Stanford Report, April 29, 2009

Three community partnerships celebrated

BY CASEY LINDBERG

The 2009 Community Partnership Awards were presented April 28 to three programs that benefit the local community and represent successful partnerships between Stanford and its neighbors. The recipients are Redwood City 2020, MayView Community Health Center and Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto.

The programs were honored at a luncheon hosted annually by the Office of Public Affairs and the Haas Center for Public Service. David Demarest, vice president for public affairs, presented the awards.

"As in past years, we received nominations for many wonderful programs, including some we have had our eye on from previous years. That is why we are always pleased to get repeat nominations," said Jean McCown, director of community relations. "This year's award winners serve residents in four of our surrounding communities—Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Mountain View and Redwood City, which is an indication of the breadth and reach of these partnerships."

About the 2009 Community Partnership Award winners

Redwood City 2020 is a collaboration of public, private and nonprofit partners that serves the community's youth and their families by pursuing cross-sector policies and programs, defining community goals and establishing priorities for actions to build the community's capacity to support youth. Also supporting the program's efforts is Stanford's John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities. Specifically, Redwood City 2020 supports school-related services such as afterschool programs, school readiness programs and preschools. The program also provides community-based child welfare services and a teen resource center.

Founded more than 30 years ago, MayView Community Health Center is a nonprofit organization that provides a primary healthcare safety net for low-income, uninsured individuals and families in northern Santa Clara County and southern San Mateo County. By collaborating with Stanford, MayView is able to enrich the education of undergraduate and medical students through mentorship and health project programs. Many of MayView's patients are employed in service industries, have no health insurance coverage and face financial, language and transportation barriers. MayView serves more than 17,000 patient visits per year across three clinics in Santa Clara County and has shown a commitment to promoting a healthy community, starting at the family level, and providing care to all who seek out its services, regardless of ability to contribute to the cost of care.

Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) provides legal protection and assistance to low-income individuals and families in East Palo Alto and the surrounding area. The program is a community-based organization founded in 2002 that is funded by grants and donations from foundations, law firms, legal organizations and individuals. Among other services, CLSEPA helps its clients understand the complicated immigration process, offers protection for families being forced from their homes and assists with general civil litigation including individual rights and consumer protection. By partnering with Stanford, CLSEPA has been able to utilize law students' time and support to help cover the 1,700 cases per year the organization sees.

Casey Lindberg is an intern at the Stanford News Service.