Local lawmakers pick nonprofits to honor

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — To mark California Nonprofits Day, local state lawmakers named their Nonprofit of the Year honorees.

Assemblyman Rudy Salas recognized Self-Help Enterprises, a community development organization focused on helping low-income families.

“For over half a century, Self-Help Enterprises has helped thousands of families in the Central Valley realize the American dream of home ownership,” Salas said in a news release. “Self-Help Enterprises brings people together who want to put in the work through ‘sweat equity’ to help families build their homes and their futures. I am proud to recognize Self-Help Enterprises as Nonprofit of the Year and am thankful for their commitment to building stronger communities together.”

Assemblyman Vince Fong honored Covenant Coffee, which employs and trains former foster youth.

“Covenant Coffee provides a foundation and hope for former foster youth in our community,” Fong said in a news release. “Every day Covenant Coffee is changing lives and helping our youth in need in Kern County. I am very proud of the work they do and it is my privilege to honor Covenant Coffee as our Nonprofit of the Year.”

State Sen. Jean Fuller named Houchin Community Blood Bank as her district’s Nonprofit of the Year.

“Houchin is an integral part of Kern County’s emergency response team and an indispensable component of our healthcare system,” she said in a news release. “Their job is immensely important, and they do it exceptionally well. I commend them, and the thousands of blood donors, for helping to save lives one drop of blood at a time.”

http://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/assemblymember-rudy-salas-announces-non-profit-of-the-year-for-32nd-district