2019-05-15T13:00:04-05:00 2018-06-30 942679966 SPINARDI & JONES 478 E YOSEMITE AVE STE A MERCED CA 95340 990 2017-07-01 942633265 UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY INC UNIT 2093834242 531 W MAIN STREET MERCED CA 95340 JEREMY MARTINEZ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 2093834242 2019-05-09 1 EDWARD C SPINARDI II P00112080 2097227429 2019-05-09 173.12.218.229 2019-05-09 18:55:28 PD P DA39A3EE5E6B4B0D3255BFEF95601890AFD80709 3F084070796EA573517A1FCE67E8525690E4C6EA 2017 2020-01-14 16:20:31Z JEREMY MARTINEZ 531 W MAIN STREET MERCED CA 95340 1502318 0 X WWW.UNITEDWAYMERCED.ORG X 1954 CA TO FIGHT FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND INCOME OF ALL MERCED COUNTY RESIDENTS. SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULE O FOR DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES. 8 8 37 0 0 0 1281952 1035734 351787 440727 664 -5077 8387 15233 1642790 1486617 121999 94512 0 0 986828 963552 0 0 30187 579554 486357 1688381 1544421 -45591 -57804 1225851 1418051 652845 915935 573006 502116 X "WE FIGHT FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND INCOME OF ALL MERCED COUNTY RESIDENTS." 0 0 286858 83776 5139 THE APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED BY A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS; NOW SERVING AS THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE (CIC). WE NO LONGER HAVE AN "ALL-VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY" GROUP; ALTHOUGH BOARD MEMBERS SERVING ON THIS COMMITTEE ARE INHERENTLY VOLUNTARILY GIVING OF THEIR TIME AS BOARD MEMBERS AND CIC SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBERS. ORAL PRESENTATIONS ARE NO LONGER MADE, RATHER A LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) IS COMPLETED AND IF IT MEETS OUR CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS, THEY ARE INVITED TO FULLY APPLY AND PROVIDED A FULL APPLICATION; THE SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (CIC) REVIEWS THOSE APPLICATIONS AND ELECT WHO TO AWARD FUNDING TO. 305886 363198 TWENTY-FIVE BILINGUAL STAFF MEMBERS PROVIDE INTERPRETING SERVICES TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL, CLINICS AND EMERGENCY ROOM VIA THE LANGUAGE CARE PROGRAM. INTERPRETING SERVICE IS PROVIDED 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH FACE-TO-FACE INTERPRETERS IN SIX LANGUAGES. A CONTRACT WITH DIGNITY HEALTH ASSISTS THEM WITH DELIVERING THE HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL LEVELS OF MEDICAL INTERPRETING TO COMPLEMENT THEIR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING THE FIRST LINE OF HEALTHCARE DEFENSE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTY OF MERCED. THE LANGUAGE CARE PROGRAM HELPS TO ENSURE THAT NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PATIENTS RECEIVE THE SAME LEVEL OF SERVICE AND ARE ACCORDED THE SAME RIGHTS TO HEALTH CARE AS ENGLISH SPEAKING PATIENTS. UNITED WAYS MISSION OF IMPROVING LIVES EXTENDS TO ALL PERSONS 409587 3168 49794 FOUR STAFF MEMBERS HIRED WITH FUNDS FROM A GRANT BY THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT, SUPPORT THE BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES (BHC) PROJECT. BHC FOCUSES ON IMPOVERISHED LOCATIONS WITHIN MERCED COUNTY (PLANADA, LE GRAND, BEACHWOOD, AND SOUTH MERCED). THE PROJECT WAS ESTABLISHED TO IMPROVE HEALTH CONDITIONS IN THE IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS. EMPLOYEES PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE ALL-VOLUNTEER PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE. STAFF WORKS WITH YOUTH TO IDENTIFY AND CORRECT UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS IN THE IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS. THEY ALSO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ABOUT LIVING HEALTHY USING SOCIAL MEDIA AND DEMONSTRATIONS/PRESENTATIONS AT COMMUNITY EVENTS. 295683 7568 29934 STAFF AND RESOURCES ARE USED TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS SPONSORED BY OTHER NON-PROFIT AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WITHIN MERCED COUNTY. EACH OF THE ACTIVITIES MUST CONFORM TO OUR MISSION STATEMENT, "WE FIGHT FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND INCOME OF ALL MERCED COUNTY RESIDENTS". ALL UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS, INITIATIVES AND FUNDING OF VARIOUS NON-PROFIT PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT MERCED COUNTY MUST ALSO CONFORM TO IMPACTING THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND/OR INCOME OF MERCED COUNTY RESIDENTS. 295683 7568 29934 1298014 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 15 0 1 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 CA X X X MILLY YANG 2093834242 531 W MAIN STREET MERCED CA 95340 TIM ROBERTSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MIGUEL LOPEZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANDRE URQUIDEZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DANIEL SABZEHZAR DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ROSANNA AYETS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 STACEY HICKS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 BOB HARMON PAST PRESIDENT 1.00 X 0 0 0 JEREMY MARTINEZ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 40.00 X 68347 0 0 ENRIQUE GUZMAN PRESIDENT 1.00 X 0 0 0 68347 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 99423 936311 1035734 LANGUAGE CARE INTERPRE 624100 363198 363198 PLEDGE AND AGENCY PROC 900099 77529 77529 440727 465 465 5542 -5542 -5542 -5542 12512 10159 2353 2353 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 900099 9930 9930 SUBLEASE INOCME 900099 2950 2950 12880 1486617 448065 0 2818 X 94512 94512 68347 17947 49340 1060 757637 650195 85307 22135 64387 51839 12049 499 73181 61685 10963 533 23219 23219 160313 160313 7806 7332 474 24722 19853 4484 385 118448 95942 18952 3554 12825 11729 690 406 46819 44645 2174 25 25 9556 7740 1529 287 11746 9154 2183 409 6018 4875 963 180 IN-KIND SERVICES/GOODS 47648 47648 MISCELLAENOUS 13794 11875 1681 238 DUES, FEES & SUBSCRIPTI 2517 2517 STORAGE 901 730 144 27 1544421 1298014 216220 30187 578080 790507 223514 216644 318932 240442 36748 26601 77488 44111 34022 33377 34555 110480 1225851 1418051 92768 62021 20135 14439 505387 724695 34555 110480 0 4300 652845 915935 X 573006 502116 573006 502116 1225851 1418051 X -57804 -13086 X X 0 0 0 X 931481 1073746 1214565 1281952 1035734 5537478 931481 1073746 1214565 1281952 1035734 5537478 1740044 3797434 143 1219 336 664 465 2827 5540305 0.68540 0.60550 X 0 1 77488 44111 33377 33377 CASH HELD FOR OTHERS IN AGENCY CAPACITY 110480 110480 SUBLEASE SECURITY DEPOSITS 4300 4300 1479397 0 1479397 7220 7220 1486617 1537201 5541 5541 1531660 12761 12761 1544421 PART IV, LINE 1B: UNITED WAY OF MERCED ACTS AS AN AGENT FOR OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WHOSE PURPOSES MUST CONFORM TO OUR MISSION STATEMENT, "TO FIGHT FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND INCOME OF ALL MERCED COUNTY RESIDENTS." AMOUNTS HELD ON BEHALF OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR IN SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNTS AND REPORTED AS LIABILITIES BY UNITED WAY OF MERCED. DURING THE YEAR RECEIPTS TOTALED $127,514; DISBURSEMENTS TOTALED $51,638; AND ENDING CASH TOTALED $102,840. PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: DONOR DESIGNATIONS TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT PART XII, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: DONOR DESIGNATIONS TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS 1 DOS PALOS YOUTH CRISIS & OUTREACH PO BOX 113 DOS PALOS CA 93620 061643746 501(C)(3) 4000 TO MAKE SURE NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY BY FEEDING THOSE IN NEED IN OUR GEOGRAPHIC AREA. WE PROVIDE A HAND UP NOT A HAND OUT. MERCED COUNTY FOOD BANK 2000 W OLIVE MERCED CA 95348 800093563 501(C)(3) 5000 FEED THOSE IN NEED, REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND EDUCATE OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT HUNGER ISSUES. CASA OF MERCED COUNTY PO BOX 2362 MERCED CA 95344 272084694 501(C)(3) 5000 CIRCLE OF SUPPORT FOR FOSTER CHILDREN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PO BOX 1421 LOS BANOS CA 93635 201497263 501(C)(3) 4000 NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION AND CRITICAL HOME REPAIR FOR FAMILIES IS THE MAIN PRIORITY FOR THIS YEAR. THIS PROGRAM FOCUSES ON SAFETY, SECURITY, ACCESSIBILITY WEATHERIZATON AND KEEPING HOUSES UP TO CITY CODES. MERCED SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION PO BOX 894 MERCED CA 95341 941541775 501(C)(3) 3000 ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ON LIVE CLASSICAL CONCERT EVENTS. SACRED ROK 319 IRIS STREET REDWOOD CITY CA 94062 800440822 501(C)(3) 3000 PROVIDES YOUTH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE NATURE UC MERCED PANTRY 5200 N LAKE ROAD MERCED CA 95340 270093858 501(C)(3) 4000 THE FOOD PANTRY EXISTS TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD FOR UC MERCED STUDENTS, MANY OF WHOM ARE LOW-INCOME, FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS. THE SALVATION ARMY PO BOX 2324 LOS BANOS CA 93635 941156347 501(C)(3) 5000 RUNS HOPE CENTER WERE RESIDENTS MAY RECEIVE FOOD, WORK EXPERIENCE AND OTHER PROGRAMS. ILLUSION ROBOTICS 100 FARMLAND MERCED CA 95348 770572114 501(C)(3) 6000 ILLUSION ROBOTICS WAS FOUNDED TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS THAT ARE NOT FOUND IN THE REGULAR CURRICULUM AT SCHOOL. STUDENTS ARE LEARNING PROGRAMMING, CAD. BUHACH HS THUNDER ROBOTICS PO BOX 753 ATWATER CA 95301 770572114 501(C)(3) 6000 PROVIDES EMERGENCY SUPPORT TO FAMILIES; SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT AND ACCESS TO TRAINING; AND ACTIVITIES FOR THERAPEUTIC, EDUCATIONAL AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED. BETHEL COMMUNITY CHURCH 1451 I STREET LOS BANOS CA 93635 440612817 501(C)(3) 5000 WE PROVIDE FOOD BOXES, HOT MEALS, ENCOURAGEMENT AND REFERENCES TO OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. MERCED COUNTY RESCUE MISSION PO BOX 3319 MERCED CA 95340 770284849 501(C)(3) 3000 SERVE THE LOST, LAST AND LEAST OF MERCED COUNTY THROUGH NEW LIFE TRANSFORMATION. MERCED AREA CRIME STOPPERS PO BOX 1552 MERCED CA 95348 274456060 501(C)(3) 3000 WE EXIST TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN MERCED COUNTY BY REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME. VALLEY CRISIS CENTER - MERCED COUNTY PO BOX 2075 MARIPOSA CA 95338 770272319 501(C)(3) 4000 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND ACCESS TO AVAILABLE SERVICES. 14 PART I, LINE 2: TO RECEIVE FUNDING, NON-PROFIT CHARITIES OPERATING IN MERCED COUNTY FIRST SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT THAT ALLOWS US TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING. IF THEY ARE, THEY ARE PROVIDED AN APPLICATION WHICH REQUIRES SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM FOR WHICH THEY WANT FUNDING. IF APPROVED, THE AGENCY MUST AGREE TO A MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING THAT SPELLS OUT WHAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DO, INCLUDING A QUARTERLY REPORT ON PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WHEN PROMPTED BY INFORMATION IN THEIR REPORT OR AN INQUIRY OR COMPLAINT FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE, WE WILL DO AN AUDIT OF THEIR FINANCES AND OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH OUR REQUIREMENTS WILL CAUSE THEM TO LOSE THEIR AWARD. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B THE FORM 990 AND ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE PROVIDED TO EACH BOARD MEMBER VIA EMAIL AND DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD PRIOR TO BEING FILED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C TO RECEIVE FUNDING, NON-PROFIT CHARITIES OPERATING IN MERCED COUNTY FIRST SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT THAT ALLOWS US TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING. IF THEY ARE, THEY ARE PROVIDED AN APPLICATION WHICH REQUIRES SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM FOR WHICH THEY WANT FUNDING. IF APPROVED, THE AGENCY MUST AGREE TO A MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING THAT SPELLS OUT WHAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DO, INCLUDING AN ANNUAL REPORT COMPILING THE DATA RELATED TO ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE FUNDED PROGRAM. WHEN PROMPTED BY INFORMATION IN THEIR REPORT OR AN INQUIRY OR COMPLAINT FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE, WE WILL DO AN AUDIT OF THEIR FINANCES AND OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH OUR REQUIREMENTS WILL CAUSE THEM TO LOSE THEIR AWARD. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S SALARY IS REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUALLY. COMPARABILITY DATA IS OBTAINED FOR SIMILAR POSITIONS IN SIMILAR SIZED ORGANIZATIONS IN SIMILAR SIZED GEOGRAPHIC AREAS. THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS IS INCLUDED IN BOARD MEETING MINUTES. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE ORGANIZATION'S OFFICE, LOCATED AT 531 WEST MAIN STREET, MERCED, CA 95340. IN ADDITION, THE DOCUMENTS CAN ALSO BE VIEWED ON THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE: WWW.UNITEDWAYMERCED.ORG FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G EVALUATION AND LEARNING SPECIALIST: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 12,500. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 12,500. INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 876. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 876. PROJECTS BRANDING & PROMOTION: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 29,900. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 29,900. PROGRAM ADVICE & LEADERSHIP: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 35,260. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 35,260. EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION COSTS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 555. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 555. FACILITATORS & TRAINERS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 81,222. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 81,222. FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: AMORTIZATION OF PREPAID EXPENSES PURCHASED WITH GRANT FUNDS -13,672. DEPRECIATION ON CAPITALIZED EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH GRANT FUNDS -1,899. BOOK GAIN/LOSS ON SALE/DISP OF EQUIP CAPITALIZED EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH GRANT FUNDS 1,729. PREPAID EXPENSES PURCHASED WITH GRANT FUNDS 756. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C THE ORGANIZATION DID NOT CHANGE ITS OVERSIGHT PROCESS OR SELECTION PROCESS DURING THE TAX YEAR. FORM 990, PART VI SECTION B, LINE 12C: EACH BOARD MEMBER SUBMITS AN ANNUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM THAT DISCLOSES ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST, OR ATTESTS THAT THERE ARE NO SUCH CONFLICTS. FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1 PART 1, QUESTION 1 SUMMARY OF OUR MISSION AND ACTIVITIES: OUR MISSION IS TO "FIGHT FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND INCOME OF ALL MERCED COUNTY RESIDENTS." WE DO THIS BY MANY MEANS, ONLY ONE OF WHICH IS SOLICITING DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS OF NON-PROFIT CHARITIES AND STAFF TO RUN PROGRAMS BENEFITING NON-PROFIT CHARITIES.WE COLLABORATE AND PARTNER WITH OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS,GOVERNMENT, EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS TO DEVELOP INITIATIVES THAT ADDRESS PRESSING SOCIAL ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY. OUR EFFORTS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: -PROVIDE TRAINING AND GUIDANCE TO NON-PROFIT AGENCIES: IN PRODUCING PROGRAMS THAT ACTUALLY IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE WHO PARTAKE OF THEIR PROGRAMS; AND THAT SUPPORT BOARD DEVELOPMENT AND INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION. -WE CHAIR THE LOCAL BOARD OF THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES FEDERAL FUNDING TO LOCAL AGENCIES WHO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FOOD AND/OR SHELTER TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. -DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 2017, WE SERVED AS THE COLLABORATIVE APPLICANT FOR THE MERCED COUNTY CONTINUUM OF CARE, ASSISTING THE COC IN FOCUSING ON PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES AND CONNECTIONS TO HOUSE MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE IN AVAILABLE HOUSING. -SUPPORT THE GREATER MERCED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "LEADERSHIP MERCED" PROGRAM THAT HELPS COMMUNITY MEMBERS ASSUME LEADERSHIP ROLES IN A COMMUNITY. -IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOS BANOS SALVATION ARMY AND LIFELINE COMMUNITY CENTER ,UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY ESTABLISHED SITES FOR LOW INCOME FAMILITES AND INDIVIDUALS TO GET HELP PREPARING AND FILING THEIR TAX RETURNS. VOLUNTEERS WERE TRAINED TO HELP OVER 836 PEOPLE TO FILE THEIR TAX RETURNS RESULTING IN OVER $1.2 MILLION IN TOTAL REFUNDS. - CONTINUUM OF CARE - DURING THIS PAST FISCAL YEAR, UNITED WAY JOINED THE MERCED COUNTY CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) FOR THE PURPOSE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COUNTY-WIDE EFFORTS TO END HOMELESSNESS. FOLLOWING THAT, WE ASSUMED THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT GROUP AND THEN BECAME A MEMBER OF THE COC BOARD. THE MERCED COUNTY COC SERVES AS THE HUD-DESIGNATED PRIMARY DECISION-MAKING GROUP WHOSE PRIMARY PURPOSE AND SCOPE IS TO IMPLEMENT THE CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM WHICH IS AUTHORIZED BY SUBTITLE C OF TITLE IV OF THE MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT. - HMONG FARM PROJECT - THE HMONG FARMER PROJECT IS FUNDED BY THE MERCED COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND IS INTENDED ON PROVIDING NUTRITION IN SOUTH EAST ASIAN COMMUNITIES, FARMS STAND(S), AND FARMERS. IN ADDITION, IT IS UNITED WAY AND MCDPH'S INTENTION TO INCREASE HMONG FARMING AWARENESS WITHIN THE MERCED COUNTY COMMUNITY THROUGH SITE VISITS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN SHARING EBT/CALFRESH ACCEPTANCE AT FARM STANDS AND CREATING AN INCLUSIVE PLATFORM FOR HMONG FARMERS WITHIN LOCAL FARMER'S MARKETS AND SCHOOL SITE LUNCH PROGRAMS. - MOUNTAIN VALLEY 2-1-1 - MOUNTAIN VALLEY 2-1-1 IS LOGISTICALLY FRIENDLY, COMMUNITY RESOURCE DATABASE ESTABLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MARIPOSA HSA, MERCED HSA, AND MERCED PUBLICH HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THE DATABASE PROVIDES COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH UPDATED, LOCALIZED INFORMATION CONCERNING EMERGENCY RESOURCES, SOCIAL ASSISTANCE, HEALTH CARE, COMMUNITY EVENTS, AND VARIOUS OTHER RESOURCES WITHIN BOTH MERCED AND MARIPOSA COUNTY. UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY MANAGES AND ADMINISTERS THE PROGRAM ENTIRELY, LESS THE OUTSOURCING OF THE CALL-CENTER FUNCTION OF THE DATABASE. THE CALL CENTER IS LOCATED IN KERN COUNTY, WHILE THE PROGRAM IS HOUSED IN THE UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY OFFICE AT 531 W. MAIN STREET MERCED,CA 95340. - CULTIVA LA SALUD - THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT HAS PARTNERED WITH UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY TO CARRY OUT THE CULTIVA LA SALUD INITIATIVE IN MERCED COUNTY. CULTIVA LA SALUD IS DEDICATED TO CREATING HEALTH EQUITY IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY BY FOSTERING CHANGES IN COMMUNITIES THAT SUPPORT HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING. CULTIVA LA SALUD IS AMONG A GROWING NUMBER OF PROGRAMS IN THE NATION WHO USE A POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE APPROACH TO HELP. - CACHI - UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY CEO CHAIRS THE CALIFORNIA ACCOUNTABLE COMMUNITIES HEALTH INITIATIVE IN COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND THE MERCED COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT. CACHI IS AN INITIATIVE WITH THE END GOAL OF ESTABLISHING A PROACTIVE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND COMMUNITY WELLNESS TRUST TO COLLABORATIVELY MITIGATE THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL ILLS RELATED TO DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, AND ASSOCIATED MENTAL ILLNESS. - HEALTHY RETAIL STORE INITIATIVE - IN 2017, UWMC AND THE MERCED COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT COLLABORATIVELY CARRIED OUT AN INITIATIVE WHEREIN WE WORKED WITH 4 LOCAL RETAIL/CORNER STORES IN BLIGHTED, FOOD DESERT REGIONS OF MERCED AND WINTON TO PROVIDE HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS (FRUITS & VEGETABLES) FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AFOREMENTIONED AREAS. SUMMATIVELY, WE WORKED WITH HMONG FARMERS IN THE REGION TO CONNECT THEM WITH RETAIL STOREOWNERS IN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED AREAS AND CREATE A BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP FOR BOTH ENTITIES THAT SIMULTANEOUSLY FAVORED RESIDENTS SEEKING HEALTHIER FOOD OPTIONS IN AREAS LACKING SUPERMARKETS AND FRESH PRODUCE. - RED NOSE DAY - IN 2017, WE HELD OUR 3RD ANNUAL RED NOSE DAY FUNDRAISER. FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, WE HELD THIS EVENT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED OF SCHOOL CLOTHES FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. IN 2017 WE EXPANDED THE EVENT TO INCLUDE FUNDRAISING FOR BACKPACKS STUFFED WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES IN CONCERT WITH NEW SCHOOL CLOTHING FOR MERCED COUNTY CHILDREN IN NEED. A MAJORITY OF THE FUNDS RAISED ARE GRANTED TO THE MERCED 20-30 CLUB WHO HOSTS THE CHILDREN'S SCHOOL CLOTHING SHOPPING SPREE OF WHICH WE ALSO PARTICIPATE IN (VOLUNTEERS). LAST YEAR THEY IDENTIFIED CHILDREN FROM DELHI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MERCED COUNTY AS RECIPIENTS OF CLOTHING AND BACKPACKS/SCHOOL SUPPLIES.