Our Community Efforts

At Valley Onward, we believe sustainable change begins when communities lead. Our work focuses on four interconnected areas that cultivate long-term equity across Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Through Leadership Development, we equip parents, youth, and grassroots leaders with the tools to influence systems and policies that impact their lives. Our CHW/Promotora Network is at the heart of our outreach, connecting residents to vital health, safety, and civic resources with cultural humility and trust. We drive community-centered Advocacy to ensure that those most affected by inequity have the power to shape solutions from school boards to local government. As a Convener & Coalition Builder, we bring together diverse partners across sectors to align efforts, amplify community voice, and build collective action toward a more just Central Valley.

Our Partners

  • American Red Cross

  • Radio Lobo

  • Merced County office of Emergency Services

  • California Community Partnerships

Our Campaigns

  • Listos is a community-based emergency preparedness program dedicated to helping individuals and families stay safe before, during, and after disasters. We provide easy to understand safety information and resources across the Central Valley, reaching agricultural fields, schools, and community events. Our goal is to ensure everyone, especially those in vulnerable communities, is informed, prepared, and empowered to act in emergencies.

  • PLTI is a program that empowers parents to become strong advocates and leaders for children, families, and communities through civic engagement, leadership development, and public policy education through a 22 week program. 

  • A vibrant community of empowered parent leaders who stay connected, support one another, and work together to create lasting change in their families, schools, and communities who meet monthly. 

  • Youth Voices Alliance: provides board and commission training to youth board on how to advocate for community needs. 

  • An effort focused on addressing and reducing health disparities caused by systemic racism, by promoting policies, practices, and programs that ensure all communities have an equitable opportunities. 

  • Golden Valley High School aims to enhance parent engagement through a strategic three-year initiative, leveraging Valley Onward's expertise to analyze current barriers, foster meaningful participation, and create sustainable solutions that strengthen the school's community and support student success.

  • To support the ValleyBUILD program in its outreach, recruitment, and community engagement activities to increase the inclusion of underserved community members, including women, in apprenticeship opportunities.

  • To contribute to Valley Onward's goal of creating high-road job opportunities for Promotoras/Community Health Workers (CHWs) through the Valley SEED project.

  • To support the DCAP - Drive Clean program in achieving its goals through event planning assistance, community engagement, and logistical support, aligned with the program's timeline.

Past Projects

  • To conduct interactive engagement on priority campaigns identified by OCPSC, including COVID-19 vaccines and harm reduction, water conservation, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), extreme heat, Youth Behavioral Health, and California Resource Guide.

  • A community initiative that helps residents understand public budgets and how to influence funding decisions for more equitable LCAP investments at school districts. 

Ready to make a difference in your neighborhood?