MENDOCINO Co., 6/06/18 — Two Mendocino non-profits were honored as “Nonprofit of the Year” at the California State Legislature today, as legislators celebrated California Nonprofits Day, by selecting non-profit organizations to honor from their districts. State Senator Mike McGuire chose the Mendocino-based organization North Coast Opportunities to honor from his district, and Assemblyman Jim Wood selected Ukiah’s Ford Street Project in his. Staff from each non-profit travelled to to Sacramento today to receive the awards from the North Coast legislators.
North Coast Opportunities is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and operates a variety of programs in Mendocino and Lake Counties, including safety net programs that provide emergency assistance, employment, and training services for low-income individuals and families. The non-profit employs around 250 people and has also been coordinating the fire recovery efforts in Mendocino County alongside their ongoing community development programs.
In a press release, State Senator McGuire applauded NCO’s long-term commitment to the community and their emergency response. “For 50 years, North Coast Opportunities has delivered positive change to countless lives and they have been tirelessly working on behalf of the 2,000 families in Lake and Mendocino counties who lost their homes to the Jerusalem, Valley, Clayton and Redwood Complex Fires. NCO has an incredible history of service to the community, and we are honored to recognize NCO and their team as the North Coast’s Nonprofit of the Year.”
NCO Executive Director Patty Bruder added, “It’s been a privilege to serve our neighbors who have been in such need since the Fires. We are so proud of our team who have stepped up to fulfill our ongoing mission and invest millions into the community through our fire recovery programs. We thank Senator McGuire and the neighbors we serve for their ongoing support and we will continue to work hard to help our communities recover and rebuild.”
The Ford Street Project was chosen for the award by Assemblyman Jim Wood, who noted that the organization operates a range of different programs focused on helping people struggling with addiction or homelessness. “They are dedicated to assisting the addicted and homeless of Mendocino County to attain sobriety and and improve self-sufficiency. Much needed community assistance — so thank you!!” Wood wrote in an Instagram post showing a photo of Ford Street staff members at the Capitol building.
Senator McGuire with North Coast Opportunities staff and their award for Nonprofit of the Year
