Class session highlights those who help our community

MARCH 2008 - Community Based Organizations have always been essential to our local community. Charitable, nonprofit groups play an important role in our lives, extending help to our community in many ways. That is why each year we devote an entire day exploring some of Stockton’s finest community-based organizations.

For the participants the day began like no other. The class was divided into six teams, each assigned to a different community-based organization. The six organizations were: Women’s Center of San Joaquin, St. Mary’s Interfaith Community Services, Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Emergency Food Bank, and Gospel Center Rescue Mission.

Once the teams arrived at their host locations each were given tours, an information session, and got right to work. The agencies gave them a variety of tasks including working in the kitchen at St. Mary’s and Gospel Center, distributing food at the Food Bank, and observing client work at the Child Abuse Prevention Council and Women’s Center. Each visit lasted about four hours and included lunch at the non-profit.

After lunch, the teams made their way back downtown to the offices of the United Way of San Joaquin County. There, President and CEO Andy Prokop introduced the wonderful staff of United Way, and thanked the class for its commitment to the community and class members participation in Leadership Stockton. Prokop spoke about United Way and how Leadership Stockton participants are already well on their way to being the future of Stockton.

The class also received a special visit from Gordon Medlin, “Father Asparagus,” co-founder of the Stockton Asparagus Festival. Gordon shared a little bit about himself, the festival and his belief in community service. His visit was a genuine treat for the class.

Each team then had the opportunity to share with the other members of the class, their experience at each community based organization. They described the experience with words such as “eye-opening”, “deep respect”, “life changing”, “better understanding”, “amazing”, and extremely impressed” when speaking about the time spent at the various non-profit agencies serving our community. Most participants felt it was one of their favorite sessions this year.

I would like to thank the following people for their contribution to the success of this session: Andy Prokop and the United Way team for all of their help, and for the generous use of their facility; to Gordon Medlin for all he has done for our community and for his inspirational words; and to each hosting non-profit director who helped make the day so special: Lindy Turner (LS ’01), Bill Brown, Tim Viall (LS ’93), Edward Figueroa, John Reynolds and Joelle Gomez (LS ’95)—Thank you for opening your doors!

See us here next month as we recap the Healthcare session to be held on March 14th. If you would like more info on Leadership Stockton or wish to sponsor a session, please contact Wes Rhea at 547-2770 or leadership@stocktonchamber.org. .