2021 Mary Hammer Green Heart Award Recipient is Volunteer Turned Advocate

Felton, CA  —  Mountain Community Resources (MCR), one of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Centers, is excited to announce the recipient of the Mary Hammer Green Heart Award as part of the 35th annual Mountain Affair.  This award is presented annually at the event, a fundraiser for MCR programs to be held on October 29 at the Ristorante Casa Nostra in Ben Lomond.

The 2021 recipient is Suzie Schwilk a volunteer throughout 2020 who became a Family Resource Center advocate this year. Schwilk is receiving the recognition for her past and ongoing volunteer work in support of the Mountain Community Resource Center food pantry distribution program and in office support.

“Suzie was a clinch hitter when we were down staff the last few months and she has stepped up to the bat literally with both hands and feet,” said Cori Burt, MCR adovcate as part of her nomination in support of Schwilk.

“Bringing the food distribution to life is a labor of love that requires significant behind-the-scenes logistical coordination and dedication,” said Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges’ CEO. “Nonprofits thrive when volunteers can fill the labor gap to support these community services.”

Named for Mountain Community Resource’s founder, the Mary Hammer Green Heart Award honors those who exemplify the founding legacy of the resource center and go above and beyond to serve the community.

In addition to raising funds for the food pantry, the Mountain Affair provides funding for MCR programs including ongoing CZU fire family support, parenting classes, health care enrollment, health screenings and more. Auction items can be viewed at www.communitybridges.org/events. The event is sold out but those who would like to support MCR may purchase a meal for takeout from the restaurant the night of the event. A portion of the proceeds from takeout sales will be donated to MCR.

Event information:Mountain AffairOctober 29, 2021, 6-10 PMRistorante Casa Nostra, Ben Lomond

www.communitybridges.org/events

 ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.

The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Child Development Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.

Today, we celebrate the incredible women who make our world brighter—every mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, colleague, and friend. To the women in our organization and beyond, your strength 💪, wisdom, and resilience inspire us every day. Thank you for the love, dedication, and passion you bring to everything you do. Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women making a difference in our lives! 💜 #WomensDay #EmpowerHer #WomenOfStrength ... See MoreSee Less
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WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is dedicated to helping families thrive by providing crucial nutrition support. With the help of WIC, over 6,500 families are receiving food vouchers and guidance that make a real difference in their lives. Let’s come together to ensure that no family goes hungry and that every child has the chance to grow up healthy and strong. 💚In light of the uncertainty around federal funding for programs like WIC, your support is more important than ever. By donating, you're not just providing immediate relief, but investing in the long-term resilience of our communities. Together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable future for those in need.How You Can Help:💰 Donate: Your generous contributions make a direct impact on families in need. Every donation helps provide essential food and nutrition education to those who need it most. Communitybridges.org/national-nutrition-month 🙌 Volunteer: Give back to support families in your community. Volunteers help with everything from organizing food distributions to providing support and resources. Communitybridges.org/volunteer 📢 Share this post & spread awareness: The more people who know, the more families we can help! Help us amplify our mission and encourage others to get involved.Together, we have the power to fight hunger, nourish our future, and uplift our community. 💪 Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference. Will you join us in making a lasting impact for women, infants, and children? ✨#WIC #NationalNutritionMonth #FightHunger #CommunityBridges #NoOneGoesHungry #Donate ... See MoreSee Less
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This National Nutrition Month, we’re committed to ensuring every woman, infant, and child has access to the nutritious food they deserve. As food prices rise and federal funding faces uncertainty, we need your support more than ever. 🍎🥦For over 50 years, WIC has been a vital part of our nation’s nutrition safety net, providing nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, education, and healthcare referrals to low-income families. WIC provides guidance and food vouchers for 6,500 families, playing a key role in improving lifelong health for women, infants, and children. 👩‍👧‍👦The need has never been greater. As food prices continue to rise and resources become more limited, families face increasing challenges in accessing the nutrition they need. Despite these obstacles, WIC is making a powerful impact—providing essential guidance, food vouchers, and support to thousands of families.Together, we’re fighting hunger and building a healthier, stronger future for families across our community. 💚 #WIC #NationalNutritionMonth #FightHunger #CommunityBridges #NoOneGoesHungry ... See MoreSee Less
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📢 Join Us in Nourishing Our Community! 🍎🥦Good food fuels strong communities! This National Nutrition Month, we’re taking action to ensure every child, family, and senior in our region has access to healthy meals—but we can’t do it alone.📈 Grocery prices have risen 25% since the pandemic, leaving many struggling to put food on the table. Seniors on fixed incomes are skipping meals. Childcare providers are working hard to provide balanced meals, but the cost of food keeps rising.At the same time, federal funding uncertainties threaten the future of essential nutrition programs. That’s why we’re raising $20,000 this month to keep food on our neighbors' tables.Where Your Donation Goes: 🍽 Healthy Meals for Kids – Supporting 4,716 children through childcare meal programs 🥫 Food Distributions for Families – 10,000+ bags of food delivered last year 🚚 Meals on Wheels for Seniors – 1,700 seniors rely on us for daily nutrition 👩‍👧 Nutrition Support for Families – WIC provides guidance & food vouchers for 6,500 familiesHow You Can Help: 💰 Donate: Communitybridges.org/national-nutrition-month 🙌 Volunteer: communitybridges.org/volunteer 📢 Share this post & spread awareness!Together, we can fight hunger and nourish our community. Will you join us? 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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