Press Release

Senator Henry Stern Celebrates Local Non-Profit Committed to Building Bridges through Education

SACRAMENTO, CA –Today Senator Henry Stern honored the Conejo Schools Foundation (CSF), an organization which supports local education initiatives in the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), at the California Non-Profit of the Year Awards Ceremony held in Sacramento.  The annual awards ceremony honors the contributions of non-profit organizations to the State of California.

“Over the years, the Conejo Schools Foundation has spearheaded initiatives to bring arts and innovation into our classrooms, enabled non-English speaking parents to be involved in their child’s education, and  partnered with the community to strengthen quality educational experiences for all CVUSD students,” remarked Senator Henry Stern upon presenting the award. “CSF is an invaluable partner in helping our schools adapt to the changing needs of our community and I am honored to name them as our 2017 Non-Profit of the Year.”

Local parents, school administrators and community leaders came together to form the Conejo Schools Foundation in 2004 with the mission to create a source of funding for local projects that would not be vulnerable to fluctuations in the State budget. Senator Stern was particularly struck by CSF after attending “De Colores”, a yearly event to assist parents who may not be native English speakers to navigate the school system. CSF uses grants and donations to fund a range of programs such as Bikes for Success, Focus on the Arts, Safety & Wellness and Cash4Conejo Classrooms.

“We’re extremely honored to be recognized by the California Association of Nonprofits,” said Mike Soules, President of Conejo Schools Foundation. “To have someone in our broader region with the experience and stature of Senator Henry Stern recognize the organization’s impact on students and families is truly humbling. Our mission has been, and continues to be creating a community resource that provides support for our local schools and students and we look forward to continue working with Senator Stern and the Conejo Valley community.”

Mike Soules traveled to Sacramento to participate in the ceremony along with CSF’s Executive Director Cindy Goldberg and Program Coordinator Ana Alvarez.

“When it comes to educating our kids, we need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach,” said Stern. “CSF and events like De Colores remove barriers so that parents, schools and teachers can work together to bring the best education possible to our community.”

CSF Program Coordinator Ana Alvarez (left), Executive Director Cindy Goldberg (center-right) and President Mike Soules (right) were presented with a resolution from State Senator Henry Stern (center-left) at the State Capitol on June 28, 2017.

CSF Program Coordinator Ana Alvarez (left), Executive Director Cindy Goldberg (center-right) and President Mike Soules (right) were presented with a resolution from State Senator Henry Stern (center-left) at the State Capitol on June 28, 2017.

# # #

 

Henry Stern is Chair of the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments, and the first millennial elected to the California State Senate. Senator Stern also serves on four additional key committees: Energy, Utilities and Communications, Environmental Quality, Judiciary, and Natural Resources and Water. He represents nearly 1 million residents of the 27th Senate District, which includes Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, part of Santa Clarita and the following Los Angeles communities: Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Encino, Porter Ranch, Reseda, Tarzana, West Hills, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills. http://sd27.senate.ca.gov.