The MolinaCares Accord Celebrates Sacramento Champions

The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of California, honored three Sacramento residents recently for their dedication to reducing health disparities and advocating for social equity. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant through the MolinaCares Champions program to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

This year’s Sacramento MolinaCares Champions are:

Vernon McZeek, Case Manager, Downtown Streets Team Sacramento

Mr. McZeek chose Downtown Streets Team Sacramento as the recipient of the $5,000 non-profit grant.

Downtown Streets Team Sacramento works to fight homelessness by combining compassionate and innovative leadership with collaboration between the private sector, government agencies, social service agencies, and most importantly, the community.

They provide homeless and low-income men and women (Team Members) with the resources they need to rebuild their lives. The ultimate goal is to transition Team Members into employment because having a job restores hope and opens the door to other opportunities.

Esmeralda Sanchez, Administrative Assistant/Parent Liaison, Walnut Grove Elementary School

Ms. Sanchez chose Walnut Grove Elementary School as her recipient.

Walnut Grove Elementary School is committed to providing high-quality education to a diverse student body. They achieve their goals through a challenging curriculum, quality teachers, and an atmosphere that emphasizes communication and cooperation.

Scott Young, President, Carmichael HART

Mr. Young chose Sacramento Self-Help Housing as the recipient of the $5,000 non-profit grant.

Mr. Young’s organization is Carmichael HART (Housing Assistance Resource Team) is a coalition of faith communities, non-profits, businesses, agencies, and individuals, who are committed to finding solutions to homelessness in local communities. In suburban communities like Carmichael, resources are largely, if not completely, absent. Carmichael HART is a local response that addresses these realities by developing programs that will help homeless men, women, and children.

Sacramento Self Help Housing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that assists individuals and families who have insufficient resources for adequate housing. They help people who are homeless, in crisis, or have special needs to find stable, affordable housing. They have numerous programs for this purpose that includes permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, financial education, tenant-landlord helpline, housing counseling, and community development.