Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) in Stockton

I joined Within Our Reach to partner with other community leaders to build the capacity of faith-based programs to increase food security and prevent obesity and chronic disease. I believe in the mission of the REACH program and wanted to support their efforts to motivate children and parents to eat healthy, increase their physical activity and create environments that support these behaviors.

I joined the steering committee in order to help improve my community and the city of Stockton.

I am a mother of three, two of my children are deceased, & a grandmother of ten. My interest and concerns stem from the disabilities of my two deceased children. Health has always been the driving force for my involvement. I joined REACH/Steering Committee after searching several years in Stockton. REACH has been highlighted in my church which opened my eyes to a place where I could contribute to a worthy cause.

I joined the steering committee to help educate families on healthy ingredient options and to teach them skills on how to prepare healthy meals and snacks.

I joined the REACH steering community to be a linkage from a healthcare organization, as well as, assist in promoting the importance of prevention, taking charge of one’s health and well- being by making the choice of living a healthy lifestyle.

It’s a privilege to be a part of an effort that reaches those most in need, and communities most underserved, to inform, educate and empower them to create change in their own lives and community… REACH does that.

I joined the REACH Steering Committee because I love the work that is being done in the faith-based organizations. As an employee of Dignity Health and as an active leader in my own church and organization, I am more than excited to be a part of this life-changing work. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

My relationship with REACH is primarily in connection with my role as Public Health Advisor with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Region IX. In partnering and collaborating with Public Health Advocates I get to do what I love - that is, access and leverage resources that increase the capacity of organizations to create and sustain joyous communities full of healthy, happy and deeply fulfilled people.

REACH has always done tremendous work to improve the health and well-being of communities of color with community members informing the efforts. I chose to be a member of the steering committee because I want to ensure the work being done at my organization supports REACH’s goals as well as their efforts to keep community interest first.