News Archive - The California Wellness Foundation

Cal Wellness Commits a Record $67 Million To Support Health and Racial Justice

Stephanie Myers — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:10:33 +0000

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 1, 2025) — The California Wellness Foundation is making $67 million in community investments in 2025—its largest-ever annual commitment. This increased funding includes an additional $15 million approved by the foundation’s Board of Directors in June to respond to urgent and emerging community needs.

The move comes as communities across California face mounting challenges: federal and state budget cuts are threatening health care coverage for millions; funding for violence prevention programs has been slashed; immigrant families are being detained and deported without due process through military-style law enforcement; and nonprofits are being targeted for doing charitable work.

“We’re moving more money to partners than ever before because we understand what’s at stake—the health of our communities and the strength of our democracy,” said Terence Mulligan, Chair of the Cal Wellness Board of Directors. “We encourage foundation leaders to give more at this crucial moment in our history. We have a responsibility to act with purpose and resolve.”

Added President and CEO Richard Tate: “The people and organizations we support are facing unprecedented challenges —but they are not backing down, and neither are we. This is a time to be clear in our intentions, to stand firm in our beliefs, and to stay in the fight to advance health and wellness for all. We shall not be moved.”

These additional resources will support current foundation efforts this year to ensure access to essential health and social services, safeguard civil rights and democratic freedoms, and strengthen the capacity of communities to organize, advocate, and lead. Key priorities include:

Defending immigrant rights
Protecting access to health care
Civic engagement and power-building to elevate community voices and priorities
Strengthening nonprofit infrastructure, legal defense, and strategic communications
Providing flexible, rapid-response funding for emerging needs and opportunities

These investments are already proving critical as immigrant communities and service organizations across California have mobilized in defense of their rights and dignity, organizing against escalating federal threats. Cal Wellness believes its resources are intended for these moments – to help ensure that community-led efforts to protect and improve health and wellness remain visible, safe, and sustained.

The $67 million in 2025 community investments includes the foundation’s regular annual grantmaking budget of $47 million plus $20 million in special allocations ($5 million approved in December 2024 and $15 million approved in June). These resources are part of a total payout of 8.5% for the year, well above the IRS minimum of 5%. Since 2020 the foundation has had an annual payout rate of 6% or more while maintaining an endowment of approximately $1 billion invested in alignment with its mission and values.

About The California Wellness Foundation

The California Wellness Foundation is a private, independent foundation with a mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California. Guided by a vision of racial and social justice, Cal Wellness supports organizations that advance health equity, promote inclusive democracy, and build power in historically underserved communities. Since its founding in 1992, the foundation has awarded over $1.3 billion in grants and program-related investments. Learn more at www.calwellness.org.

Contact: Jon Koriel, Bryson Gillette
jon@brysongillette.com
(714) 686-4097

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Lori Cox to Depart Cal Wellness for Alameda County Leadership Role

Stephanie Myers — Wed, 14 May 2025 15:32:05 +0000

Honoring her leadership at Cal Wellness and announcing interim plans for the Programs team

It is with deep appreciation that we announce that Lori Cox, Vice President of Programs, will be leaving the foundation to become Chief Deputy County Administrator for Alameda County. After three years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership at Cal Wellness, her departure is a bittersweet moment—but one filled with gratitude and admiration.

In her new role, Cox returns to the county where she previously served for more than 25 years. Reporting to the County Administrator, she will lead strategic initiatives, countywide special projects, and multi-agency collaborations. At a time when strong, equity-focused public leadership is urgently needed, we are proud to see her continuing her service to community in this vital capacity.

Since joining Cal Wellness, Cox has been instrumental in advancing our mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of Californians—especially those whose well-being is most impacted by systemic inequities. Under her leadership, the Programs team expanded significantly, welcoming new talent with fresh perspectives and skills that have enriched our approach. She championed innovative grantees and partners, strengthened alignment between grant size and community needs, and prioritized greater efficiency and transparency in our grantmaking.

Cox has led with an eye to improving efficiency in our grantmaking process and a renewed focus on connecting directly with communities through in-person site visits and regional learning tours. She has championed innovative new grantees and partners, fostered cross-departmental collaboration between Programs, Grants Management, and Public Affairs, and led with clarity and compassion during times of crisis, including the Los Angeles County wildfires.

Through it all, she has helped ensure that Cal Wellness continues to be visible, responsive, and bold —unwavering in its commitment to equity and impact.

“I’m deeply grateful for my time at Cal Wellness. It’s been a privilege to be part of a foundation so firmly rooted in justice, and to work alongside colleagues and partners who are relentless in their pursuit of equity and wellness for all Californians,” Cox said. “I leave proud of what we’ve accomplished together—and inspired by what lies ahead for the foundation and the communities it serves. As I return to public service, I carry forward the values and lessons that this role has deepened in me.”

“Lori’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping Cal Wellness during a critical time. I am extremely grateful for her many contributions and her steadfast partnership, said Richard Tate, President and CEO. "On behalf of our entire staff and board, I say thank you and wish you success as you step into this next chapter.”

We are grateful for her leadership and look forward to celebrating her continued contributions to public service.

Cox's final day with Cal Wellness will be July 10, 2025.

Interim Leadership Update

During this transition, Alex Johnson, Vice President of Public Affairs, will assume interim leadership of both the Programs and Public Affairs departments. He brings extensive institutional experience to the role, having previously served as Interim Vice President of Programs, Chief of Staff, and Program Director at Cal Wellness.

Johnson's leadership reflects a deep understanding of our grantmaking priorities and a strong commitment to equity-centered philanthropy, collaborative team leadership, and aligning strategy across departments. With this interim structure in place, we are confident in a seamless transition that will preserve momentum and continue delivering on our mission with clarity and purpose in these challenging times.

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Be Well, Lead Well: A New Sabbatical Award Program

Stephanie Myers — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:43:56 +0000

In this video, Cal Wellness Senior Program Officer Jennifer Wright introduces "Be Well, Lead Well," a new sabbatical award program.

Nonprofit leaders are carrying a heavy load. The last few years have brought a global pandemic, economic turbulence, societal polarization and increasingly poor health outcomes across our state. In a time where chaos is the new normal, worries about burnout – and its effect on an organization’s mission – are increasing, with 95 percent of nonprofit leaders in a recent survey citing burnout as a concern. The workload can take a serious toll on the personal health and wellness of the people who work at mission-driven organizations.

That’s why Cal Wellness is introducing Be Well, Lead Well, a new sabbatical award program that is designed to create space for senior leaders (members of leadership teams) at health equity nonprofits to partake in restorative rest while ensuring their team maintains high performance and operational standards. Strong, effective, creative leaders are rested leaders. The sabbatical aims to inspire funders and nonprofits to make rest and recovery a common practice.

This program is one part of our Wellness Together campaign, which builds resilience for mission-driven organizations by sharing resources for rest and recovery. The Be Well, Lead Well component has been designed in collaboration with partners who bring valuable nonprofit leadership experience, ensuring that this program is responsive, inclusive, and effectively supports the well-being and development of leaders and their organizations. The sabbatical is flexible so that the recipients can take the rest that is most meaningful to them.

We will award up to eight $60,000 grants to nonprofit organizations based in California that advance health equity and wellness in historically underserved communities. Grant funding must center the leader; the organization must use at least $45,000 of the award to pay for the leader’s salaries and expenses during the sabbatical period. The remaining funds (up to $15,000) are to go toward professional development for staff and interim leadership. Only one application per organization will be considered.

The application will be available on Monday, April 28, 2025. All applications must be received by June 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Recipients of the 2025 Be Well, Lead Well Sabbatical Program Award will be notified by September 2025.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Senior leader
- Be a current member of the organization’s leadership team (including, but not limited to the executive director), having served in a senior-level position for 5 years in the nonprofit sector. A senior position is one with significant responsibility for the strategic direction, operations or programmatic vision of the organization. For more on this definition, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section.
- Be full-time at the applicant organization.
- Be committed to staying at the organization for at least the next two to three years.
- Be willing to participate in the debrief and share reflections from the sabbatical following completion.
Organization
- Be a nonprofit health organization exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
- Be based in California.
- Address the particular community health needs of historically underserved populations, such as low-income individuals, people of color, youth, and residents of rural areas (with a preference given to organizations with long-standing track record of serving these communities).
- Be able to sustain regular operations during the candidate’s absence.

Additional Criteria for a Successful Application

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

A priority for using the sabbatical as an opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.
A thoughtful plan for how the sabbatical will be utilized, including a strong interim management plan for the organization.
A clear structure of how funds will be allocated, clearly centering the leader’s sabbatical
Enthusiastic support from the organization’s board and favorable agreement from staff
A long-standing commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and serving historically underserved communities, with a verifiable track record of impact

Required Documents for the Application

Sabbatical program award narrative (up to four pages)
Budget form
Budget narrative
Annual report or description of the organization (up to two pages)
List of board of directors
Candidate’s resume that covers, at a minimum, the last 10 years
Organizational chart
Letter of support from your executive director (this is only required if applicant is not the executive director).

Timeline

The application opens Monday, April 28, 2025 and closes June 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.
After applications are reviewed, finalists will be contacted for an interview by August 2025.
Recipients of the Be Well, Lead Well Sabbatical will be notified by September 2025.

Where to Apply

Apply using this online form.

Contact

If you have questions that are not addressed here, please email BeWellSabbatical(at)calwellness.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn more before applying?

Cal Wellness and AWA Consults, the philanthropic consultancy we developed the sabbatical program with, are holding virtual info sessions on May 8 and 16, 2025.(Register for the May 8 webinar here and the May 16 webinar here.) These webinars serve as office hours to go through key questions and dive more into how to prepare a strong application and prepare your team for sabbatical.

Do I need to be a current grantee of Cal Wellness to apply?

No. Be Well, Lead Well is open to senior-level leaders of all nonprofit organizations based in California that are dedicated to advancing health equity and wellness in their communities. Priority will be given to Cal Wellness grantees.

How do I know if I am considered a “senior leader”?

You qualify if you are currently a member of the organization’s leadership team and have significant responsibility for the strategic direction, operations, or programmatic vision of the organization. This includes, but is not limited to, executive directors, co-executive directors, deputy directors, and other senior leaders who are part of the top management team—regardless of title—whose work influences organizational decisions and outcomes.

We recognize that leadership structures vary across organizations and welcome applications from individuals who may not carry a traditional title but serve as a key decision-maker or hold executive-level responsibilities.

What does this sabbatical look like?

Cal Wellness understands that true restorative rest and recovery look different for each person. We do not have prescriptive requirements for how the time will be used and we hope every sabbatical recipient can be free from any expectations during their time away. As a thought starter, we encourage using the time to focus on cultivating personal wellness, re-engaging with your own leadership ethics, and documenting any reflections to share with Cal Wellness and other recipients during the post-sabbatical group debrief. Past recipients of similar programs have used the time to simply rest, work on personal creative projects, or provide care for a family member.

If I get the sabbatical, what can I expect?

Once you are notified of the award, you have 18 months to complete the sabbatical. The program will include a pre-sabbatical orientation for the nonprofit leader and board, and a post-sabbatical debrief and reflection with fellow grant recipients. Cal Wellness recommends a three-month minimum for the sabbatical duration to ensure true rest is achieved. Stay tuned for a forthcoming roadmap that provides more details on the sabbatical experience.

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Cal Wellness Welcomes Jia-Rui Cook as Senior Communications Officer

Stephanie Myers — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:43:55 +0000

Cal Wellness is pleased to welcome Jia-Rui Cook as Senior Communications Officer on the foundation’s Public Affairs team.

In this newly created position, Cook will amplify the work of Cal Wellness and its partners through communications strategies that center the importance of health and racial equity for all Californians.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jia-Rui to Cal Wellness,” said Director of Communications Mary Lou Fulton. “She is a gifted storyteller whose diverse experiences as a writer, multimedia team leader and imaginative content creator will bring powerful new perspectives to our work.”

Cook joins Cal Wellness from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she most recently served as Supervisor of News Events & Projects overseeing campaigns to tell the stories of some of the space agency’s biggest missions. With more than 20 years of experience in communications and journalism, Cook has also served as a staff writer at The Los Angeles Times and as Editor-in-Chief at Zócalo Public Square, a Cal Wellness grantee partner.

Cook received a master's of philosophy in English literature from Oxford University and a bachelor’s in American history and literature from Harvard University. She will be based in Cal Wellness' Los Angeles office.

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Cal Wellness Names Rochelle Witharana Chief Financial and Investment Officer

Stephanie Myers — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:59:27 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA — March 27, 2025 — The California Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce that Rochelle Witharana has been named as the foundation’s first Chief Financial and Investment Officer, effective immediately. She joined Cal Wellness in 2015 as Director of Finance and Controller and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2019.

Over the past 10 years, Witharana has played a central role in aligning the foundation’s financial strategy with its commitment to health equity and racial justice. As CFO she has led transformative initiatives that have positioned Cal Wellness as a national leader in mission-aligned investing—an approach that ensures the foundation’s investments are consistent with its values and contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes.

Her accomplishments include:

Investing the foundation’s entire $1 billion endowment in alignment with the foundation’s mission while generating market-rate returns.
Expanding the foundation’s Program-Related Investments (PRI) portfolio to fund affordable housing, community development, and other social impact initiatives.
Developing a mission alignment framework that evaluates prospective investments based on alignment with Cal Wellness’ mission, particularly investments that advance racial equity, environmental sustainability, economic justice, and access to health care.
Advocating for racial and gender equity in the investment field—efforts rooted in the belief that greater diversity, inclusion, transparency, and accountability in the sector will benefit everyone.

“Rochelle’s new title reflects the true scope of her work to ensure all Cal Wellness resources, not just our grantmaking dollars, work toward our mission,” said Richard Tate, President and CEO of Cal Wellness. “Her bold leadership, strategic vision and deep commitment to equity have reshaped how we use our endowment to drive positive change.”

Added Cal Wellness Board Chair Terence Mulligan, “Rochelle brings both discipline and imagination to how we steward our endowment. She has earned the trust of the Board through her deep expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to using every financial lever available to advance our mission.”

Beyond her work at Cal Wellness, Witharana is a respected thought leader in the impact investing and foundation finance communities. She has shared her expertise at events hosted by Confluence Philanthropy, Mission Investors Exchange (MIE), and the Foundation Finance Officers Group, among others. She currently serves on the boards of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) and Confluence Philanthropy.

As CFIO, Witharana will continue to oversee the foundation’s accounting, audit, and tax functions, while leading innovation and deepening impact through mission-aligned investment strategies.

“I’m honored to help steward Cal Wellness’ financial resources in ways that drive our mission,” said Witharana. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with our investments, and I look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible when we align our money with our values.”

About The California Wellness Foundation

The California Wellness Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, and safe neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.calwellness.org.

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Our Strategic Planning Process

Stephanie Myers — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:50:02 +0000

Why update your strategy?
Why a "strategic framework"?
How are you developing the strategic framework?
What is the timeline?
Will you pause grantmaking during planning?
Will you accept new letters of interest?
What will not change?
Will you be providing updates?

Why update your strategy?

It’s time. Our current Advancing Wellness grantmaking strategy was launched in 2014, and a lot has changed in California and the world since then. Advancing Wellness was designed as a 10-year plan rooted in the social determinants of health – research showing that wellness is based on not only access to health care but also where we live, our access to jobs and education, and other social and environmental factors. That research will continue to guide our work, and we’ve learned a lot about the importance of adapting our strategies to the changing needs, ideas, and opportunities in the communities we serve. Our mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California remains the same, and our strategic planning process will incorporate insights from Advancing Wellness to set a new framework for our future work.

Why a “strategic framework”?

A strategic framework, rather than a fixed plan, will serve as a compass as we navigate the changing needs and opportunities in California communities. This framework will spell out our goals and priorities as well as an approach to adapting and responding to shifts in the environment. The strategic framework also will integrate work across the foundation to meet our goals. We aim to use our grantmaking, endowment investments, our voice, and our influence – all our resources – to advance our mission.

How are you developing the strategic framework?

Cal Wellness president and CEO Richard Tate will chair an advisory committee with equal representation of community partners, foundation staff, and board members. This committee will develop and recommend a strategic framework to the foundation’s board of directors. Here’s who will be at the table:

Community partners: Dr. Venise Curry, Jackie Khor, and Joseph Tomás McKellar.

Board members: Katherine Katcher, Debra Nakatomi, and Dr. Pamela Simms-Mackey.

Staff members: Managing Director of Programs Veronica Carrizales, Director of Government Affairs Joseph Villela, and Senior Program Officer Jennifer Wright.

To ensure the work of this committee is deeply informed by community perspectives, we'll be reviewing insights from focus groups with 94 grantee organizations across the state gathered in our recent assessment of our Advancing Wellness strategy and results from grantee and declined applicant surveys conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. We’ll also be conducting additional interviews with grantee partners, people with expertise on issues impacting health and wellness in California, and other funders to inform the development of our strategic framework.

Supporting the process will be advisors from the Constellation Consulting Group, Cal Wellness Director of Learning and Innovation Tina Eshaghpour and Vice President of Programs Lori Cox.

What’s the timeline?

The process to develop the strategic framework will be completed in 2025. The Strategic Planning Advisory Committee began work in January and will make a recommendation to the Cal Wellness board of directors midyear. We expect to begin operating under the new strategic framework in 2026.

Will you pause grantmaking during planning?

No – we are committed to continuing our core work in 2025, including grant-making, mission-aligned investing, strategic communications, community engagement activities and advocacy efforts.

Will you accept new letters of interest?

Yes, grant-seekers may continue to submit letters of interest in these program areas.

What will not change?

Our mission as a health foundation committed to racial justice and responsiveness will continue. We’re committed to being a statewide foundation that makes grants across California and leverages all our assets to advance health for all. In our grantmaking, we will continue to prioritize core operating support and multi-year funding, and in all our work we will look to collaborate with community leaders, foundations and cross-sector partners to meet our goals.

Will you be providing updates?

Yes, we will be communicating our planning process through the Building the Power to Be Well campaign. Follow Cal Wellness on LinkedIn, Facebook and Bluesky for the latest updates. Sign up for our e-newsletter here to stay informed.

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With Gratitude: David Littlefield, Public Affairs Manager

Stephanie Myers — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:38:23 +0000

We bid a heartfelt farewell to David Littlefield, Public Affairs Manager, as he retires after 22 years of communications leadership at Cal Wellness.

David has played a pivotal role in shaping how the foundation communicates, engages with partners, and amplifies the voices of those working toward health and wellness for all Californians. During David’s tenure he provided expert guidance in writing, editing and thought leadership to colleagues across the foundation, including five Cal Wellness CEOs.

Among his many contributions has been elevating the stories of underrepresented communities through journalism grant-making. David’s leadership in the field was recognized by Ethnic Media Services, which honored him this year with a Communications Champion award for his decades of work to advance diverse and inclusive media.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David’s warmth, wit, and ability to put everyone at ease have made him a cherished member of the Cal Wellness family. He has been a source of sage advice, historical perspective, and much-needed laughter for many of us over the years.

“During his remarkable tenure, David has helped shape our voice and strengthen our connections with communities across California,” said Alex Johnson, Vice President of Public Affairs. “On behalf of all of us at Cal Wellness, I extend our deepest appreciation to David for his dedicated service and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his journey.”

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Announcing New Cal Wellness Hires and Staff Promotions

Stephanie Myers — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:51:33 +0000

We are excited to welcome five new staff members and look forward to collaborating with them to advance wellness and health equity in California. We also are thrilled to celebrate the promotions of two valued colleagues taking on new roles at Cal Wellness.

Alexa Alarcón, Executive Assistant and Communications Coordinator

Alarcón is committed to leveraging communications to amplify community voices and shed light on economic and social disparities through compelling digital storytelling. Prior to joining Cal Wellness, she worked at Pacoima Beautiful, an environmental justice nonprofit in the San Fernando Valley, where she served as communications manager. She has also worked with Los Angeles Football Club, Angel City Football Club, and the LA City Employees’ Retirement System. Alarcón holds a bachelor of science degree in sports management with a concentration in media studies from New York University. She is part of the Cal Wellness public affairs team and is based in our Los Angeles office.

Ceci Sanchez, Administrative Assistant

Sanchez brings more than ten years of administrative experience, having worked for various nonprofits including Art With Impact, YWCA, and the American Red Cross. Most recently, she supported the CalFresh Nutrition Education Program team, serving low-income families across Los Angeles County. Sanchez is a certified yoga instructor and regularly volunteers at schools to introduce young children to yoga and mindfulness practices to promote their physical and mental well-being. Sanchez is based at Cal Wellness’ Los Angeles office.

Flor Flores, Human Resources Coordinator

Flores has more than five years of experience in human resources, operations and employee engagement. Prior to joining Cal Wellness, she worked at Proyecto Pastoral, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit with a mission to empower the Boyle Heights community. There, she served as senior human resources and operations coordinator, helping to establish an HR team and ensuring smooth daily HR operations, from recruitment and onboarding to benefits and leave administration. She is also a teaching artist at Self-Help Graphics. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in global studies from the University of California, Riverside, and is certified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). Flores is based at Cal Wellness’ Los Angeles office.

Gail Yen, Program Officer

Yen brings experience in policy research, development and implementation, coalition building, community organizing and strategic communications. A child of immigrant parents and a former foster youth, Yen is committed to systems change by working hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and people most impacted by inequity. Previously, she served as the California Policy Director at Root & Rebound, the Senior Policy and Research Analyst at California Competes, the Health Policy Associate at Children Now, and a fellow for Assemblymember Rich Gordon. Yen is based at Cal Wellness’ Oakland office.

Theresa Esparrago Lieu, Senior Learning Officer

Lieu brings over 10 years of experience in designing learning agendas and informing strategy refinement, execution, and reflection. Prior to joining Cal Wellness, she worked at College Futures Foundation, where she served as strategic learning officer and established a strategic learning infrastructure. She also has a background in consulting, learning, and philanthropy, having worked at Informing Change and ConnectED: The National Center for College and Career. Lieu is passionate about cultivating a culture of continuous learning, driving organizational improvement through data, and promoting collaboration across teams. She holds a master’s degree in sociology of education from the New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a minor in Asian American studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Lieu is based at Cal Wellness’ Oakland office.

Brooke Atherton El-Amine, Manager of the Executive
Office

Atherton El-Amine previously served as executive assistant to the CEO and before that, assistant to the executive vice president at Cal Wellness. Prior to joining Cal Wellness in 2021, she worked as a senior-level assistant and as a project and program manager, primarily in higher education and community development. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in urban studies with a concentration in community organizations from Stanford University and is currently completing her master’s degree in educational administration and policy studies from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. Atherton El-Amine is based at Cal Wellness’ Oakland office.

Stephanie Gomez, Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Officer

Gomez previously served as public policy officer at Cal Wellness, where she helped build our government relations capacity and strengthen our policy-focused work. Before joining Cal Wellness in 2017, Gomez was a program associate at the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, a program coordinator for Families In Schools in Los Angeles, and a policy consultant for the California State Treasurer’s Office. She earned her master’s degree in public policy from the University of Southern California and her bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA. Gomez is based at Cal Wellness’ Los Angeles office.

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The California Wellness Foundation Welcomes John Kim and Kaci Patterson to its Board of Directors

Stephanie Myers — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:02:42 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA (Nov. 19, 2024) –- The California Wellness Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California, and Kaci Patterson, Chief Architect of the Black Equity Collective and Social Good Solutions. Both leaders bring a wealth of expertise and deep commitment to advancing health and racial justice across California.

“We are thrilled to welcome John and Kaci to our board,” said Dr. Pamela J. Simms-Mackey, Chair of The California Wellness Foundation Board of Directors. “Their proven leadership, commitment to justice, and deep understanding of the challenges facing California's diverse communities will be invaluable as we work to advance health and racial equity across the state.”

Added Cal Wellness President and CEO Richard Tate: “These two are the real deal. John and Kaci model the kind of brave, creative, collaborative leadership we need to advance wellness in California. I'm so excited they've agreed to join us on the board, and we welcome the insights and inspiration they will bring to our work.”

The appointments of Kim and Patterson, both of whom lead organizations that are Cal Wellness grantees, are part of the foundation’s commitment to centering community leadership in decision-making.

At Catalyst California, Kim works to uplift the voices and needs of low-income communities of color to transform systems and expand opportunities for all. Through the innovation of new tools and the building of multi-racial coalitions, he has overseen the development of critical movement infrastructure used across the state and directly engaged in campaigns to redirect billions in public and private dollars.

“Given the results of this election, the strength and cohesion of our civic ecosystem in California is more important than ever,” Kim said. “The California Wellness Foundation has long been a critical leader in that ecosystem, and I cannot think of a better time to join the board.”

Patterson has spent her career championing the cause of Black communities in California. With her vision and strategic leadership, the Black Equity Collective has become a powerful force in building resources and infrastructure for Black-led organizations across the state. Her dedication to racial equity and community empowerment has inspired transformative change to address structural inequities and create pathways to opportunity and wellness.

"Joining the board of trustees of The California Wellness Foundation is a responsibility I don't take lightly,” Patterson said. “We are in one of the most consequential moments in history when our social, emotional, physical and community wellness all depend on the seriousness with which we approach racial justice. For our communities to be well, our community-based organizations must be well. It's motivating to be part of a leadership body that's bold in its vision, strategic in its execution, and unapologetic in its message about the catalyzing power of racial justice as the driving force for community wellness."

Kim and Patterson will begin their board service in January 2025. For more information about The California Wellness Foundation, please visit www.calwellness.org.

Introducing Cal Wellness Board Member John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California

Introducing Cal Wellness Board Member Kaci Patterson, Founder of the Black Equity Collective

Contact:
Mary Lou Fulton
Director of Communications, The California Wellness Foundation
Email: mfulton@calwellness.org

Phone: (818) 702-1922

About the California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation’s mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, economic opportunity, and thriving neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1992, Cal Wellness has awarded more than $1 billion in charitable contributions and more than 10,000 grants.

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Unity in Diversity: Foundations Reaffirm Commitment to Health Equity Under President-Elect Trump

Stephanie Myers — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:38:20 +0000

As foundations dedicated to advancing health equity and social and racial justice in California, with national impact, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to support and protect the communities we serve. We believe in the power of civil discourse, collaboration and ensuring that all voices, especially those of marginalized communities, are heard and respected.

Our foundations have long-standing missions to improve health, particularly for those who have faced discrimination and exclusion. We believe that health is a fundamental human right, intrinsically tied to social determinants such as racism, immigration status, economic stability, gender inequities, and access to quality healthcare, education, and housing. Addressing these interconnected issues is essential to achieving true well-being for all.

In recent years, violent actions and rhetoric seek to undermine the progress made in addressing systemic racism, health disparities, and immigrants’ rights. Such narratives and actions threaten progress and risk the safety and dignity of these - and all - communities. We stand united in our commitment to work with our partners to protect these communities. Only by fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding can we ensure a society where all people can thrive.

We urge the incoming administration to turn away from the words and actions of division and harm. We must build a future where diversity is celebrated, disparities are addressed, and all communities are treated with respect and dignity.

Alliance Healthcare Foundation
Alliance Healthcare Foundation works to advance health and wellness for the people who face significant barriers to better health.

Blue Shield of California Foundation
Blue Shield of California Foundation supports lasting and equitable solutions to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. When we work together to remove the barriers to health and well-being, especially for Californians most affected, we can create a more just and equitable future.

The California Endowment
The California Endowment is dedicated to expanding access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities. By promoting fundamental improvements in health status, the Endowment aims to ensure that all Californians can achieve optimal health and well-being.

The California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation envisions a California where every resident enjoys good health and wellness. Its mission is to protect and improve the health of Californians by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments, and safe neighborhoods.

Metta Fund
Metta Fund is a private foundation dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of San Francisco’s aging population. We partner with innovative nonprofits to prioritize areas where community needs are greatest and where systemic change is needed to address inequities – because everyone deserves to live a healthy life, at every age. We strive toward a vision of an inclusive, connected, multi-generational, healthy and thriving San Francisco.

Sierra Health Foundation
Sierra Health Foundation is a private philanthropy that forges new paths to promote health, racial equity and racial justice in partnership with communities, organizations and leaders. We are committed to reducing health disparities through convening, educating and strategic grantmaking.

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Cal Wellness Awards Grants Totaling $26.5 Million in First Half of 2024

Stephanie Myers — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 21:06:55 +0000

At The California Wellness Foundation, we’re continuing our commitment to health and racial equity through supporting grantee partners working to improve neighborhood environments, expand health care access, grow economic opportunity and build community power.

“We’re proud to provide resources to our partners and to spotlight their work advancing wellness across California,” said Richard Tate, Cal Wellness president and CEO. “Our grantmaking and our investments aim to meet immediate community needs and to address the structural barriers that prevent people from living healthy and well.”

Added Lori Cox, Cal Wellness vice president of programs: “The slate of grants recently awarded by the foundation will reach deep into communities across the state. The focus on multi-year funding will foster organizational stability and reflects our understanding that advancing change can require work over the long term.”

Here are some highlights from the foundation’s 2024 grantmaking and investments:

Healthier Neighborhood Surroundings

Though California law says every person has the right to safe, clean, affordable and accessible water, more than 1 million Californians still lack access to safe tap water. Based in the Central Valley, the Community Water Center (CWC) advocates for bringing safe water to underserved neighborhoods. Our $500,000 grant of core operating support will help CWC leverage the relationships it has nurtured over the past two decades and train a growing corps of community partners to advocate and organize for better access to water.

Additional grants supporting healthier neighborhood environments were awarded to Oakland-based California Environmental Justice Alliance, Alianza Coachella Valley, Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust and Communities for a Better Environment in Huntington Park.

Safe and Resilient Communities

When any part of our community experiences violence, it diminishes safety and wellness for all. We awarded grants to organizations working to reduce gun violence, decrease community trauma, and expand safety, healing and resilience. Organizations receiving funding included Vera Institute of Justice to advance implementation of its model for ending incarceration for girls in California, Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice to advance policing reform and transforming the youth justice system in Alameda County, and San Francisco-based Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence for policy advocacy and organizing to advance gun violence prevention.

Economic Opportunity

Wellness improves with economic stability that comes from having a reliable income, saving money, and owning assets. Despite anti-discrimination laws, Black Californians continue to face hiring practices that exclude them from jobs, result in lower wages, and create less hospitable working conditions compared to their White counterparts. Cal Wellness provided funding to the San Diego Black Worker Center (SDBWC) to help overcome these barriers and advocate for policy changes to advance the economic wellbeing of Black workers and their families.

Additional grants supported the work of the UCLA Labor Center and Inland Empire Black Worker Center.

Advancing Health in Immigrant Communities

Our state leads the nation in expanding access to health care, including services and public benefits for undocumented Californians. However, many immigrants hesitate to seek health care because of concerns that their welfare could be compromised by engaging with state government. The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC), a leader in the movement to expand health care for the undocumented, was awarded a $1 million grant to serve as a statewide hub for organizations encouraging more immigrants to fully participate in California’s health care system.

Community Leadership and Power

In large parts of California, including the Central Valley, young people sometimes struggle to envision a healthy future. Organizations like LOUD For Tomorrow (LOUD) help create pathways to civic engagement for young Californians so they can more effectively advocate for good jobs, healthy environments and a viable future. With its grant from Cal Wellness of $300,000, LOUD will engage in a range of community organizing strategies throughout the region, including a youth empowerment summit for young BIPOC, queer and trans leaders.

Mission-Aligned Investing

At Cal Wellness, we activate all our assets to support our mission, including how we invest funds in our $1 billion endowment. This year we made a $3 million equity investment through a second commitment to VamosVentures - Fund II. This investment will allow the fund to continue to support Latinx entrepreneurs through scalable, tech-driven companies across four key themes: health and wellness, financial services, the future of work, and sustainability.

“The foundation’s endowment investment in VamosVentures-Fund II marks a milestone in the development and implementation of our mission-aligned investment strategy,” said Javier Hernandez, director of investments at Cal Wellness. “After several years of focused attention on advancing more traditional Program Related Investments, this second round of investment in VamosVentures will help demonstrate that fund managers of color are worthy of our endowment dollars. It also helps us maintain a leadership role among our peer foundations in California seeking to align all their assets with their missions.”

View and download the lists of first quarter grants and second quarter grants.

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Welcoming Our New Hires

Stephanie Myers — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:05:08 +0000

As part of our ongoing efforts to advance wellness for the people of California and live our commitment as a responsive foundation, we are thrilled to announce the additions of a director of communications and accounting manager to our team. We are excited to welcome the following new colleagues to Cal Wellness:

Mary Lou Fulton Joins as Director of Communications

Fulton brings over a decade of experience as a communications strategist and consultant who has worked as a director of narrative strategy with The California Endowment, created the first statewide campaign to end the overuse of racist school discipline policies and launched #SchoolsNotPrisons to fight mass incarceration through arts and culture. She values the foundation’s desire to be a bold force in philanthropy and is looking forward to creating innovative approaches that will elevate the importance of wellness across the state. Fulton will be based in Southern California.

“Mary Lou Fulton is an experienced communications leader and storyteller with trusted relationships and a desire to be bold, creative and innovative,” Alex M. Johnson, Cal Wellness' vice president of Public Affairs, said. “In hiring her, we were impressed with not only her leadership in the field, but her deep alignment with Cal Wellness’ mission and values. We are looking forward to her leadership, partnership with grantee partners, and deep strategic expertise.”

Ellen Pleitez Joins as Accounting Manager

Pleitez brings experience as an accounting manager in both the public and private sectors, including work with Oaktree Capital Management and PricewaterhouseCoopers, to Cal Wellness. She is committed to promoting wellness and community throughout her work and is looking forward to thriving in a values-aligned environment at the foundation.

"Ellen Pleitz’s extensive experience in financial reporting and investment accounting makes her an invaluable addition to our organization,” Rochelle Witharana, Cal Wellness’ chief financial officer, said. “Ellen's appointment underscores Cal Wellness’ commitment to excellence in financial stewardship, and we are excited about the contributions she will make to our team."

About the California Wellness Foundation

The California Wellness Foundation’s mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments and safe neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1992, Cal Wellness has awarded more than $1 billion in charitable contributions and more than 10,000 grants.

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