Kicking off Summer: June Highlights!
June brought a mix of small and big wins that continue to move us forward. As summer settles in, we’re feeling proud of the progress we’ve made and excited for what’s still to come. Take a moment to explore some of the highlights that made this month of June meaningful!
AVPH June Anniversaries: Celebrating Our Team’s Milestones!
A special shoutout to our team members celebrating milestones this month — we’re so grateful for your dedication, positivity, and all the ways you help AVPH grow!
Celebrating 10 Years:
Patricia Garcia
Health Educator
Celebrating 6 Years:
Maximino Aquino
Outreach Supervisor
Celebrating 5 Years:
Isabel Maria Santiago
Executive Coordinator
Celebrating 2 Years:
Gabriela Lozano Chacon
Health Educator
Celebrating 1 Years:
Taylor Coutcher
RSS Administrative Coordinator
Celebrating 1 Years:
Victoria Rocha
Hospital Navigator
AVPH Food Pantry – From Our Pantry to Your Table!
Behind The Scenes – From Sorting to Serving
There is a lot of care that happens before food distribution day. Each item is thoughtfully sorted and checked by our team members and volunteers to ensure it is something anyone would feel good about sharing with their own families. It’s a hands-on process, filled with small moments of teamwork and intention that don’t always get seen, but matter deeply.
We do not believe in “bad” food — just imperfect ones — so time is taken to set aside what’s still good to share. Anything that can’t be passed along is composted, so nothing goes to waste. It’s one more way care is shown for the community while also being mindful of environmental impact and supporting sustainability.
Where It All Comes Together – Food Distribution Day
After all the care, planning, and preparation, distribution day is when everything comes full circle. It’s the moment the work behind the scenes transforms into meaningful connection — where familiar faces return, new ones are welcomed, conversations are shared, and support reaches those who need it most. These moments serve as a reminder of the power of community and the impact of showing up for one another.
This month, AVPH supported 682 households and 978 individuals, with more than 6,242 pounds of food shared across the community.
Each interaction, no matter how small, reflects the purpose behind the work and highlights the real, difference that can be made when people come together with a shared commitment to care.
There is deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of these moments and to continue supporting the community with care, consistency, and heart. It is through this ongoing effort and connection that lasting impact is created, one distribution at a time.
Meet Some of the Hearts Behind the Magic!
AVPH Violence Prevention Program – Youth Empowerment
Youth-Led Marketplace at Challenger Middle School
What began as ideas in the classroom turned into something real — a space where students could share their work, connect with others, and take pride in what they created, with the support of AVPH’s Violence Prevention team.
A cohort of 24 students came together to develop 9 unique product lines, each reflecting their creativity, effort, and growth throughout the program. Through hands-on experience, students built skills in entrepreneurship and financial literacy, while also gaining confidence and exploring positive alternatives to violence.
The excitement of the day spoke for itself — every team sold out of their items, a meaningful reflection of both their hard work and the support from the community. Moments like these highlight what’s possible when young people are given the space and encouragement to grow, lead, and succeed.There is deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of these moments and to continue supporting the community with care, consistency, and heart. It is through this ongoing effort and connection that lasting impact is created, one distribution at a time.
AVPH Cessation Capacity Building Program – Clearer Air, Stronger Community!
Through AVPH’s Cessation Capacity Building Program, continued efforts are being made to promote healthier environments and reduce the impact of tobacco use across the community.
On April 22, 2026, an Earth Day cigarette butt clean-up event was held at Kensington Campus, helping raise awareness about the harmful effects of cigarette litter on both health and the environment. The event also supported efforts to clean up this toxic waste and continued to promote smoking cessation services to campus residents.
These efforts are already showing meaningful progress. In November 2025, a total of 224 ounces of cigarette butts were collected. By April 2026, that number decreased to 126 ounces — nearly a 100-ounce reduction. This shift reflects a noticeable decrease in cigarette litter and points to growing awareness and reduced smoking activity within the community.
Each step forward represents a collective effort to create cleaner spaces, support healthier choices, and build a more sustainable future. AVPH extends its appreciation to the team members, partners, and community participants whose commitment continues to make this progress possible!
AVPH Food Equity Program – Nourishing Growth!
Through AVPH’s food equity efforts, continued work is helping connect individuals and families to the resources they need to feel supported and cared for. These moments of connection play an important role in strengthening both households and the community as a whole.
This month, 72 individuals were enrolled in CalFresh, with 58 successfully approved, helping more households access consistent, nutritious food. Each enrollment represents a step toward greater stability and support for individuals and their families.
In addition, 7 ServSafe classes were held, reaching 68 participants, with 55 earning their certification — creating opportunities to build new skills, grow confidence, and open doors for what’s ahead. These experiences go beyond the classroom, giving participants tools they can carry with them into the future.
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to showing up for the community, meeting people where they are, and creating pathways that support both immediate needs and long-term well-being.
AVPH Youth Services Department
Through AVPH’s Youth Services Department, young people continue to be supported, empowered, and connected to opportunities that help them move forward with confidence. Each program creates space for growth, guidance, and meaningful experiences that extend beyond the moment.
The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) continues to support youth in navigating housing, with one participant successfully securing both housing and employment, and four others currently in the process of obtaining stable housing. These milestones reflect important steps toward stability and independence.
This year also brought moments of recognition and engagement. Naomi Rodriguez, Cassandra Sandoval, and Susan Villareal were honored with the ATP Lifelong Learner Award through Lancaster School District, and over the 2025–2026 school year, 77 events were completed, creating consistent opportunities for connection and support.
In partnership with the You Are Enough Foundation, mental health workshops were held through Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA-YSP), offering activities centered around mental wellness, including guided meditation. Participation also extended beyond the community, with attendance at the Edgy Conference 2026, helping bring back new ideas and resources to better serve youth.
CalKIDS (California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program) is a statewide program that provides eligible children with scholarship savings to support higher education or career training after high school. Funds can be used for college, trade schools, and other qualifying educational expenses—helping children and families build a stronger financial foundation for the future.
This spring, our CalKIDS outreach and enrollment efforts are already making a meaningful impact across the Antelope Valley:
- 1,153 completed assisted enrollments
- $87,642.33 in student scholarship funds claimed
- $1,238.94 in newborn scholarship funds claimed
- $88,881.27 total scholarship dollars connected to our community so far
- 6,853 flyers and outreach materials distributed
Our CalKIDS team remains committed to continuing this work by spreading awareness about CalKIDS and assisting families with enrollments. These ongoing efforts help ensure more children in our community are connected to the resources available to support their future!
AVPH S.O.N. Program – Spreading SON-shine!
AVPH’s S.O.N. Program continues to make a meaningful impact across the Antelope Valley by connecting community members to essential resources and supportive services. In May alone, 157 new clients were served and enrolled, reflecting a strong and growing reach within the community. Ongoing efforts to assist families with CalKIDS Scholarship enrollments ensured that more households gained access to valuable educational opportunities.
Through consistent outreach, the team participated in 33 community events, creating welcoming spaces for connection, education, and support. These efforts resulted in an impressive 6,997 face-to-face interactions, each one representing an opportunity to build trust and provide guidance. Additionally, 3,444 flyers and resource materials were distributed, helping extend awareness and access to services throughout the region.
Together, these milestones highlight the dedication of the S.O.N. team and their commitment to uplifting the community—one interaction, one family, and one connection at a time.
Meet Some of the Hearts Behind the Magic!
AV-CPHT Team – Building Trust One Door at a Time!
Through heat, across neighborhoods, and at community events, the AV‑Community Public Health Team (CPHT) has stayed grounded in one purpose—showing up, listening, and building trust.
With AVPH’s seven dedicated Community Health Workers (CHWs), the team has reached 1,194 households this term, each visit opening the door to conversation, connection, and care. Along the way, 58 Household Health Assessments helped surface real community needs and guide meaningful support.
Beyond door-to-door outreach, the team has also created 2,192 face-to-face moments at local events and gatherings—small but powerful interactions that strengthen relationships and keep the work rooted in community.
What stands out most is the consistency behind every visit and every conversation. This is outreach that feels personal, familiar, and built on trust. These efforts reflect the heart of the team’s work—resilience, commitment, and a deep dedication to the communities they serve.
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