of change and uncertainty around us. As an agency, staff and board aligned on a priority to strengthen an equitable recovery. We focused on our foundation: people. We invested quickly in human resources and technology to sustain connections and increase trust at all levels, from making sure that staff at sites across Marin County got regular updates and training, to helping those in the community that our team of frontline specialists assisted daily, along pathways to self-sufficiency.
The truth of what we have all been through together required us to show our strength of care alongside our vulnerability. We stayed the course. Throughout 2021, Community Action Marin’s staff of over 200 dedicated employees helped individuals, families, and the unhoused members of our community family to meet urgent needs. They scrambled to cover for teammates who needed recuperation time from COVID, and they kept going to fulfill our promise—to embody the spirit of hope and make this a better place to live. We kept going because we committed long ago to racial and economic justice.
As an agency reflective of the communities we serve—low-income, working poor, immigrant, undocumented, people of color, homeless, aging into poverty, Indigenous language speakers, those experiencing mental health challenges, and others—we know the injustice of a pandemic that has only widened divides of difference and created inequities where our shared humanity requires none.
Many in Marin stepped up, and we’re grateful. We mobilized private, government, and agency resources to make sure that people found in us a capable partner in difficult times. It took all of us, and we’re proud of what we accomplished together with supporters, volunteers, and donors. We will continue to need one another to get to a truly equitable Marin County, and this is our moment to shine!
Thank you for your efforts to make brighter futures possible. I am excited to be with you as we move forward toward justice together.
Sincerely,
Chandra Alexandre
Chief Executive Officer
OUR MISSION. We make it possible for people to achieve well-being by providing the education, mental health, and vital services they need. Together, we break down the barriers that get in the way of fair and lasting change in service to better outcomes for all.
IN THE FACE OF AN ONGOING PANDEMIC, WE CONTINUED TO DELIVER NEEDED SERVICES AND SUPPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY.
This past year, Community Action Marin’s team demonstrated strength and flexibility in the face of difficult realities. Doing the work of social justice required a focus within the agency itself, as much as a drive to change external realities. Leadership listened and learned, creating an Equity and Well-being Roadmap for all staff that put intention toward appreciation, celebration, pay equity, training, and action for justice. The roadmap deepened our team’s sense of belonging and power to create better outcomes in community.
Staff worked side-by-side with partners in efforts across the county to remove barriers, foster innovation, and create sustainable solutions. They changed lives and generated hope through direct services and policy advocacy to center the experiences and stories of the people hit hardest by the pandemic. Each day, frontline staff gave their all to ensure that ALL OF US IN MARIN HAVE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE OUR LIVES WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
HELPING MAKE ENDS MEET.
THE SAFETY NET SERVICES TEAM OFFERED COMMUNITY MEMBERS A FIRST LINE OF RESPONSE TO MEETING EMERGENCY NEEDS.
They filled in gaps, increased stability, and strengthened moves toward self-sufficiency for people across the county via:
- Energy and rental assistance
- Mortgage payments and security deposits
- Cash for car repairs, medicine, or other essential needs
- Emergency food
Of the more than 550 families enrolled in the agency’s childcare programs, two-thirds received cash, housing, or energy assistance.
CONFRONTING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
This past year, many among us faced extreme hardship. In response, staff delivered unprecedented support to help those facing crisis find stability and hope.
SERVICE HUBS GET HELP TO COMMUNITY
Increased needs made innovations for expanded service delivery necessary. Through a new collaboration with the Sausalito Marin City School District (SMCSD), agency staff worked onsite at Bayside Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy from Monday to Friday. From April to June, over 80 new community members connected to needed support in Marin City. The location allowed residents to receive safety net, financial, career, and credit coaching services right in their neighborhood. It gave them access to referrals too, from the agency’s mental health services and childcare, to warm handoffs to critical partners in public health, legal aid, and other social services.
PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Recovery is a journey, and the Safety Net Services team made it possible for people to get the support they needed to stay housed, keep the lights on, and put food on the table. “We’ve helped more people than ever before,” said Laurel Hill, Safety Net Services Director. “People who received services may have been several months behind in rent, or someone would find out they qualified for energy assistance, and it put their mind at ease knowing they could now afford food. Once they received help, they were so relieved.”
Every day, dedicated staff helped individuals and families to find their footing and take a step forward.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE:
- RENTAL ASSISTANCE increased six-fold to reach 887 people
- FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE reached 1,228 households, 15 times more than the prior year
- MORE THAN 20 tents and OVER 40 sleeping bags distributed to the unhoused
- MORE THAN 1,500 bag lunches and OVER 150 hygiene kits distributed
- OVER 60 people received cell phones to ensure tele-health and census participation
- 779 HOUSEHOLDS received utilities assistance
CARE teams distribute essential items like socks and sleeping bags
“The Covid-19 relief funds were transferred electronically and are now deposited in my bank account. These funds will allow me to pay on time my quarterly Medicare supplement health insurance premium. I’m grateful to Community Action Marin. They helped me in so many ways!”
– S. Bilow, Services Recipient, Rental Assistance
“You don’t know how much I appreciate all you have done for me especially in these difficult times. I just received news that my rent is already paid in full. I’m happy to know that I was able to pay the rent for this April with your help, and thanks for the help with the electric services.
A thousand thanks to your agency for everything they do for our community. And I am glad to know that there is an agency like Community Action Marin that can help in these times.”
– K. Milagro, Services Recipient, Rental Assistance
SETTING THE STAGE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES TEAM PROVIDED HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT TO OVER 500 CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Programs included center-based childcare, home-based care, family childcare homes, and school-age programs. All ensured wraparound health, nutrition, and family services.
DE COLORES CHILDREN'S CENTER & SAFETY NET SERVICES HUB
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of integrated, accessible services became even more clear. Staff heard the community need for 0-5 childcare in downtown San Rafael and acted. They worked hard renovating and setting up a new location—the De Colores Children’s Center & Safety Net Services Hub—to provide free and affordable childcare, as well as quick, easy access to rental, cash, energy assistance, and other services.
A partnership with Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, owner of the site, created even stronger ties in the larger community. The expansion ensured comprehensive early education and family services to the neighborhoods most in need of 0-5 childcare and helped people access services along the crisis-to-thriving continuum.
NEW PLAYGROUND AT OLD GALLINAS CHILDREN'S CENTER
Thanks to a community effort, over 200 children got a new playground at Old Gallinas Children’s Center, the largest early learning site operated by Community Action Marin. Parents and teachers wanted to improve the site and identified a new playground as the priority.
Outdoor play is critical for a child’s growth and healthy development. Research shows that play promotes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. The playground at Old Gallinas helped children stay active and learn all year.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE:
- 84 SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN participated in the after school enrichment program
- 550+ CHILDREN ages 0-5 learned and grew
- 92% OF PRESCHOOLERS improved in LANGUAGE and LITERACY
- 90% OF PRESCHOOLERS improved in SOCIAL and EMOTIONAL development
Official ribbon cutting at De Colores
“An explicit goal of our program is not just child progress, but providing families the tools and resources they seek to support their child and their own development.”
- Rommel Carrera, Family Services Director
“What Community Action Marin has done for me and my grandchildren, the support through our struggles, has been wonderful. To say I am grateful is not enough. I feel this does not come close to expressing how I feel, or the care my grandchildren receive. Anytime I see people that need help or assistance, I always recommend their services because they are helpful for children and families.”
-A. Mercado, Services Recipient, Children and Families
PROVIDING ACCESS TO GOOD FOOD FOR ALL.
HUNGER AND POOR ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD ARE REALITIES FOR PEOPLE OF LOW INCOME IN MARIN, DESPITE THE COUNTY'S GENERAL AFFLUENCE.
Over the past year, food insecurity among individuals and families intensified and grew due to the impacts of COVID-19.
To help address and eliminate this challenge, the agency increased food production at its farm and strengthened partnerships. It sourced new funding to create digital advocacy tools focused on building awareness and won a USDA grant to expand the farm. It leveraged its Central Kitchen to give aspiring food entrepreneurs mentorship and training. It took a stand for food justice.
Services included:
- Production Farm
- Central Kitchen
- Food Apprenticeship Program
- Learning Gardens
- Emergency Food Boxes
GOOD FOOD FOR ALL
The Central Kitchen and Organic Production Farm provided tasty and nutritious meals: fresh, seasonal, and culturally-appropriate. Food became a strategic focus for how we could recover from the pandemic together.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE:
- 1 IN 5 FAMILIES IN MARIN are struggling to put food on the table (and 1 in 3 seniors)
- OVER 40,000 POUNDS of produce and healthy food were delivered to more than 225 enrolled families each week
- OVER 50% of our families reported this was an essential source of food for them
- MORE THAN 135,000 servings of breakfast, lunch, and snacks for children provided last year
- 71% OF ENROLLED FAMILIES reported food insecurity
- FEEDING OVER 500 families daily
“High-quality food is extremely important to all of Marin. We value our boutique creameries. We value our organic produce, and food justice at the bare bones really is about healthy food, organic food, nutrient dense food, as a human right.”
- Monique Liebhard, VP, Children and Family Services
“In October 2021, we moved from baking our artisan, 100% organic granola in our home kitchen to the Central Kitchen. With the friendly support of the staff and Chef & Kitchen Manager, Jose, we had a smooth transition and were able to not just preserve the handmade, high quality of our granola, but also improve the productivity by enhancing the process using the expanded workspace and multiple professional convection ovens. We feel we are now well positioned to grow even further in 2022 and beyond. Thank you Community Action Marin!.”
-Sally Li, Owner, Chantelle’s Granola
PROVIDING CRITICAL SUPPORT FOR OUR AGENCY'S EFFORTS TO HELP IN COMMUNITY.
JEFF AMEN
ADMINISTRATIVE/OFFICE VOLUNTEER
Jeff Amen’s personal lifelong mission as a physician aligns so well with Community Action Marin’s that it’s not surprising to count him among our dedicated volunteers. Jeff is a retired physician who owned and operated the largest and most successful Podiatric Medicine practice in Marin County. He never turned anyone away from the medical care they needed and deserved, regardless of their ability to pay. His patients included not only low-income individuals, but also the homeless community. We are thrilled to have him managing our Volunteer Services Program.
SAMANTHA RAMIREZ
BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOLUNTEER
“I love my role because I am able to work in partnership with young people, together we accomplish great things.” Samantha Ramirez joined the Board of Directors this past year. As a first-generation college graduate, Samantha utilizes her education and passion to work with young people to facilitate programs that ensure better outcomes for their future. Born in the U.S. and the daughter of immigrants from Central America, she acutely understands the challenges of living and thriving in Marin which connects with our vision and mission.
BRIAN JOHNSON
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER
After a long career as a financial services professional, Brian Johnson feels that he has found the perfect volunteer opportunity. Serving many executive-level roles in his active professional life, including Chief Financial Officer, Brian is providing his skills and talent to help coach Community Action Marin clients. As a volunteer Financial Coach, Brian assists lower-income individuals and families, helping them achieve their financial goals of increasing income, reducing debt, building savings, and improving their credit scores.
Every year, community members step up to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether helping to keep our farm vibrant, supporting our outreach to community members, or assisting with food distribution, it’s because of individuals who care that people continue to receive high-quality assistance.
- OLD GALLINAS CHILDREN'S CENTER PRODUCTION FARM gardening and cultivation
- ONGOING FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR FAMILIES throughout the pandemic
- FINANCIAL AND CAREER COACHING that helps clients get ahead
- VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM during the tax season
- OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT throughout the year
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
and help impact the community through these important efforts and more.
Visit camarin.org/volunteer to get started.
GIVING PEOPLE A STEP UP.
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS HELPED PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS AND MOVE TOWARDS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
More people saved money and reduced debt. Workforce efforts strengthened self-esteem and improved access to employment.
FINANCIAL STABILITY THROUGH SPARKPOINT
Participants identified their goals and got help with budgeting. Some made savings plans to start new businesses, and others received guidance to build better credit scores. Coaches helped people gain control of their money, decrease fear about finances, and plan for their future..
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
Tax season got easier for over 100 households. Staff and volunteers helped with tax preparation as services went remote, ensuring that people claimed relevant credits and deductions to reduce their tax burdens.
“Giving back to the community by helping people complete their taxes is important to me, especially during a time of so much uncertainty,” said Esmeralda Garcia, a VITA Tax Preparer Volunteer. “It was my job to get people what they deserved back on their taxes. I saw so many very happy people!”
ACCELERATING PATHWAYS TO THRIVE
A grant through the California Workforce Accelerator Fund helped sixteen women experiencing homelessness (or precariously housed) eliminate barriers and gain access to comprehensive services in support of their well-being.
Participants worked with a success team comprised of staff from each agency area to create wellness, stability, and education or career plans. The women received small business advising, career counseling, cash assistance, mental health support, and financial coaching.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE:
- OVER 200 community members connected to services
- 76% OF CLIENTS made at least 30% progress in one or more financial indicators: income, savings, credit, and debt - a 28% increase from last year
- $128,000 got returned to the community through our free tax preparation services
- 80% OF PARTICIPANTS reported a stronger support network
- 26 PEOPLE grew their assets, including a car or home purchase
- 16 HOMELESS or precariously housed women worked as a cohort to increase self-confidence, financial stability, and build pathways to employment
- 82% OF CLIENTS improved their savings, credit, or debt by 5% or more
- 66% OF PARTICIPANTS saw improvement in ability to live on their incomes
“I am grateful and thankful to have been a part of a program like this. It came at a critical time in my life. I was lacking motivation and the support I received was everything. It helped me to develop in a way where I feel positive about where I am going, what I want, and how to get there.
I’ve felt very supported and I’ll never forget Maricruz because of all the support she provided. Life is a circle and we have to move forward and move on and put into practice what we have learned. I am thankful and appreciative.”
- L. Gibson, Graduate, Accelerating Pathways to Thrive
“I have never been treated so kindly while having my taxes prepared. The preparer was so very fast. I couldn’t believe it. I used my refund to achieve my dream of opening my own janitorial business. It is just small now but I have big plans for my future now.”
-T. Alphonse, Services Recipient, Economic Opportunity
PUTTING RECOVERY WITHIN REACH.
COMMUNITY ACTION MARIN ASSISTS PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.
Services are delivered by our trained Peer Support Specialists who have lived through their own experiences with mental health challenges. This evidence-based model of support strengthens outcomes for those needing help and gives our team pathways to recovery too.
FAMILY PARTNERS SPOTLIGHT
“It meant so much to us to have Family Partners at our side!” - Community Member
Each day, the Family Partners team goes above and beyond to guide the whole family to improved well-being. The principles that guide them? Honor people’s strengths, meet the unique needs of each family, remain respectful, and ensure a culturally-relevant and sensitive approach to well-being.
Recently, they shared the story of a grandmother and her three grandchildren, who she is raising, and how they worked to help them overcome trauma due to parental addiction issues and incarceration. The team’s Youth Mentors were a resource to both children and they had regular check-ins for support with the grandmother.
They worked to connect the family to local food resources, helping them get meal deliveries regularly.
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
No one can understand mental health challenges quite like someone who has faced them. Our Peer Education Program trains people with lived experience to become Peer Support Specialists, so they can help others to overcome similar problems. The combination of this training alongside lived experience creates a powerful support for people on the path to recovery. The agency’s Peer Specialist Training is nationally certified by Mental Health America and in the state through CalMHSA.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE:
- 63 CLIENTS ASSISTED with crisis planning (of the 63 clients assisted, 67% reported decreased need for intensive support
- 180 CLIENTS RECEIVED support from our helpful Family Partners Services
- 40 CLIENTS EXPERIENCED our encouraging Youth Mentor Services
- 4,454 CALLS were made to the Warmline (English and Spanish)
- Our peer-supported programs have helped reduce hospital visits by 50% saving taxpayers $3,000 per visit
“My son was increasingly paranoid, volatile, and isolated, and I needed help. The Family Partners team helped me to navigate the county’s mental health system, join a support group, and become an advocate for what my son needed. But I needed help with rent too because of the difficulties in our family with mental health. They got me to Community Action Marin’s Safety Net Services team.
I didn’t even know this kind of help existed! Unless you’re living with someone who has serious mental health issues, you cannot fully understand how impactful it is. Because of the agency’s help, I have a path forward filled with resources and reminders to take care of myself. I am forever grateful!”
-Phyllis, Services Recipient, Mental Health
“I am blessed to blend my professional experience with my personal experience and provide direct assistance to families experiencing mental health crises. I am so satisfied when I hear a parent thank me for listening, for validating their frustrations. Many times, I am the first person who gets the situation they are experiencing with their children.”
– Mark Solomons, Family Partner
COMMITTED TO RACIAL AND ECONOMIC EQUITY.
DID YOU KNOW? MARIN COUNTY RANKS AMONG THE MOST RACIALLY DISPARATE COUNTIES IN CALIFORNIA ACROSS ALL INDICATORS OF WELL-BEING.
We’re working to change these realities so that all of us have the opportunity to achieve our dreams.
CONFRONTING SYSTEMIC POVERTY IN MARIN
The COVID-19 pandemic created some unique economic and health-related challenges across our county that required immediate action. Our Safety Net programs kicked into overdrive as the pandemic deepened and many families and individuals confronted extreme hardship. In the face of sustained high need and inequity, we delivered unprecedented amounts of cash, rental assistance, and other resources to help those facing crisis find stability and hope.
We also focused our efforts during the pandemic on critical local policy issues that have a direct impact on Marin residents. Our community advocacy work related to rent freezes, a county-wide proclamation of racial equity, and eviction moratoria and extensions, played an important role in supporting individuals and families. We had people’s back as Marin residents faced landlord harassment and threats of eviction.
But the reality is that nearly 1 in 5 people entered the pandemic in poverty and remain there today. Many Marin residents still face substantial year-round costs related to rent, energy, food, health care, childcare, transportation, and more.
PANDEMIC POLICY RESPONSE
Last year, our agency leadership continued building with community partners, local government, and others working to ensure an equitable recovery for those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Resolution passed from elected officials to commit to bold, equitable pandemic response.
- Marin County ramps up distribution of $16M in rental aid.
- In-person rental assistance support for Marin County renters and landlords.
- Marin County adopts limited rent freeze for pandemic relief.
- San Rafael City Council passed a rent freeze in the Canal neighborhood.
- Board of Supervisors committed more than $5.6 million in federal grant money to address the local emergency of homelessness.
“I live in Marin City with my 3 beautiful children, Charlee, Charles, and Monya. I really, truly just want to thank Community Action Marin for all they’re doing to help our community.
Your heart is clearly dedicated to helping others which definitely makes a difference to a father like me who is presently struggling with divorce, maintaining financial stability, along with other issues.
You not only listened but also offered the resources that are helping me get back on my feet. Thank you Community Action Marin!”
- C. Dorhan, Services Recipient, Safety Net
“Having your agency build a relationship with me and my baby has been an amazing experience. Not only has the support helped me mentally, but also financially. There are people out there who do care and do believe in giving a helping hand. Thank you!”
– A. Martinez, Services Recipient, Children and Families
VISION
ALL OF US IN MARIN HAVE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE OUR LIVES WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
“FOR NEARLY A DECADE, WE HAVE BEEN PROUD TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY ACTION MARIN to support their important work in providing critical safety net services and economic opportunities for people in need. We are inspired by their strategic vision and commitment to making a positive impact that helps lift up our community in ways great and small.” -Tim Myers, CEO, Bank of Marin
"OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WE WILL BECOME A FULLY TRAUMA-RESPONSIVE AGENCY. IT IS OUR COMMITMENT TO THOSE LIVING IN POVERTY WHO ARE MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER THE IMPACTS OF TRAUMA AND ADVERSITY. WE ARE WITH COMMUNITY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AS CARING AND COMPASSIONATE PARTNERS FOR THE JOURNEY TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY."
—CHANDRA ALEXANDRE, CEO, COMMUNITY ACTION MARIN
Revenues moved upwards for the third year in a row to $21.3 million, increasing by 9% compared to FY20. Additional government funding to meet priority community needs was a significant factor, positively impacting federal, state, and county grants. The agency took on fiscal administration of County of Marin rental assistance efforts, distributing funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
These and other programmatic initiatives increased net assets by $1.5 million, which will carry forward to be deployed next fiscal year. For every $1 of federal Community Services Block Grant funds, the agency leveraged $68.90 from federal, state, local government, and private sources.
Please join us as a supporter by donating today! With a monthly gift, you become a Champion for Marin. Any gift helps our community become a place where everyone can thrive.
Ellis G. “Joe” Simmons
President
MEREDITH PARNELL
Vice President
Danielle George
Secretary
James T. McLean
Treasurer
Roger Crawford
Maria Frias
Jennifer McInnis
Tony Psychoyos
Cheryl Timoney
Samantha Ramirez
Christopher Carey
DEAR FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS, AND COMMUNITY:
As I look back on the past year, I’m aware of the tremendous effort it’s taken to persevere through prolonged challenges. The path hasn’t gotten easier, yet we’ve kept a sharp focus at Community Action Marin, both on meeting current needs as well as doing what’s necessary to support economic recovery in the time to come.
Every member of the team, our staff and volunteers, has helped make miracles happen in the past twelve months. Despite enduring uncertainty and setbacks, these individuals have also achieved significant successes as they’ve connected people to resources and helped remove barriers to services. At the end of the day, they have committed again and again to making someone’s life brighter tomorrow—and they have helped to restore dignity and hope. They’ve kept people housed, put food on the table, obliterated debt, gotten people to work and school by providing free and affordable childcare, and lifted up community voices. They’ve offered the comfort of someone willing to listen, and then take steps to actually help.
I’m so proud of this agency and of those who work together to make Marin County a place where we can all live and feel a sense of belonging. I’ve been on the Board of Directors for more than five years, and in that time I’ve seen Community Action Marin become ever more visible as a force for change, helping people of low income gain self-sufficiency. In 2021, I watched as we rose stronger than before to meet urgent needs through direct services, to leverage our experience in support of policy advocacy, and to strengthen trust. Difficulties aside, it has been a year of accomplishment and increased striving toward justice.
For me, it’s been a year of learning and optimism backed by the agency’s steadfast commitment to being there for those who need a step up. I invite you to join me as a volunteer, or come look at a career with us! And if you can, give. You are part of what’s making so much possible, and I thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
JOE SIMMONS
Board President
“I CHOSE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD because I so appreciate the agency’s purpose and mission. Community Action Marin lives in the community, always assessing the current needs and striving to meet them. I don’t know of another organization that has the breadth and depth to do this vital work.
Community Action Marin, with inspired and dedicated leadership, continues to always push forward with compassion, hard work, and open hearts. I feel honored to have a role in this work.”
—Mary Donovan, Board member and Former County of Marin Employee
OUR TEAM REFLECTS THE LARGER MARIN COMMUNITY in its diversity and representation of those we assist along pathways to self-sufficiency. These caring people are passionate about the agency’s mission and work hard each day for a better, more equitable place to live, work, play, and serve. Here is the Leadership Team that represents the more than 200 amazing individuals on staff who contributed to helping people and changing lives across the county over the course of the year.
Chandra Alexandre
Chief Executive Officer
Kristine Aguilar
Director of Comprehensive Health Services
Heather Bettini
Director, Economic Opportunity & Workforce Development
Rommel Carrera
Director of Family Services
Russell Farnell
Director of Finance
Gina Guillemette
Chief of Staff
Dawn Hensley
Director, Family Partnerships
Laurel Hill-Lubiszewski
Director, Safety Net Services
Monique Liebhard
Vice President, Children and Family Services
Korinna Pedrosa
Director, Human Resources
Elissa Roy
Director of Development
Jennifer Thater
Director, Mental Health Services
Alanna Williams
Director of Learning and Evaluation
Over $1 Million
California Department of Education
County of Marin
U.S Department of Health and Human Services (including Head Start/Early Head Start)
$100,000 to $999,999
Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund
Marin Community Foundation
United Way Bay Area
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
$25,000 to $99,999
Bank of America
Capital One Services
Kaiser Permanente
Margaret E. Haas Family Fund
Marin County Office of Education
Michael Train Caldwell, Esq.
Morgan Stanley
The Morris Stulsaft Foundation
$5,000 to $24,999
Alexander Nathan Pascua and Nicole Fong
Alton Lo
Bank of Marin
Barbara and Michael McLean
Caldwell Law Firm
Cheryl Timoney
Dennis Ryan
Fidelity Charitable Giving
Marin Community Partnership
Hilltop Foundation
Jonas Family Foundation Trust
Mark Menning and Lara Park Menning
Marin Economic Forum
Marin Health
The Isabel Allende Foundation
The Lakeview Foundation
Tony Psychoyos
Western Health Advantage
$1,000 to $4,999
Andrew F. and Ann B. Mathieson Fund
Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
Bright Funds
Cristina Breen and Jonathan Wornick
Danielle George Fenwick Foundation
Fthree Foundation
Full Circle Fund
Gail Theller
Gregory Wester
Heffernan Group Foundation
James T. McLean
Jann Moorhead
Jeffrey Amen
Joe Kendrick
Kenneth and Jacqueline Perlmutter
Marin Independent
Paul Finkle
Randall Fong
Rosalie Marcovecchio
Schwab Charitable
Susan Restani
TD Ameritrade Clearing
Ted and Helen Abe
Whole Foods Market, Inc.
Wobb Family Fund
$1 to $99
Abby Ottenhoff
Adam C. and Alissa Fong
Alan M. Lobovits
Alice Bartholomew
Amazon Smile Foundation
Andrea Sumits
Anna Lemontt
Autodesk
Barbara Bowman
Barbara Murphy
Beth Law
Bobbie Lemontt
Brandeis Marin
Caity Beita
Carl Macki
Carla Twitchell
Chance Cutrano
Chandra Alexandre
Chris Brent
Computer and Technology Resource Center
Conn Hickey
Cynara Martin
Daniel and Susan Ohlson
Danielle Fogel
Darryl Bozeman
David Finnane
David Guggenhime
David Heneghan
David Schreck
Dawn Beggs
Deborah Colgan
Denis Gleason
Denise Herman
Devon Biondi
Diane W. Aldrich
DJ McPherson
Don and Madeline Swartz
Donald Dodelson
Donna Morris
Dr. Donald Leisey
Earle Owen
Elila and Josh Levinson
Elizabeth Muir
Ellis “Joe” Simmons
Elsa Rodriguez
Esther Mata Perez
Feat2Eat
Fillippo Lo Coco
Frank Baratta, Ph.D.
Frank Landram
Gary Intersimone
Gina Guillemette
Goodman Building Supply
Hervé Ernest
Hugh Murphy
Irene M. Curtis
Iris Saligman
Jack Beuttler
James Tighe
Jane Riney
Janet Shirley
Jean Greenbaum
Jennifer Rienks
Jill Monroe
Joan Lubamersky
Joanie Levinsohn
John Beuttler
John Beuttler and Julie Quater
John Wright
Josh Lavine
Judith Dowling
Julia Frank
Julie Whyte
Justin L. Miller
Justin Semion
Karee Wallach
Karen Arnold
Katy Vanoni
Keller Foundation
Khrome Cares
Kristina Covall
Lani Alo
Lauren Alexander
Lauren Roscoe
Linda Perrella
Linda Remy
Lisa Barto
Lorrie Goldin
M.P. Hansen
Marc Flax
Margaret Hallett
Margie and David Guggenhime
Maria Frias
Mark Reagan
Mark Solomons
Mary Donovan
Mary Fitzpatrick
Mary Jane Burke
Mary K. Dinday
Matthew Zimmerman
Maureen Kroll
Maxine Levine
Melissa Grimm
Meredith Parnell
Michael Duncan
Network For Good
Nora Niesen
Norman Davis
OMW Corp
Pablo Collazo
Pamela De Martini
Patrick Donohew
Patrick J. Luchtel
Paul and Vicki Remer
Paul Gray
Peggy Kass
Peter Thompson
Philippe Cayanni
Precision General Commercial Contractors
Prime65
Rama Kumar
Robert and Ruth Dell
Robert E. Davisson
Robert P. Haro
Robert W. Hoffman, D.D.S.
Robin Goebel
Robin Pendoley
Rochelle Byrne
Roger Crawford
Roland Takashi Minami
Ron Olson
Ronald and Suzanne Stolowitz
Ronald Burlick
Rosemary Costello
Russell and Eleanor Hill
Sadaf Fakhri
Sandra Huey
Sandra Woliver
Sandy Weinberg
Sean Casey
Stanley Green
Stuti Ghoshal
Sue and Marc Levinson
Sue Brenner
Susan Brown
Susan Peters
Susan Quater
Suzanne Beittel
Suzanne Brice
The Leighty Foundation
The Robert J. Duncan Trust
Travis Holman
Trust Comprehensive Distribution By Frontstream
United Way Worldwide
Wayne Reetz
Whitney Bardwick
Ylva Dominy
OUR PROMISE
COMMUNITY ACTION CHANGES PEOPLE'S LIVES, EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF HOPE, IMPROVES COMMUNITIES AND MAKES AMERICA A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. WE CARE ABOUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, AND WE ARE DEDICATED TO HELPING PEOPLE HELP THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER.
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