They are America's children

As a foundation committed to improving the well-being of our communities, we are disappointed by the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We believe that children who were born in another country but were brought to and educated in America as young children are America’s children. DACA supports the development of children who are enrolled in school, youth who hold the ideals and promises of the American Dream, and young adult taxpayers and entrepreneurs who contribute to the vitality of our economy. America, the country they call home, has the most to benefit from the intellectual, social and financial contributions these young Americans are making now and those they will make in the future.

As a private philanthropy that forges new paths to promote health and racial equity in partnership with communities, organizations and leaders in Northern California and the San Joaquin Valley, we stand with DREAMers, their families and the organizations that serve them. We reaffirm our commitment to ensure that every individual has access to opportunities to live a healthy and happy life, regardless of where they were born, and we call on our policymakers to join us in this commitment. We are pleased to add our voice to the growing philanthropic coalition in denouncing this announcement.

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Positive Youth Justice Initiative partners building collective power to transform juvenile justice systems

The stage is set in California to advance transformative changes in juvenile justice policy, and grantee partners from the 11 Organizing for a Healthy Justice System sites are strengthening local infrastructure for organizing and advocacy.

At this phase in the work, the Positive Youth Justice Initiative collaboratives have identified various policy themes, including participatory defense for youth potentially facing adult court, justice reinvestment, district attorney accountability, and intersections of immigration and juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Collaboratives also are building collective power across sites. In November, staff, organizers and youth from all Positive Youth Justice Initiative organizations will convene at Sierra Health Foundation to focus on implementing a framework for developing youth leadership in policy change, identifying site-specific needed support, and assessing the assets and expertise of each partner organization. Leading up to the convening, we will launch a social media campaign called #MovementMonday to #BuildYouthPower for a #HealthyJusticeSystem. Stay tuned to our social media channels to see and hear from leaders engaged in the initiative.

Learn more on the Positive Youth Justice Initiative web page.

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California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative expands new health system model to 15 communities

We believe that it takes bold moves to improve the health and well-being of communities. We partnered with the State of California along with several other funders in 2016 to launch an ambitious effort, the California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (CACHI), to modernize our health system. CACHI provides the infrastructure and resources that communities need to effectively work together and break the silos that once kept groups apart.

We’re pleased to announce that CACHI has expanded to 15 communities throughout California, including Fresno, Merced, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. CACHI communities are working to address the biggest health issues in those regions, such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, violence and trauma. Only in partnership will we solve these problems.

While evidence of inequities accumulates, resources to address them have decreased significantly. We’re excited that an initiative like CACHI is expanding and modernizing the way we think about what a health system is and does.

Learn more about these communities and their efforts on the new CACHI web site.

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Rural north state forum to be held in Redding

Sierra Health Foundation, California Department of Public Health’s Office of Health Equity, and Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency are partnering to gain a better understanding of the health equity challenges facing the rural north. They will host a forum on Oct. 26 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Redding to dialogue with service providers and policymakers working to improve outcomes in early childhood development, education, housing, income security and mental health, with a special focus on suicide prevention. To attend the forum, please RSVP to the Office of Health Equity and include “Forum” in the subject line. Details will be sent to participants by e-mail.

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Exhibit features modern landscapes by artist-teacher Kevin McGovern

Currently on display at our Conference and Education Center, Kevin McGovern’s exhibit of landscape paintings focuses on making the common modern. Pools, beaches and soccer fields share bright colors and sharp lines and sit next to each other as though they are window views into neighborhoods. McGovern is a working artist and teaches drawing and painting at Christian Brothers High School. The exhibit will be on display at 1321 Garden Highway in Sacramento through November and can be visited Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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#PeoplePursuing

Throughout 2017, we are highlighting the work of our partners through a campaign called #PeoplePursuing. We invite you to visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for new inspiring posts!

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