Our Stories

June 29th was a night of joy, unity, and celebration as the Fresno EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center hosted the 5th annual Illuminate Our Pride event. The free community gathering was a vibrant conclusion to Pride Month, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The event featured over 65 community resource tables and vendors. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with local organizations, access vital resources, and support

This summer marked a significant milestone for the Valley Apprenticeship Connections (VAC) as over 15 students celebrated their graduation from the 12-week program. VAC continues to make a big impact in the Central Valley by training and educating individuals for careers in the construction industry. Graduates receive several certifications, including OSHA 10, Confined Space Certification, and Work Zone Safety/Traffic Control Certification, giving them with the skills needed to thrive in the industry. One standout graduate,

Fresno EOC wrapped up Community Action Month by hosting a mixer bringing together community leaders, partners and staff for a evening of celebrating. The highlight of the mixer was the panel discussion on the ongoing fight against poverty. The panel featured Fresno EOC CEO Emilia Reyes, CalCAPA Executive Director David Knight, and Fresno EOC Board Chair Oliver Baines. They shared stories and insights about their work, emphasizing the importance of working together and finding new

Students from School of Unlimited Learning (SOUL) proudly received their diplomas on June 5th at Warnor’s Theatre in Downtown Fresno. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the staff and students at SOUL, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary on April 5th. Around 44 students took part in the graduation ceremony. Among them, five are graduating as eleventh graders, and five have completed all four years at SOUL. Over the 2023-2024 academic year, a total

The Foster Grandparent Program, has received a generous grant of $396,000 from AmeriCorps. This funding will let the program add 40 new grandparents, increasing the number of volunteers from nearly 50 to around 90. The program connects senior volunteers with underserved infants, children, and teens throughout Fresno County. These volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring and emotional support, helping with reading, schoolwork, and personal development. The program has been a key part of the community, improving young

On May 30, 2024, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) hosted a round table and press conference with community leaders, safety advocates and California Attorney General Rob Bonta on gun violence prevention. Fresno EOC, highlighted the agency’s commitment to safety through programs like Advance Peace Fresno. This program, dedicated to reducing gun violence, offers mentorship and counseling to those affected by gun violence. Fresno EOC CEO Emilia Reyes spoke passionately about how her experience losing

On Friday, May 3, Fresno EOC Health Services hosted its 10th Annual Clinic Day, bringing the community together at their Calaveras Street location in Downtown Fresno. The free event offered a positive atmosphere with food, music, and, most importantly, health education. One of the highlights was the free dental screenings for children, where they learned the importance of proper brushing techniques. Both parents and children appreciated this interactive approach to promoting dental health. In addition

May marks Community Action Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the work of Community Action Agencies across the nation. This year, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) was proud to participate and kick off the month by sending over 30 dedicated staff members to Sacramento on May 1st. The event was hosted at the Capitol by California Community Action Partnership Association (CalCAPA) bringing dozens of other community action agencies from across California to advocate

In April, Fresno EOC Head Start 0 to 5 staff took a trip to Portland, Oregon, with over 20 team members attending the National Head Start Association Conference. The conference was a week of learning, fun and activities with hundreds of peers from Head Start programs nationwide. The conference provided an enriching experience for the team, offering opportunities to hear from keynote speakers, participate in panel discussions, and network with fellow Head Start advocates. It was

Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission School of Unlimited Learning celebrated 25 years of changing student’s lives. On April 5, 2024, students, staff, and leaders gathered to honor this milestone for the Downtown Fresno School. SOUL was established in 1998 by Fresno Unified, making it the longest-running charter school in Fresno County. The school was also recognized with a proclamation from the City of Fresno designating April 5th as SOUL Learning Day. One student, even recited a