The MolinaCares Accord Celebrates Four Inland Empire Champions
Each Honoree Received $5,000 to Donate to Nonprofit Organization of Choice
Media Contact: Justine dela Rosa, Justine.delaRosa1@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-522-5548
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., June 23, 2021 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”),
in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of California (“Molina”), recognized four Inland
Empire residents for their dedication to addressing social determinants of health through
the MolinaCares Champions program. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant to pay
forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
“We are proud to highlight the efforts of these remarkable individuals who are integral to
the health and well-being of communities in need throughout the Inland Empire,” said
Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California. “The pandemic has
demonstrated that we need leaders like our MolinaCares Champions who are committed
to advancing equity and the many interconnected issues that impact quality of life.”
This year’s Inland Empire MolinaCares Champions are:
Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies of Murrieta: Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies founded the Community
Outreach Ministry to support at-risk children in Riverside County who are impacted by
parental incarceration. With a goal of giving disadvantaged youth a second chance to
thrive and succeed, she helps break the cycle of crime, incarceration, illiteracy, and
poverty. Dr. Davies provides education through STEM mentorships and safe, healthy
outlets through activities such as camping trips and holiday gatherings. Many children
who have participated in these programs have become first-generation high school and
college graduates. Her grant will be donated to Community Outreach Ministry.
John Epps of Highland: In his role as a Health Assessment and Research for
Communities (HARC) board member, John Epps advocates for fair treatment for all. He
encourages his colleagues to use an equity-focused approach when interacting with
clients and other employees. Epps is also a board member or founder of several groups,
including Building Resilient Communities, We Are One United, Inc., Academy for
Grassroots Organizations, and the Community Advisory Board for the Center of Health
Disparities at UC Riverside. Through his expansive efforts, he is spearheading the charge
to uplift communities by working to bring more diversity and inclusion to leadership in
nonprofits and boards throughout the Inland Empire. Epps has selected Health
Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) as the recipient of his grant.
Dr. Tom Dolan of San Bernardino: As executive director of Inland Congregations United
for Change for the last 16 years, Dr. Tom Dolan leads a faith-based nonprofit devoted to
creating equity advocates and teaching people from marginalized groups how to be
agents of change. He has connected farm workers with food banks, health services, and
masks and has helped San Bernardino students register voters and address violence in
their communities. Dr. Dolan has worked with parents and students to tackle low
graduation rates and advocate for mental health centers in schools. He has a long history
of commitment to helping unhoused people and formerly incarcerated individuals. Dr.
Dolan’s grant will be donated to Inland Congregations United for Change.
Julieta Barraza of Victorville: Through her role as a family support worker for El Sol Neighborhood Education Center, Julieta Barraza provides home visitations to expecting parents and parents with young children in the High Desert area. She also volunteers as a host for a Christian radio station where she encourages families to improve their wellbeing. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Barraza organized events where local agencies and organizations provided information about services and resources. She also volunteers at food banks and distributes clothing and backpacks. Barraza dedicates her free time to be of service to her community, which she considers a form of demonstrating ove. Her grant will be donated to El Sol Neighborhood Education Center.
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community
investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations
by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health,
life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The
Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare,
Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of California
Molina Healthcare of California has been providing government-funded care for 40 years. The
Company serves members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Covered
California (Marketplace). Molina’s service areas include Sacramento, Los Angeles, San
Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Imperial counties. Through its locally
operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately
4.6 million members as of March 31, 2021. For more information about Molina Healthcare of
California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.