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Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Ava’s Story
For us, July 22, 2009 started off like any other care free summer day. Both of my daughters Regan (6), and Ava (4), were having a blast at a neighbor’s pool party. However, something just seemed off about Ava. She kept using the bathroom. Concerned, the next day we went to the pediatrician. The medical staff collected my daughter’s urine sample, assuring us that it was probably a bladder infection. After we were sent home I had a nagging feeling that something was wrong.
Then, the phone rang.
A Perspective from a State Employee on the Values of Giving Back
Rachelle Maricq, of Caltrans District 4, has always held giving back to the community as a value high on the list of what is important in life. The importance of collective responsibility was instilled in her at a young age by her father who was a community psychologist. Rachelle has always enjoyed participating in Our Promise (formerly CSECC), which she calls a “very enriching and powerful experience”. This past campaign, Rachelle had the chance to engage with the community further as Campaign Liaison with United Way of the Bay Area. This position allowed her the opportunity to speak to community members all around the Bay Area and encourage them to give back to the community.
ALS Association Provides Support For A Retired Correctional Officer
My name is Ruben Jordan and on December 7, 2011, I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Due to my diagnosis, April 1, 2012, I medically retired from the State of California where I was employed for approximately 18 years as a Correctional Officer assigned to California State Prison Sacramento, because of my diagnosis I was forced into retirement at a early age.
ALS has significantly changed my life as I can no longer walk, dress, or bathe myself without assistance and am bound to a wheelchair for mobility.
What Your Donations Mean
| What it means to you… | What it means to them… |
|---|---|
| Watching a movie at home instead of going to the theater each month ($20) | Feed 1 hungry child every weekend for an entire school year |
| Going a morning or two without coffee each month ($5) | Provides 40 meals for individuals from a local food bank |
| Don’t buy that newsstand magazine you really don’t need each month ($5) | Provides English and computer classes for an entire year for a student |
| Eat a meal at home instead of getting that pizza from Little Caesar’s or Domino’s once a month ($5) | Provides enough Vitamin A capsules to save 60 African children from preventable blindness and malnutrition |
| Bring a lunch to work once a month instead of going to Subway for their foot long ($5) | Provides enough food for a family of 4 for 3 months. |
| Forgo spending $5 on bottled beverages per month | Provide support during three crisis calls to Alzheimer’s Association helpline. |
| Forgo an outing to your favorite restaurant once a year | Provide seven medical teaching dolls for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital |
Add a story to our newsletter
Bimonthly, we produce a newsletter that includes stories from state employees who have been helped by nonprofits, upcoming event information, helpful links, and a highlight corner for nonprofit stories that show how donations you give through Our Promise are able to help your fellow state employees and their families.
If you would like to submit a story for the newsletter or share any feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your story.
California Volunteers
Volunteering is also a major component of charity and we recognize this. We encourage people to give of their treasure, but their time and talent are just as important. The chair of this campaign, Secretary Karen Baker is the Secretary for the California Volunteers and she has a website that is dedicated solely to volunteerism. Through this website, you can search for opportunities that fit your needs, or the needs you wish to help fulfill for others.
Visit California Volunteers Now!
In an interest to incorporate volunteerism into Our Promise, you will notice on the pledge form that there is a box to check signifying that you volunteer as well. We want to make sure that those who volunteer their time are recognized – not just those who give their treasure. If you currently volunteer, please be sure to mark that box on your pledge form before submitting it.
John Chiang
State Treasurer
“Our Promise gives state employees a chance to lend a hand to
Californians in need of help. California’s giving spirit is felt
through every dollar in donations.”
State Controller, John Chiang
Kamala Harris
Attorney General
“California state workers are the heart of our communities and
their generosity in supporting Our Promise is one more way they
prove it. I applaud everyone who has contributed to this
worthy program and encourage others to get involved.”
Attorney General, Kamala Harris
Jerry Brown
Governor
“Our Promise provides an opportunity for the employees of
the State of California to contribute a few dollars every month
and really have an impact. Through these donations, the
organization helps sustain hundreds of California charities,
giving a helping hand to those in need.”
Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr.
Gavin Newsom
Lt. Governor
“At a time when Californians are met with difficult hardships, it
is essential to have the generous support from Our Promise. Each
donation contributes to the betterment of those in need, and I
commend each state employee who selflessly supports the many
charitable organizations. Our Promise will forever be a true
testament to the strength and compassion of the great state of
California.”
Gavin Newsom
Lt. Governor