Nearly two decades ago, local leaders in Del Norte and Curry counties had a vision to create a permanent community-based resource to support the many needs of the region. That resource is Wild Rivers Community Foundation and one of its many roles is to lift up the challenges we face and share our communities’ successes with state and national audiences to gain broader support for our good work. Examples of that effort include:
Aspen Opportunity Youth Forum 2019
WRCF staff participated in a live broadcast panel discussion about
using entrepreneurship as a way to engage youth. The forum
united a broad network of funders, organizations and youth leaders
dedicated to the national movement of reconnecting with youth who
are unemployed or not in school.
Jefferson Funders Forum 2019
As part of a large delegation of local partners, Melodee Mitchell,
director of the Del Norte Child Care Council, shared the success of
the “3READ23” literacy initiative with more than 60 funders and
nonprofit representatives from Washington, Oregon and California.
The success of the region’s collaborations and human centered
design work was the highlight of the forum in Roseburg, Oregon.
Nonprofits and the Governor’s Office
As California governor’s senior advisor on social innovation, Kathleen
Kelly Janus (third from the left) visited with WRCF, BHC and
community partners during her tour of Del Norte County. Janus was
impressed with the restorative justice work of Judge Abby Abinanti
(middle) of the Yurok Tribe’s Wellness Court.
“Culture of Health” Finalist
Community leaders from Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, the Yurok Tribe
and Del Norte County shared their good work with representatives
of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which tapped our region as
one of the 12 national finalists for the “Culture of Health Prize.” We
were recognized for our community collaborations that improve the
health, safety and well-being of our residents. Depicted here: Open
Door Health Clinic’s “RX for Wellness” and garden program was a
featured stop on the RWJF tour.