As Federal Government Attacks Communities and Shuts Down, California Steps Up: California Connects Strengthens Community Networks

By Richard Sandoval for HispanicLifestyle.com and inlandvalleyliving.com 

Anaheim, California – As national uncertainty grows and federal support for vulnerable communities falters, California is responding with its own brand of leadership. On October 16, 2025, more than 100 community-based organizations, state agencies, and philanthropic partners gathered at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Anaheim for California Connects: Regional Convenings, a statewide series organized by California Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC).

This initiative isn’t just another conference. It’s a deliberate strategy to build trust, strengthen local networks, and expand access to state resources for communities on the frontlines.

Building Partnerships Face-to-Face

Standing in a packed ballroom, Aubrie Fong explained the importance of bringing partners together in person after years of virtual convenings.

“We’ve hosted online gatherings, but this is the first time we’re meeting face-to-face,” Fong shared. “We’re hearing incredible energy and motivation. Our call to action is simple: make a follow-up connection within the next 7 to 10 days. Don’t let this be a one-day event. Build something new together.”

For OCPSC, the mission goes beyond one convening. It’s about establishing long-term collaboration between local organizations, state agencies, and government partners.
Learn more at ocpsc.ca.gov.

One of the featured of the event was  Thomas J. Umberg, representing California’s 34th Senate District, who praised the collaboration between nonprofits and government:

“This is a wonderful gathering of folks dedicated to improving the quality of life for Californians. By combining the work of nonprofits and government, we can deliver services more efficiently and effectively. I always tell my colleagues in Sacramentocome and see the work happening in our communities. The impact speaks for itself.”

Voices From the Community

This convening wasn’t about top-down announcements. It was about listening to the people who do the work every day. Several leaders shared their perspectives on the ground.

Mario Ortega | Abrazar Inc.

For Abrazar Inc., which has served the community for 50 years, collaboration has always been at the heart of their mission.

“We started as a senior center,” shared Mario Ortega, CEO of Abrazar Inc. “Today, we serve families, children, and older adults through food distribution, after-school programs, and financial coaching. Our partnership with OCPSC opened doors with local government—it showed that trusted nonprofits can deliver.”

Ortega also underscored the urgency of working together in challenging times:

“All of us are facing financial pressures. The only way to continue serving is to collaborate like never before.”

Abrazar is actively fundraising to upgrade its transportation fleet. abrazarinc.com

RaShonda M. Montoya | Ontario Promise

RaShonda M. Montoya, Administrator of Ontario Promise, spoke powerfully about supporting young people in working-class communities.

“We serve youth from birth through their first year of college,” Montoya explained. “In Ontario, 20% of youth report feeling hopeless, and many are facing tough economic realities. Our literacy, mentoring, and college access programs help young people see a future beyond their immediate circumstances.”

She encouraged partners and volunteers to get involved

Dayanna Covarrubias | Casa de la Familia

For Casa de la Familia, trust is everything.

“Since 2020, OCPSC has learned to listen to communities and trust the messengers who know their neighborhoods best,” said Dayanna Covarrubias. “We’ve partnered on everything from extreme heat alerts to water conservation campaigns. When the message comes from trusted networks, people respond.”

Covarrubias emphasized how meaningful collaboration allows life-saving information to reach those who need it most.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS TAKEN BY RICHARD SANDOVAL

A Statewide Movement

California Connects is more than a convening it’s a movement to fortify community infrastructure. By investing in partnerships, capacity-building, and direct access to resources, the state aims to ensure that communities can withstand political uncertainty and economic instability.

“We’re building new relationships and expanding our network of trusted messengers,” Fong said. “This is just the beginning.”

The Anaheim convening is one of several planned across California, signaling the state’s ongoing commitment to community resilience and collaboration.

ABOUT OCPSC
The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) is the state’s central hub for community engagement and public awareness initiatives. Working alongside trusted messengers, OCPSC bridges equity gaps and ensures that state programs reach the communities that need them most.
Website: ocpsc.ca.gov

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