In 2022, the San Bernardino Corps served 23,218people, 22,268 households, served 105,981 meals, and provided groceries to 10,318households. The Hospitality House provided 31,534 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness; 1,612 children participated in educational and recreational programs.
REDLANDS CALIF. National Salvation Army Week delivers a series of special events that shines a light on how the corps helps the hungry, the homeless, and the hopeless in the greater San Bernardino area. From Monday, May 15th, to Friday, May 19th, all five days will feature prayer vigils including San Bernardino, Colton, Redlands, Highland, and Grand Terrace. Additional activities are on tap.
From 12:15 to 12:45 pm on Monday the 15th, the San Bernardino County Government Center at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave. will host a prayer vigil. From 4:00 to 5:30 pm, The Salvation Army Hospitality House at 925 West 10th St. will serve a free community meal for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless. There is also a tour of the homeless shelter to show how the program serves its residents and present a live stream with participant testimonials on Facebook.
On Tuesday the 16th, Redlands City Hall at 125 West Vine St. will host a prayer vigil from 12:15 to 12:45 pm. The San Bernardino Corps Path to Prosperity program will conduct a tour of its Transitional Living Center at 838 Alta St. from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, along with a live stream and participant testimonials on Facebook.
Wednesday the 17th events include a prayer vigil at Rialto City Hall, 150 S. Palm Ave. from 10:00 to 10:30 am along with a proclamation from the city. The City of San Bernardino will proclaim its City Council at 301 North D St., San Bernardino, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
The Salvation Army is also having a Community Resource Fair on Wednesday at Meadowbrook Park, 250 N. Sierra Way runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. All are invited to get acquainted with the many community resources that are available to help people in need.
Thursday features two prayer vigils, one at the City of Grand Terrace City Hall, 22795 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace, and the other at Colton City Hall, 650 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton. The times for both vigils will be 12:15 to 12:45 pm. Also on Thursday, the San Bernardino Corps will provide a tour of its Food Distribution Warehouse at 363 South Doolittle Dr. and will include a live stream and participant testimonials on FaceBook.
Wrapping up the week on Friday the 19th, the last of the prayer vigils will take place at Highland City Hall, 27215 Baseline Rd., Highland, from 12:15 to 12:45 pm. Also on Friday, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, The Corps’ Hospitality House at 845 West Kingman St. will host a tour of the facility that will include a live stream and participant testimonials on Facebook.
The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps started up in San Bernardino in 1887. Today it serves San Bernardino and Redlands, Bloomington, Calimesa, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highlands, Loma Linda, Mentone, Muscoy, Rialto, Yucaipa, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Running Springs.
In 2022, the San Bernardino Corps served 23,218 people, 22,268 households, served 105,981 meals, and provided groceries to 10,318 households. The Hospitality House provided 31,534 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness; 1,612 children participated in educational and recreational programs.
National Salvation Army Week serves to acquaint the greater San Bernardino community with the Army’s programs for the needy, providing an up-close look at how the Salvation Army serves the community by providing aid and comfort to so many needy people for so many years.
Donations can be made online at SBCSVA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to San Bernardino Corps in California.
For more information call (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 792-6868.
You are invited to pray for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless with The Salvation Army, Mayor, and Council in front of City Hall on the Week of May 15 to 21. We will pray for about 15 min. then resume our day.
We will have 11×17 posters viable next week to invite local businesses and citizens to the prayer. Can you please post it in your office and share it with your members?
Please email me at Carl@DameronCommunications.com to let me know if you can help us in this effort to pray for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless.
Photo Caption: Ann Marie Sakrekoff facilitates a leadership workshop on local education challenges and opportunities. Sakrekoff leads the two counties consortium to expand our educated workforce, thriving communities, and a vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all. Photo by Jake Poore.
INLAND EMPIRE, CA – Ann Marie Sakrekoff has been named Interim President & CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), effective May 15, following the retirement of Dr. Carlos Ayala.
GIA serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.
Sakrekoff has over 20 years of higher education and nonprofit leadership experience, including her current role as GIA’s Chief Operating Officer.
Sakrekoff stated, “I am proud and excited to take on the Interim CEO role during such an exciting time for GIA as we continue building on our service to the Inland Empire educational network of students, families, institutions, and community partners. GIA will remain focused on its mission, impact, and growth while we search for our next permanent CEO.”
Diana Rodriguez, GIA Board Member and Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District praised Sakrekoff’s experience.
“Ann Marie’s passion for helping Inland Empire students achieve their college dreams is truly inspiring. With her deep understanding of the challenges facing students in the region, she is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Rodriguez.
“Whether through innovative programming, advocacy efforts, or community outreach, Ann Marie is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Her unwavering commitment to this cause has made her an invaluable asset to Growing Inland Achievement, and we are confident that under her leadership as Interim CEO, the organization will continue to make great strides in improving educational outcomes for students throughout the Inland Empire,” Rodriguez added.
Sakrekoff was the first employee hired by GIA’s Board of Directors in 2005, helping to lead the organization since its inception.
“Ann Marie has served as the operations leader for the GIA since its early days. She has been a steady force and an excellent collaborative leader focused on advancing our region’s higher education and workforce goals,” said Sheila Thornton, GIA Board Member and CEO of OneFuture Coachella Valley. “Her dedication to student success is evident throughout her work. We’re grateful to Ann Marie for being willing to serve in this interim position.”
GIA’s board of directors anticipates launching a search for a permanent President & CEO in the coming months.
“Ann Marie is an exceptional leader poised to continue GIA’s efforts to increase equitable educational attainment in the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Kim Wilcox, GIA Board Chair and Chancellor of UC Riverside. “The board fully believes in her abilities to lead the organization while we search for a permanent CEO.”
Growing Inland Achievement, serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, bringing more than $20 million and collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.
About Growing Inland Achievement
Growing Inland Achievement, serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.
GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire.
GIA’s vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.
LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga, M.D.
“We did a very thorough review and evaluation of several management services organizations, and we believe that Altura will be a great help in freeing us up to spend more time with our patients,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.
SAN BERNARDINO, CAIF. On September 1, 2023, LaSalle Medical Associates transitions to a new Management Services Organization (MSO)—Altura Management Services Organization, LLC. MSOs are organizations that provide a variety of administrative functions for Independent Practice Associations on a contract basis.
Services include such routine but time-consuming tasks as utilization management, claims processing, and provider credentialing.
“We did a very thorough review and evaluation of several management services organizations, and we believe that Altura will be a great help,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.
Altura’s goal is to continuously enhance the quality of the Independent Practice Association (IPA) services that they provide. LaSalle’s alliance with Altura is expected to improve the timeliness, accuracy, and quality of claims payments, credentialing, utilization management, reporting, and other services. This will also advance LaSalle’s relationships with health plans and its performance of health plan requirements.
LaSalle serves many people who are covered by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. They also accept patients covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle knows how to help people who lack insurance enroll in coverage that fits their needs.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Tulare counties.
Growing Inland Achievement President and CEO, Dr. Carlos Ayala, Dr. Carlos Ayala speaks at GIA’s annual Toward a Shared Vision Summit. Photo by Robert A. Whitehead
Ayala is credited with working with the Network to establish Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), as a 501(c)(3), IRS tax-exempt organization; more than doubling the size of the organization; and bringing more than $20 Million to the region for education.
INLAND EMPIRE, CA – President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), Dr. Carlos Ayala, will retire in June 2023.
GIA serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.
“It has been an honor to serve the students of the Inland Empire, says Dr. Ayala. “I have learned a great deal about the affordances and constraints our students, families, institutions and community-based organizations face when it comes to student success.”
Dr. Ayala, age 62, has more than 25 years of service in public education. During his tenure as CEO, Ayala is credited with working with the network’s partners to establish GIA as a 501(c) (3), tax-exempt organization, more than doubling the size of the organization and raising millions of dollars for Inland Empire education.
Under his guidance and working with the network members, GIA was accepted as one of only six organizations in the U.S. chosen by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to participate in its Intermediaries for Scale program, also known as Higher Endeavor, bringing $10 million of support to the region for postsecondary transformation reforms.
“I want to thank the GIA Board of Directors and employees for their commitment to the people and students of the Inland Empire,” Ayala said. “I also wish to thank the vast array of people who are committed to changing the economy of the Inland Empire through education. Their work is notable and I remain convinced that the path forward is at your doorstep—engage collectively.”
The Board of Directors for GIA will oversee the process of choosing Dr. Ayala’s successor.
“As its first CEO, Carlos established the organization, including a set of processes to help us move forward,” said Dr. Kim Wilcox, GIA Board Chair and Chancellor of UC Riverside. “I’m personally grateful for his efforts.”
“Dr. Ayala brought a deep knowledge of the education landscape, strong leadership, and a passion for positively impacting student lives to our organization,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, COO of Growing Inland Achievement. “He is leaving GIA in a great position to succeed in our next chapter. Under Dr. Ayala’s leadership, GIA has become nationally recognized.”
GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.
Growing Inland Achievement, which serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, is a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.
GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire.
GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.
The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino since 1887. They support those in need without discrimination. The Salvation Army serves the cities of Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, other mountain communities, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Mentone, Redlands, and San Bernardino.
Citrus City Brass, a quintet based out of Redlands, CA. Our resident members include Kenley Nakao, Mark Perez (trumpets), and Tom Francis (trombone).
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.— The Citrus City Brass will play at the Red Kettle Kick-Off this Thursday, November 17th at 5:30 PM, at the Bear Springs Hotel Events Center, 27923 Highland Ave, Highland, CA 92346.
“The Salvation Army has a wonderful brass band that played at recent Red Kettle Kick Offs; however, they were already booked this year. I was lucky to hear The Citrus City Brass and we are blessed to have them play for us this year. They are wonderful musicians,” said Major Isaias Braga.
“We are honored to play for the Salvation Army,” said Kenley Nakao, Trumpeter, Citrus City Brass LLC., CEO “They hear a lot of brass music so we are honored to be asked to play for them at their annual fundraiser. Please watch our video of “Love of My Life” by Freddie Mercury at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8cvkRqE6JY.”
Citrus City Brass, a quintet based out of Redlands, CA. Our resident members include Kenley Nakao, Mark Perez (trumpets), and Tom Francis (trombone).
For nearly 50 years, Chairwoman Valbuena has held numerous elected and appointed positions within San Manuel tribal government.
Hungry, homeless, hopeless? Trouble paying monthly bills, drug, or alcohol addiction? The Salvation Army helps people in need with all these problems and more. Different programs have different funding sources and one of the most important sources is the annual Red Kettle Kick Off campaign each Christmas season.
The Salvation Army bell ringers in front of your favorite stores collect money that provides food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; food baskets available daily, hot meals, clothing, and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.
During the Christmas season, The Salvation Army also delivers holiday food baskets to about 500 local families and provides toys to children whose parents cannot afford them.
On Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino hosts a Christmas Dinner that historically provides a delicious meal to approximately 200 people. Donations from people who donate to the Red Kettles help make this possible.
Donors are asked to drop off turkeys, hams, canned food, cash, checks or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands, 92373.
For more information call (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals of all. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world.
The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino since 1887, and Redlands since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. They serve the cities of: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, and the mountain communities.
About The Citrus City Brass
Citrus City Brass LLC.’s mission is to promote the enjoyment of music and highlight the continuous Evolution of the Brass Quintet. Through multi-genre concerts, engaging educational outreach programs, and the inclusion of multicultural diverse backgrounds to supply a well-rounded approach towards instrumental music. You can also check us out on Facebook and Instagram @citruscitybrass where we post up to date performances, music content, and more. For more information call (808) 344-6194.
San Bernardino Board of Education Superintendent Ted Alejandre Endorses Mikki Cichocki for SBCUSD Board.
“Mikki is focused on what students need to be successful.,” said San Bernardino County Schools Superintendent Ted Alejandre.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.—Mikki Cichocki continues to amass endorsements from leading educators as she runs for the short-term seat on the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board. San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre has added his name to the long list of her supporters.
Alejandre and his predecessor, Herb Fischer, both cite her passionate and genuine interest in making sure that students, especially those who may be having trouble with disciplinary issues, get the support they need to get on track and pursue meaningful careers.
“I’ve known Mikki since 1979,” said Alejandre. “Mikki is focused on what students need to be successful. She is people-oriented and not only has helped students as a teacher and a Youth Court advocate, she has also supported her fellow teaching colleagues by providing resources to them through her role with the California Teachers Association.”
“I’m pleased and honored that Ted Alejandre has endorsed my campaign. I want to give back to the community that raised me. We need a board that is focused on our students and their school experience.”
Cichocki believes that all stakeholders of the SBCUSD must have their voices heard and that certainly includes parents. Decisions about funding and setting priorities need to be aired and discussed openly with a view to reaching a consensus.
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended San Bernardino public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1988. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she worked with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serves on the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
Reaching New Heights Foundation Hosts Stand Down Outreach Event for Veterans and Homeless in San Bernardino
Non-Profit Organization Takes Action to Combat Homeless Crisis in San Bernardino and Support Local Veterans
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (August 24, 2022)—Reaching New Heights Foundation (RNHF), a nonprofit veteran organization, is hosting a Veterans Stand Down and Homeless Resource Event on Wednesday, October 12, 2021, at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino. The one-day event is designed to support Inland Empire veterans and to provide much-needed resources to the area’s homeless population.
On average, there are 960 veterans a year who are homeless in San Bernardino. The 2020 San
Bernardino Homeless Count Survey shows the homeless count in 2020 increased 19.9% over 2019. RNHF is hoping the Veteran Stand Down event will be a way to take action against the extensive homeless issue that has been referred to as a “human services crisis.”
“We believe in making a difference so we’re bringing over sixty different service providers to one place. We are asking that the providers not just hand out information, but provide on-site services,” said RNHF Founder and CEO Sgt. Major (Ret.) Gregory Coker. “Normally it would takea veteran or a homeless individual several months to receive this kind of service we’re providing in one day.”
In the military, a stand down is an opportunity to pause and regroup to help those in need. With this Veterans Stand Down event, two underserved and at-risk populations—veterans and the homeless—will be able to regroup with access to an abundance of resources.
“Veterans will receive surplus clothing, access to medical and dental service, counseling and more. The homeless will receive free food, clothing, haircuts, medical checkups, and showers, said Coker. “We want to give our homeless and veterans a hand up, not a handout.”
RNHF is collaborating with local city, county, state, and federal organizations to host the event.
Key supporters include San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, VA Loma Linda Veteran HealthCare System, The Salvation Army, United Way, Goodwill, IEHP, Molina Healthcare, San Manuel Casino and Volunteers for Veterans Foundation.
After the event, RNHF is committed to following up on the success of all individuals who register to receive help and will provide 6 -12 months of additional support.
EVENT DETAILS:
October 12, 2022
Perris Hill Park
1135 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92408 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Event Website: standdownvet.com
About Reaching New Heights Foundation
Founded in 2013, Reaching New Heights Foundation, Inc. is an award-winning non-profit organization created by a veteran for veterans. It proudly helps Inland Empire veterans successfully transition from active-duty military service, incarceration, or homelessness to life as civilians and productive members of society. Reaching New Heights assists nearly 300 veterans a month with a variety of services including housing, jobs, educational resources, mentorships and more. For more information visit www.rnhf.org
“Women should not take chances. Every woman should get an annual breast cancer screening and because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to schedule an exam,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Arteaga.
REDLANDS, CALIF. LaSalle Medical Associates encourages women to come in for breast cancer screening during October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. ” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.,” said the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network says mammograms should start at 40 for women at average risk, but before40 for women with a higher risk profile, such as a genetic mutation, family history, a benign breast disease diagnosis, or radiation therapy to the chest at a young age.
“Women should not take chances. Every woman should get an annual breast cancer screening and because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to schedule an exam,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga.
Dr. Arteaga himself lost a younger sister to breast cancer when she was in her 40s. “There were three of us,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Our youngest sister never opened up to tell either me or her older sister—both of us being doctors—that she had a lump on her breast. Later we learned that she kept making excuses about it, ‘I bumped myself’ or ‘It’s just a bruise’ and she basically ignored it for over six months.
“She was in her early 40s and unfortunately, the disease spreads more rapidly in younger women than it does in women who are past menopause, due to female hormones that promote growth. Our family had no history of cancer, and she was otherwise healthy. But at the age of 48 years, six months, and 28 days she died.
“Once she was diagnosed, she was a good patient and followed her doctors’ orders and participated fully in her treatment. The cancer metastasized to her brain, and she was able to beat that. But in the end, it spread to her liver, and that was the end.”
When asked what he would say to women about this tragic disease, Dr. Arteaga said, “Stop living in denial! At the first sign of a lump, make an appointment to see your physician. And make it a habit to get screened every October when breast cancer awareness month comes around, which is a good way to remember it’s time for a routine mammogram.”
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., clinics accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan coverage, as well as Medicare Medi-Cal and cash.
For more information or to make an appointment call the office closest to you: Fontana (909) 823-4454; San Bernardino17th Street (909) 887-6494; San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091; Rialto (855) 349-6019; and Hesperia(760) 947-2161.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 380,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare counties.
