Mission Moments are a showcase of projects for the benefit of the Community Initiatives board members, presented quarterly, the day before the quarterly board meeting.
Community Initiatives hosted our quarterly Mission Moments on Thursday, October 28, featuring three of our fiscally sponsored projects (FSPs): Bay Area Health Advisory Council (BACHAC), Pre-Health Dreamers, and Radical Monarchs. The unifying themes among the three FSPs are that they serve historically underserved communities and promoting equity, health, and mentorship. Additionally, each project told their impressive growth story and how their work is positively impacting more people as time goes on. During this Mission Moment, project’s Executive Directors responded to a standard set of questions about their work, and presented videos showcasing highlights of their community impact.
BACHAC
Presenter: Lisa Tealer, Executive Director
Mission & Impact
Mission: To increase awareness of health issues impacting African Americans and diverse communities; to advocate for increased health education and access to resources; and actively encourage accountability for health lifestyles.
Impact: BACHAC makes a positive impact through offering health education as a credible source, connecting those who need it most with health resources, partnering with a variety of health-focused organizations, and saving thousands of lives each year through connection to health services.
What brought you to Community Initiatives?
BACHAC was formerly sponsored by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). When SVCF discontinued their fiscal sponsorship program they recommended Community Initiatives and made the introduction to Heidi Hernandez Gatty. They were also impressed by Community Initiatives’ reputation as a fiscal sponsor and by the variety of services provided by Community Initiatives.
Why Community Initiatives continues to be your fiscal sponsor
BACHAC attributes the value of fiscal sponsorship, specifically, infrastructure and on-going consultation as one reason they remain with Community Initiatives. Another reason is that they feel Community Initiatives’ staff contributes to their success because of advice given to them by their Client Services Manager, Jose Plascencia, and because of HR support, from Rula Adranly and Cathy Nelson, that helps them grow their organization.
Changes made due to COVID-19
BACHAC quickly moved to operating digitally with the onset of the pandemic. They purchased a Zoom subscription to hold virtual meetings and moved their health education online. They also transitioned an in-person event, “Soul Stroll for Health” to be virtual, and supported several COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Additional Information we’d like Community Initiatives to Know
BACHAC surpassed their goal of helping 200 uninsured women receive mammogram. They’ve also offered weekly COVID-19 testing since November 2020, with personal protective equipment (masks and gloves) giveaways and have influenced public health studies. Additionally, since May 2020, they’ve hosted twenty “Wellness Where You Are” sessions, educating their community on a variety of health-related topics.
Pre-Health Dreamers
Presenters: Yadi, Executive Director, and Angeles Amaraz, Network Training Manager
Mission & Impact
Pre-Health Dreamers supports undocumented pre-health students through a community of peers and allies, offering support, empowerment, advocacy skills, and professional development. They advocate for increased access to health careers and health care for the undocumented community through student-focused efforts, institutional change, and community engagement.
What brought you to Community Initiatives?
Pre-Health Dreamers selected Community Initiatives as their fiscal sponsor based on thought partnership, professional Services, the benefit of communities in service to social change, and reliable, professional, and helpful staff
Why Community Initiatives continues to be your fiscal sponsor
Pre-Health Dreamers sums up the reasons Community Initiatives remains their fiscal sponsor in three words: trust, empowerment, and teamwork.
Changes made due to COVID-19
Pre-Health Dreamers responded to the immediate needs of students that were brought on by the pandemic. In addition, they cancelled all their in-person events, and instead pivoted to online gatherings for strengthening their community.
Additional Information we’d like Community Initiatives to Know
Pre-Health Dreamers has had many recent successes. They raised over $12,000 during their first annual conference. They hired new staff members and promoted one current staff member. They made it possible for sixty students to complete the 2020-2021 peer engagement and enrichment program. And they made thousands of presentations to health industry professionals who welcome undocumented individuals.
They have also had community support in the form of collaborations, allyship, and sponsorship.
Radical Monarchs
Presenter: Marilyn Hollinquest, Executive Director
Mission & Impact
Mission: The Radical Monarchs create opportunities for young girls of color to form a fierce sisterhood, celebrate their identities, and contribute radically to their communities.
Impact: They teach the Radical Monarchs how to hold those in power accountable in ways that are accessible to adolescent girls. In addition to the civic engagement tool kit, we equip the girls with as they earn their badges; The Radical Monarchs also teach them how to advocate for themselves and for their communities.
What brought you to Community Initiatives?
The Radical Monarchs wanted a fiscal sponsor that had clear policies, procedures, and best practices to help support their FSPs. They chose fiscal sponsorship because they like the support they receive so their lean staff of five full-time employees can focus on their mission.
Changes made due to COVID-19
The Radical Monarchs paused programming for several weeks when the pandemic began, allowing their troop members to catch their bearings. In addition, they sent out “pandemic joy kits” to the girls and gave mutual aid to members’ families that were experiencing food insecurity.
Additional Information we’d like Community Initiatives to Know
One recent success is that The Radical Monarchs secured funding that allowed them to grow their staff of three to five full-time employees. Another success is that The Radical Monarchs launched nationally in the Fall of 2021! There are now troops in: Richmond, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; South Bronx, NY; and Minneapolis, MN.