Community Partner Perspectives on the Healthcare Foundation

In October, the Healthcare Foundation held a strategic planning retreat with our Board of Directors, inviting several community partners to participate as subject matter experts. We look forward to sharing with you in the new year the updated and revised Strategic Plan that this structured but very open dialogue initiated. In the meantime, we thought it valuable to share, with their kind permission, some reflections from the community partners who joined us for this process.

Facilitated by Karin Demarest of Demarest Strategy Group, the retreat set itself the overarching framework of imagining our region 50 years in the future, after the Healthcare Foundation has realized the vision and goal of “eliminating health inequities in northern Sonoma County.” 

We then worked collectively and in smaller groups to explore how this was accomplished: What precise steps were taken? What barriers were overcome? What short- and long-term actions and approaches were most effective? How was success defined and measured? How did various community members, organizations, government agencies and other stakeholders undertake and coordinate efforts to achieve this end? And so on.

By the end, we had advanced a detailed and nuanced discussion from which we identified key takeaways and persistent themes, all with the goal of understanding how the Healthcare Foundation is currently on course and how it can best operate to overcome barriers and achieve success in helping to realize health equity and health justice for northern Sonoma County.  

Below, four of our invited retreat participants share their experience of the process and, most importantly, their perspectives on the role the Healthcare Foundation plays in the health ecosystem they are a part of.

Stephanie Manieri, M.S., Executive Director, Latino Service Providers

“One of the most memorable aspects of the retreat was witnessing multiple groups engage in discussions rooted in a commitment to equity as a core principle. I was genuinely touched by this, though not surprised. I distinctly recall one group highlighting the persistent challenge of white supremacy in our work. That acknowledgment struck me as incredibly insightful and important. It created a profound sense of safety within the space, allowing us to openly address such critical issues without fear of misunderstanding or reluctance to confront the realities of race and equity. This openness fostered a genuine dialogue that felt both refreshing and necessary.

“The Healthcare Foundation truly stands out as a giant influence in our local philanthropic landscape. I see it as a crucial advocate for the basic needs that many in our community struggle to meet daily. Their commitment to addressing these needs is evident, and it’s inspiring to witness. One initiative that really excites me is the Mental Health Talent Pipeline program with USF. This program is not just about filling positions; it’s about nurturing a new generation of mental health professionals who can make a real difference in people’s lives. We desperately need more initiatives like this—ones that focus on building sustainable solutions and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need. The Foundation is in such a strong position to lead this charge, and I’m hopeful for the positive change they’re bringing to our community.”

Emmanuel Lopez Ortiz, Interim Coordinator, HOPE Program at Santa Rosa Junior College

“I really enjoyed collaborating as a team to share ideas and develop solutions that benefit not only a specific organization but also the broader community and those who rely on the resources we provide as professionals. It’s rewarding to see that many of the ideas discussed can come to life and make a meaningful impact on our communities.

“The Healthcare Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting not only the organizations they partner with but also the individuals who directly benefit from their resources. For instance, the HOPE program at Santa Rosa Junior College offers $500 scholarships to eligible students, alleviating some of the financial pressures they face while pursuing their education. These scholarships, funded by the Healthcare Foundation, have had a profound impact—enabling students to graduate and enter healthcare professions where they often give back to the community. This is just one of many examples of how the Healthcare Foundation’s generous contributions and impactful work create lasting change in our community.”

Ed Sheffield, Regional Manager, Government Affairs of Sutter Health

“One of the most memorable moments of the retreat for me was feeling a sense of unity and shared purpose among the participants. It’s always comforting to be in a room filled with individuals who are genuinely committed to addressing an important issue. As we engaged in discussions, it became clear that all the participating organizations brought unique perspectives and insights on how best to approach health equity. Hearing diverse voices and experiences reinforces the idea that collaboration is essential for tackling the barriers to equitable healthcare delivery.

“The Healthcare Foundation plays a pivotal role in the local health ecosystem by acting as a catalyst for change in Sonoma County. With a strong emphasis on health equity and racial justice, the Foundation collaborates with a diverse array of health systems, organizations, and community groups to address and dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder health and wellbeing. I admire how HCF prioritizes support for historically marginalized communities in all its initiatives. This commitment is reflected in their advocacy for solutions that promote health equity and racial justice. By fostering partnerships and aligning resources, the Healthcare Foundation not only enhances access to healthcare but also ensures that ALL voices are heard and prioritized.”