MESSAGE FROM JERRY
Jerry Cadotte, Executive Director

Sierra Walk for HOPE returns to Calaveras Big Trees

SAVE THIS DATE: Saturday, September 25^th, 2021.

Who? You, me and lots of others--

What? Sierra Walk for HOPE, supporting Sierra HOPE programs and services including: Services to people who are HIV positive (Services recently expanded into Mono county), support for people who need short term, transitional and long-term emergency housing, the food pantry, and health education and support services.

When? Saturday, September 25^th, starting at 09:00 AM.

Where? Calaveras Big Trees State Park East of Arnold, California.

How? We will be using our new Flipcause website software functionality that supports team fundraising - stay tuned for details

Why? The fact that 99.5% of recent US COVID deaths have occurred in unvaccinated people underscore the need for health education and support services such as Sierra HOPE provides.

The walk also  enables the walkers to participate in what the Japanese call “Shinrin-Yoku,” or forest bathing, which inspires individuals to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.  

Join us on September 25^th. Support Sierra HOPE.

Good Fortune!

     Sierra HOPE received a donation of a 2004 Nissan Quest Mini-van from Toni Klass.  Toni worked for Sierra HOPE as an RN Case Manager in the late 1990's.  The van will be used by Sierra HOPE staff to visit clients.  Pictured with the van are Bonnie Nordby, R Case Manager, and Arron Ochs, Housing Site Case Manager.   
     We are s are still looking for a lawn mower and a string trimmer, preferably one that is gas powered and that can be driven – so if you’re upgrading and looking for a home for your old one, please consider Sierra HOPE!  You can also donate on our website toward purchase of a new one if you'd like to support that effort!

Program Updates:

Important Staff Change: Our staff nurse, Debbie Brooks, who has been with Sierra Hope for over 12 years is retiring. We were fortunate to bring on Bonnie Nordby, who comes to us from Calaveras County Health Department. Bonnie’s background includes working with El Dorado County as well as working in an in-patient mental health facility so she brings a great deal of skill and experience and is a nice fit for our team.

Hope House of Angels Camp, our new transition house, has received a generous donation of a badly needed Minivan which we will use for local transportation needs. We now have a fleet of two!

We are still looking for a lawn mower and a string trimmer, preferably one that is gas powered and that can be driven – so if you’re upgrading and looking for a home for your old one, please consider Sierra Hope!  You can also donate on our website toward purchase of a new one if you'd like to support that effort!

Rent Relief Program

Sierra Hope has brought on a new staff member to help people access the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. Many California renters are behind on their rent and at risk of eviction because of the pandemic and this Ren Relief program will be an important lifeline for both renters and landlords. It helps to clear accumulated rental debt, keeps the hardest-hit families in their homes, and will lead to a more equitable economic recovery.

Update on our Newest Property!

Remember the announcement from our last newsletter that Faith Lutheran Church in Murphy’s had officially kicked off a new project to renovate the former Senior Center thrift store located on church property? Well, it’s all finished and resulted in a lovely 2- bedroom, one bathroom residence which is leased to Sierra HOPE as part of its Permanent Supportive Housing program.  We are happy to have welcomed its first residents and are thrilled to see the successful completion of this important supportive housing resource.

AIDS Support in Mono County – we have our first client to whom we are providing services as a result of this program expansion to Mono County.

FunRaising:

Online Auction -- Over the June 25-28 weekend, Sierra Hope and The Resource Connection held a joint online auction – a first for both agencies on the front lines of providing vital services for the most vulnerable in our communities.   

The auction teams put together almost 50 high quality auction items - a time consuming task that revealed how generous the members of our communities are; A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR DONORS.

This brought in $5,000 for Sierra Hope and equally as important, helped raise awareness among the community for both of our agencies that are truly providing life-saving work to those in need in the Tri-County foothills communities.

COMING IN SEPTEMBER!  Annual Sierra Walk for Hope: The 2021 Sierra Walk for Hope is ON!  Last year we walked alone.  Saturday, September 25th starting at 9:00 a.m. we'll be able to meet up for this popular annual fundraiser among the redwoods and walk together. Stay Tuned for details!