Organization Serving Imperial Valley Special Needs Community Receives Statewide Award
(Sacramento, CA) — On Wednesday, June 7, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) proudly recognized Best S.T.E.P. Forward of Imperial Valley as his district’s Nonprofit of the Year honoree. CEO/Founder Jacqueline Riddell traveled to Sacramento to receive the award at the capitol.
“We are honored to be recognized as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for the 36th District,” said Jacqueline Riddell, CEO/Founder of Best S.T.E.P. Forward. “Beyond thankful to our Assemblyman, Eduardo Garcia, for allowing us an opportunity to share our passion at this level of platform. The opportunity to shine a light on the community we are dedicated to and love deeply is forever appreciated. The resiliency of Imperial County and its amazing individuals is truly one of a kind, and we are proudly here representing.”
Best STEP Forward, a nonprofit serving the Imperial Valley area, is dedicated to providing an inclusive, neurodiverse environment where children with disabilities can learn and thrive. S.T.E.P. stands for Sports, Theatre, Expression, and Perseverance. The organization hosts various events for families and youth throughout the year that incorporate sports and artistic expression.
“Best S.T.E.P. Forward fills a vital need in our community. We are honored to recognize the organization’s strides to create inclusive opportunities for our Imperial Valley special needs community,” commended Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. “Best S.T.E.P Forward’s work has sparked dynamic energy in our community, and seeing their mission grow to support more youth is incredible.”
Every year, California Legislators have the opportunity to recognize exemplary nonprofits from their district. The California Nonprofits Day award luncheon is co-sponsored by the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, the newly formed Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, and the California Association of Nonprofits. The event honored 113 nonprofit organizations from across the state. This annual tradition recognizes the important contributions of local nonprofits.
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Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy, the Assembly Select Committee on California’s Lithium Economy, and the Assembly Select Committee on California Mexico Binational Affairs. He proudly represents California’s 36th Assembly District, which comprises of Imperial County and cities and communities in Riverside County and San Bernardino County.
