A Chula Vista resident was among two San Diego residents who were recognized by Molina Healthcare of California and received a $5,000 grant to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
Sebastian Martinez of Chula Vista, Monica Rocha of San Diego, and Jerry Troyer of La Mesa were recognized for their dedication to addressing social determinants of health through the MolinaCares Community Champions program.
“The MolinaCares Community Champions award is an important way to recognize people who are making a difference in the health and well-being of communities in need throughout the San Diego area,” said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California.
Martinez is the executive director at Community Through Hope, where he donated many hours to serving unsheltered individuals in the South Bay community. According to Molina Healthcare of California, Martinez selected Community Through Hope as the grant recipient.
At Community Through Hope, Martinez spearheaded many community projects and events, including those addressing medical and hygienic needs, as well as events providing free showers. As executive director at Community Through Hope, he empowers young people who want to make a difference in the world but lack the confidence to do so.
Rocha, along with 35 residents, founded Latinos y Latinas en Acción, which has helped more than 1,600 residents become United States citizens. Her organization sprouted from a passion for serving the community, including her City Heights neighborhood. She selected Latinos y Latinas en Acción as the grant recipient.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Rocha hosted several mental health workshops with topics ranging from grief, anxiety, depression, and how to navigate the pandemic. She has been recognized by former President Barack Obama in 2008 for her lifetime leadership and volunteer services.
Troyer has dedicated much of his life to serving his community in La Mesa. He joined the board of a homeless youth organization and volunteered more than 2,000 hours to address the needs of at-risk youth, connecting them to essential supplies, housing, and other services. He selected Urban Street Angels as the grant recipient.
