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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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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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
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💜 Follow along as we keep building bridges—together.

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Every organization has a mission—but behind that mission is a deeper “why.” In this episode of Bridges We Build, we sit down with Jennielynn Holmes, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northwest California, to explore the values, experiences, and vision that drive her leadership.

Jennielynn shares her journey from growing up in a low-income family to becoming the first in her family to graduate college, and how that shaped her lifelong commitment to uplifting those pushed to the margins. We talk about what it means to lead with compassion, the importance of building bridges between nonprofits, government, and the community.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder: a community is only as strong as those who are struggling the most—and real change happens when we come together to lift each other up.

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

Listen in and be inspired by a conversation about purpose, service, and the kind of leadership that builds a better future for all of us.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
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Content Advisory: This episode includes discussion of substance use, relapse, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care as you listen.

What does it take to turn a shelter into a true community hub—and a stepping stone to stability?

In this episode of Bridges We Build, we talk with Kurt Peterson, Director of Shelter Services at Catholic Charities of Northwest California. Kurt brings decades of experience to his role overseeing programs like Caritas Center and Sam Jones Hall, and in this conversation, he reflects on how deeply human this work really is.

We explore what it means to “meet people where they are,” how trust and consistency help families take their next step, and why collaboration across agencies is essential for long-term change. Kurt also shares what it’s like to walk with people through hard seasons, and how small, daily acts of connection can make a lasting impact.

Because behind every program is a person—and behind every person is a story worth honoring.

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

Listen in for a grounded, compassionate look at how we build bridges—one relationship, one shelter, one next step at a time.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
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What does it really take for a family to rebuild their lives? For Kayla, it started with stability—and the support of a community that saw her potential.

In this episode of Bridges We Build, we hear from Kayla, a courageous mother who spent time at the Caritas Family Center with her children. She shares her journey through homelessness, the turning points that helped her move forward, and how wraparound services, from parenting support to academic help for her child with special needs, set her family up for long-term success.

Joining the conversation are Toni Abraham, Program Manager for Youth & Family Services, and Jazmin Moreno Arreola, Academic Specialist, who both supported Kayla along the way. Together, they reflect on the power of showing up, creating safety, and believing in what’s possible.

This episode is a testament to the real change that happens when we build bridges around families—and walk alongside them with care, consistency, and hope.

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

Listen in and be reminded that everyone deserves the chance to start again—and no one should have to do it alone.

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

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