The Buck Institute for Research on Aging Finds First Actionable Clock That Predicts Immunological Health and Chronic Diseases of Aging

Researchers from the Buck Institute and Stanford University have created an inflammatory clock of aging (iAge) which measures inflammatory load and predicts multi-morbidity, frailty, immune health, cardiovascular aging and is also associated with exceptional longevity in centenarians. Utilizing deep learning, a form of AI, in studies of the blood immunome of 1001 people, researchers also identified a modifiable chemokine associated with cardiac aging which can be used for early detection of age-related pathology and provides a target for interventions. Results are published in Nature Aging.

“Standard immune metrics which can be used to identify individuals most at risk for developing single or even multiple chronic diseases of aging have been sorely lacking,” said David Furman, PhD, Buck Institute Associate Professor,  Director of the 1001 Immunomes Project at Stanford University School of Medicine and senior author of the study.  “Bringing biology to our completely unbiased approach allowed us to identify a number of metrics, including a small immune protein which is involved in age-related systemic chronic inflammation and cardiac aging. We now have means of detecting dysfunction and a pathway to intervention before full-blown pathology occurs.”

According to first author Nazish Sayed, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at Stanford Medicine, the study identified the soluble chemokine CXCL9 as the strongest contributor to iAge. Furman described it as a small immune protein that is usually called into action to attract lymphocytes to the site of an infection. “But in this case we showed that CXCL9 upregulates multiple genes implicated in inflammation and is involved in cellular senescence, vascular aging and adverse cardiac remodeling” adding that silencing CXCL9 reversed loss of function in aging endothelial cells in both humans and mice.  

Larger implications for iAge

Results from the initial analysis (which also included information from comprehensive clinical health assessments of 902 individuals) were validated in an independent cohort of centenarians and all-cause mortality in the Framingham Heart Study.  Furman says when it comes to health and longevity, the “age” of one’s immune system most certainly trumps the chronological information that can be derived from a driver’s license.  “On average, centenarians have an immune age that is 40 years younger than what is considered ‘normal’ and we have one outlier, a super-healthy 105 year-old man (who lives in Italy) who has the immune system of a 25 year old,” he said.

Study results involving cardiac health were also validated in a separate group of 97 extremely healthy adults (age 25 – 90 years of age) recruited from Palo Alto, California. Furman says researchers found a correlation between CXCL9 and results from pulse wave velocity testing, a measure of vascular stiffness. “These people are all healthy according to all available lab tests and clinical assessments, but by using iAge we were able to predict who is likely to suffer from left ventricular hypertrophy (an enlargement and thickening of the walls of the heart’s main pumping chamber) and vascular dysfunction.”

Furman says the tool can be used to track someone’s risk of developing multiple chronic diseases by assessing the cumulative physiological damage to their immune system. For example, age-related frailty can be predicted by comparing biological immune metrics with information about how long it takes someone to stand up from a chair and walk a certain distance as well as their degree of autonomy and independence. “Using iAge it’s possible to predict seven years in advance who is going to become frail,” he said. “That leaves us lots of room for interventions.”

Highlighting the connection between immune health and aging

In 2013 a group of researchers studying aging identified nine “hallmarks” of the aging process. Age-related immune system dysfunction was not part of the mix. “It’s becoming clear that we have to pay more attention to the immune system with age, given that almost every age-related malady has inflammation as part of its etiology,” said Furman. “If you’re chronically inflamed, you will have genomic instability as well as mitochondrial dysfunction and issues with protein stability. Systemic chronic inflammation triggers telomere attrition, as well as epigenetic alterations. It’s clear that all of these nine hallmarks are, by and large, triggered by having systemic chronic inflammation in your body. I think of inflammation as the 10th hallmark”

https://www.buckinstitute.org/news/first-actionable-clock-that-predicts-immunological-health-and-chronic-diseases-of-aging/

Catholic Charities – Santa Rosa Wins Achievement in Non-Profit Excellence Award

Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 1st Annual Heart of Sonoma County™ Awards. 472 community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, and business members logged into the virtual event on Thursday, June 24th, 2021, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. 126 nominees were recognized in eight award categories, and recipients announced for each award. A total of $35,000 was given back to support the critical work of local nonprofits and volunteers.

“The community came together in a virtual space to show appreciation and gratitude for all the nominees and recipients,” said Linda Jacobs, CEO at CVNL. “With contributions of their time, talent, and treasure, the individuals and organizations nominated for the Heart of Sonoma County Awards demonstrate that Sonoma County is a community of great leaders that do the right thing.”

Comerica Bank was the inaugural event’s Presenting Sponsor. Mike Silva, Market President, North Bay and San Francisco Regions, had this to say: “Comerica Bank is extremely pleased to have a role in recognizing so many nonprofit community partners and the many wonderful people who give their all to serve others. CVNL has been doing this for many years in Marin and Napa counties: today we started a long tradition of recognizing the nonprofit super stars of Sonoma County.”

American AgCredit received the Corporate Community Service Award for their Local Community Impact Program, where employees each volunteered 16 hours and were given $500 to donate to local nonprofits; Next Gen Ag Program, which provided funding and scholarships to youth involved in animal projects or pursuing careers in agricultural; and Food For People Program, which supported nonprofits working to improve food and nutrition security.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Gene Girimonte of Alzheimer’s Association of the North Bay. As a Community Educator, Gene, was able to lead three programs designed for caregivers, presenting at 20 activities to 475 constituents. His passion stems from his own personal experience: he lost his husband of 35 years to Alzheimer’s in 2018.

The Excellence in Board Leadership Award was given to Mary Henderson, Chop’s Teen Club. Mary led the board through the transition to become an independent public charity in 2020 and was instrumental in negotiating a funding plan that resulted in a contribution of $4.5 million dollars. She worked alongside Chop’s Executive Director during the pandemic to keep delivering programs and services, while encouraging other board members and supporting staff.

The Excellence in Innovation Award went to the Humane Society of Sonoma County’s Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC). CVC began as a free clinic to serve the urgent needs during the 2017 fires. A national model, CVC prevents avoidable euthanasia and keeps pets in their homes by providing low to no cost urgent and emergency veterinary care to low-income, marginalized, and at-risk pet companions.

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award recipients included: Tanna Curtis, County of Sonoma Public Law Library and Ceres Community Project, for assisting patrons in utilizing the law library, helping them find resources, and supporting them with legal issues. At Ceres Community Project she helped deliver nutritious food to those in need and wrote encouragement cards; Benjamin Eisley, Boy Scouts of America Troop 135, for helping his troop “go virtual,” planning and coordinating construction of an outdoor classroom at Northwest Prep, planning socially distanced hikes, and raising funds to support troop activities; June Scafani, McDonald Ranch, for her work as camp counselor, supporting the equestrian trainer, and playing a significant role in the Educational Support Program to serve a cohort of 14 children; Cassidy Dorr, Ceres Community Project, who, despite being displaced in October as a result of the fires, became a teen leader in the kitchen and garden preparing meals for 200+ people and harvesting and planting crops; and Flor Castañeda, The Pad Project, for helping to end menstrual stigma and empowering women by organizing a fundraising event with the support of local businesses. Funds raised went towards installation of low cost “pad machines” that are easy to operate, use locally sourced natural resources, and require minimal electricity.

Alan Silow, President and CEO of Santa Rosa Symphony, was awarded the Excellence in Leadership Award for rejuvenating a capital fundraising campaign that raised 145 million dollars, diversifying programming, increasing their endowment from $1.5M to $16.5M, expanding educational outreach to 30,000 enabling inclusion for underserved students, providing access to in-school music programs, overseeing the Youth Orchestra’s first-ever international concert tours, and launching an innovative virtual concert series during the pandemic.

The Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award was presented to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa for providing direct services helping people find housing, achieve financial stability, and become citizens. Last year they placed 864 people in permanent housing; renewed the DACA status of 620 Dreamers; helped 454 people become naturalized citizens; enabled 186 seniors to maintain their independence at home; helped 1,789 people grow their income; and served 415,000 meals. They are driving force behind Caritas Village, a comprehensive housing development in downtown Santa Rosa, responded to twice as many calls for food and rental assistance, and distributed over $1M in client assistance.

William “Willie” Tamayo received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Willie has contributed his time and leadership skills serving on over ten boards, and his philanthropic contributions include multiple nonprofits. He has leveraged his background, knowledge, skills, relationships, and resources to support initiatives and organizations that promote learning, skill building, and confidence to disadvantaged youth and the Latinx community such as Social Advocates for Youth and Guy Fieri’s Cooking for Kids Foundation. He helped create the Elsie Allen High School Foundation, building strong relationships between the school and the community. Since 2014, the Foundation has awarded $430,000 in scholarships to students attending vocational schools and colleges. Willie spearheaded the Compact for Success Program, creating partnerships between Elsie Allen, its “feeder school,” Lawrence Cook Middle, and Sonoma State. This program increases access to higher education for low-income students by getting them on the college track starting in middle school. By increasing access and reducing barriers to education and career opportunities, Willie has helped countless youth over the decades realize their dreams of higher education, good jobs, and fulfilling careers.

All recipients were presented with certificates of recognition from Senator Bill Dodd, Senator Mike McGuire, Congressman Jared Huffman, Congressman Mike Thompson, Assemblymember Marc Levine, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar Curry, Assemblymember Jim Wood, and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Additionally, winners (except Corporate Community Service) received an award of $5,000 for their nonprofits. The five Youth Volunteers of the Year received $1,000 each.

The Awards were sponsored and presented by CVNL (Corporate Community Service); Exchange Bank (Volunteer of the Year); CVNL (Excellence in Board Leadership); Kaiser Permanente, Marin Sonoma (Excellence in Innovation); Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund (Youth Volunteer of the Year); Medtronic (Excellence in Leadership); Community Foundation Sonoma County (Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence); and Redwood Credit Union (Lifetime Achievement).

“In the 28 years CVNL has produced these events, we’ve been able to award hundreds of thousands of dollars to dozens of nonprofits,” said Jacobs. “CVNL is a resource, connection, and voice for the nonprofit community and the challenges we face, and has offices in Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma County. We stand united with our nonprofit stakeholders ready to support them into 2021 and beyond.”

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About CVNL: For over 50 years, CVNL has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. Passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with aspiring and established leaders and volunteers every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. Together we offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers including training, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer services, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin™, Heart of Napa™, and Heart of Sonoma County™ events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include the Sonoma Human Race, Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, and Volunteer Wheels. We provide disaster preparedness training and serve as an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC), overseeing spontaneous volunteers and donations for Napa, Marin, Solano, and Sonoma Counties in the aftermath of a disaster. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders and volunteers, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy communities. Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.

Press Release: Recipients Announced for the 1st Annual Heart of Sonoma County™ Awards

Sonoma County Tourism Nominated by United Airlines and USA Today

United Airlines Hemispheres Readers’ Choice Awards

Sonoma County has been nominated for Best American Wine Region in Hemispheres magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards. We hope you will help spread the word and encourage voting, which remains open through July 10. Voting is limited to one ballot per person, and the results will be announced in the magazine’s September issue.

Sonoma County was runner up in last year’s poll (losing the top spot to our eastern neighbor), so let’s gather the troops and try to take the crown as the Best American Wine Region! Vote here.

USA Today’s 2021 10Best Reader’s Choice Travel Awards

USA Today asked a panel of wine industry experts to pick their favorite North American wine regions, and we’re happy to report both the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley made the nomination list. Vote for your favorite out of this pool of 20 nominees once per day until voting ends on Monday, August 2 at 9 a.m. You can read the official Readers’ Choice rules here, and vote here.

Sonoma County Tourism Announces New River Shuttle Launches This Weekend

Sonoma County Regional Parks has announced the launch of a new weekend shuttle service between Santa Rosa and Russian River Beaches, starting this Saturday and continuing every weekend through Labor Day. The River Shuttle is operated by C3 Transportation, and features three new, 39-seat, ADA-accessible, low-emission vans. The shuttles will adhere to all required COVID safety protocols.

Shuttles run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving every 30 minutes from Tom Schopflin Fields on Old Redwood Highway in Santa Rosa and traveling to Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville.

Round-trip tickets are $5 and can be purchased through C3 Transportation’s online ticketing system at russianrivershuttle.mytrakk.com. Passengers can hop on and off at either beach. For more information on the Regional Parks River Shuttle and route maps, click here.

Materials Availability, Drought Concerns Challenge California North Coast Housing Projects

Though the cost of materials to frame houses and build cabinets appears poised to fall considerably, longtime North Bay homebuilder Keith Christopherson has yet to see it.

“Lumber mills and distributors were ordering early on and buying at higher prices, so (the decreases) have not translated down to the builder yet,” Christopherson said. Santa Rosa-based Christopherson Builders has over two dozen single-family home projects in the pipeline for the next 12 months, mostly rebuilds from the 2020 North Bay wildfires in Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties.

The futures price on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for September deliveries closed at $763.80 per thousand linear board feet at the close of trading Thursday. That’s up 3.6% on the day but down 54% from the peak of $1,686 in early May and down 40% just in June.

And it’s not just the lumber. Windows and other items have to be ordered up front. That not only creates project cash-flow challenges but also logistics loggerheads.

“If you’re on a city lot, there’s often no place to stockpile it,” Christopherson said.

In previous business cycles, the homebuilder had tried various ways to stockpile materials for jobs, such as renting local warehouses or storing materials in shipping containers. However, client last-minute changes would leave the company stuck with what was already purchased, and break-ins of materials containers was a problem.

So ordering items but keeping them with suppliers or subcontractors has been one solution, but those companies have their own challenges.

“Lumber right now is on a five-day hold,” Christopherson said. “When we go to start a house, they deliver (lumber for) the whole house, and we pay for it all up front. It’s the same with the trusses.”

Materials availability was a key factor in the time frame for projecting when work could resume on the 48-unit Napa Creek Village complex and how long it would take to finish.

“I’ve been doing this for 40 some odd years, and this is one of the toughest markets I’ve seen,” said Bill Wilhelm, president of R.D. Olson Construction.

Before work began again, general contractor R.D. Olson Construction spent three weeks taking stock of what had been built and what materials were available to complete the project in the current environment of skyrocketing prices and long delivery times, according to President Bill Wilhelm. In addition to lumber price inflation, the time frame for delivery of vinyl-covered-frame windows has swelled from two to six weeks to 22 to 24 weeks in some cases.

Impact of drought on homebuilding

So far, North Bay governments in the severe drought areas haven’t moved to limit new housing because of water supply concerns. But that could change soon.

Marin Municipal Water District’s board has been debating for the past month whether to implement a moratorium on new water connections and extensions during the drought, according to the Marin Independent Journal. The district last halted new hookups from 1973-1978 and 1989-1993, which included drought years.

District staff have proposed that suspending these new taps on the 191,000-customer water system would save 20 to 60 acre-feet annually but would amount to less than one-thousandth of yearly demand, the publication reported. By comparison, other water restrictions the district board did adopt — such as limits on irrigation use — are projected to save a quarter of district water demand.

The district board is considering information presented at its June meetings before returning to the issue, according to spokesperson Jeanne Mariani-Belding. No date for that has been determined so far.

A coalition of local business groups wrote a letter to the board opposing the moratorium, arguing that it would hurt efforts to create more housing and wouldn’t be as effective as other mitigation efforts.

“Many recall the moratorium of the 1970s as being incredibly disruptive and costly to many segments of our lives and our economy. Not just development was halted but businesses and retailers were prevented from opening or moving, homeowners could not remodel, and municipal planning was totally disrupted. That moratorium had a major impact on jobs, housing and economic vitality,” said the May 28 letter from Keep Marin Working, made up of North Bay Leadership Council, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, Latino Council, Marin Realtors, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Marin County, Marin Builders Association and Marin Small Business Development Center.

“The county of Marin has offered incentives to waive (housing) permitting fees, and then the Marin water district has proposed a moratorium on new housing. That’s an interesting dichotomy,” said Rick Wells, president of Marin Builders Association. “We are experiencing a housing shortage in Marin County. We need more workforce housing.”

Materials availability, drought concerns challenge California North Coast h

BPM Welcomes Gumbiner Savett, Expands Presence in Southern California

BPM LLP, one of the 50 largest public accounting and advisory firms in the country, and Gumbiner Savett Inc., a full-service accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Santa Monica, today announced that the businesses will combine, effective July 1, 2021. Existing Gumbiner Savett clients will benefit from access to BPM’s global reach and the variety and depth of knowledge manifested by its growing base of 800-plus professionals.

The announcement comes on the heels of a slew of recent expansions for BPM. 2020 saw combinations with Irvine-based Warnick, Maestras & Maroney (WMM) Accountancy Corporation as well as Long Beach-based full-service CPA firm Rossi LLP. The combination with Gumbiner Savett further expands BPM’s reach in Southern California with a new office in a significant Los Angeles metro area.

“Gumbiner Savett is an established, respected member of the Los Angeles County’s business community whose mission and values mirror our own,” said Jim Wallace, BPM’s Chief Executive Officer. “This strategic business combination strengthens our competitiveness in the marketplace and will be a key driver of growth for our firm as we expand in Southern California. We look forward to achieving new heights of opportunity for both our clients and colleagues under our newly combined firm.”

Gumbiner Savett’s Santa Monica office will be rebranded under the BPM name, joining the list of the Firm’s existing locations across California as well in Eugene, Oregon, and Bellevue, Washington.

“This combination with BPM will allow us to serve our clients even better through enhanced resources and capabilities, including many new specialty services,” said Rick Parent, Managing Director of Gumbiner Savett. “We are excited to share this news with our clients and continue to find new ways to support and grow their businesses.”

Earlier this year, BPM was recognized as a 2021 Best of Accounting award winner for the sixth year in a row based on client service excellence and was also listed in Forbes’ “Best Tax and Accounting Firms” for the second consecutive year. Most recently, BPM was named as one of Accounting Today’s “Fastest Growing Firms in the U.S.” and among the top firms on the West Coast.

About BPM
Founded in 1986, BPM is one of the 50 largest public accounting and advisory firms in the country. With more than 800 professionals along the West Coast—as well as an office in Bengaluru—the Firm offers a cross-functional team approach that gives clients direct access to the best and most qualified resources. To learn more, visit the BPM website.

https://www.bpmcpa.com/News-Events/211402/BPM-Welcomes-Gumbiner-Savett-Expands-Presence-in-Southern-California

Dominican’s Master of Science (MS) in Biological Sciences is an Advanced, Research-Intensive Program Designed to Train Students Primarily for Successful Scientific Careers Focused on Biomedicine

Through advanced coursework, interdisciplinary research and experiential learning, this program trains tomorrow’s leading-edge scientists in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, environmental sciences, biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, protein interaction networks, and bioinformatics.

Students in the Master of Biological Sciences program have the opportunity to immerse themselves in thesis-driven individualized research in their area of interest.

Program Highlights

  • Opportunities to conduct and present your research, gaining valuable skills as a future scientist.
  • Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in PhD, MD, or pharmacy programs.
  • Internship opportunities with the Buck Institute, BioMarin, and the SENS Research Foundation (SRF)
Application Deadlines Tuition Rate Per Unit Number of Units Format and Length
Fall: July 1*
Spring: December 1

*Priority deadline is April 1. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and research spots are limited.

 $1,110

View Tuition and Financial Aid Information for details.

 36 Units Hybrid
(online and in-person)24-36 Months
Contact Us. Reach out to an Admissions counselor by phone (415) 485-3280,  email allyse.rudolph@dominican.edu, or register for a counseling appointment.

https://www.dominican.edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-science-biological-sciences-ms

Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute Launches New Inclusion Effort

Sonoma State University on Tuesday said it is launching an inclusion program as part of its Wine Business Institute to help further diversify a sector that is largely white.

The institute, which is part of the School of Business and Economics, has been able to start its Inclusive Excellence Program thanks to almost $1 million in funding from local wine companies.

“This is a holistic approach,” said Ray Johnson, executive director of the Wine Business Institute. The university has previously worked with the industry to fund scholarships for those from underrepresented backgrounds, but the new effort will also emphasize internships and mentoring programs to help such students be able to reach executive-level careers within the wine industry.

“These students will then have a greater platform from which to launch the next step in their career,” Johnson said of the effort.

The outreach comes as the sector has been under increased scrutiny in the aftermath of last year’s Black Lives Matter protests to increase diversity. SSU has worked with the Association of African American Vintners in the recent effort, including funding scholarships for two students for the fall semester, said Lou Garcia, owner of the Stover Oaks wine brand and vice president of AAAV. One recipient is an African-American woman and the other is Chinese-American woman, Garcia said.

“They are going to need a lot more than a scholarship. They are going to need support to get in the industry and to stay in there and to learn. That’s going to be the key. There are enough folks out there of color and other folks who want to help,” Garcia said.

The funding for the new effort comes from such sources as the Foley Family Charitable Foundation, Kistler Vineyards, Charles Woodson Intercept Wines, and O’Neill Vintners & Distillers.

“Fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and diverse industry is vital to the health and sustainability of our communities and businesses, and we are pleased to play a role in creating brighter opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders,” said Courtney Foley, second-generation vintner for Chalk Hill Winery, in a statement.

Diversity statistics are rare in the wine industry, though fewer than 1% of U.S. wineries are owned by African Americans. Most, like Garcia, got into the sector after success in other businesses. Anisya Fritz of Lynmar Estate in Sebastopol is working with the Wine Business Institute in conducting a survey of diversity of inclusion within the Sonoma County wine industry, Johnson said.“We can get to some of those numbers … and have a better understanding,” he said of the survey.

The changes over the past 18 months with outreach and highlighting diversity within the wine community have been noticeable, said Andrea Smalling, vice president of marketing and sales at WineDirect, a direct-to-consumer business for wineries based in American Canyon. Smalling, who is Black, has worked in the sector since the mid-1990s, including at Constellation Brands and Treasury Wine Estates. She spent seven years as chief marketing officer with Foley Family Wines.

“I’ve seen massive changes,” Smalling said. “I started in the wine industry in 1994 … it wasn’t like I wasn’t welcome. It wasn’t a negative thing. But it wasn’t until the last 18 months that I saw this groundswell.”

Such changes include the appointment of Carlton McCoy as chief executive officer at the fabled Heitz Cellar in the Napa Valley, making him one of the rare Black heads of a North Coast winery that his family does not own. There also have been efforts by E. & J. Gallo Winery, the country’s largest wine company, to publicly highlight its diverse workforce.

“Everyone is looking for opportunities to add diversity and that is just great,” Smalling said.

Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute launches new inclusion effort

Becoming Independent Expanding Workforce Development to Help Bridge Employment Gap in Sonoma County

Becoming Independent (BI), the Santa Rosa-based nonprofit social impact organization that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is set to expand workforce training and development in the North Bay.

Becoming Independent’s Program Headquarters will be a 24,000sf training ground for workforce development in the hospitality, food, administrative, manufacturing, and agriculture industries and will provide vocational training in a professional environment that mirrors real-world employment. The space will include a commercial kitchen that will allow BI clients with an expressed interest in the hospitality
and food industry the opportunity to train using restaurant-quality equipment. For those interested in obtaining industry specific certifications, assistance will be provided. A 10,000sf flexible indoor/outdoor event space will be available for the community to rent, and BI clients who are entering the hospitality industry will be available for staffing at market wages.

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have always been eager to receive training, support, and most importantly, gainful employment. We’re excited to expand our workforce development program, and as a result, help to fill the workforce gap that our local industries are currently experiencing across a broad spectrum of services.” says Luana Vaetoe, Becoming Independent’s Chief Executive
Officer.

Danny Nooris, Executive Chef at Oakmont of Villa Capri shared “It has been a great benefit employing a BI client. Garrett has been a tremendous and positive asset in the department. He comes to work positive, full of energy, and always willing to help the team. The BI support staff have been a great help with guiding Garrett to fulfill his highest potential in the work that he does. The qualifications that we are looking for in a potential employee are developed through the BI program and it has been beneficial for our department. I would recommend BI clients to anyone looking to fill any employment gaps in any number of job fields and markets.”

Becoming Independent is currently providing services to over 600 individuals in the North Bay; one third of whom are receiving job training and employment support at employer sites as well as at BI, with many more interested in joining Sonoma County’s workforce. Long standing partners currently employing BI clients include Morton & Bassett Spices, Mary’s Pizza Shack, Villa Capri, Keysight Technologies, Oliver’s Market and Wildman Farms. With the redevelopment of their Program Headquarters, Becoming Independent will be primed and ready to provide job opportunities for more clients and the community. In addition to workforce development, wraparound support will be offered to all BI clients, helping to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are housed, educated, and their mental and
behavioral health is supported in an accredited environment that is centered on individualized growth and opportunities.

About Becoming Independent
Becoming Independent is one of the North Bay’s strongest nonprofit organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Established more than 50 years ago by a group of parents determined to create an alternative to institutionalization for their adult children with IDD, BI helps people live meaningful and productive lives as engaged and productive members of their community.

Becoming Independent Expanding Workforce Development to Help Bridge Employment Gap in Sonoma County

Becoming Independent (BI), the Santa Rosa-based nonprofit social impact organization that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is set to expand workforce training and development in the North Bay.

Becoming Independent’s Program Headquarters will be a 24,000sf training ground for workforce development in the hospitality, food, administrative, manufacturing, and agriculture industries and will provide vocational training in a professional environment that mirrors real-world employment. The space will include a commercial kitchen that will allow BI clients with an expressed interest in the hospitality and food industry the opportunity to train using restaurant-quality equipment. For those interested in obtaining industry specific certifications, assistance will be provided. A 10,000sf flexible indoor/outdoor event space will be available for the community to rent, and BI clients who are entering the hospitality industry will be available for staffing at market wages.

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have always been eager to receive training, support, and most importantly, gainful employment. We’re excited to expand our workforce development program, and as a result, help to fill the workforce gap that our local industries are currently experiencing across a broad spectrum of services.” says Luana Vaetoe, Becoming Independent’s Chief Executive Officer.

Danny Nooris, Executive Chef at Oakmont of Villa Capri shared “It has been a great benefit employing a BI client. Garrett has been a tremendous and positive asset in the department. He comes to work positive, full of energy, and always willing to help the team. The BI support staff have been a great help with guiding Garrett to fulfill his highest potential in the work that he does. The qualifications that we are looking for in a potential employee are developed through the BI program and it has been beneficial for our department. I would recommend BI clients to anyone looking to fill any employment gaps in any number of job fields and markets.”

Becoming Independent is currently providing services to over 600 individuals in the North Bay; one third of whom are receiving job training and employment support at employer sites as well as at BI, with many more interested in joining Sonoma County’s workforce. Long standing partners currently employing BI clients include Morton & Bassett Spices, Mary’s Pizza Shack, Villa Capri, Keysight Technologies, Oliver’s Market and Wildman Farms. With the redevelopment of their Program Headquarters, Becoming Independent will be primed and ready to provide additional job opportunities for more clients and the community.

About Becoming Independent
Becoming Independent is one of the North Bay’s strongest nonprofit organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Established more than 50 years ago by a group of parents determined to create an alternative to institutionalization for their adult children with IDD, BI helps people live meaningful and productive lives as engaged and productive members of their community.