Celebrating Community Champions and Visionaries

In this edition, we shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations making remarkable strides in our community. First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to AHF Trustee Alethea Arguilez, M.A., who was honored as one of the esteemed 2024 San Diego Business Journal Women of Influence. As the Executive Director of First 5 San Diego, Alethea’s commitment to fostering the health and well-being of children and families has been unwavering for over two decades.

Additionally, we applaud Max Disposti, MS, NPML, for his recent recognition as a Public Health Champion by the County. As the Executive Director and Founder of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Max “has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication, particularly in addressing urgent humanitarian needs within our region.”

As we commemorate notable events such as Autism Awareness Day which was earlier this month and Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, we spotlight organizations like Harmonium and North County Lifeline, whose tireless efforts continue to uplift and empower individuals and families in our community.

Furthermore, with Earth Day and Day of the Child on the horizon, we invite you to join us in celebrating initiatives like Project New Village’s Earth Day Celebration and the impactful work of organizations such as the Barrio Logan College Institute and Neighborhood House Association.

Together, let us recognize and support those who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, embodying the spirit of compassion, service, and community resilience.

Accolades and notable events

Trustee Alethea Arguilez Honored San Diego Business Journal’s Women of Influence

We’re proud to share that our Trustee Alethea Arguilez, M.A. was honored as one of the 2024 San Diego Business Journal’s Women of Influence. Alethea is the Executive Director of First 5 San Diego, the region’s primary organization for promoting the health and well-being of children 0-5 years of age and their families. She has dedicated the past 20 years to the field of early childhood education, starting her journey in the field as an infant and toddler Master Teacher. Congratulations, Alethea!

Max Disposti – Honored as 1 of 12 Health Champions by County Public Health

Congratulations to Max Disposti, MS, NPLM, Executive Director and Founder of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, a 2024 AHF Mission Support grantee, for being honored this year by San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency as one of 12 Public Health Champions!

This honor recognized 12 local people and organizations for their outstanding contributions in the prevention of disease or injury and the promotion of public health for all San Diegans.

Max “exemplifies compassionate leadership and community service. His most recent work focused on easing the humanitarian crisis in Oceanside where migrants were being released, starting back in September 2023. Max’s dedication, advocacy, and tireless coordination ensured that hundreds of vulnerable people received the assistance they urgently needed.”  We’re proud to be one of your supporters, Max and North County LGBTQ Resource Center!

2024 Mission Support Grantee Spotlights

 

Addressing Behavioral Health and Autism in Kids / Harmonium

Providing quality services that advance well-being with specialized offerings depending on age and community participation is Harmonium‘s mission. In serving the whole family, it provides integrated behavioral health counseling through a variety of programs. Services are culturally responsive, strength-based, and trauma-informed; designed to improve overall mental health and well-being.

• Klassic Kids is Harmonium’s private before and after school program providing on-school-site locations.
• Youth programs focus on skill and leadership building through Harmonium’s Entrepreneurship Employment Program.
• At the broader community level, Harmonium does outreach education, training and consulting on topics including early child mental health, reflective practice, trauma-informed care, and cultural responsiveness.

 

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month / Lifeline Community Services

In its efforts to build self-reliance among youth, adults and families, Lifeline Community Services is proud of what it’s accomplished over its 50 years of service in the areas of Youth Development, Child Abuse Prevention, Behavioral Health, Housing & Self-Sufficiency, and Anti-Human Trafficking.

• 90% of youth clients in the Community Assessment Team and Juvenile Diversion Program had no entry or re-entry into the Juvenile Justice System as measured by probation records check three months after case closure.

Last year more than 150 kids participated in Club Crown Heights afterschool programs and achieved the following outcomes:

• 81% of enrolled youth reported improved school attendance as measured by self-reports and school follow-ups by program staff.
• 98% of youth reported they feel safer and more engaged in their community.

 

Advancing Environmental Justice / Environmental Health Coalition

All people and communities have the right to live, work and play in a clean and safe environment regardless of their ZIP code. Since 1980, the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) has worked for environmental justice, to reduce pollution and improve health and well-being for thousands of people in underserved, low-income communities throughout San Diego/Tijuana region. To achieve its social and environmental justice goals, EHC uses a Social Change for Justice model. This model provides a framework, incorporating all aspects of EHC’s work, including community organizing, policy advocacy and leader empowerment.

 

 

Day of the Child, April 30 / Barrio Logan College Institute

Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) starts inspiring students as early as 3rd grade to become first generation college students. They envision a future in which every child shall have access to higher education, not limited by culture or status, resulting in a thriving community and a better world. Acting on this vision, BLCI has a track record to prove their success. BLCI has created a college readiness model that has positive, proven outcomes in enrolling students in college and helping them be successful while there.  To date, 100% of BLCI students enroll in college. This year is no different. BLCI proudly announces that 100% of their graduating seniors are attending college, and not just local college, but attending a total of 17 different schools!

 

Focusing on Children and Youth / Neighborhood House Association

Since first forming 100 years ago, the Neighborhood House Association has distinguished itself over the years as a cutting-edge, comprehensive human service provider. When it comes to children and youth, NHA is all in! Some of its many programs include:

• Black Infant Health providing prenatal and postpartum services for expectant African American mothers by ensuring that black babies are born healthy
• Head Start federally-funded child development program
• NHA College Academy in partnership with Reality Changers offers a college preparatory program to underprivileged high school students
• Homework Center for grades 3-12

Celebrating Earth Day / Celebration at Mt. Hope Community Center, April 20

Want a free tree to plant in your yard in celebration of Earth Day? Register and attend Project New Village’s Celebration at Mt. Hope Community Garden Saturday, April 20th, 9am-1pm. The Earth Day celebration will feature workshops, music, food and refreshments, relationship building, gardening activities, and cross-cultural sharing highlighting climate change activism in our communities.

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