LAKE COUNTY >> Community groups, churches and organizations sprung to action after the fires and the recent flooding, working to speed recovery. Yet in the background, they never stopped serving more common needs.
Several organizations in the county have banded together to help Clearlake and other communities as they work to improve conditions and image.
A group of residents formed to perform garbage detail in some of the areas blighted by trash. The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce embarked on a beautification program. And there are projects benefitting students, lower income families and more.
“It is our goal to work with the county and local officials, businesses and owners and residents to maintain and improve our streets and community areas,” explained Mike Dean, president of the Lake County Community Action Group.
The organization has been in place for two decades, with a goal of responsible development. They have conducted various fundraisers to help provide scholarships for high school graduates to help pay for college. Last year they gave out $8,000 worth funds for the scholarships.
Jo Bennett, who volunteers with the Lake County Council of Church Women United shoe program, said community minded organizations make a huge impact on the entire county. The shoe program, for instance, issues vouchers of $30 that are redeemable for footwear by children who are need.
They receive donations for the vouchers through local businesses, churches and other groups. The volume is so steady they are able to run a budget of about $11,000. Last year they issued a total 732 pairs of shoes.
“The magnitude of these shoes is kind of unbelievable. I’m glad that we’re able to do this. To fulfill this need,” Bennett said. “We have numerous, numerous people who are a benefit to our community and of course our county..”
Patty Bruder, Executive Director for the North Coast Opportunities (NCO) said the organization has been around for over 50 years and has been serving the area through community action.
“We respond to community needs. In particular our charge is to make life better for low income individuals, which really when you’re doing community development kinds of work it means you’re serving everybody,” Bruder said.
Bruder added that what they have recently been working on is their Garden Project where they help people gets access to healthy foods through gardens. The organization finds places for the gardens and develop leases, build the gardens and work alongside community members.
Other projects the NCO has been a part of in the past are the Head Start Program, World Communities Childcare Program, Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program, Foster Grandparent Program and the Rapid Free Housing program for the homeless.
Bruder added that she feels like Lake County is a second home to her with all of the community engagement she’s done and continues to try and implement in the area.
“Let’s continue to make our communities great,” Bruder said.
