In this episode of Bridges We Build, we sit down with Jake Stotlemeyer, Program Manager of Food Access & Nutrition, and Frankie Ditlevson, Food Access & Nutrition Education Specialist, to talk about the growing reality of food insecurity across Northwest California—and the powerful sense of community that continues to rise alongside it.

Together, they share what they’re seeing on the ground at local food distributions, the challenges families and seniors are facing, and why access to food is about so much more than groceries alone. From building trust with neighbors to creating spaces where people feel welcomed, seen, and supported, this conversation highlights the human side of food access work.

You’ll hear stories of connection and compassion, along with a deeper look at how Catholic Charities of Northwest California is working to meet urgent needs while helping create pathways toward long-term stability. Because sometimes, a meal is more than a meal—it’s a reminder that no one should have to navigate hardship alone.

At Catholic Charities of Northwest California, we believe care begins with community. This episode is a reflection of what can happen when people come together to support one another with dignity, empathy, and hope.

🎙️ Hosted by Ashley Juricich, Director of Communications at Catholic Charities of Northwest California.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
📌 Subscribe for future episodes
💜 Follow along as we keep building bridges—together.

#BridgesWeBuild #FoodInsecurity #CommunityImpact #CatholicCharities #CCNWC #LoveForAll #FoodAccess #CommunityCare

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In this episode of Bridges We Build, we sit down with Cesar Albequerque, one of Catholic Charities’ DOJ‑accredited immigration representatives. After leaving a career in the corporate world, Cesar embraced nonprofit work with a deep commitment to supporting immigrant families. He shares what led him to this calling, how he navigates the challenges of legal advocacy, and how education, trust, and long-term connection can open doors for families pursuing citizenship.

Through Cesar’s stories and insights, listeners will hear how Know Your Rights outreach, citizenship classes, and legal support are more than services—they’re bridge-building tools. You’ll also learn how Cesar balances compassion and professionalism in a field where the stakes are high and the path forward isn’t always clear.

Whether you’re curious about how immigration legal work is done on the ground, interested in advocacy, or simply want a human face to the systems that affect us all—this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to build new paths to belonging and stability.

🎙️Hosted by Ashley Juricich, Director of Communications, and Javier Hernandez, Communications Coordinator, at Catholic Charities of Northwest California.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
📌 Subscribe for future episodes
💜 Follow along as we keep building bridges—together.

#BridgesWeBuild #CatholicCharities #CCNWC #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #LoveForAll

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From writing grant proposals to tracking outcomes, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to keep nonprofit programs running—and growing. In this episode, we talk with LaSette Wellen, Director of Public Funding at Catholic Charities of Northwest California, about what it takes to secure funding, build trust with partners, and keep programs strong. It’s a look at the backbone work that helps us serve thousands of people each year—and how storytelling, data, and mission alignment come together to build bridges between funders and community.

🎙️Hosted by Ashley Juricich, Director of Communications at Catholic Charities of Northwest California.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
📌 Subscribe for future episodes
💜 Follow along as we keep building bridges—together.

#BridgesWeBuild #CatholicCharities #CCNWC #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #LoveForAll

Support the show