PROGRESS FEBRUARY 2021

Modesto Chamber oF COMMERCE

VOL. 42 | ISSUE 2 | february 2021

st. luke's family practice president's club women in business

We’ve Got You Covered SINCE 1867

In times of uncertainty, it is nice to know who you can count on. Bank of Stockton has been a source of

strength and stability for more than a century and a half. We’ve helped generations of families and businesses through good times and tough times. We will always be here for our customers and our communities. All of our branches remain open with our staff of friendly professionals ready to help. As uncertain times continue, rely on us! We’ve got you covered when it comes to your banking and financial needs.

bankofstockton.com

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

IN MODESTO 1302 J St. & 4204 Dale Rd.

Mission Statement

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area, regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.

february 2021 | CONTENTS

Executive Committee Chairman

Michael Gaffney, PG&E

Past Chairman

Steve Rank, Rank Investigations and Protection, Inc.

Vice Chair, External Operations Michael Moradian Jr. Peace of Mind Pest Control

Vice Chair, Internal Operations, Treasurer

St. Luke's

Patricia Gillum Pat Gillum CPA

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board of Directors

Garrett Ardis- Huff Construction Company Inc. Dennis Bettencourt- Blue Diamond Growers Brad Blakeley, Edward Jones Investments Kirstie Boyett, The State Theater David Halvorson Jr.- American Chevrolet Warren Kirk, Doctors Medical Center Brian McDermott, Team S.O.S DeSha McLeod, Community Hospice Inc. Kymber Miller- Sysco Central California Inc. Eric Nielsen, Gianelli Nielsen Peggy O'Donnell, Mid-Valley Productions Jason Pineda, Freshpoint Inc. Bill Robinson, Principal Financial Group Dejune Shelton- Modesto Junior College Madhu Singh, Bank of Stockton Jared Steinwert, F&M Bank John Villines- Modesto Gospel Mission

COMMUNITY

Sierra Vista

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Trish Christensen Modesto Chamber of Commerce tchristensen@modchamber.org

Publisher: Modesto Chamber of Commerce

209.577.5757 • Progress@ModChamber.org www.ModChamber.org

Printer: 209 Magazine

CEO Message

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Calendar

ADvocacy

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Green Team

RELATIONSHIPS

President & CEO

Graphic Design: 209 Magazine 209.634.9141 • www.209magazine.com

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To Your Health

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209.634.9141 • hvanderveen@209magazine.com

Distribution: 209 Magazine

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Rising Professionals

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Anniversaries

EDUCATION

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Chamber U

209.634.9141

Advertising Sales:

SERVICE

crogers@oakdaleleader.com 209.845.4074 © Copyright 2021 Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted, however, we require that permission be obtained in writing.

209.577.5757, Progress@ModChamber.org

Staff:

Gerbo Designs

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Administrative Assistant, Hope Gyorfi Administrative Assistant, Jolene Camarena Events Coordinator, Felicia Lopez Membership Coordinator, Sabrinna Gonzales Staff Accountant, Jaime Lastra

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Salvation Army

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Board Of Directors

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in

this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Modesto Gospel Mission

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PROGRESS MAGAZINE 1114 J Street • Modesto, CA 95354 209. 577.5757 • Fax 209. 577.2673 www.ModChamber.org • Progress@ModChamber.org

february 2021

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A Message From The President & CEO Healthcare & Women in Business

By Trish Christensen

W

hat an appropriate theme for February. Eleven months after the arrival of a pandemic, the stories that anyone working in the healthcare field has are endless. From physical to mental health, first responders, and the full array of specialists in between. They have all worked tirelessly from the start of this. We are fully aware of the challenges businesses have had to face during this time. As we begin to see flickers of light at the end of a long pandemic tunnel, there are incredible stories of growth, evolution, creativity, and success coming from the health and business sectors. As we proudly dedicate this edition to both, we know you will enjoy reading the stories and highlights from women in business and healthcare partners.

community

We are also proud of the various additions we have coming your way from the Modesto Chamber. We are expanding on the access and offerings available to you through the MJC/Modesto Chamber University portal. An employer or jobseeker in any field will find courses to learn, retraining, and/or expanded skill development on the portal platform.

This can be done individually, for groups of employees, or can be custom designed and extended to a business or department directly. The fee for these MJC courses is discounted to our Chamber members.

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We have just brought back the Chamber’s “Business U” program. This monthly discussion will provide you opportunities to gain added insight, encouragement, support, and information from various business vantage points. Each session will be led by a professional with a unique focus to share. February and March will be presented

by Debra Hendricks with DHF&T Consulting. She is scheduled for a two-part offering on Effective Leadership Traits. There is a nominal fee to attend, and a discounted fee for Chamber members.

Have you wondered what Leadership Modesto (LeMo) has been up to since COVID arrived? Well, the current class will be the only 2-year class in Leadership Modesto’s 37-year history. They made it about halfway through the course schedule when things shut down.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

We are eager for the day they can resume their program experiences in person. In the meantime, the steering committee and I have been brainstorming with Kate Trompetter on the development of a Modesto Chamber Leadership Series which will launch very soon. This will be a once-a-month program where you will have the opportunity to hear from some of our community’s greatest leaders, giving you the opportunity to glean some of their inherent insight. This too will have a small fee, discounted for members, and waived for current and alumni LeMo participants.

Annual Members Choice awards nominations are complete.

We received nominations in every category. Watch for news to come regarding the winners and the presenting of their awards. This will be done in a new and unique manner very soon. Separately, we have now worked with 5 companies on the path to sustainability. Later this year we will be hosting a California Green Business Stanislaus (CaGBN-Stan) Green certification awards event where they will each receive their awards. Please contact us if you wish to become CaGBNStan Green certified. In case you were wondering, the Ag Aware committee will be hosting a variation of the annual scholarship fundraiser this April. Details will be coming your way very soon. Lastly, The Modesto Chamber Government Relations Council is bringing the Water Committee back together. Information can be found in the Advocacy section in this edition.

Flip through the pages here to meet the group of individuals who have committed to sitting on the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2021. We have a great list of professionals from a well-rounded cross section of business, industry, and education volunteering their time and talents to help move all our efforts in a positive direction. Feel free to ask any of them about the great things we have going on and have in the planning stages for this year. We eagerly anticipate a truly fun, successful, and rewarding 2021~ With Warm Regards, Trish

MISSION The Modesto Chamber of Commerce to serving theArea, greater MISSIONSTATEMENT: STATEMENT: The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is dedicatedistodedicated serving the greater Modesto regional businesses community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, MISSION The Modesto Chamber of Commerce isthrough dedicated to serving the greater Modesto Area,STATEMENT: regional and businesses and community prosperity advocacy, collaboration, economic development, connectivity and business education.

Modesto Area,economic regional businesses and community prosperity through advocacy, collaboration, access to leaders, development, connectivity and business education.

Toour execute our adopted mission have developed an acronym that helps keep us focused. access to leaders, economic connectivity and business education.

That To execute adopted mission we development, havewe developed an acronym that helps keep us focused.

That acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.” acronym is “CARES: Community, Relationships, Education andkeep Service.”

That To execute our adopted missionAdvocacy, we have developed an acronym that helps us focused. acronym is “CARES: Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Education and Service.”

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

At its heart the Modesto Chamber is a community of likeminded

The Chamber serves the education community by hosting the

business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy

annual State of Business and Education event, by fund-raising for local

and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live,

students at the Ag Aware and Harvest Luncheon annual series, and

work and play. The Modesto Chamber is the go-to resource and

partnering with local schools and colleges to train and educate young

At its heart the Modesto Chamber is a community of likeminded

business owners who share the vision for enjoying a thriving economy

and creating and maintaining our community as a vibrant place to live,

work and play. The Modesto Chamber is the go-to resource and

The Chamber serves the education community by hosting the

annual State of Business and Education event, by fund-raising for local

students at the Ag Aware and Harvest Luncheon annual series, and partnering with local schools and colleges to train and educate young

facilitator of ideas and communication for nonprofits, governmental men and women, all in keeping with our pledge to help provide a ready facilitator of ideas and communication for nonprofits, governmental men and women, all in keeping with our pledge to help provide a ready

agencies, and community leaders.

More More than than just ajust business club,club, the the workforce the Chamber Chamber agencies, and community leaders. a business workforcetotoserve serve local local employers. employers. Additionally, Additionally, the Modesto Chamber strives to affect its environment for positive educates its members on practical solutions and best practices through Modesto Chamber strives to affect its environment for positive educates its members on practical solutions and best practices through transformation by supporting change agents in the community. its Progress Magazine articles, monthly Chamber University and Seeds transformation by supporting change agents in the community. its Progress Magazine articles, monthly Chamber University and Seeds ofof Success speaker monthlycommittee committee Success speakerseries, series,workshops workshops and and seminars, seminars, monthly meetings, and SCORE counseling. meetings, and SCORE counseling.

ADVOCACY ADVOCACY

SERVICE SERVICE

Chamber Staff, Board of Directors and many of our topical

Chamber Staff, Board of Directors and many of our topical

committees, such as Economic Development and Government

committees, such as Economic Development and Government

Relations, are engaged and proactively representing our members by

Relations, are engaged and proactively representing our members by

The Chamber believes in service to the community and to its

The Chamber believes in service to the community and to its members. The Chamber Board and staff are active on many nonprofit

addressing business initiatives, addressing issues in our community members. The Chamber Board and staff are active on many nonprofit and government committees, donating their business expertise, time

addressing issues in our community and business working toinitiatives, relieve theaddressing regulatory burdens businesses endure due

and working toand relieve regulatory The burdens businesses due as to local statethe governments.

Modesto Chamberendure gets results, to local shown and state Modestomore Chamber gets results, as by governments. recent victoriesThe in forming rational ADA legislation, shown by recent avictories in measure, forming electing more rational legislation, defeating no-growth businessADA friendly candidates, working alongside otherselecting to passbusiness Measure L, a candidates, local self-help defeating a no-growth measure, friendly measure, for our workingtransportation alongside others to and passchampioning Measure L,fora more local water self-help agribusiness, industry citizens. By working together, transportation measure, andand championing for more waterour formembers our are stronger together than they ever be on their own. agribusiness, industry and citizens.

Bycould working together, our members

are stronger together than they could ever be on their own.

RELATIONSHIPS

RELATIONSHIPS

The Modesto Chamber specializes in building relationships among business and serving as the nexus to businesses, nonprofit

The Modesto Chamber in building relationships and specializes governmental agencies.

We hostamong monthly organizations, businessnetworking and serving the special nexusevents, to businesses, nonprofit events, as annual an annual trade show, and our long-running Gala. Membersagencies. also may serve committees or go organizations, and governmental We onhost monthly through the Leadership Modesto program wheretrade they will build longnetworking events, annual special events, an annual show, and term relationships with key leaders in the business world and or go our long-running Gala. Members also may serve on committees

andand government their resources. committees, The Chamberdonating also serves its business individualexpertise, members time by andhosting resources.

Thecuttings Chamber alsointroduce serves itsa individual members ribbon which new business to theby

hosting ribbon cuttings introduce new business to the community, valuable and which cost effective (free) amarketing opportunities, community, costworkshops effective (free) marketing exposure valuable to social and media, and training for opportunities, our business partnersto andsocial their associates, and other free andtraining discounted exposure media, workshops and forresources. our business

partners and their associates, and other free and discounted resources.

C - Community

C - Community A - Advocacy

A - Advocacy

R - Relationships

R - Relationships E - Education

ES--Education Service S - Service

throughlocal the community.

Leadership Modesto program where they will build longterm relationships with key leaders in the business world and local community.

february 2021

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CHAMBER CALENDAR february

march

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Committee Virtually Zoom* 11:30 A.M.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Committee* Virtually Zoom* 11:30 A.M.

5

Ambassador & Welcome Team Meeting Virtually Zoom* 8:00 A.M.

5

Ambassador & Welcome Team Meeting Virtually Zoom* 8:00 A.M.

10

Business U Virtually Zoom* 12:00 P.M.

10

Business U-TBD Virtually Zoom* 12:00 P.M.

15

President's Day Office Closed

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16

Modesto Chamber Leadership Series "Leadership in Healthcare" Virtually Zoom 11:45 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Stanislaus Green Team Virtually Zoom 12:00 P.M.

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Tech Connect Virtually Zoom 2:00 P.M.

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Government Relations Council Virtually* 11:30 A.M.

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rising professionals Virtually Zoom 12:00 PM

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Women in Business Virtually Zoom* 4:00 P.M.

18 18 19

community

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Stanislaus Green Team Virtually Zoom 12:00 P.M. Tech Connect Virtually Zoom 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Government Relations Council Virtually* 11:30 A.M. rising professionals Virtually Zoom 12:00 PM Women in Business Virtually Zoom* 4:00 P.M.

*See website for more detail.** Change in usual location Please note that calendar events and details are subject to change.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

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**The Modesto Chamber of Commerce is located at 1114 J St., Modesto

stanislaus green team Virtually Zoom 12:00 P.M.

A healthier workforce creates a stronger business.

Get the tools you need to establish a healthier workforce culture, helping your employees manage stress, sleep better, and exercise more. community

Learn more at kp.org/choosebetter.

Choose Better. Choose Kaiser Permanente.

| Business february january 2021 2020

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Sierra Vista Women In Leadership

By Bonnie Childers, MPA

S

ierra Vista Child & Family Services would like to recognize Tiffany Rivera and Karina Franco, two shining stars within our agency that embody women empowerment in mental health services. Sierra Vista has grown into one of the largest nonprofit agencies in the region, serving more than 17,000 children and families each year and providing services since 1972. We provide a continuum of services to support and strengthen our community. Sierra Vista would like to highlight two strong women with a servant’s heart, Tiffany and Karina, and acknowledge their commitment to caring.

Tiffany Rivera, MA, Director of Outpatient Services, has been serving with Sierra Vista for 31 years to help restore the lives of others. Tiffany began her journey in 1990 as a childcare worker on the group homes’ graveyard shift to attend college during the day. From 1990 to 2000, Tiffany worked on the front line of our Residential Treatment Group Homes, where she counseled countless numbers of children struggling in foster care or in-home placements.

Today as Director of Outpatient Services, she leads the way by providing the clinical direction of our outpatient programs. She oversees ADHD clinic, Children’s Outpatient Program, Early Intervention Program, Home Based Services Program, Public School-Based Services Program, Turlock Outpatient clinic, LIFE Path, and First Step. Tiffany believes only a life lived in the service of others is worth living.

Judy Kindle, our recently retired CEO, shared with us, “Having worked with Sierra Vista Child & Family Services for over 35 years, I have enjoyed watching Tiffany and Karina grow in their professions. I have experienced their commitment and dedication to helping those in our community who are the most vulnerable. They have improved the lives of so many children and families.

Through their leadership, they have encouraged and empowered other Sierra Vista employees to be their best.”

We applaud the public service of Tiffany and Karina; thank you for being champions in our community.

community

Karina Franco, MS, Director of Family Resource Center Division, has been serving with Sierra Vista for 16 years.

Born and raised in Central Valley, Karina is a child of two immigrant farmworkers.

Growing up, she witnessed first-hand the struggles her parents and neighborhoods experienced without formal education and language barriers. Since 2005, through her dedication and grit to Sierra Vista, Karina helped grow the Family Resource Center from one site to five Family Resource Centers and a satellite site. Karina is proud to serve the people of the community; her services shape her passion and purpose to help those in need. Her commitment and love for the children and families and her life experiences as the child of two immigrant farmworkers allow her to serve with purpose.

Tiffany Rivera, MA 8

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Karina Franco, MS

CFRA 2021 IMPACTS ON FEHA/ADA, WORK COMP, PREGNANCY AND MEDICAL LEAVES: RED FLAGS FOR SMALL AND LARGE EMPLOYERS

In this workshop, you will: Understand the implications of the new CFRA Amendments on both small and large employers, as it relates to other medical leaves.

Pregnancy, Workers' Comp, and ADA/FEHA accommodations.

Learn practical, clear, simple strategies for responding to employees who may be committing fraud or abusing leave.

Gain enlightenment on the one major step you do not want to miss as a large or small employer in CA covered by the NEW CFRA Amendments to avoid litigation.

community

To register please contact flopez@modchamber.org or go to www.modchamber.org.

february 2021

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St. Luke’s Family Practice Serves All Ages

By Ericka C. Carranza-Perez PA-C, Office Manager

community

S

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t. Luke’s Family Practice is a non-profit, full scope family practice (all ages) serving both the completely uninsured and those able to pay in the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. Our benefactors (paying patients) have access to us 24/7 and are able to reach us by phone, text or email. We offer same day access to accommodate patient’s schedules. We offer 30-60 minute appointments so we have adequate time to address patient concerns, as well as after hours and weekend care in the office to avoid ER visits when possible. We can extend care while hospitalized if needed, do home visits and nursing home visits. Drs. Heck and Kiesel are broadly trained family practitioners, each with their special interests and talents, with each providing excellent, holistic care to our patients. For our “recipients” with no insurance or ability to pay, we offer the same full scope care, free of charge in the outpatient setting. Benefactor members help to support the mission of caring for those with no access to health care.

Our services include but are not limited to physicals, chronic disease management, office procedures (skin biopsies, wound care, women’s health biopsies, sutures, casting and EKG’s), pediatric care, well child physicals, sports physicals, and women’s health physicals. We enjoy spending time educating about health and wellness and developing lasting relationships with our patients.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

The ease of access and ability of our group to spend quality time with patients are some of the most attractive aspects of St. Luke’s. As physicians, we relish the ability to get to know our patients on a more intimate level and play an active role in their continued health. We have been extraordinarily blessed to be able to address the needs of our patients during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our unique practice allowed us to quickly mobilize to be able to continue to serve our patients without ever closing the office.

We have been able to offer testing and continue seeing patients in person, via telephone, Skype, Facetime, at home or in skilled facilities since the first lockdown last Spring. Soon we will be offering rapid COVID-19 testing right in our office. Our doctors are up to date on the latest treatments and have been able to serve those patients that required admission to the hospital. We will also be distributing vaccine as it becomes available. Our goal is to serve our patients here at St. Luke’s as thoroughly as possible with the highest quality of care and personal service.

“To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.”

-A.T. Still

advocacy

Please join us on our Zoom meeting with guest speaker John Balladares Regional Sales Manager at Neptune Water Solution.

february 2021

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The Role Screenings Play Prior To Starting An Exercise Regimen

E

xercise plays a significant role in disease prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, physical activity helps to reduce individuals’ risk of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various types of cancer, and dementia.

As vital as exercise is to a healthy lifestyle, many people simply are not getting enough of it. A recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics found that only about 23 percent of American adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are meeting the benchmarks for physical activity guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And that problem is not unique to the United States.

A study from Statistics Canada found that only about 17 percent of adults in Canada were meeting the minimum guidelines for weekly physical activity established by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

Such figures illustrate the emphasis that many adults must place on getting more physical activity. But returning to physical activity after a long layoff or becoming physically active for the first time are not as simple as lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the road. In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine notes the importance of preparticipation health screening for adults about to engage in physical activity after a period of inactivity.

What is a pre-participation health screening?

A pre-participation health screening is an examination conducted by a physician that looks for particular issues that may interfere with one’s ability to exercise. Doctors will likely ask patients about their medical histories and their family histories as well, as each of these factors can be used to determine whether a person is ready for physical activity or any restrictions need to be put in place to protect them.

What happens after a pre-participation health screening?

Once a physician conducts a health screening, he or she will conclude if an individual can exercise and how much he or she can exercise. Adults who are cleared to exercise but have never been physically active or have gone years without exercising will likely be advised to take it slowly at first.

Doctors may provide specific exercise recommendations or refer patients to a sports medicine professional who can help them devise an appropriate workout regimen. Doctors also may recommend follow-up appointments to track patients’ progress. Such appointments can be invaluable, as they can help people whose overall health has improved after limited exercise ramp up the intensity of their workouts, which can help them continue on the course to a healthier life.

However, it’s important that people consult their physicians before increasing the intensity of their workouts. A second screening might even be worthwhile, helping people and their physicians alter workout regimens that reflect their improved overall health.

advocacy

The American College of Sports Medicine notes the importance of pre-participation health screening for adults about to engage in physical activity after a period of inactivity.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Study Examines Changes In Healthcare Consumerism

“It cannot be overstated just how dramatically COVID-19 has accelerated the trajectory of consumerism in healthcare,” said Helen Hrdy, Chief Growth Officer, NRC Health. “The onus falls on healthcare leaders to move the industry forward by ensuring patient safety, building consumer trust and bringing more human understanding into every care experience. Those organizations that are willing and able to evolve with the times will be best-positioned for success in the aftermath of COVID-19.”

Consumers Favor Convenience Over Brand Loyalty Consumer loyalty is a major driver of health system profitability, but unfortunately for hospitals and health systems, overall brand preference among healthcare consumers continues to decline, from 31 percent in 2018 to 36 percent in 2020. More than a third of consumers expressed no particular preference for a healthcare brand, when compared against independent practitioners, and 62 percent anticipate their brand preferences to change after the pandemic.

Ironically, providers themselves are in the best position to earn back consumer trust. An analysis from NRC Health’s Real-time Feedback database shows that consumers report an overwhelming fondness for their providers, especially since the outbreak began. To capitalize on that goodwill and bring patients back into the healthcare fold, all evidence points to convenience. Almost half of consumers say a convenient location is the number one factor in their healthcare decision-making.

Patient Deferment Rates Will Continue To Rise Prior to the pandemic, healthcare deferral rates were approaching a five-year low. But with consumer anxiety at an all-time high due to the pandemic, those rates rose significantly in 2020, up from 22.4 percent at the end of March to 30.4 percent by the end of June. Forty percent of patients who delayed care in 2020 cited the coronavirus as the reason, while 17.2 percent said they prefer to manage their care on their own for now.

Delaying care can have a number of repercussions, from threatening hospital revenue streams in the near term to causing far more serious outcomes for consumers in the long term. Patients 75 and older accounted for nearly 68 percent of all care delays, revealing a huge challenge for health systems as they try to recruit this generation back into regular care.

Future Of Care Delivery Looks Uncertain Lagging in widespread adoption for years, the pandemic fast tracked virtual care delivery from optional luxury to operational necessity.

Fortunately, consumers have been receptive to the shift, with an overwhelming 92 percent reporting positive telehealth experiences during this time. However, only 27 percent of consumers say they will consider telehealth as a potential alternative for future visits, underscoring what is still an uncertain future for virtual health and overall care delivery beyond the pandemic. Prioritizing provider time and attentiveness, as well as financial transparency, will be key as healthcare organizations work to cultivate effective telehealth practices long term.

Disconnected Over Digital Innovations Telehealth may have brought healthcare into consumers’ homes, but it is by no means the only avenue to reach customers outside of the healthcare facility. By and large, consumers are enthusiastic about digital innovations that bring them closer to their provider — even as these innovations are underutilized by healthcare organizations.

Wearable tech, for example, has become a huge part of the average consumer’s daily life in regards to how they manage their health and wellness from home. Yet only 50 percent of providers are asking about wearable tech data during appointments, despite the fact that 57 percent of consumers believe this data would be useful in conversations with their healthcare providers.

Social media is another under-used digital venue for patient interaction. Even though 72 percent of Americans have some kind of social media profile, many health systems have not yet found an optimal strategy for engagement. And while currently, only 23 percent of Internet users are actively seeking health information on social media, that number is likely to soon rise as 70 percent of consumers expressed interest in getting healthcare information via social channels. Another 62 percent said they trust the health information they get on social media, so long as it comes directly from their provider. This was especially true during the worst of the pandemic, when consumers trusted news from local healthcare organizations more than any other sources.

“For years, consumers have made consistent appeals for autonomy, convenience, and freedom of choice,” said Hrdy. “As unsettling as it’s been, COVID-19 has brought some of these consumerist-driven measures to the forefront. While healthcare leaders have proven they can be nimble and adaptable, even in the face of crisis, consumers want a partnership with their providers, and a care experience that exceeds their expectations moving forward. But only with the right data, and the right understanding, can we ensure that healthcare is capable of adapting.”

The NRC Healthcare Consumer Trends Report is based on the single largest database of healthcare consumers, with more than two million consumer voices from 300,000 American households sourced from more than 580 healthcare organizations across all 50 states.

advocacy

N

RC Health, the leading provider of in-depth customer intelligence in healthcare, recently released its 2021 Healthcare Consumer Trends Report. For its thirdannual industry review, NRC Health surveyed millions of healthcare consumers against the backdrop of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. From declining brand loyalty, increased care deferment, the fast adoption of telehealth, a rise in wearable tech and a broader focus on social media marketing, NRC Health’s latest report shines a light on consumers’ evolving preferences and behaviors related to key healthcare trends and offers insight into how provider organizations can recapture patient volumes in 2021.

For more information, email info@nrchealth.com, or visit www. nrchealth.com. february 2021

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A PROGRAM OF THE MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS THE

Modesto Chamber Leadership Series FEBRUARY SESSION: LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE

Relationships

Facilitated by Kate Trompetter, Leadership Coach

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Through the partnership of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Modesto and Kate Trompetter, we are delighted to invite you to join us for the Modesto Chamber Leadership Series. Monthly, we will connect local leaders to hear their thoughts, lessons and expertise on leadership to help develop your understanding and knowledge of becoming an effective leader.

Fees: Chamber Member $10 Non-Chamber Member $15

Sessions will be every 2nd Friday of the month, starting February 12th, 2021 from 11:45am - 1:00pm Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Register at www.modchamber.org

president’s club Circle Of Influence Diamond Level

Atherton & Associates, LLP

Gianelli Nielsen

Solid Networks, Inc.

Beard Land and Investment Co.

Audi Modesto

Gilton Solid Waste Mgmt, Inc.

Stanislaus Food Products Co.

Capax - Giddings, Corby, Hynes, Inc.

Bank of Stockton - Dale Road

Golden Valley Health Centers

Stanislaus Surgical Hospital

Doctors Behavioral Health

Bank of Stockton - Modesto Main

Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Inc.

Stifel Investment Services

Center-DMC

Branch

Grover Landscape Services, Inc.

Storer Coachways

Doctors Medical Center-DMC

Blue Diamond Growers

Infiniti of Modesto

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation

Frito-Lay Co., Inc.

Caliber Collision

International Paper Co.

The Century and Nine3One

California State University,

JS West & Companies

The Farmacy

Stanislaus

Lewis Capital Advisors

The Modesto Bee

Care One Home Health and

Maxx Value Foods

Hospice, Inc.

Mister Car Wash

Central Sanitary Supply Co.

Mister Car Wash (Prime Shine

Central Valley Automotive

Car Wash)

Central Valley Chrysler, Jeep,

Mocse Credit Union

Dodge

Modesto Toyota

Central Valley Nissan

Nine3One

Central Valley Volkswagen

NT Nail Spa

Hyundai

O'Brien's Market

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Oak Valley Community Bank

Clark Pest Control

Opportunity Stanislaus

COIT Services Inc.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Collins Electrical

Pepsi Bottling Group

Comcast

PMZ Real Estate

Del Monte Plant #1

Residence Inn by Marriott

English Oaks Nursing &

Modesto North

Rehabilitation Hospital

Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.

Vintage Faire Mall/Macerich

Exceed GPR & Locating, LLC

Rose Bouquet

Company

platinum Level

F&M Bank (Carpenter Road)

San Joaquin Valley College

Warden's Office Furniture Outlet

E & J Gallo Winery

F&M Bank (Dale Road)

Save Mart Supermarkets

Warden's Office Products Center

Kaiser Permanente

F&M Bank (McHenry)

Save Mart Supermarkets - Corp

Wells Fargo Bank

Flooring Liquidators, Inc.

Office

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

silver Level

Flowers Baking Co. of Modesto, LLC

Seven-Up Bottling Co. of

Insurance Agency

Alpine Protective Solutions

Food Maxx

Modesto/Varni Brothers

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

American Chevrolet

FreshPoint

Corporation

Insurance Agency

American Medical Response

Galletto Ristorante

Solecon Industrial Contractors

Yosemite Foods Inc.

Physician Referral Service-DMC Walmart

Gold Level Crystal Creamery Doubletree by Hilton Modesto EMOE, Division of Parker Encompass Health Rehabilitation of Modesto Fiscalini Cheese Company IHeart Media Modesto Irrigation District Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball Nestle USA - Carnation Sutter Health Valley Area Sysco Central California Inc.

TSM Insurance & Financial Services Turlock Irrigation District Union Bank US Bank US Bank (Modesto Main) US Bank Turlock Valley BMW Valley Children's Healthcare Valley First Credit Union Valley First Credit Union (Dale Branch) Valley First Credit Union Administrative Offices Valley Lexus

Contact the chamber to learn more about our president's club level benefits february 2021

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Pacific Southwest Container, Inc.

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announcements Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Senior Vice President Promotions

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ak Valley Community Bank announced the promotions of Mike Garcia and Jeff Hushaw to Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending. Garcia and Hushaw will continue to focus on lending and business development opportunities throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

His lending activity has also been instrumental in the bank’s recognition as their “Most Active Lending Partner” for the past five years. He is a past Modesto Bee “Top 20 Most Influential Under 40” award recipient. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Phoenix. He will also graduate from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington later this year.

“For the past seven years, Mike has galvanized his aptitude for relationship building. He has had great success helping Central Valley businesses finance exciting expansion opportunities and growth,” stated Gary Stephens, EVP Commercial Banking Group.

“In their time with Oak Valley, Garcia and Hushaw have made sizable contributions toward the growth of the bank and our commercial loan portfolio. They personify our commitment to relationship development and strive to establish a lasting bond between the client, the lender, and the bank,” stated Chris Courtney, President and CEO.

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Garcia has been with the bank since 2014 and has nearly 20 years of banking experience. He has served on various boards and has been an energetic member of many organizations. Garcia is a founding board member of the Ripon Community Fund and the Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus. He is a board member and past President of Spring Creek Golf & Country Club. He is a current member of Modesto Rotary and Del Rio County Club and serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Ripon. Garcia is also a former board member of the Central Valley Family Business Center and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Garcia was recognized by Success Capital Expansion and Development Corporation in 2019 and 2020 for making the “Largest SBA 504 Loan” in each year.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Hushaw joined the bank in 2017, bringing over 30 years of robust Central Valley commercial and agricultural lending experience. He has been a pivotal part of the bank’s commercial loan growth initiatives. Hushaw graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

He also graduated from Northwest Commercial Lending School at the University of Portland and is a 2004 graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. Over the years, Hushaw has held leadership roles with the Kiwanis Club and Rotary International. He is an active member of both the Stanislaus and San Joaquin Farm Bureaus. He is a former board member of the Tracy/ San Joaquin Certified Development Corporation and the Business Council Inc. of San Joaquin County.

“Jeff’s extensive commercial lending knowledge and experience make him an incredible asset to the bank and his clients. He has an uncanny ability to look at each financing opportunity and explore all angles to ensure we provide the client the best options available. He is a creative lender who is routinely willing to go the extra mile to help a client get a deal done,” concluded Stephens, EVP Commercial Banking Group.

For more information, call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www. ovcb.com.

announcements Provost & Pritchard Engineers Earn Professional Traffic Engineer Licenses

Dorn and Park’s demonstrated knowledge and expertise in traffic engineering allows Provost & Pritchard to provide clients with traffic analysis, traffic impact studies, and traffic signal design services to improve the safety and efficiency of roadways and other modes of transportation.

“This is a great achievement for both Jeff and Soo Ho, and we are proud of them for this accomplishment,” said Ronald Samuelian, president of Provost & Pritchard.

Dorn has been with the firm since 2006 and has managed numerous local, state, and federally funded road projects for various cities and counties. His design experience includes geometric and pavement rehabilitation design of roads, ADA compliant design of pedestrian improvements such as sidewalks, curb ramps, drive approaches, trails, and mid-block crossings, water, sewer, and storm water system replacement,

Modesto Chamber Of Commerce - Water Committee

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t is time to reinstate this committee and in doing so extend an invitation to you to participate.

The water committee will be engaged on all issues related to water which will include surface water, ground water, and drinking water through relationships at the state, and federal level, and local water and city/ county agencies to support strong and vibrant farms, businesses, and neighborhoods.

and coordination with Caltrans, railroads, and utility companies. He has been instrumental in providing design services for street widening and rehabilitation projects for cities such as Fresno, Tulare, and Patterson.

With over 10 years of experience in leadership, management and civil engineering, Park graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and earned a master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on transportation from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He has experience with street, grading, and utility design, agency coordination, and preparing construction plans, specifications, and engineer’s estimates.

If you’re not buying crop insurance, you don’t know Jack Farmers and ranchers can now purchase crop insurance for protect themselves against the loss of crops due to natural disasters or the loss of revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities.

Purchasing crop insurance will reduce your exposure to a variety of risks and bring you piece of mind. If you want to learn more about the programs that are available and how you can benefit, you need to know Jack.

MEET JACK Jack Roudebush is a leading crop insurance expert. His combination of industry knowledge and insurance company insight makes him uniquely qualified to help you navigate the intricacies of these programs. Call Jack today to learn how you can minumize your risk and protect your bottom line.

Please email info@modchamebr.org, with Water Committee in the subject line. We will forward your inquiry to the committee chairpersons.

Direct: 209.550.3710 • Mobile: 209.483.0650 jroudebush@capax.com Lic#0B67204

Business Insurance | Group Health | Workers Comp | Home and Auto

capax.com

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rovost & Pritchard Consulting Group is proud to announce that a pair of engineering professionals have reached a career milestone by passing the Professional Traffic Engineer Exam for the State of California. Jeff Dorn, from the firm’s Fresno office and Soo Ho Park, from the firm’s Visalia office, have passed the exam to become Provost & Pritchard’s first licensed traffic engineers.

1.800.94CAPAX • 209.526.3110 Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic# 0144783

february 2021

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Congratulations

to this MONTH'S milestone memberships

65 + years Jensen & Jensen Attorneys Cumulus Media

40 + years Briggsmore Center Kemper CPA Group, LLP

35 years +

Central Catholic High School Yosemite Community College District Employment Development Department Best Western Townhouse Lodge Mo-Cal Office Solutions Satake USA Inc.

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20 + years

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Mid Valley Health Services Modesto Gospel Mission Warden's Office Furniture Outlet Direct Appliance 7/11 Materials, Inc. Homewood Village Mobilehome Community Mocse Credit Union Yosemite Self Storage Brighter Side Classic Wine Vinegar Company, Inc. A Step Above Flooring, Inc.

15 + years GreenWorks Commercial Janitorial Services, Inc. Patricia A. Gillum, CPA Green Rubber-Kennedy Ag. Metrolist Services, Inc. Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

10 + years Step Aside Pest Management, Inc. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anthem BlueCross, CareMore Health Intrinsic Elements Society for Disabilities State Farm Insurance Brunn & Flynn

5 + years Datapath Compassionate Friends Lodi Association of Realtors, Inc. Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) McCormick, Barstow LLP The Seasons at McHenry Event Center MS West Enterprises DBA Certified Collision Center Sylvan Union School District

1 + years Trophy Works, Inc. Modesto Kidz Dental Academy Mortgage Corporation Roofline Supply MaryAnns Aromatherapy And Wellness Stifel Investment Services Ceramic Garage Darla Dias, Realtor- PMZ Real Estate Lighthouse Psychological Services... A Beacon of Light Exceed GPR & Locating, LLC Ashley Homestore JB Insurance Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal TANF Golden Valley Health Centers Hub Consulting People Ready - Modesto

OUR PURPOSE IT TO CULTIVATE SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE BUSINESS WOMEN WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

EACH GATHERING WILL FOCUS ON: Successful survival tactics during an economic disruption.

Round the room discussion about the struggles and victories of operating a business affected by the pandemic.

Attendees engage to support, listen, and share with on another.

Gatherings will be every 4th

Wednesday of the month at 4:00PM

To register go to: http://bit.ly/38JYbSp FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT AT INFO@MODCHAMBER.ORG OR GO TO WWW.MODCHAMBER.ORG

february 2021

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Strategies for continued success and what that means to you.

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People On The Move Gerbo Designs Embracing The New Year

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fter the year we’ve all experienced we’re ready for a fresh start! We can’t help but kick off the year with immense gratitude for the 14 years we’ve had the privilege to work on design, marketing materials and new logos for so many businesses in our community!

In November we welcomed a new team member, Shannon Grover - and we couldn’t be happier! Shannon has an excellent eye for all things detail, creative, organization and communication and gives us the opportunity to work with more businesses more efficiently and effectively!

And even more exciting?

We now offer full BRAND COMMUNICATIONS services!

What is that, you might ask?

Gerbo Designs partners with businesses to ensure EVERY aspect of their business is onbrand.

If you’re ready to elevate your business, build a strong brand and influence your target audience - we want to work with you! Gerbo Designs creates clean, effective and long-term solutions across all Brand Communications!

Have a Question? Drop us a line and check out what we’ve been up to!

You can find Gerbo Designs on social media @ GerboDesigns or visit our website at GerboDesigns. com.

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• Logo Suites and Identity • Social Media and Website • Employee Apparel and SWAG • Video and Photography • Copy-writing and Marketing Strategy

• SEO and Optimization

2 0 9 M U LT I M E D I A . C O M

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Your local news source.

ATTENDEES WILL BE A SOUNDING BOARD IN SUPPORT OF ONE ANOTHER. VETERAN PROFESSIONALS WILL ENGAGE AND MENTOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS. WHAT SUCCESS MEANS TO EACH OF US.....

HIGHLIGHTING ONE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL'S EXPERIENCES IN BUSINESS, HIS/HER "FROM THEN TO NOW" STORY. ROUND THE ROOM DISCUSSION ABOUT THE STRUGGLES AND VICTORIES WITHIN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAREERS.

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Pre-register to attend at: http://bit.ly/38KKW3Z Gatherings will be every 4th Wednesday of the month at 12:00 PM

february 2021

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

Chamber Celebrates Longtime Member, CPA Gillum

By Patricia A. Gillum / Certified Public Accountant • Do you have enough enthusiasm to see a goal through?

When I was evaluating whether I should join the Chamber, I asked myself the following questions:

• Do you have expertise to share with your fellow business community?

• Do you have the desire to make Modesto a vibrant community?

• Do you have passion for a certain segment of our community?

• Do you have the drive and persistence to make a positive contribution to our City?

• Do you have ideas to share?

Patricia A. Gillum, Certified Public Accountant

As I researched the Chamber, I came to realize that membership was not just good for the success of my business but readily became apparent that it was essential for positive growth going forward. I am proud to have over 20 years as a CPA in Modesto and I know that the Chamber has been a part of my success.

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have been a member of the Chamber for my accounting firm for over 15 years and currently Vice-Chair of Internal Operations.

february 2021

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

New National Parent Survey Highlights Coronavirus Concerns More than half of U.S. students were receiving instruction entirely remotely in November of this school year, while 28 percent of students receive in-person instruction. Of the 19 percent of students in hybrid models, in-person instruction varies from one to five days a week. District-school students are far more likely than private-school students to be taught through remote instruction.

“Our data indicate that the decentralized process of school and family decision-making our nation has relied on amid the pandemic has produced a perverse result: inperson instruction is both least common where it is most likely to be safe, and vice versa,” stated authors Michael B. Henderson of Louisiana State University and Martin R. West and Paul E. Peterson of Harvard University.

Among the key findings: • Modes of instruction. According to parents, 53 percent of students are receiving instruction entirely remotely.

Only 28 percent of students receive all their instruction in person. Parents of 19 percent of students say their children are learning via a hybrid model. The younger the child, the more likely the instruction is to be delivered in person: 37 percent of children in grades K–2 attend school in person, 34 percent for grades 3–5, 26 percent for grades 6–8, and 18 percent for those in high school.

• COVID incidence. Availability and usage of in-person instruction as of November is unrelated to COVID incidence at the start of 2020–2021 school year, when most districts and schools made their reopening plans. By November, students were more likely to be attending school fully in person in counties where the virus was spreading most rapidly.

• Instruction by sector. Well over half—57 percent— of students enrolled in district schools receive all their instruction fully remotely, while only 24 percent receive all of their instruction in person. The percentages are nearly reversed for children attending private schools: 60 percent receive instruction in person and just 18 percent receive their instruction remotely. Students enrolled in charter schools are even less likely to attend in person.

• Declining district enrollment. Parent reports on the school their child attended indicate a drop of nine percentage points in district school enrollments since last spring (as reported in the Education Next survey administered in May 2020). They also indicate an increase in private and charter school enrollments of three percentage points, and an increase in homeschooling of two percentage points.

Although these estimates are subject to survey measurement error, they, if accurate, imply that the district sector lost over five million students between the spring and fall of 2020. Over the same period, the survey data suggest that private-sector enrollments and charter enrollments each increased by nearly 1.7 million students, and the

share of students whose parents say they are being homeschooled increased by 1.1 million.

• Instruction by income and ethnic background.

Parents of students in the top quartile of household income as well as the parents of white students report greater availability and use of both fully in-person and hybrid instruction than do parents of students in the bottom income quartile and the parents of Black and Hispanic students. Meanwhile, parents of low-income students and parents of Black and Hispanic students are far more likely to report that their child is fully remote.

• Pandemic pods. Parent reports suggest that roughly six percent of American students—or roughly three million students—are participating in a pandemic pod, defined as receiving instruction in a group setting from someone other than the child’s school or a household member.

Participation in such pods is higher among students from the bottom quartile of household income than among students in the top quartile.

• Teachers unions. Thirty percent of parents say that unions have a negative effect on schools, essentially the same as the 29 percent and 32 percent who reported a negative effect in May of 2019 and 2020, respectively. If anything, parents’ views of union influence have grown more favorable since May 2020, with the share saying unions have a positive effect on schools climbing from 40 percent at that time to 46 percent in November.

The survey of more than 2,100 respondents is representative of U.S. parents or caretakers of children with at least one child in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The survey includes oversamples of those with students enrolled in a charter school and those enrolled in a private school as well as Black and Hispanic parents. The survey was conducted in November and December 2020.

Michael B. Henderson is assistant professor at Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication and director of its Public Policy Research Lab. Paul E. Peterson is the Henry Lee Shattuck Professor of Government at Harvard University, Director of Harvard’s Program on Education Policy and Governance (PEPG), and Senior Editor of Education Next. Martin R. West is the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of Education at Harvard University, Deputy Director of PEPG, and Editor-in-chief of Education Next.

Education Next is a scholarly journal committed to careful examination of evidence relating to school reform, published by the Education Next Institute and the Program on Education Policy and Governance at the Harvard Kennedy School. For more information, visit educationnext. org. february 2021

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Students are most likely to be attending school fully inperson in school districts where the coronavirus is spreading most rapidly, according to a nationally representative survey of American parents released this week by Education Next.

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Member Highlight

Women In Business – Wellness And Empowerment

By Virginia Carney, MPA / Shelter Director, The Salvation Army Modesto

For example, a program that has been implemented in my short tenure is the presence of a home, health and hospice team that provides oversight for some of our high-risk shelter guests. We are also working on bringing additional support to our case management team to empower our guests to be independent and re-acclimate back into the community. We understand the adversity that many of our shelter guests face.

Our job is to help them identify it and move past it.

Education was my way of getting to know myself and what I felt God had called me to do. I strive to grow as an advocate for others and to use my gifts and experiences to Virginia Carney serves as Shelter Director bring passion and for the Salvation Army in Modesto. leadership to this team. Earning a master’s degree in public administration from CSU, Stanislaus has given me the expertise to work in public service. Coupled with my intimate knowledge of the struggles that this population faces, I am able to support this team in a unique way. I am honored and humbled to serve on this team and I am grateful to God for continuing to use me to love people and grow through my relationships with others.

Navigating through my own adversity is why I am able to see everyone I encounter as someone who is on their own journey and has been molded by their own experiences. We have no idea what an individual has been through or how to support them until we get to know them.

A scripture that I want to share and that helps me each day during these times is this: Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27

Growing up disadvantaged has given me a glimpse into the lives of those I serve. Raised by a family that struggled with their own adversities led me to grow up in a chaotic and unstable environment. My background gives me the empathy to endure the turbulent environment I embrace when I enter the shelter campus each day. As Shelter Director of The Salvation Army, I strive to bring peace and advocacy to both shelter staff and the sheltered homeless population while working with community partners to address gaps in services and support.

IS YOUR BUSINESS FACING HURDLES? ◼

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◼

Managing Money Saving Money

◼

Moving Money Borrowing Money

Digital and traditional solutions available to meet your needs!

Our Modesto Team is here to help.

Call us at (209) 544-2227 Explore the Person-to-Person Advantage of community banking.

www.bankbac.com 26

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

BAC Community Bank

TECH CONNECT IS A NETWORKING GROUP WHOSE FOCUS AND VISION IS LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE BUSINESS RESULTS.

RISKS OF USING OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY PLEASE JOIN US AS JOSHUA ALLAN, BUSINESS ALIGNMENT MANAGER WITH IT SOLUTIONS CURRIE, IS OUR GUEST SPEAKER OF THE MONTH. JOSHUA WILL BE DIVING INTO THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIQUATED ASSETS AND SOFTWARE AND INTERNET SAFETY TRAINING.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER PLEASE GO TO : HTTP://BIT.LY/38KZQHD OR CONTCT INFO@MODCHAMBER.ORG

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SPOTS ARE LIMITED. ZOOM MEETINGS EVERY 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH AT 2:00 PM.

february 2021

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Chamber Member Highlight Gospel Mission Continues Serving The Community Faithfully

By John Villines, Chief Operations Officer, Modesto Gospel Mission

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or the last 73 years, the Modesto Gospel Mission has been dedicated to helping the poor, the disadvantaged, and the homeless in our community.

In the tumultuous and chaotic year that was 2020, the Mission was forced to rethink how it provided services in light of COVID-19 best practices, to adjust its methods and programs to meet the needs of the “least of these” in our community.

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One example of such an adjustment was to mobilize resources to provide services outside the Mission’s buildings and off campus to those that are isolated, lonely, ignored, abandoned, addicted, or homeless.

There are several examples of this development.

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“Senior care kits” were delivered to over 350 elderly throughout the city and surrounding towns who were sheltering in place, a Mission ministry that did not exist before COVID-19.

Block Party event on its campus. Finally, as elementary schools reopened the school year with distance learning, the Mission converted its Youth Center (closed due to the shelter-in-place orders) into a homeschool location where the children that stay with their parents at the Mission could do their school online with assistance from their parent(s) and Youth Center staff as needed.

Next, Mission staff and volunteers delivered 1,437 new pairs of shoes directly to local impoverished kids in their homes instead of holding its annual Back to School

The Mission worked with city and county school districts to accommodate these kids, and they were able to do school in a quiet and focused setting each weekday.

Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

For the holidays, the Mission’s signature ministry events also had to undergo transformation. For Thanksgiving, the traditional meal and coats giveaway had to remain outside and social distanced, with customary turkey, dressing, potatoes and more in “to go” boxes. The Mission still served 837 of these meals.

The most anticipated time of year for many low-income families is Christmas when the Mission provides toys and gifts each year to over 2,000 men, women, and children. Instead of a one-day event, this year the Mission set up its gifts in one of its warehouses, and invited homeless and needy individuals and families to schedule an “appointment” in the three weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. The Mission was able to almost double those that it served, distributing over 3,800 gifts!

By the end of 2020, the Mission had served over 131,000 meals and was a place of constant refuge and recovery for many in Modesto and surrounding areas.

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We have all had to embrace fluidity and flexibility on some level during this pandemic. During this season, God has shown the Mission new ways to mobilize and reach those that are broken in our community. This success was truly dependent on the Mission’s partnership with the generous contributions and donations from businesses and individuals throughout 2020. This is a good example of what a community can do when its citizens care about others and do something about it.

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Modesto Chamber of Commerce I ModChamber.org

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OUR RIVE RS AR E EXHAUSTED. OUR PEOPL E NEED WATER. OUR F ISH STRUG G L E. SCIENCE OFFER S SO L UTIO NS.

W HO W IL L L IS T E N? FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES LABOR DAY WEEKEND L E A RN MOR E A T MID.ORG /LA S TDROP

december 2020

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