Community In Focus

In this episode of Community in Focus we sit down with James Alkhass, a barber and dedicated parishioner at St. Matthew’s. Born in Kuwait, James reflects on his early years as an altar boy, his family’s immigration journey to Michigan, and the experiences that shaped him as they settled in California. He shares how his faith, family, and community have guided his path and how he now gives back through both his profession and his pa...

In this episode of Community In Focus, Mayor John Dutrey of Montclair shares his personal journey of growing up in the city he now leads. From his early years in Montclair to his path into public service, Mayor Dutrey reflects on the experiences that shaped his commitment to community. He discusses his passion for serving others, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and his vision for Montclair’s future. This heartfelt convers...

This week on Community in Focus we sit down with one of our board members and the principal of Notre Dame High School in Riverside. He shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Corona, studying at Cal State San Bernardino, entering the priesthood, and now leading with heart as a school principal. Along the way, he speaks to the importance of forgiveness and how it shapes his approach to education and leadership. His story is ...

In this episode, we sit down with Mario Saucedo, Mayor of Redlands and a proud third-generation Redlander. Mario shares his deep family roots in the city, their legacy of service through the military and the church, and how his mother instilled in him the value of hard work from a young age. He also discusses his vision for Redlands, including his ongoing efforts to beautify the city and create a stronger, more connected community....

In this inspiring episode of Community in Focus, Catholic Charities COO Jesse Gonzalez shares his powerful story of resilience, leadership, and service. Growing up in San Bernardino, Jesse found purpose and discipline on the high school football field. But it was the support of mentors, family, and a deep desire to give back that pushed him to pursue higher education and rise through the ranks of nonprofit leadership. Now serving a...

In this inspiring episode of Community in Focus, we sit down with Mayor Helen Tran of San Bernardino for an intimate look at her journey from growing up in a working-class neighborhood in San Diego to becoming the first Asian American mayor of San Bernardino. Mayor Tran shares how her early experiences shaped her resilience, how getting involved in political campaigns during high school sparked her passion for public service, and h...

In this episode of Community in Focus, we talk with Mathean Parentela, Hunger Relief Coordinator at Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties. As a first-generation American, Mathean shares her story of growing up in an immigrant household, pursuing her education, and finding a calling in service to others. Her personal experiences have shaped a deep commitment to fighting food insecurity and supporting families in...

• In this episode of Community in Focus, we sit down with Catholic Charities board member Dr. Tim Jenkins. He shares his inspiring journey growing up in Tennessee, his path to Harvard, and what led him to pursue a career in medicine. Dr. Jenkins reflects on the values that shaped him, the importance of giving back, and why he’s passionate about supporting underserved communities through his work and ...

In this episode of Community in Focus, Catholic Charities CEO Tim Ney sits down with Agustin Avantes, our dedicated Program Director, to share his inspiring journey. Born in Mexico, Agustin immigrated to the United States as a child, navigating the challenges of a new country while embracing the opportunities ahead. Through hard work and determination, he became a U.S. citizen and dedicated his career to serving others. Now, as a l...

In the first episode of Community in Focus, CEO Tim Ney sits down with board member Don Averill to explore his journey from growing up on a farm in California to becoming a dedicated advocate for education and community service. Don shares insights into his early life, the values instilled in him through hard work, his education and career path, and what led him to support Catholic Charities. His passion for service and belief in t...