Living in the Bay Area, many might associate the East Bay solely with cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and a few other bustling urban hubs. However, its geography extends far beyond that. The Tri-Valley, for instance, is a gem within the East Bay region, offering rolling hills, a Mediterranean climate, and a thriving business community. It’s also where Fremont Bank and its Foundation, focused on providing philanthropic assistance to nonprofits, have seen great momentum lately in a region.
As you drive along the I-580 corridor, you cruise through Livermore, Amador, or San Ramon valleys, and you might take note of the surrounding mountains, state and regional parks and mild temperatures. Despite all the beauty, towns like Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton encounter the same problems other cities experience – housing challenges, food insecurity, and healthcare access hindrances.
In mid-March, the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance, a collaborative organization aimed at strengthening nonprofits, hosted “In Conversation with Tri-Valley Mayors” to discuss how to develop stronger partnerships between local governments and nonprofit organizations, while addressing the topics mentioned above as well as economic uncertainty, underserved populations, sustainability, and workforce equity.
Working together
“The Tri-Valley is a robust and desirable locale, but its residents aren’t immune to the struggles others face,” said Brian Hughes, Executive Vice President at Fremont Bank and President/Executive Director at Fremont Bank Foundation. “Over the years, we’ve witnessed how the Tri-Valley economy shifts, and we’ve really listened to our community partners to learn about what they need to continue to thrive financially.”
Case in point: Livermore’s Tri-Valley Haven, a nearly 50-year-old organization that helps adults and children who are dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, or homelessness in the Tri-Valley. The 2024 nonprofit of the year is rebuilding its Domestic Violence Safety Shelter, which has a hefty price tag. The Foundation was able to contribute $150,000 toward the structure’s construction, and it also helped out with its latest holiday campaign, enabling Tri-Valley Haven to serve more than 3,100 Tri-Valley individuals during its annual holiday program.
Elsewhere in Livermore, Axis Community Health’s state-of-the-art medical facility, known as the Second Street Clinic, recently opened with help from the Foundation’s $100,000 grant. The completely refurbished and redesigned structure at 1686 2nd Street is now a one-stop option for accessible healthcare, dental, behavioral health, and primary care services. Since 1972, the nonprofit has been providing comprehensive healthcare services to more than 15,000 individuals of all ages in the Tri-Valley area.
“We are indeed thrilled about the new clinic and what it means for the clients and communities we serve,” said Liz Perez-Howe, CEO, Axis Community Health. “The generous support from Fremont Bank Foundation played a significant role in making this project a reality, and we are deeply grateful.”
Open Heart Kitchen opens doors
Another big campaign that the Foundation took part in is Open Heart Kitchen's new food distribution center. The Foundation’s $200,000 donation went toward building a redistribution center for Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore, providing support to local food pantries with fresh produce and grocery items.
Previously, the Foundation also contributed $250,000 to its Vineyard Resource Center, which has a main kitchen and offers people a hot meal program and nightly shelter. Additionally, the Foundation has donated to Open Heart Kitchen’s holiday meal program over the years to help offset some of its costs and reach more Tri-Valley residents. Open Heart Kitchen works to serve individuals and families battling food insecurity and hunger through its various Tri-Valley locations.
Partnerships in action
The bank’s and Foundation’s reach spreads into other parts of the Tri-Valley, too. The group has supported:
- Bankhead Theater
- Valley Humane Society
- SPARC Theater
- Children’s Emergency Food Bank
- Tri-Valley REACH
- Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
- Tri-Valley Conservancy
Fremont Bank’s and the Foundation’s commitment to Tri-Valley residents and nonprofits is sure to continue well into the foreseeable future.
“Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to survive, succeed, and ultimately flourish,” said Julie Moore, Director, Corporate Philanthropy, Fremont Bank. “When we support our Tri-Valley nonprofits, we continue to work together toward creating happier, healthier communities across Danville, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and other locations where many of our associates and clients live.”
