Members of State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil’s Fourth District office made a stop in Riverbank over the weekend, recognizing a local organization for its service.
The Central Valley Community Resources group, based here in Riverbank but serving Stanislaus County, received an award as one of the District’s Non-Profit of the Year honorees for 2024 on Saturday, July 20. The recognition ceremony was held in an administrative building on the campus of the Riverbank Industrial Complex.
CVCR was represented by Chief Executive Officer Darlene Barber-Martinez, along with a number of its volunteer board members. The award was presented by District Representative Jacob Faulder on behalf of Senator Alvarado-Gil. The CVCR board members in attendance included Arlene Figueroa-Morales, Joan Brister-Giles, Diana Gonzalez and Monica Perez, in addition to Barber-Martinez.
Faulder presented Barber-Martinez and the board members with a large framed certificate, issued by the state Senate and signed by Alvarado-Gil honoring CVCR “for their efforts in coordinating services and programs to serve the diverse community, empowering individuals to become self-sufficient.”
Riverbank Mayor Richard D. O’Brien also presented the group with a certificate recognizing it for its “dedication and tireless efforts to serve those in our community,” on behalf of the City Council.
Some of the programs CVCR has organized, or sponsored, include the recent annual Bicycle Rodeo and Kids Health and Safety Fair, as well as the Senior Brunch Fridays, which the Riverbank High School Culinary Arts Class helps prepare.
The CVCR organization also works with the Marine Corps Reserve of Stanislaus County on its Toys for Tots program during the holidays, and have a Transitional Housing Placement Program for young adults ages 18 to 21 moving on from foster homes.
According to Barber-Martinez, the group raises funds, like with its recent fireworks booth, as well as applying for grants to keep these and other programs continuing.
In addition to CVCR, three other organizations were selected as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year Honorees for Stanislaus County. All the honorees were recognized for their unwavering commitment to addressing critical issues and improving the lives of residents throughout the region.
Stanislaus Homeless Advocacy and Resource Enterprise (SHARE) was one of this year’s honorees. Founded in 2020 by Frank Ploof and Steven Finch, SHARE is dedicated to tackling housing access and affordability. Their innovative model, inspired by Finch’s experience with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, utilizes highly trained advocates to meet the diverse needs of unhoused individuals. In 2023, SHARE served over 400 clients, more than doubling their impact from the previous two years combined. SHARE collaborates with organizations such as the Modesto Police Department’s Community Health and Assistance Team (CHAT), Downtown Streets Team (DST), Turning Point, and Stanislaus County CARE, providing comprehensive support from securing temporary housing to navigating complex healthcare systems.
Modesto Downtown Streets Team (DST) was another recipient of the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year award. DST builds teams that restore dignity, inspire hope, and provide pathways to recovery from homelessness. The organization emphasizes creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment, offering case management, system navigation, and employment placement services. Operating in 20 communities across Northern and Central California, DST engages in community beautification and clean-up projects, working to undo negative perceptions of homelessness and demonstrating their commitment to positive change.
Center for Human Services (CHS) - Ceres Partnership was also honored. CHS impacts the community by changing lives and building futures through comprehensive programs that support youth and families. Serving over 10,000 children, individuals, and families annually, CHS provides mental health services, youth navigation centers, school-based services, substance use treatment, family resource centers, and workforce development. CHS provides basic human needs for the community with a caring and supportive approach.
“I am immensely proud to recognize these outstanding organizations for their tireless work and dedication,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “Their innovative approaches and commitment to service are making a profound difference in the lives of Stanislaus County residents.”
News Correspondent Ric McGinnis contributed to this report.
