Captain Juan Oregel was at first reluctant. The steady director of the Salvation Army who oversees both the Stockton and Tracy Shelter Facilities was unsure. Melissa De Jesus of Friends Outside, an agency helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully re-enter back to life after jail time, was equally uncertain. And Pat Tirone, the fireball founder of Delta Sculling was tempted but had questions.
But on August 28th, their collective opinion was shared at the United Way of San Joaquin County’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Program (NCBP) graduation where each leader along with 15 other nonprofits talked about their own personal transformation, their agencies shifts towards long term success and the relevance of a program that helped each CEO and Board Chair lift their nonprofits towards a more dynamic and functional future.
All entered into the NCBP, a nine-month journey of both self-discovery and the learning of relevant tools, the importance of culture, strategy and equal governance leading towards sustainable organizations. The graduation was the culmination of late nights, deep discussions, one on one sessions with faculty and nonprofit executives whose own experiences aligned with the NCBP class-cohort 3. To date, over 55 nonprofits have experienced the intensive tracks required to complete this City of Stockton sponsored and supported effort.
Tina McCarty, Stockton’s Economic Development Director for the City of Stockton who took the reins of the NCBP for the city, highlighted the program as an essential tool for our nonprofits. Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy) stressed that in our current political environment nonprofits do the work that government cannot do. Adding, “and we as a community must invest in our nonprofits.”
While Dean Sarah Sweitzer of the Stanislaus State Stockton Branch campus drove the importance of advocacy by the nonprofits-over and over stating without our nonprofits we will lack a voice for those who are marginalized, for those living in generational poverty and without representation. All three women, powerful in their positions were fervent about the need to build and invest in stronger nonprofits.
The stakes could not be higher. San Joaquin County’s nonprofit sector is an economic and social engine—employing over 21,000 people, generating more than $1 billion annually for the local economy, and serving one in every three households who struggle to meet basic needs. From food insecurity and shelter to health care access, to afterschool programs and arts enrichment, these organizations form the connective tissue of community life. Without them, ERs would overflow, classrooms would lose critical supports, and families would be left without a safety net.
United Way of San Joaquin County has championed this program for more than three years, recognizing that when nonprofits are strong, communities are strong. The graduates of Cohort 3 didn’t just walk away with certificates—they walked away with renewed vision, practical strategies, and the confidence to lead boldly.
And in a county where the nonprofit sector is both an essential lifeline and a major economic driver, that investment pays dividends for everyone. Keenon Krick, CEO of Child Abuse Prevention Council’s perspective defines the value of the program. “The NCBP helped to provide this group of leaders to understand the importance of fiscal management, revenue generation, board development, policy and legislation, and so much more that is required to help this organization thrive on behalf of the communities most vulnerable populations. It truly is a needed resource that will help to yield positive impacts for years to come.”
United Way of San Joaquin County has championed this program for more than three years, recognizing that when nonprofits are strong, communities are strong. The graduates of Cohort 3 didn’t just walk away with certificates—they walked away with renewed vision, practical strategies, and the confidence to lead boldly. And in a county where the nonprofit sector is both an essential lifeline and a major economic driver, that investment pays dividends for everyone. This was repeated.
The message is clear: when you build the capacity of nonprofits, you build the future of San Joaquin County.