“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” –Brian Solis

Each summer, Napa Valley Life proudly shines a spotlight on the individuals and organizations across our region making a meaningful difference through financial support, volunteer efforts, or passionate advocacy. Philanthropy is more than just generosity; it’s a driving force that strengthens our community and shapes a more hopeful tomorrow.

By recognizing those who devote their time, energy, and resources to causes greater than themselves, we do more than celebrate goodwill—we help sustain it. Honoring their efforts reinforces the impact of their contributions, many of which require remarkable dedication and sparks inspiration for others to follow their lead.

It’s through these stories of selflessness and service that we see the true heart of Napa Valley. With great appreciation, we present the 2025 edition of our local philanthropist organizations, the people behind them, and the causes they champion. Join us in celebrating their extraordinary commitment to making our community stronger, kinder, and more connected.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our list of people and organizations featured in the Philanthropy feature evolves from nominations submitted to the Editors Desk. To nominate an individual or organization for consideration in the 2026 issue, please send an email with the subject line “Philanthropy Nomination 2026” to info@napavalleylife.com 

 

Auction Napa Valley 

Michelle and Robin Baggett, Honorary Co-Chairs

According to Michelle Baggett, “Giving begins here at home in the Napa Valley Community.” She and her husband, Robin Baggett founded the Alpha Omega winery in Rutherford nearly 20 years ago, and serve as honorary co-chairs for Auction Napa Valley 2025. They are deeply committed to to Napa Valley philanthropy and are honored to be selected to these roles by past Auction Napa Valley co-chairs. The duo hopes to inspire others to come together to celebrate Napa Valley Vintners giving back to the Napa Valley community. One of the world’s premier charity wine auctions, attracting oenophiles from around the globe, Auction Napa Valley is a grand celebration of Napa Valley’s rich winemaking heritage. It is always a highly anticipated event and a valued platform for community giving. Under the Collective Napa Valley umbrella for the past few years, the auction, with the support of NVV members, is re-emerging in its original format. The event has raised millions of dollars over the years via its auction of exclusive, rare, and often one-of-a-kind wines and wine-related experiences. Funds are distributed to local health and education nonprofit organizations and community services. “We are excited to celebrate 45 years of giving back to our community through this world-renowned wine event, which supports the health, wellness, and education of children and teens in Napa Valley,” said Michelle. “Our goal is not only to build a strong foundation for youth to succeed but also to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture, tourism, and other fields vital to Napa Valley’s future. With Auction Napa Valley 2025, we are committed to focusing on the reinvention of our community auction, finding a new path and a new rhythm. We gather to raise the necessary funds for the tools and resources to give our youth a strong foundation so that one day, they will choose to live a full life as a vessel within our incredible community. This opportunity to engage with our fellow vintners, to support programs that enhance the lives of our Napa youth, fills our hearts.” //  www.auctionnapavalley.orgShorten with AI

 

Feeding it Forward

Margaret Perry, Executive Director

Feeding it Forward is dedicated to fighting hunger, addressing food insecurity, and reducing food waste in the local community. The simple mission is to reduce food waste and alleviate hunger in Napa County through collaborative efforts. With a focus on rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need, the organization ensures that nutritious food reaches vulnerable individuals, families, and anyone experiencing food insecurity in Napa Valley. Working with local businesses, restaurants, and food distributors, Feeding it Forward’s dedicated volunteer network collects unused food that would otherwise go to waste. The food is sorted, packaged, and distributed to a wide range of individuals. Since its founding in 2018, Feeding It Forward has rescued more than 775,000 pounds of food. The group’s efforts create a more compassionate and resilient community where no one goes hungry, and food resources are used responsibly. Efforts also contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing food waste. In 2024, Feeding It Forward removed the equivalent of 40 vehicles off the road. The Greenhouse Gas benefit equates to 453,433 miles driven by a passenger vehicle. Margaret Perry has served as executive director for the past year; she is the first ED in its seven-year history. She had always wondered why excess food could not be saved and used to help feed people in need, and she loves that Feeding It Forward understands that helping feed the hungry is a solvable problem. “We have developed a program to rescue perishable food from donors and deliver it to organizations fighting hunger in our community,” said Perry, who acknowledged that there is no shortage of food in the Napa Valley. “We work with more than 70 food generators and more than 45 community-based organizations. With three staff members and a strong board of directors, we pride ourselves in the ability to be flexible and nimble.” //  www.fifnv.orgShorten with AI

 

Solano – Napa Habitat for Humanity

Deanna Mott, Chief Operating Officer

Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity (SNHfH) was founded in 1991 as the local affiliate of the global nonprofit organization dedicated to building and improving homes for families in need. With the belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live and that decent housing is a foundation for a better life, SNHfH’s mission is to provide affordable housing solutions to low-income individuals and families in Solano and Napa Counties, helping them build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. SNHfH offers qualified first-time home buyers who earn between 50% and 80% Area Median Income the opportunity to purchase homes with zero-interest loans. Since its founding, SNHfH has built or repaired more than 50 homes in Solano and Napa Counties with the help of volunteers, donors, and local businesses. Deanna Mott, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, experienced her first “dedication ceremony” last fall, officially handing over the keys to three new homeowners. “It was so emotional,” said Mott. “Habitat for Humanity is more than just an organization that builds homes; it’s an organization that builds hope, dignity, and opportunity. We foster a sense of collaboration and support where everyone contributes to a brighter future. We have an amazing staff and a group of volunteers who show up consistently to give their time. The dedicated construction crew is definitely the heart of our organization, and the amount of thoughtfulness they put into every detail is inspiring.  It’s heartwarming to see how everyone’s efforts come together to make a tangible difference.” Selected families must agree to give 500 hours of sweat equity toward their home. This means they show up at the construction site to help hammer nails, paint, lay flooring, or whatever their skillset allows. Some people help tidy up and keep things organized at the worksite.  “The work we do empowers individuals, strengthens families, and builds community; that is what makes my work fulfilling,” added Mott. “It’s about transforming lives—not just for the families we serve, but for the volunteers, donors, and supporters who are part of this incredible mission.” //  www.solanonapahabitat.orgShorten with AI

 

If Given a Chance

Angela Cooper, Director of Growth

If Given a Chance (IGAC) helps students who have faced significant challenges yet are determined to pursue higher education. The organization’s support goes beyond financial aid; it provides mentorship, guidance, and a strong sense of community, ensuring students don’t have to navigate their academic journey alone. “What sets IGAC apart is our long-term commitment,” said Angela Cooper, who has supported the organization for several years and is now director of growth. “We don’t just help students get into college or technical programs—we stay with them for the full four to five years, offering ongoing support to help them adjust to college life, navigate challenges, and stay on track to graduation. We have partnered with Students Rising Above (SRA) to continue academic advice, access to mental health resources, and financial aid assistance; we ensure our students have what they need to graduate.” One of the most impactful aspects of the IGAC program is the personalized guidance that helps students find colleges or technical schools that align with their aspirations. IGAC also plays a crucial role in securing financial aid opportunities and ensuring students can achieve their goals. Just last year, IGAC students were awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships. “It’s not just about financial assistance—it’s about building a sense of community,” added Cooper. “IGAC bridges critical gaps that might otherwise leave students without the support they need and helps them regain their sense of self-worth. Our students are some of the most resilient, driven individuals you will ever meet. Many have overcome immense obstacles, yet their determination to create a better future is unstoppable. If Given a Chance provides them with the opportunities, tools, and encouragement to turn their dreams into reality. I’m continually inspired by our students. Their drive and perseverance are nothing short of amazing, and I’m honored to be part of an organization that helps them turn their dreams into reality.” // www.ifgivenachance.orgShorten with AI

 

Music in the Vineyards

Rebecca Blum, Executive Director

Featuring a unique blend of the region’s world-class wineries and exceptional performances by renowned classical musicians, Music in the Vineyards provides a platform for the performing arts while showcasing the beauty and cultural richness of Napa Valley. Held each August at varying wineries, the concerts offer captivating experiences for wine and music lovers. Established in 1995, the festival presents top-tier classical music performances in intimate and picturesque winery settings, connecting audiences with world-class musicians while fostering the growth of emerging artists. Performers have included renowned artists, including members of the San Francisco Symphony, local acts, and young emerging talent. The festival also contributes to the cultural landscape by offering educational programs and outreach opportunities for youth and senior community groups, ensuring the future of classical music in the region. Rebecca Blum is the new executive director of Music in the Vineyards. Prior, she was with the San Francisco Symphony for 20 years, where she held posts as Director of Orchestra Personnel and, most recently, Senior Director, Orchestra Personnel and Education Planning. “I love that Music in the Vineyards brings exceptional classical music to Napa’s beautiful landscape – but it’s more than that,” said Blum. “The intimate setting of our concerts allows audiences to experience something profoundly human together. Being so close to these remarkable artists—and even speaking with them at intermission—creates a deeper emotional connection for everyone. These kinds of personal experiences are becoming rare, but they are some of life’s most special moments. It’s also important to ensure we can share this incredible music with residents who may not be able to attend public performances, like Napa’s senior citizens in assisted living communities. The joy that music brings them is immeasurable, and in turn, their enthusiasm and life stories inspire the musicians who perform for them. We also bring music to children at our local Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. For many young people, this is their first up-close encounter with string instruments and live classical music. It’s a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bridge generations, offer comfort, and lift our spirits.” // www.musicinthevineyards.org
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Napa County Resource Conservation District

Lucas Patzek, Executive Director

Simply put, Napa County Resource Conservation District (Napa RCD) is Napa County’s go-to hub for conservation. The organization, which celebrates 80 years this year, promotes sustainable land management practices, environmental stewardship, and ecological resilience by empowering landowners, farmers, ranchers, and the public to achieve shared goals such as climate resilience, water security, thriving ecosystems, and environmental literacy. The approach is rooted in practical, science-based support and a broad ecosystem perspective. Lucas Patzek has served as Napa RCD’s executive director since 2018. “Collaboration is at the core of our work,” said Patzek, who previously served as County Director and Agriculture & Natural Resource faculty member with the Cooperative Extension Service in Washington and as the Associate Executive Director of the Sonoma County-based non-profit Ag Innovations. He has also been involved in agricultural development efforts in Algeria, Cambodia, Mexico, and the European Union. “We offer technical assistance, environmental monitoring, education, collaboration, and funding guidance across diverse programs—from forest health and water conservation to habitat restoration, regenerative agriculture, and youth environmental education. We actively partner with local and regional organizations to foster innovative, community-driven solutions. We’re also committed to expanding outreach, ensuring underserved communities have the resources and support needed to participate in, and benefit from, conservation efforts.” Napa RCD collaborates with local government agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders to implement large-scale conservation initiatives and programs, and they often work with the Napa County government to align conservation efforts with broader regional planning. They also offer volunteer opportunities for those who wish to make a difference within the community. Patzek enjoys the privilege of working with diverse sectors and communities across Napa County, supporting conservation goals in ways that are inclusive and accessible. “The challenges we face, like water security, climate adaptability, wildfire resilience, and biodiversity loss, are complex and daunting. But our work focuses on local, practical solutions that empower our community to make a real, positive impact. It’s inspiring to collaborate with people who care deeply about the future of our natural resources and are committed to creating lasting change.” // www.naparcd.orgShorten with AI

 

Napa Valley College Foundation

Michael Baldacci, Fundraising Chair, Phase 2

The Napa Valley College Foundation supports Napa Valley College by providing financial resources, scholarships, and community engagement to enhance the educational experience for students. Founded in 1983, the Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the college’s mission of offering accessible, high-quality education to local residents. It serves as a bridge between the college and the community, ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial background, have the tools and opportunities they need to achieve their academic and career goals. The Foundation raises funds through private donations, grants, and fundraising events. These funds are used to provide financial assistance to students to alleviate educational costs and promote academic success. Funds are also used for initiatives that enhance teaching effectiveness and student success, thereby improving the overall learning environment at NVC. And funds are utilized for capital improvements, such as a proposed Wine Education Complex that will provide students with modern learning spaces and equipment. This project aims to transform NVC’s existing wine education facilities into a world-class center that will inspire students and prepare them for successful careers in the wine industry. Michael Baldacci, winemaker at his family’s Baldacci Vineyards, currently serves as the Foundation’s fundraising chair for Phase 2 of the Wine Education Center Complex. He has been involved with the Foundation for 6 years. “The Napa Valley College Foundation is deeply committed to supporting students,” said Baldacci. “We provide annual scholarships and strive to understand and meet the needs of our students, offering them opportunities to succeed. The Wine Education Center Complex will be a crowning achievement for the college, providing students with all the tools they need to thrive.” The Foundation also facilitates partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to create opportunities for internships, career development, and student success. ”What I enjoy most about my work with the Foundation is witnessing the direct impact of our efforts,” added Baldacci. “We have the privilege of interacting with students, awarding scholarships, and seeing firsthand how our support benefits them every day.” //   www.napavalleycollegefoundation.orgShorten with AI

 

Napa Valley Grapegrowers

Caleb Mosely, Executive Director

Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) is dedicated to preserving the region’s vineyards and the bounty they provide for the Napa Valley while supporting growers and the community. Members include grape growers, vineyard owners, and industry partners, each of whom plays a crucial role in preserving the region’s agricultural heritage while promoting high-quality, responsible viticulture. NVG not only supports vineyard health and ultimately improves the quality of Napa Valley wines, but also benefits the broader community by promoting environmental stewardship and agricultural resilience. Caleb Mosely has led NVG as executive director for more than a year, working alongside the organization’s members and dedicated staff to advance sustainable farming practices and ensure the long-term success of the region’s grape-growing heritage. He has been actively involved with NVG since he began farming in Napa in 2011. “Having first-hand experience with the organization while also tending to Napa’s iconic vineyards allows me to better understand the needs of our grower community,” said Mosely, who has managed some of the region’s most esteemed estate vineyards. His innate ability to lead, coupled with an insatiable curiosity related to vine cultivation, is invaluable to the organization as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Mosely enjoys collaboration with Napa Valley’s growers—many of whom are multi-generational stewards of the land. “Their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence is truly inspiring,” added Mosely. “It’s incredibly rewarding to support their efforts through advocacy, education, and sustainability initiatives that protect our vineyards for future generations. No two days are the same – and it keeps me on my toes in a similar way to my days in the vineyards. I can’t say that returning emails and leading meetings are the same as pruning vines, but there is a diversity to the work that I enjoy. I often remind myself that if I didn’t miss day-to-day farming so much, I would not be the right person to lead this organization that has championed growers and our vineyards for 50 years.” //  www.napagrowers.orgShorten with AI

 

Napa Valley Hospitality Forum

The Napa Valley Hospitality Forum (NVHF) is dedicated to fostering collaboration amongst hospitality and direct-to-consumer (DTC) professionals in Napa. Membership consists of Napa wine professionals whose purview includes hospitality and DTC. NVHF’s mission is to strengthen the community by facilitating connections, sharing resources, supporting local initiatives, and providing a platform for education and advocacy. NVHF seeks to remove all barriers to professional development. “Our membership represents a true cross-section of Napa Valley, ranging from small independent businesses to some of the largest corporations in the industry,” said NVHF executive director Galen Becker Drace, who provides strategic direction to board members, and guides the organization toward its goals, ensuring that NVHF members have access to valuable resources that benefit both them and the broader Napa community. NVHF achieves its mission by hosting monthly meetings at member wineries; these gatherings provide an open-forum-based platform for members to network, explore industry-specific topics, problem-solve, and collaborate on best practices. In addition, NVHF maintains a “Community Corner” on its website, and a local nonprofit or volunteer opportunity is highlighted each month. This resource serves as a directory for individuals seeking ways to contribute to the community and organizations looking to connect with potential volunteers or partners. Through these initiatives, NVHF plays a vital role in building a more connected and supportive community, leveraging the collective efforts of local businesses, nonprofits, and residents to address shared challenges and enhance the quality of life in the Napa Valley area. What is most formidable about the NVHF is the incredible dedication of its members and board directors. “The energy and time they invest helps foster a truly collaborative environment,” Drace added. “In the last few years, we have grown from 60 member properties to over 140, a testament to the value of this collective effort. I am incredibly proud to lead a group that prioritizes collective success over competition. The more we invest in sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and elevating industry standards, the stronger Napa Valley’s hospitality community becomes. Hospitality is not a zero-sum game—when one of us improves, we all benefit.” //  www.nvhf.netShorten with AI

 

Napa Valley Vintners 

Donna Walker, Board of Directors Member

Representing nearly 550 Napa Valley wineries, Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) is a key voice for the Napa Valley wine industry. Through varied programming, advocacy, and educational initiatives, NVV helps sustain Napa Valley’s world-class reputation by inspiring rigorous quality standards, providing environmental leadership, and promoting its wines locally and internationally. Additionally, it supports community-based initiatives such as children’s education, community health and wellness, and environmental stewardship through its charitable investments and flagship fundraising event, Auction Napa Valley, ensuring that the prosperity of the wine industry translates into benefits for the entire Napa Valley. Over the past 40 years, the NVV—powered by the generosity of donors and vintner members—has invested more than $230 million into the community. Donna Walker is a second-term NVV’s Board of Directors member and immediate past NVV Grant Review Committee chair. She is proud to be part of a leadership organization that drives impact on multiple fronts, and the role has deepened her understanding of the community’s needs and has strengthened her belief in the power of strategic philanthropy. “NVV is a champion for meaningful investments in our community where our collective efforts create lasting impact,” said Walker, proprietor of Pulido~Walker Estate Vineyards and Winery. “NVV fosters a culture of excellence that encourages members not only to craft exceptional wines but also to lead with integrity, prioritize sustainability, and protect the land we all cherish. I’m continually inspired by the resilience of this community and the camaraderie among fellow vintners. Our vintner members don’t just make wine here—they live here. Their devotion to the land extends to the people who call this valley home. Contributing to the important work of NVV has been both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience.” // www.napavintners.comShorten with AI

 

Nimbus Arts

Jamie Graff, Executive Director

Nimbus Arts seeks to foster creativity and enrich lives by providing creative arts programs for children, adults, seniors, and underserved communities. Nimbus is renowned for its creative and inventive array of art classes, camps, and community events led by professional artists, educators, and volunteers. In its 20 years, the organization has engaged dozens of community service organizations throughout Napa County in free public art-making projects. Nimbus enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Napa Valley Unified School District, building rich and consistent art programming for at-risk teens, both in alternative schools and at Napa’s Juvenile Hall. And the Nim+BUS mobile Art studio creates community-based public art projects and installations through its Hundreds of Hands™ initiatives. For two decades, Jamie Graff has served as Nimbus’ executive director. In her role, Graff strives to encourage and promote both curiosity and commitment to the arts and to create and support a collective of creatives and artists that continues to evolve and transform along with the organization, “Much like the very nature of our namesake cloud” said Graff, who is continually inspired by the talented artists with whom the organization collaborates, her staff, and Nimbus’ board members. “Each day, I witness people of all ages experiencing the joy, curiosity, calm, wonder, creative “ah ha” moments, and transformation that making and beholding art can bring. Our students inspire us with their enthusiasm and talents, and we cherish the unique human connections that are made through this process of working together. I love working here in the Nim-buzz of activity, whether we are brainstorming magical NIMBASH plans, designing collaborative grant-worthy projects, or conducting one of our loud family-style, sky-is-the-limit interdisciplinary lunch/planning sessions for camps and classes. Components key to our success include our team’s skills, imagination, and connections to one another, our culture of a no-holds-barred interest in the natural world around us, and our artists’ deep knowledge and passion for the fine arts. The Nimbus team embraces it all—the ultimate arty-pentathlon of creativity—I feel lucky every day to be a part of it.” // www.nimbusarts.orgShorten with AI

 

Our Town St. Helena

Jennifer La Liberte, Executive Director

Our Town St. Helena (OTSH), was founded by a group of longtime residents whose goal is to make small-town living accessible to a diverse group of people. Recognizing that St. Helena is no longer affordable for families, for those who work in the vineyards and retail sector, for first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers, the organization addresses a lack of low and moderately priced housing in St. Helena. It facilitates activity to provide rental, home ownership, and nontraditional housing opportunities for those priced out of the housing market. The group is committed to utilizing innovative strategies to create a range of housing opportunities while striving to meet and exceed resource conservation requirements. Executive Director Jennifer La Liberte has overseen OTSH for the past five years. With a career history that includes economic development positions with the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, City of Napa, and her own consulting practice, she oversees and participates in all aspects of the organization’s operation: finance, fundraising, marketing, board guidance and meetings, project management, strategic planning, property management, and team recruitment and development. OTSH relies on philanthropic donations, grants, and strategic partnerships to operate. Currently, the organization has 60 affordable rental homes in the pipeline at varying stages of development. Nine new apartments on Pope Street will be completed and ready for occupancy in early 2026, which will provide homes to low- and moderate-income households earning from approximately $51,000 to $155,000 annually. “Combined with the Brenkle Court project completed in 2021 (eight ownership townhomes) and the six rentals OTSH has acquired and preserved at affordable rents, we are just 30 units shy of meeting our “105 by 2035” goal,” said La Liberte, who enjoys working with her dedicated board of directors and strategic partners to make a real impact on the lives of the people who benefit from living in homes that are affordable in St. Helena. “Housing that is affordable is an essential component of a healthy and thriving community’s infrastructure.” //  www.ourtownsthelena.orgShorten with AI

 

The Roger J. Trinchero Family Foundation

Roger J. Trinchero, Founder

Established in 2017 by Roger J. Trinchero, Chairman of Trinchero Family Estates, The Roger J. Trinchero Family Foundation is a philanthropic cornerstone in Napa Valley. With an initial multi-million-dollar contribution from his personal estate, Trinchero set a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable giving. His dedication to the organization has been unwavering, and he continues to invest in the Foundation’s growth, expanding its reach to meet the community’s evolving needs. In a gesture of lasting generosity, Trinchero has committed his entire remaining estate to the Foundation, ensuring that his legacy of giving will endure for generations. Trichero’s philanthropic journey began long before the Foundation’s creation. He has quietly supported various causes in Napa Valley for decades alongside his siblings, Bob and Vera. Recognizing the need for a more structured approach, he founded the Foundation to continue the family’s tradition of local giving in a lasting and impactful way. The Foundation initially focused on children’s education, health, and physical activity, partnering with local organizations such as St. Helena Cooperative Nursery School and Carpy Gang to support early childhood development. As Napa Valley faced new challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation expanded its mission to address emerging needs, such as food insecurity. Partnering with the Community Action Napa Valley (CANV) Food Bank, the Foundation ensured that vulnerable families had access to nutritious food. Recognizing that supporting a child’s success goes beyond education, the Foundation also focused on mental health, home stability, and access to resources, forming new partnerships with organizations like Ten Thousand Degrees of Napa Valley, Howell Mountain Elementary, and Voices Napa. From 2018 to 2024, the Foundation distributed millions of dollars in grants, each dollar carefully allocated to ensure it creates a lasting impact. Through its thoughtful approach to philanthropy, the Foundation continues to uplift children and families in Napa Valley, embodying a legacy of care, responsibility, and transformation.Shorten with AI

 

Seniors Helping Seniors

Katie Holman O’Neill, Proprietor, Napa, Sonoma, Solano Branch

To age in place with dignity and respect is a desire for many seniors. Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS) is an organization that helps the region’s older population do just that. Offering personalized care plans tailored to individual needs, SHS’s mission is to enable seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle in their own homes by matching them with compassionate, active, senior caregivers who share similar life experiences, thus fostering meaningful connections that promote a sense of community. SHS’s services include companionship and socialization; personal care and daily living assistance; memory, dementia and Alzheimer’s care; respite and specialized care; meal preparation and shopping; light housekeeping; transportation; medication reminders; and yard work and pet care. Caregivers are active seniors over age 50, an approach that not only provides employment opportunities for older adults but also fosters peer relationships and ensures that care caregivers can relate to the experiences and needs of their clients. Katie Holman O’Neill is the owner of wine country’s branch of the organization, serving seniors in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. Her work is very personal as she navigates her own challenges with aging family members. A background in hospitality inspires her quest for excellence in all facets of the business, and she is proud of the services that allow seniors to age with dignity and independence in their home of choice. She is equally proud to be able to provide older adults with meaningful professional opportunities. “We only employ active seniors as our caregivers, and we are really trying to provide a relatable caregiving experience,” said O’Neill. “Quality care and service is deeply important to us. We believe that older adults can help each other age more happily and gracefully, and we feel extremely fortunate to offer opportunities for connection to all participants in our model. I’d like Seniors Helping Seniors to be known as THE place for mature workers to find purposeful work.” //  www.seniorshelpingseniors.com
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Song for Charlie

Christina Julian, Outreach Partner & Project Manager

Founded in memory of Charlie, a young man who tragically died after unknowingly ingesting a counterfeit pill containing fentanyl, Song for Charlie seeks to raise awareness of and promote safety around the increasing prevalence of fake prescription pills laced with the synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin or morphine. Fentanyl is a leading cause of accidental overdoses, many of which occur when individuals unknowingly consume pills that appear to be legitimate prescription medications, such as oxycodone or Xanax but are actually counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. These fake pills, often sold on the black market, have contributed to the alarming surge in opioid-related deaths across the U.S. Song for Charlie’s primary goal is to combat the rising number of accidental overdoses via several educational and advocacy initiatives. Song for Charlie emphasizes the importance of open communication, urging families to talk about the risks of fentanyl with their children and loved ones. Christina Julian is the organization’s outreach partner and project manager. She lost a niece to a fentanyl-laced pill, and in her role, she shares her niece’s story when speaking to young people. “When presenting at schools, there is always a moment when I can see them click in and become fully engaged, often right after I share my niece’s tragic story—it all becomes very real for them.”  Julian works tirelessly to spread awareness through community outreach, social media campaigns, and youth-led initiatives aimed at informing about the risks of taking prescription pills from unreliable sources. “We stick to the facts, avoid scare tactics, and remain focused on spreading awareness and taking action to save lives,” said Julian. “We support communities here locally and across the Bay Area and country with a suite of free resources, including the New Drug Talk family resource portal, our new student outreach film, Real Talk About Fake Pills, and our Peer-to-Peer program, all of which were made possible through our partnership with the California Department of Health Care Service. We operate from a place of hope instead of fear.” //  www.songforcharlie.orgShorten with AI

 

SpiritHorse Equine-Assisted Services

Charlotte Dougherty, Founder

Equine-assisted learning, or horse therapy, leverages the natural qualities of horses to assist in healing and personal growth. Horses are highly sensitive to human emotion, and interaction with these majestic animals can be especially helpful for people dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression. At SpiritHorse, located in American Canyon, horse-centric programming, such as therapeutic horseback riding lessons, summer camps, and enrichment classes, is designed to enhance the lives of children and adults facing a range of challenges. The organization was founded in 2010 by Charlotte Dougherty, a trauma survivor. She started the program with one horse and one free lesson, supporting her efforts by cleaning houses. Today, her programs, led by highly trained and passionate volunteers, cater to individuals of all abilities. SpiritHorse partners with the Napa Office of Education, working with kids and adults. Dougherty also runs weekly veteran programs and a weekly program for Camille Creek Community School, helping disenfranchised youth. For those with physical disabilities or mobility issues, horseback riding can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. The horse’s movement helps with posture and can encourage muscle development through the natural rhythms of riding. Working with horses can help to build trust; the process can help individuals improve their self-confidence and learn skills such as patience, responsibility, and effective communication. Interaction with a horse encourages mindfulness, assisting individuals to focus on the present moment and develop a sense of calm and relaxation. “I love seeing people gain trust and confidence through interaction with the horses,” said Dougherty, who leads the program from her heart. “SpiritHorse is about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can benefit from the bond with horses and experience personal growth, regardless of their background or challenges. SpiritHorse builds community by fostering connections between participants, their families, and the larger community. It’s not just about the therapy but about creating a supportive network. I am so thankful that I can share my story with the public to help inspire others to change their lives and give back to the community.” //  www.spirithorsebayarea.org
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