Community Manager, Joanna Sanchez, rallied associates and coordinated a volunteer day for a local women’s shelter in Ventura County. She discovered, after many visits to the shelter, that many of the women there do not get to regularly spend time with their children. While they are getting assistance in rebuilding their lives, she mentioned that many would like to rebuild their relationships with their families as well. The idea of a carnival was created to provide the ability for the mothers there to spend time with their children. Being that Essex was providing volunteer hours, she recruited 8 employees to be part of the event in hopes that a seed of volunteerism would be planted. In coordinating the event, Joanna and her team of volunteers had a photo booth where pictures were printed as they were taken and given as keepsakes to the families. There was a food station, game stations where tickets were provided and cashed in for prizes, a face painting station, and a craft station. This is just one example of how caring about what matters is shown through our actions because we truly can do great things together!

Participating Associates: Gabriel Centeno, Juana Rodriguez, Jacquilyn Bellwood, Shawn Centeno, Joanna Sanchez, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Samantha Martinez, and Julio Orellano.

*Please note this event took place pre-COVID*