8 minute read
Publisher's Desk
Erin Uribe Photo by Cecily Hastings
CH CH
By Cecily Hastings Publisher’s Desk
YOUNGER MEMBERS THRIVE IN SALVATION ARMY
Irecently joined the Community Advisory Board of the local Del Oro division of The Salvation Army. My fi nancial donations started with my father, who gave my sisters and me dollars to stuff into Red Kettle campaigns at Christmas. My parents loved how the mission helped communities in inner city Detroit, where we grew up. I’ve made donations for more than 60 years.
Recognized throughout the world for its humanitarian work, thrift shops and donation kettles, The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian church. It has one agenda: to meet the human need in the name of God without discrimination. Because they work on the frontlines where people are in need or suffering, Army workers refer to themselves as soldiers.
Founded in London in 1865 by William Booth, The Salvation Army was designed on a military pattern for effectiveness and effi ciency. It operates in more than 130 countries and offers hope in many different forms. Summer camp, after-school programs, preschool, food assistance and holiday toy donations assist struggling families.
Other essential work involves drug and alcohol rehabilitation, shelter and transitional housing. Shelters are available 24/7 with case management and job resources. Job training programs include culinary work, certifi ed nurse assistant and construction.
I joined a board of Sacramento leaders who help connect the Army to the community. Most advisory members have decades of business, service and community experience.
Our fi rst in-person meeting in November included a presentation by Erin Uribe, local president of Echelon, the Army’s leadership arm for younger professionals. Echelon engages the next generation through fellowship, networking, fundraising and volunteerism.
“We focus on raising funds and volunteering for the younger generation in our communities,” Uribe says, “while also getting guidance and mentorship from our advisory board, who are professional pillars within our community.”
Uribe’s enthusiasm is a joy. “The Salvation Army represents
Same caring faces. Same quality care. Simple new name.
For more than 40 years Yolo Hospice has been living out its mission of providing our unique brand of Quintessential Care for every patient, every family, every time.
With the recent introduction of a new adult day facility called Galileo Place, the formation of a premier community-based palliative care program, and a 3-year-old merger with a longstanding Yolo County program called Citizens Who Care, we thought it was high time to rethink our name.
Clearly, the organization is so much more than just hospice. The essence of all our programs comes down to adding life to days. We support both caregivers and their loved ones who are living with a life-limiting illness . . . no matter where they are in their healthcare journey.
To that end, all of the organization’s offerings are now housed under the new umbrella name, YoloCares.
It’s simple and reflects the truth about our broader community.
Citizens Who Care is now the volunteer arm of this shared community treasure. Our volunteers assist with patient care, provide respite for caregivers, work in the office or answer phones, host fundraisers and golf outings, help maintain the Mastick Therapy Garden, or serve on the Board of Directors.
Wherever you find a place to volunteer at YoloCares, you are a Citizen Who Cares.
Visit www.YoloCares.org to learn more. Adding life to days
Where do you see yourself? Start your journey at St. Francis.
100% of our graduates continue their ducation beed yond St. Francis with 85% enrolling in ur year universities.fou Plan your visit to our campus today!
ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
5900 ELVAS AVENUE • SACRAMENTO, CA 95819 • 916.737.5040 www.stfrancishs.org
philanthropy, kindness and faith— three things that are extremely important to me,” Uribe says. “I believe the world needs more of these things, and I am honored to be a part of something that not only spreads this message, but actually does the work.”
The challenges to service organizations under the pandemic affected Echelon. “We are reorganizing our board and membership goals,” Uribe says. “We also are making it top priority to ensure that Echelon members align with the morals, values and vision of The Salvation Army.
“We are focusing on building a quality group of dedicated, emerging professionals, and we are currently recruiting for folks that want to contribute to our mission.”
Fundraising is a big part of the mission. Before the pandemic, the group held an annual gala that raised more than $40,000.
In recent years Echelon funded two important projects for The Salvation Army’s Alhambra Boulevard campus: a remodeled Teen Center and refi nished basketball court. The Teen Room has couches, board games, video game systems, ping pong, foosball and more, all purchased by Echelon.
“The Echelon board has given me a window into how The Salvation Army functions at a larger scale, and I continue to be impressed with not only the way they operate, but the individuals that they employ. The
Erin Uribe with her son Nolan
offi cers give their blood, sweat and tears to the Army, and it is extremely inspiring to see,” she says.
Originally from the East Coast, Uribe, her husband and young son live in Fair Oaks. Her career is media marketing. She’s deeply involved with Saint John’s Program for Real Change. “I serve as one of the two Girl Scout leaders for their in-house troop,” she says.
“From a very young age, my brother and I were taught to give back your time, your resources, whatever it is that you can give,” Uribe says. “My mother was someone that never did anything for recognition, and she always taught us this was just what we do for fellow human beings. Her motto is, ‘In the end, only kindness matters,’ and she ingrained that in me.”
Under pandemic restrictions, vital in-person social and community ties were severed for many young adults. Countless local people in this age group—especially singles—feel detached and depressed.
That’s another reason why I was impressed with Uribe and Echelon. They represent a path forward for young adults in a positive and energetic group dedicated to helping those less fortunate.
To join or learn more about Echelon, contact Uribe at erinuribe99@gmail. com.
Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @ insidesacramento. n
"THE SALVATION ARMY SERVES IN EVERY ZIP CODE, WITH A MINISTRY OPERATED BY AND FOR EVERY RACE, ETHNIC GROUP, AND IDENTITY. WE'RE NOT ON THE LEFT, AND WE'RE NOT ON THE RIGHT. WE'RE WHERE WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN FOLLOWING CHRIST. AND WE ALWAYS WILL BE." National Commissioner Kenneth Hodder
Thinking of sizing down?
Whether you are starting out, looking for that next home or sizing down, I’m here to help make the transition seamless. Life changes. Your realtor shouldn’t.
Dave Kirrene Realtor
916.531.7495
DRE 01115041
Another Reason you need the right living trust:
The Novel Coronavirus…
•Life catches us by surprise. • Life catches us by surprise. •Now is a good time to plan. • Now is a good time to plan. •An up-to-date trust will give you peace of mind. • An up-to-date trust will give you peace of mind. •Your loved ones will have a place to turn if something happens. • Your loved ones will have a place to turn if something happens. •If you have an older will or trust, we can review it. • If you have an older will or trust, we can review it.
You and your family deserve a plan that works. We are ready to help. You and your family deserve a plan that works. We are ready to help. Call me or visit www.wyattlegal.comCall me or visit www.wyattlegal.com www.wyattlegal.com.
lawofficeof briand.wyatt,PC
trusts & estates probate special needs planning 3406 American River Drive Suite B Sacramento, CA 95864 916-273-9040
