ADVOCACY
VOTE YES ON MEASURE P
A child’s early years are the foundation for everything that follows, and child care is an essential infrastructure for a thriving community. But in Marin County, we are experiencing a child care crisis driven by exceptionally high costs, limited access, and a shrinking provider workforce. Measure P is a voter-led measure to create a dedicated local funding source for child care and early childhood education, generating approximately $12.5 million annually to expand access, strengthen the early childhood workforce, and improve child care and early education facilities right here in Marin County.
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FOOD AND CLIMATE JUSTICE
Building Community Through Food Access
Thank you to our partners at SF-Marin Food Bank and La Tiendita for welcoming the Community Action Marin team and showing us what’s possible when communities come together to make healthy food more accessible.
Launched in March 2026 in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood, La Tiendita provides local households with fresh groceries while connecting families to vital community resources. Inspired by this model, CAM is working toward opening a community market at our Novato headquarters in partnership with SF-Marin Food Bank.
“Food security isn’t just about resources. It’s about dignity, access, and strong partnerships,” shares Kris Budi, Senior Director of Economic Justice. “As we explore launching a community market at our headquarters, we’re building toward a future where families in Marin have dignified, equitable access to fresh, nourishing food.”
Together, we’re creating a Marin where everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive.
Pictured from left to right: Kris Budi, Community Action Marin, Senior Director, Economic Justice; Chandra Alexandre, Community Action Marin, CEO; Jesus Benitez, SF Marin Food Bank, Community Builder Manager; Agustin Angel, La Tiendita
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ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Celebrating Progress in Affordable Housing
Our Economic Justice team, pictured with Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters, joined Marin Housing Authority and Burbank Housing to celebrate the kickoff of the Golden Gate Village Revitalization Project! This important effort will preserve this historic public housing community, improve building safety and shared spaces, and protect long-term affordable housing for current and future residents. Together, we’re supporting a stronger, more equitable Marin where everyone can thrive.
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PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT
Strengthening Financial Opportunity in Marin
Our recent credit workshop, “Understanding Credit,” held in partnership with the Marin Housing Authority (MHA) for Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) participants, was a great success. 35 community members attended learning about credit scores and leaving with concrete, personalized plans to improve their scores. Many participants will be receiving additional guidance through one-on-one support from one of our financial coaches.
“Building and rebuilding credit is an important step toward greater financial well-being,” shares Kristopher Budi, CAM’s Senior Director of Economic Justice. “We’re excited to see so many participants taking the next step toward their financial goals and investing in their futures.”
A special thank you to Citibank and Patty Sipaseuth for sharing valuable industry expertise and insights. Citi’s collaboration demonstrates the value of cross-sector partnerships that help our community build a more secure financial future.
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Thank you, Ultragenyx!
A big thank-you to our partners at Ultragenyx for helping bring new life to the outdoor learning space at our Hamilton Children’s Center in Novato! These incredible volunteers helped create a brighter, more inviting space where children can explore, learn, and let their imaginations run wild. This project is part of an ongoing effort to beautify our children’s centers and create clean, safe, and inspiring environments for children and staff.
Want to make a difference with your team? Bring your group together for a hands-on service project!
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BOARD SPOTLIGHT
Welcome Dr. Mike Watenpaugh
Mike joins our board following a distinguished 40-year career as an educational leader. He was dedicated to transforming public school systems and championing educational equity for all students, ensuring inclusive, high-performing learning environments.
Mike served as Superintendent of San Rafael City Schools for 12 years and as Superintendent of Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. He also held leadership roles in Novato as middle school principal and assistant superintendent and served as an elementary school principal in San Rafael.
Since retirement, Mike has provided executive leadership coaching and consulting for emerging educational leaders. Mike holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne, a B.A. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, and executive leadership training from Harvard and Stanford.
A Marin County resident for 30 years, Mike lives in San Rafael with his husband, near their two adult sons. Outside of his professional and community work, Mike enjoys traveling and swimming and has recently taken up Chinese mahjong and ceramics.
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Thank You for Standing with Us
Every success you’ve read about this month is made possible through your belief in our mission. Whether you volunteer, partner, donate, or spread the word—you are part of an anti-poverty movement building equity, opportunity, and thriving futures in Marin.