Opportunity Junction, Rubicon Programs to receive unrestricted grant funding over 3 years as well as access to nation-wide learning community and network of Community Progress Makers

Part of a collective $9 million in grants to 9 Nor Cal nonprofits working locally in latest expansion of the initiative

NEW YORK – The Citi Foundation (“the Foundation”) announced last month that nine nonprofits based in Northern California have been selected as part of the fourth cohort of the Community Progress Makers initiative, among 50 nationwide. Two of the organizations are located in Contra Costa County, including Antioch-based Opportunity Junction and Richmond-based Rubicon Programs which also has offices in Antioch and Concord.

First launched in 2015, Community Progress Makers provides unrestricted funding to visionary organizations that work locally to connect low-income communities to greater economic opportunity. With this latest cohort, the Foundation has now committed $115 million in grants to Community Progress Makers since its inception.

The current cohort of Community Progress Makers has been selected through an open request for proposals (RFP) process announced this past fall, which focused on organizations working in the areas of affordable housing and access, economic development, financial health and workforce readiness.

“Unrestricted grant support is in high demand and low supply and we have witnessed how transformational this type of funding can be for community organizations,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Head of Citi Community Investing & Development. “This is why we are pleased to support the innovative solutions and deep community work that the organizations in this fourth cohort of Community Progress Makers are leading in Northern California through flexible, trust-based funding.”

“These Northern California-based Community Progress Makers are working at the forefront of pressing local issues, from workforce and economic development to housing and financial health,” said Philip Drury, Head of Global Technology and Communications Banking, Citi. “The flexible philanthropic capital that Citi Foundation is deploying will help these social innovators double down and find new ways to advance their work.”

All recipients will have access to a learning community where they can collaborate and share best practices with a network of Community Progress Makers across the country, as well as receive technical assistance delivered by national experts and leading researchers. Combining their local expertise and track record of community impact with a national network of resources and changemakers, these nonprofits are poised to accelerate their community-based work in Northern California.

Opportunity Junction

Opportunity Junction recently celebrated the expansion of its services with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their Healthcare Career Pathways Training Center. The organization launched a new Medical Assistant (MA) Training program on June 3rd in the new facility.

In addition, Antioch Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe declared May 15th as ‘Opportunity Junction Day” in honor of the organization’s dedication to empowering individuals and building brighter futures.

Driven by the fundamental belief that everyone who works hard deserves the opportunity to succeed, their mission is “to help motivated Contra Costa County job seekers develop the skills and confidence to launch careers that lead to financial security.”

“We’re not just helping people find jobs; we’re transforming careers and lives,” said Brianna Robinson, President & CEO of Opportunity Junction. “Since 2000, we’ve been building foundations for better futures. Our Healthcare Career Pathway addresses the urgent need for healthcare professionals. With a quarter of Californians projected to be over age 60 by the next decade, we’re facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers.

Rubicon Programs

According to Rubicon’s Marketing & Communications Manager Angelica Huerta, This $1 million grant will significantly support Rubicon’s mission to increase economic opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and those disconnected from the workforce over the next three years. Rubicon is one of nine grant recipients in Northern California.

The Community Progress Makers initiative supports local community organizations that connect low-income communities to greater social and economic opportunities. This grant will provide Rubicon Programs with unrestricted funding, access to technical assistance from national experts, and opportunities to share learnings through virtual and in-person convenings.

“It is a big deal for Rubicon to be seen and welcomed as a valuable contributor within an amazing national network of talent and expertise. In addition to the grant support, we are excited to build community and exchange learnings to collectively strengthen the access to opportunity for justice impacted job seekers across the nation,” said Dr. Carole Dorham-Kelly, Rubicon’s President and CEO.

Rubicon Programs serves a diverse community of low-income adults through comprehensive services that address historic and systemic inequities. By maintaining connections with participants for up to three years, Rubicon prioritizes job placement and retention support, legal services, leadership development, wellness services, and financial health coaching.

“If passion and commitment alone were enough to end poverty, we would have already won the war on poverty. This investment from Citi will support the design and implementation of cutting-edge, win-win solutions that leverage the strengths of and address the complex challenges faced by the communities we serve,” said Adrienne Kimball, Rubicon’s Chief Talent Officer. “It will also equip our team with the tools and knowledge they need to increase their capacity. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with Citi.”

The grant will enable Rubicon to address two major community challenges: a lack of access to quality jobs for justice-impacted individuals and those displaced from the workforce, and the need for regional employers to remove barriers to quality jobs. Rubicon will expand its influence over employer practices and public systems standards, creating a more equitable and inclusive workforce.

Participants enrolled in Rubicon’s programs benefit from a holistic approach that promotes long-term self-sufficiency through coaching, systems navigation, and experiential opportunities.

Rubicon’s four pillars—income, assets, wellness, and community connections—form the foundation of its theory of change, aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty.

Seven Other Nor Cal Non-Profit Organizations Receive Grants

The other seven community organizations selected to the fourth cohort of Community Progress Makers in Northern California include six located in the San Francisco Bay Area and one in Fresno:

• ASIAN, Inc.
• ICA Fund
• Mission Asset Fund
• MyPath
• Northern California Land Trust
• Pacific Community Ventures
• Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation

“As an organization working to expand economic mobility for nearly two decades, we’ve learned that it takes innovation and an adaptive multi-pronged approach to address the needs of underserved communities,” said Margaret Libby, Founder & CEO, San Francisco-based MyPath. “That is why the unrestricted support from the Citi Foundation through the Community Progress Makers initiative is so transformational – it puts each nonprofit in the driver’s seat and offers the flexibility and support to maximize impact in our communities.”

About Opportunity Junction

Since 2000, Opportunity Junction has been providing training, support, work experience, and placement assistance, which help motivated Contra Costa County job seekers launch careers that lead to financial security. When we work together, motivated job seekers develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Their success makes their families and our community stronger. For more information visit opportunityjunction.org.

About Rubicon Programs

Rubicon Programs transforms East Bay communities by equipping people to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1973, Rubicon Programs has provided job training and placement, financial education, behavioral health, and other supportive services to low-income people in Contra Costa County, and in Alameda County since 2005, to break the cycle of poverty. Today, Rubicon operates sites in Antioch, Concord, Richmond, Oakland and Hayward. Learn more at www.rubiconprograms.org.

For more information about the grant program, please visit citifoundation.com/cpm and follow the impact these organizations are making at #ProgressMakers on social media.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Mobile franchise expands in Contra Costa, giving back to community, schools and organizations

By Cia Abulencia, PR Associate, All Points Public Relations

BRENTWOOD, Calif.  – Bringing tropical tunes and cups of shaved ice everywhere it stops, Kona Ice is expanding in California. Introducing its distinctive blend of entertainment, frozen treats and FUN-draising, the Kona Ice experience is unlike any other in the area. Serving up good vibes in a cool ride, Kona Ice is now cruisin’ through Contra Costa County.

“I’m thrilled to bring Kona’s refreshing shaved ice to the community. Beyond satisfying sweet cravings, we’re dedicated to supporting local schools and athletic groups through our ongoing fundraising efforts,” said Jordan Sabella, owner of Kona Ice of Brentwood. “The enthusiasm we’ve received for our new business reflects our commitment to being a positive presence in the community.”

Kona Ice’s escape from the ordinary begins as tropical calypso music fills the air at each event and group gathering. Thanks to Kona’s customizable self-service system, everyone continues the fun with overflowing cups of shaved ice and choosing from 10 of the most popular flavors on the truck’s Flavorwave™. Guests also have the option to choose from the additional 20-plus flavors and 500 different combinations offered.  

“With a background rooted in both sales and engineering, I understand the intricate dynamics of business and the importance of forging meaningful connections,” said Sabella. “My mission with Kona Ice is to spread joy and make a tangible difference. I aspire to expand our reach with additional trucks, ideally covering Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch and Pittsburg.”

Dedicated to making a difference in local areas, Kona Ice continues to be committed to philanthropy in the communities it serves, raising $180 million in total donations nationwide since 2007. Jordan Sabella is continuing the world’s largest food truck franchise’s tradition of donating thousands of dollars each year to local school groups, teams, and community organizations. Sabella pledges to give back a percentage of the proceeds from each event he hosts. 

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless inspiring stories within our franchise system. Jordan embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement that defines our brand,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Florence, Kentucky-based Kona Ice. “His dedication to spreading joy and making a difference through Kona Ice of Brentwood is a testament to the values we hold dear. With his background in Sales and Engineering, coupled with a passion for helping others, Jordan will continue to thrive, bringing smiles and support to his community with every shaved ice served.”

Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for the food truck franchise include stops throughout East County at fairs, festivals and high school events.

To learn more about Kona Ice of Brentwood and to book your next event, contact Jordan Sabella by email at jsabella@kona-ice.com or by phone at (510) 423-8604.

About Kona Ice

Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness, and a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring the opportunity to create your very own shaved ice on the self-serve Flavorwave™, while enjoying the soothing sights and sounds from the tropics, all while giving back to each community Kona Ice serves. Since its inception, Kona Ice has given back more than $180 million to neighborhood schools, organizations and teams. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 2,800 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country.

Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500^® list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500^® Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” The brand has earned many other nationwide, industry and local awards. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news.

For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit www.kona-ice.com. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.

On Hillcrest Avenue, offers new community room

“We are very local…But we are able to provide national capabilities. We are glad to be in the Antioch community.” – TCU President & CEO Kevin Miller

By Allen D. Payton

The leadership of Travis Credit Union was joined by Antioch officials and Chamber leaders for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new branch on Hillcrest Avenue. It replaces the branch previously located in the Terraces Shopping Center on Lone Tree Way near Sylvia’s Country Kitchen.  The event also celebrated the credit union’s twenty-year commitment to the city of Antioch.

Speakers included Travis Credit Union (TCU) President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Miller and Dena Rothmann, Managing Vice President, Retail & Branch Banking, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe who proclaimed May 14th to be “Travis Credit Union Day” in the City of Antioch; and Mike Gabrielson, Board President of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

“We have been a part of Antioch for 20 years and this new branch reinforces our commitment to the city, its local businesses and residents,” said Rothmann. “Our top priorities are providing an outstanding experience to our members and helping them achieve their financial goals.”

“We have 23 branches, and this is the newest,” Miller shared. “TCU started by serving those who serve,” at Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield. Federal legislation changed regulations from serving one group of people to a community which is defined more broadly as a county. Travis entered Contra Costa County when Metro 1 CU joined us.”

TCU now has 250,000 members in 12 counties and is the twelfth largest credit union in the state.

“We’ve been focusing on how we expand services in East County. Over the next several years we plan to expand further in the county,” he continued. “The team here, in Antioch, is very well known in the community and active in the Chamber. We are very local when it comes to the people who work here. But we are able to provide national capabilities. We’re glad to be in the Antioch community.”

“The democratization of technology has benefited the credit unions allowing us to be faster, provide better experiences and be competitive with the banks,” Miller explained. “People want a great physical environment, online environment and want someone to answer the phone when you call. It has required us to rethink what we do and how we do it and rewire the organization to make it better for the members.”

During the ceremony, a donation check from TCU for $10,000 to Opportunity Junction was presented by Miller to the organization’s CEO Brianna Robinson. The Antioch-based non-profit helps motivated Contra Costa County job seekers develop the skills and confidence to launch careers that lead to financial security.

Certificates of Recognition were presented to Miller from the offices of Congressman John Garamendi and Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis.

Also, in attendance were Antioch Councilwomen Lori Ogorchock and Monica Wilson, and Antioch residents Marivel Branco, Hillcrest Branch Manager, Jennifer Victor, TCU’s VP of Branch Sales & Service and Tim Truesdale, Chair of TCU’s Supervisory Committee.

“We offer the community room at our new location for non-profit organizations to hold meetings, and for Travis to offer financial seminars and provide education to local individuals and businesses,” said Branco.

The new Hillcrest branch also features an innovative open concept layout meant to foster connection and meaningful financial conversations between the experienced staff and its members.

Besides checking and savings accounts they offer credit building, home and car loans, business credit cards, lines of credit, retirement planning and more.

“Stop by and see us to open an account and let us help you meet and achieve your financial needs and goals, today,” she added.

Victor, who has been with the credit union for 16 years and previously served as the Terrace Center Branch manager said, “TCU is excited to continue be a part of the Antioch community with our new branch facility. Our number one focus is to help residents be financially educated and sound.”

About the volunteer Supervisory Committee Truesdale shared, “If we were a bank, it would be an Audit Committee and we work with senior management and internal audit department, and outside auditors.”

About the new branch he said, “We’ve been working on that for the last three years. It was a lovely morning. You couldn’t ask for a better day to hold our grand opening and ribbon cutting.”

“The people at the branch came over from the Terrace Center branch on Lone Tree Way and can help members with financial services,” he continued. “I want to reiterate the fact of the community room for those who need a place to meet in town. That was a concern of our employees from before. We didn’t have to add that square footage but I’m glad we did to serve the community.”

To support financial success in the Antioch community, TCU is running two promotional offers. Members can invest in a special certificate available only in the new Antioch branch for 5.1% APY for nine months. Also available is a $350 free checking bonus for those who open their first Free Checking or Access Checking account and deposit at least $500 a month for three months into the account within 120 days of account opening through qualified direct deposit transactions.  

The new branch is located at 3500 Hillcrest Avenue and joins its sister branch in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center in Antioch.

About Travis Credit Union 
Travis Credit Union, based in Vacaville, Calif., has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for its longstanding financial education and financial advocacy efforts. In 2022, TCU was once again selected as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes. It has also earned the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year award in recent years. Founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base, TCU today serves 12 Northern California counties. It is the twelfth largest credit union in California, with 250,000 members and $5 billion in assets. To learn more about TCU visit www.traviscu.org.

Enjoy a Fun Afternoon of Wine Tasting, Shopping, Art & Live Music in Antioch’s historic downtown

Fun Outdoor Wine Tasting Event! The Rivertown Business District is hosting local Wineries in Beautiful Downtown Antioch’s Rivertown Business District with Great Music Performed by Project 4 Band!

What: 2025 Rivertown Wine Walk & Artisan Faire
When: May 11, 2024 Noon-4pm
Starting Location: 314 G Street, Antioch CA 94509

This is a Free Event to the Public to Enjoy Artisan Faire and Music, If you Wish to Participate in the Wine Walk You Must Purchase a Ticket and be At Least 21 Years of Age. Tickets are limited to 500 So We Highly Recommend You Order Yours in Advance. Tickets also sold at Willow Park Mercantile & Rivertown Treasure Chest in Downtown Antioch CA

Participating Local Wineries & Merchants:

Hannah Nicole Vineyards – Willow Park Merchants
Cline Family Cellars – Almost There Travel
Bloomfield Winery – Rivertown Treasure Chest
Campos Vineyards – Royal Banquet and Event Hall
Viano Winery – Renu Salon
Oakridge Winery – K911kitty rescue
D’Art Winery – Flying Dutchman Tattoo
Nostra Vita Winery – Rivertown Chiropractic
Michael David Winery – Antioch Chamber
Favalora Winery – Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance

*Businesses Pouring Wine from 12pm -4:00pm

Sponsored by Celebrate Antioch Foundation

Free Public Parking: 2nd & E Streets, 2nd & F Streets, 2nd & Waldie Plaza, Between 2nd & 3rd City Hall, Across the Street from City Hall, Between 2nd & 3rd, Nick Rodriquez Comm. Center, 3rd & H Streets, 3rd & I Streets.

TICKETS

$20 Available Here Online or at Participating Merchants Until Day Before Event. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/718284477207

$25 At The Door *Subject to Availability*

* Must be 21 years or older to participate in the wine tastings

* Valid ID’s required at check-in

We are looking for all those fun people who came last year and made this event so successful. Come and join us again for fashions, great music and a whole lot of fun!

Tickets for this year’s show are available at Rivertown Treasure Chest and La Plazuela. The buffet tickets are $15, and the show tickets are only $5 which includes your first drink.

Stop by the store at 306 G Street in historic, downtown Rivertown to get a ticket or to reserve a seat text or call (510) 909-4618 or email rivertowntreasurechest@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this event, as we are working on having some great guest models.

For more information visit www.RivertownTreasureChest.com.

Join us Saturday, March 30th Noon-4pm in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown district for our 7th Annual Easter Egg-stravaganza!

An afternoon filled with Easter fun with a store-to-store Easter Egg Hunt at 3pm sharp! There will be an Easter Egg Hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny at Waldie Plaza, 101 H Street, Antioch, CA.

Bring the kids, a big Easter basket and come join the fun!

Presented by Rivertown Merchants and Celebrate Antioch Foundation. For more information about events throughout the year visit www.facebook.com/AntiochRivertown or CelebrateAntioch.org.

To be honored at annual Chamber of Commerce Gala March 22

Antioch, CA – Among the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual award winners, Service Pros Plumbers was named Small Business of the Year, and Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring was named Large Business of the Year.

Small Business of the Year – Service Pros Plumbers 

Service Pros Plumbers, with their skills and dedication, actively contribute and volunteer in Antioch to support various charitable and community initiatives. Jason and Ana started this small business in Antioch in 2012 and have since expanded, creating employment opportunities within the community. Whenever help is needed, they respond promptly. They have aided numerous local organizations and charities, consistently offering their support. Their dedication to making a positive impact on the community remains unwavering.

Large Business of the Year – Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring

Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring is an Antioch based, family-owned company that employs 350 staff members in our local area and over 600 across the country. They actively support and participate in local organizations and events. Their generous donations greatly benefit our community. The owners quietly support many organizations, groups, and individuals without seeking praise or acknowledgment for their generosity. They provide help to those in need through their actions rather than seeking recognition. This quiet support benefits numerous people and makes a positive impact in the community. Their kindness and generosity make a difference in the lives of those they help.

Each of the winners will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of 8 and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.