Partnership for Children, a nonprofit organization based in Salinas, is celebrating its 10th anniversary and the opening of new offices aimed at enhancing its services for families caring for children with serious illnesses. Since its inception, the organization has expanded its reach significantly, now assisting approximately 260 families annually across the Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito tri-county region.
Executive Director Jennifer Ramirez highlighted the evolution of the organization, stating, “When we first started, we were providing transportation services to about 50 kids.” Over the past decade, the nonprofit has not only increased the number of families it serves but also broadened the range of support it offers. Families in the area often face substantial challenges, particularly as there is no local children’s specialty hospital, forcing families to travel to facilities like Stanford or UCSF Children’s Hospital for care.
“Our goal is to remove the transportation barrier to ensure families can access necessary medical services,” Ramirez added. In addition to transportation, the organization offers financial assistance for basic living expenses, including rent and utilities, and coordinates grocery deliveries. Working in collaboration with the Food Bank for Monterey County, Partnership for Children also provides essential items such as diapers, car seats, and household goods.
The organization has made significant strides in how it engages with families. “Initially, families would call us with a need, and we would do our best to meet that need within our funding restrictions,” Ramirez explained. “Now, we proactively check in with families to ensure they are receiving the support they need.” This shift reflects a commitment to creating a more responsive and supportive infrastructure for families facing difficult circumstances.
Partnership for Children operates with a dedicated team of three full-time staff members and five part-time drivers. Ramirez noted, “We like to say we’re small but mighty. We’re really efficient, and we truly love what we do.”
New Offices Opened in Salinas
On January 29, 2024, Partnership for Children celebrated both its anniversary and the inauguration of its new offices located at 427 Pajaro St., Suite 5, within the Rodgers Center for Children’s Health. This move follows two previous relocations and places the nonprofit in close proximity to Coastal Kids Home Care, which has been serving medically fragile children for over 20 years.
According to Margy Mayfield, founder and CEO of Coastal Kids Home Care, “We are thrilled to have Partnership for Children join us at the Rodgers Center for Children’s Health. 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.”
Last year, Coastal Kids Home Care received a generous $250,000 donation from Valeta and T.J. Rodgers, which facilitated the expansion of its Salinas headquarters. This funding allowed the agency to double its office space, add counseling rooms, and enhance areas for physical and occupational therapy.
As Partnership for Children looks to the future, its commitment to serving families remains strong. The organization’s growth over the past decade exemplifies how dedicated efforts can significantly impact community health and well-being. With its new office space and expanded services, Partnership for Children is set to continue its vital work in supporting families in the Salinas area.
