“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other”- Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity
Since Habitat for Humanity Riverside’s first meeting with the non-profit organization Reach-Out, offices located in Upland, California, our affiliate has made a well binding connection which flourished into a long-lasting relationship, partnering to bring a healthy initiative to the city of Jurupa Valley. Our AmeriCorps National Members Daniel Anchondo and Azhar Khan actually have had a relationship with Reach-Out and Healthy Jurupa Valley since beginning of last year. Daniel and Azhar are recent graduates from Cal Poly Pomona where they received their Bachelors of Science in Urban and Regional Planning; this is where they created, along with their classmates in their senior studio, a 20-year plan for the new city, which happens to be Habitat Riverside’s NRI focus area. Daniel even held an internship position at Reach-Out a few months before he became an AmeriCorps National.
On June 3rd organizations from Jurupa Valley, the surrounding cities, Riverside County, community members, city officials and many others congregated in Sam’s Western Wear (Jurupa Valley Council Chambers) to celebrate a year of Healthy Jurupa Valley and to honor those involved throughout the year. The festivities began with a slideshow showcasing the numerous events and meetings containing hours of planning and coordinating these Action Teams. During the slideshow the leaders of each Action Team spoke upon the great things that have happened throughout the year whether they attributed to triumphs or failures, overcoming obstacles or diverting to other options. The leaders then awarded members from their Action Team who went the extra mile, who took on responsibilities that helped them grow and persevere with a framed certificate of appreciation.
Since last fall, our AmeriCorps not only participated in the coalition, but became leaders of three of the Action Teams. AmeriCorps National Azhar Khan co-lead the Gardens and Markets Action Team, AmeriCorps Vista Jenna Holmes co-lead the Access to Safety and Readiness Action Team, and AmeriCorps National Daniel Anchondo co-lead the Arts and Recreation Action Team. Our AmeriCorps also received framed certificates awarding their leadership and pivotal roles they played in the success of Healthy Jurupa Valley’s first year of action. Habitat Riverside has created wonderful partnerships with many organizations and strengthened their relationships with many others. Habitat Riverside would like to thank Jurupa Valley’s City Council members Laura Roughton and Mike Goodland for their constant guidance and determination toward Healthy Jurupa Valley and Reach-Out’s continual efforts to hear their voices of the community as well as many partners for the cause.
