Our Stories

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

In rural areas like Mendota, accessing transportation to urban centers like Fresno can pose significant challenges for residents seeking employment and community resources. Recognizing this need, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission ( Fresno EOC) took proactive steps to bring essential resources directly to Mendota through a Resource and Job Fair. Hosted at the AMOR Wellness Center in Mendota, the event provided an invaluable opportunity for local residents to explore job openings, engage with job recruiters, and

Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) has successfully concluded its 2024 Community Needs Assessment, receiving over 3,500 surveys this year. The invaluable feedback received during this assessment period will play a crucial role in shaping the agency’s initiatives to better serve the community. The primary objective of the 2024 Needs Assessment was to identify the existing strengths, needs, and innovative ideas for future services within the community. Building upon the insights gathered from previous assessments,