Nuestra Comunidad

What We Do

Creating stronger, more resilient communities

Programs & Projects

We focus on community-centered disaster preparedness, 9-1-1 awareness, health and wellness, mental health support, and youth leadership and career pathway development.

Each program is thoughtfully designed to align with our mission of reducing chronic vulnerabilities, fostering inclusive growth, and empowering individuals to thrive in the face of challenges. Together, we’re building a foundation for a safer, healthier, and more connected communities.

The Heart of Our Mission

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is the cornerstone of our work at Nuestra Comunidad (NC) and the heart of our commitment to community resilience across Northern California. Since 2019, NC has delivered culturally rooted, linguistically accessible disaster preparedness education designed to ensure that no one is left behind when disaster strikes.

Today, our disaster preparedness work reaches communities across five Northern California counties: Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte.

While our NC Resilience Hub in Sonoma County remains our primary home base, our regional footprint has expanded significantly in response to community need and state investment in equitable preparedness.

Our expansion into Humboldt County began through CalOES funding for Early Earthquake Warning and earthquake preparedness education (June 2024–December 2025). That work laid the foundation for a broader regional approach and the establishment of a physical NC presence in Humboldt County in partnership with the McKinleyville Family Resource Center.

In July 2024, NC was awarded the Listos California Coastal Region Grant, allowing us to expand disaster preparedness outreach and education across:

  • Sonoma County
  • Napa County
  • Mendocino County
  • Humboldt County
  • Del Norte County

This regional investment reflects the growing recognition that preparedness must be community-driven, culturally responsive, and locally rooted to be effective.

Sonoma County
Home to the NC Resilience Hub and the majority of our programming. We provide year-round disaster preparedness workshops, trainings, and resource distribution.

Humboldt County
NC maintains a physical presence in Humboldt County through our partnership location at:
1615 Heartwood Drive, McKinleyville, CA
This site supports outreach, training, and regional coordination across Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

Del Norte County
We work closely with local partners and emergency management to deliver culturally rooted preparedness education and outreach to rural and coastal communities.

Napa & Mendocino Counties
NC expands preparedness education in these counties through strong partnerships with community-based organizations, local agencies, and trusted community messengers to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach.

Our work intentionally centers those most impacted by disasters and historically underserved by traditional preparedness systems, including:

  • Linguistically diverse communities
  • Immigrant and limited-English-proficient households
  • Seniors and older adults
  • Rural and geographically isolated communities
  • Low-income households
  • Individuals with access and functional needs
  • Tribal and Native communities
  • Farmworker communities
  • Families with children
  • Students

By focusing on equity and inclusion, we ensure preparedness resources reach those who need them most.

NC’s preparedness model is built on trust, access, and cultural relevance. Through partnerships with local organizations, tribal entities, food distribution sites, schools, and faith-based institutions, we deliver life-saving information in ways that are familiar, trusted, and accessible.

Our approach includes:

  • Culturally and linguistically responsive workshops
  • In-language preparedness materials and trainings
  • Peer-to-peer education using trusted community messengers
  • Integration of preparedness into existing community spaces and events
  • Go-bag and emergency supply distribution
  • Earthquake early warning and MyShake education
  • Family and neighborhood preparedness planning

Preparedness is strongest when it is community-driven and equity-focused. By meeting people where they are — culturally, linguistically, and geographically — we are building resilient communities across the Coastal Region and beyond.

Together, we are preparing not just to survive disasters, but to recover, rebuild, and thrive.

Empowering Communities Through 9-1-1 Awareness

Project Lifeline

Project Lifeline is NC’s signature 9-1-1 Awareness Program, designed to educate community members about the 9-1-1 system and its critical role during a crisis.

Our program focuses on breaking down barriers—such as fear and uncertainty—that may prevent individuals in need from making the call. By addressing these challenges, we empower our community to take action confidently in emergencies.

In a crisis, every second counts. Being informed and prepared can make all the difference, and through Project Lifeline, we’re ensuring that no one hesitates to seek the help they need.

Empowering Communities with Earthquake Early Warning

Partnering with Cal OES

NC is proud to partner with Cal OES on Earthquake Warning California, the nation’s first publicly available statewide earthquake warning system. This groundbreaking program provides Californians with crucial seconds to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” before feeling the effects of an earthquake.

Managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Earthquake Warning California leverages a network of ground motion sensors across the state to detect earthquakes before they are felt by humans. Notifications are delivered through tools like the MyShake mobile application, enabling residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Through our partnership with Cal OES, NC is committed to enhancing earthquake early warning education and encouraging widespread adoption of the MyShake app. Together, we are equipping communities with the knowledge and resources needed to stay informed, prepared, and resilient in the face of seismic events.

Empowering the Next Generation of Emergency Leaders

Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising is NC’s career pathways education program, dedicated to inspiring and equipping the future leaders of emergency preparedness and response.

This transformative program provides students with opportunities to build leadership skills in both school and community settings, acquire critical knowledge and tools for disaster survival and recovery, and explore potential careers in emergency services and response.

Through Phoenix Rising, we’re shaping resilient leaders who will drive preparedness, recovery, and safety in their communities for years to come.

Learn to Save a Life

Stop the Bleed

A life-threatening bleeding injury can happen anywhere, whether during a serious accident or disaster. Through the ACS Stop the Bleed program, you’ll learn to recognize and control bleeding using three quick, life-saving techniques.

Our hands-on training, led by expert instructors, ensures you gain the skills and confidence needed to act effectively in an emergency. You’ll practice proven bleeding control methods and receive personalized guidance to master the techniques.

Empower yourself to make a life-or-death difference—because the person next to a bleeding victim is often their best chance at survival.

Promoting Mental Health and Wellness

Fusion Initiative

Nuestra Comunidad’s Fusion Initiative is dedicated to enhancing mental health and overall wellness through a holistic, multi-faceted approach.

This initiative increases access to culturally and linguistically relevant mental health services while also offering nutrition education and exercise opportunities, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.

At its core, the Fusion Initiative is about breaking barriers and empowering individuals to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.

Mental Health Support

NC Hora de Recursos (Resource Hour)

Mondays 10am -11:30am on Zoom

Spanish-speaking community faces unique mental health challenges. Factors like immigration, economic stress, and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic have created significant barriers to mental well-being. Additionally, the shortage of Spanish-speaking and biculturally competent mental health providers makes accessing care even more difficult.

NC’s Hora de Recursos addresses these challenges by offering a free, weekly mental health-focused Zoom session, in Spanish. Led by bilingual and bicultural psychologists Dra. María Álvarez or Dra. Erika Noriega-Pigg, these sessions provide a safe, welcoming space for individuals to share experiences, discuss challenges, and find support.

Each meeting includes guided discussions on topics like self-compassion, stress management, and stress recognition or an open forum for attendees to share and explore solutions together. Participants also learn practical techniques such as breathing exercises, journaling, and cognitive behavioral therapy strategies to support their mental health.

Hora de Recursos is a space to connect, heal, and grow. Open to all, it’s a vital resource for empowering Sonoma County’s Spanish-speaking community on their path to well-being.

Interested in joining? Email alma@nc707.org to optain Zoom Link information.

Empowering Health and Wellness

Nutrition with Intention

Nutrition with Intention is a six-week program focused on promoting general health and wellness through culturally relevant nutrition education and exercise. Participants join a supportive cohort where they explore essential topics such as creating balanced meals, choosing healthy snacks, understanding “sometimes” foods, practicing portion control, and recognizing the benefits of regular physical activity. The program also helps participants establish fitness routines and develop SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound) to guide them toward achieving and maintaining improved health.

The program is designed with both short-term and long-term goals in mind. In the short term, participants are supported in applying weekly lessons to their daily lives to meet personal health goals while building connections with others who share a commitment to wellness. In the long term, past participants are encouraged to sustain their progress by becoming aides, volunteers, and advocates for the program. These Health Promotores—trusted community messengers—share their knowledge and experiences at events and within their local networks, inspiring others to prioritize their health.

Through Nutrition With Intention, NC equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to make lasting lifestyle changes, improve mental health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This program not only transforms individual lives but also builds a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.

Building Health, Wellness, and Community

Juntos-Together We Move

Juntos-Together We Move is an NC program dedicated to promoting general health, wellness, and community building by offering accessible exercise opportunities for all residents. Designed for individuals that may lack access and desire to build a sense of community, Juntos provides a variety of activities such as hikes, walks, strength training sessions, runs, and other wellness-focused events.

This program fosters an inclusive environment where community members from diverse backgrounds come together for a shared purpose. By participating in activities like hiking, individuals not only engage in physical exercise but also connect with others in the community, forming relationships they may not have had the chance to build otherwise. Juntos levels the playing field, creating meaningful connections and strengthening the fabric of the community.

The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular physical activity and its long-term health benefits while encouraging participants to view exercise as enjoyable and easy to integrate into their daily lives. In the short term, Juntos provides community members with opportunities to engage in physical activity. In the long term, it seeks to promote a sustained lifestyle of health and well-being through continued access to diverse fitness opportunities.

Through Juntos-Together We Move, NC empowers individuals to improve their physical health, connect with others, and embrace a more active and vibrant lifestyle.

Empowering Women Through Basketball

Active Community

The Active Community Program supports a dynamic women-led basketball team dedicated to staying active, healthy, and connected through the sport they love. Comprised of passionate and committed players, many of whom are working mothers, the team provides a valuable opportunity for balance, physical activity, and personal well-being. Practicing multiple times a week and competing in an intramural women’s basketball league, these women not only foster strong bonds within their team but also build a sense of community with other women across the county.Through their dedication to the game, they inspire others to embrace wellness, camaraderie, and the joy of an active lifestyle.

Strengthening Our Community

Partnerships

At NC, we understand the transformative power of partnerships. We are dedicated to building and nurturing collaborations with organizations, local governments, and community groups to drive meaningful change.

By working together, we amplify our collective impact and create stronger, more resilient communities. When we join forces, everyone benefits—because when we work together, the community wins!

Practical Preparedness. Lifesaving Skills. Stronger Communities.

Disaster Preparedness Academy

The Nuestra Comunidad Disaster Preparedness Academy empowers individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Designed with a focus on underserved communities—including low-income households, seniors, immigrants, farmworkers, and limited-English-proficient residents—the Academy provides culturally and linguistically accessible training in both English and Spanish.
Participants learn how to create emergency plans, build affordable disaster kits, understand evacuation procedures and emergency alerts, and develop lifesaving skills such as Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed. Through hands-on training, trusted community partnerships, and the distribution of essential preparedness supplies, the Academy helps build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
The NC Disaster Preparedness Academy is made possible through funding from:
  • California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
    2017–2018 CDBG-MIT Planning and Public Service Program
Project Partner:

Fighting food insecurity

Redwood Empire Food Bank Food Distribution

NC is proud to partner with the Redwood Empire Food Bank to support families facing food insecurity in our community. Through this valued collaboration, we host a monthly food distribution event at the NC Resilience Hub campus every fourth Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Our events are open to all in need of food, with a streamlined registration process to ensure easy and efficient access. In addition to language access assistance during the distribution, our team provides valuable resources such as Listos Disaster Ready Guides and information about the Early Earthquake Warning California program.

The NC team is committed to making every participant feel supported and empowered with the tools they need to face challenges. Together, we’re building a stronger, more food-secure, and resilient community.

Healthy Harvest Program

NC’s Healthy Harvest Program, in partnership with Community Foundation Sonoma County and FEED Cooperative, addresses food insecurity while supporting local owned farms. Through this initiative, we distribute weekly boxes of organic, locally grown produce to vulnerable families, seniors, farmworkers, and individuals with limited access to healthy food.

More than a food program, Healthy Harvest promotes community resilience by reducing food waste, supporting sustainable agriculture, and offering critical services through our Resilience Hub, including health education, mental health resources, and emergency preparedness.

This community-driven program is rooted in equity, dignity, and sustainability—nourishing families while strengthening local food systems.

Spreading Joy Through Partnership

Toys for Kids Toy Drive

NC is honored to partner with the Local 1401 Fire Fighters Toys for Kids Toy Drive to collect toys that support programs across Sonoma County. These efforts benefit initiatives such as the Windsor Community Food & Toy Drive and schools and community groups in the Santa Rosa area.

Together, we’re bringing joy to families in need and making the holiday season brighter for our community.