SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Neighborhood Wellness Foundation hosted a re-opening celebration Wednesday. It's a nonprofit with a mission to disrupt intergenerational trauma and poverty in Del Paso Heights and surrounding communities.
Neighborhood Wellness was forced to close its center at the corner of Clay Street and Grand Avenue back in January after severe storms damaged the building. Dr. Gina Warren is the co-founder of Neighborhood Wellness. She says the storm blew the roof off the building, resulting in flood damage too.
Despite the challenges, Neighborhood Wellness still provided programs and services to the public. Warren explains that the group operated out of tents for at least six months.
"Almost everybody on our team is from Del Paso Heights," Warren said. "We want to reintroduce our organization to the neighborhood and to all of those who do not know what we do and how we serve. Our goal is to lift up the neighborhood through mental health support, education and economic stability."
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Jamie Flores grew up in Del Paso Heights. She says Neighborhood Wellness gave her and her 5-year-old son the support needed during hard times. That includes helping her find reliable housing in Sacramento.
"My baby has been truly happy ever since," Flores said. "We ended up becoming homeless after COVID-19. But before that happened, I was reaching out to everybody for help. All I ever wanted was to make sure that my baby was safe."
Flores goes on to explain how Neighborhood Wellness not only helped her secure housing but also provided food in times of need. She says she's glad the community center is back open and appreciates the nonprofit for all they do.
"They supported me with resources, transportation, mental stability and strength to keep going," Flores said. "The gave me encouragement. Those were things, where I was weak at that time, but they were right on time. It was right on time."
During the re-opening celebration, Neighborhood Wellness partnered with Ace Resource Network to unveil a new mural for the basketball court at the center. The event also came with music, food and fun activities for all. To learn more about Neighborhood Wellness and the community services offered, visit their website.
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