Partnership for Children, a nonprofit based in Salinas, is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its 10th anniversary alongside the opening of new offices. The organization has played a crucial role in assisting families caring for children with serious illnesses by providing essential services such as transportation to medical appointments, financial aid for basic living expenses, and grocery deliveries.
Executive Director Jennifer Ramirez highlighted the organization’s growth since its inception. “When we first started, we were providing transportation services to about 50 kids,” she said. Today, Partnership for Children serves approximately 260 families each year across the Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito tri-county region. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for their services, especially in an area where families often need to travel to the Bay Area for specialized care.
In addition to transportation, the nonprofit offers financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other living costs, and collaborates with the Food Bank for Monterey County to provide families with essential items such as diapers and car seats. “We also have our family connections program, which includes social outings, holiday celebrations, and other activities that help families connect with our organization and with others facing similar challenges,” Ramirez added.
The organization has shifted its approach over the past decade, moving from a reactive model, where families would reach out as needs arose, to a proactive one. Now, Partnership for Children regularly checks in with families to ensure they receive the necessary support. “We’re not waiting for them to call us,” Ramirez noted.
Partnership for Children operates with a dedicated team of three full-time staff members and five part-time drivers. “We like to say we’re small but mighty,” Ramirez mentioned. “We’re really efficient, and we truly love what we do.”
New Office Launch at the Rodgers Center for Children’s Health
On January 29, 2024, Partnership for Children not only celebrated its anniversary but also inaugurated its new offices at 427 Pajaro Street, Suite 5, located within the Rodgers Center for Children’s Health. This new location comes after two previous moves and positions the nonprofit alongside Coastal Kids Home Care, which has been serving medically fragile children for 20 years.
The recent expansion of Coastal Kids Home Care was bolstered by a generous $250,000 donation from Valeta and T.J. Rodgers, aimed at enhancing its capacity to meet the growing demand for specialized health and mental health services for children. This funding allowed the agency to double its office space, add counseling rooms, and expand therapy areas.
Margy Mayfield, founder and CEO of Coastal Kids Home Care, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “Coastal Kids Home Care is thrilled to have Partnership for Children join us at the Rodgers Center for Children’s Health,” Mayfield stated. “Building on our long history of working together, this closer collaboration will allow us to provide more comprehensive, coordinated care for children with complex medical needs and extend services to more families in our community.”
The new office opening and the 10-year anniversary celebration reflect Partnership for Children’s commitment to enhancing the lives of families facing significant challenges. As it continues to grow and adapt its services, the organization stands as a vital resource for those in need within the region.
