Sierra Community House News
“I have the most amazing mom in the world”: Our Executive Director in Conversation with his Mom on Mother’s Day
Our Executive Director, Paul Bancroft, was born and raised in Tahoe and has worked for Sierra Community House for 17 years. His mom Deena (lovingly known as Moth, Mima, or Mima Deena by her [...]
Law, Mountains, and Community: How Managing Attorney Brian Gonsalves is Making a Difference with Sierra Community House
At Sierra Community House, we’re honored to work alongside incredible individuals who bring their expertise, passion, and dedication to our mission. Today, we’re excited to introduce Brian A Gonsalves, a valued supporter and advocate [...]
Introducing Ricardo Oropeza: Promotor Leading Men’s Engagement at Sierra Community House
At Sierra Community House, we’re proud to support a vibrant Promotora program that helps bridge the gap in access to healthcare, education, and essential resources in North Tahoe and Truckee. Our Promotoras, also known [...]
Welcoming Kurt Heisinger: Strengthening Our Board with Financial Insight and Heart
We are excited to welcome Kurt Heisinger to the Sierra Community House Board of Directors! With a strong background in finance and a passion for community service, Kurt brings valuable expertise to support our [...]
Honoring Judith: Supporting Mental Health and Healing for Survivors
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being, resilience, and support systems—especially for those impacted by trauma. At Sierra Community House, we are proud to highlight Judith, [...]
Celebrating Ana Guerrero’s 10 Year Anniversary, Sierra Community House’s Mediation and Legal Assistance Program Manager!
This May, we proudly celebrate Ana Guerrero’s 10-year anniversary with Sierra Community House! As the Mediation and Legal Assistance Program Manager, Ana has been a guiding force in providing essential legal resources and conflict [...]
Welcoming Our Newest Board Member: Brooke Barnum-Roberts
We are thrilled to welcome Brooke Barnum-Roberts as the newest member of our Board of Directors! With a deep passion for community empowerment and a wealth of experience in ethics and public policy, Brooke [...]
A word with the Director of the Disfluency Film, Anna Baumgarten
The Sexual Assault Awareness Month Commitee at Sierra Community House is hosting a screening of the film Disfluency for Denim Day in Tahoe City, CA at 5pm on April 30, 2025. Our Community Education [...]
Preventing Child Abuse with Peer Support Specialist Beatriz Schaffert
In addition to April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is also Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month. This provides an opportunity for communities nationwide to come together and take action to support strong families, [...]
Celebrating Felicity Beallo’s 10 Year Anniversary, Sierra Community House’s Community Engagement Manager!
This April, we proudly celebrate Felicity Beallo’s 10-year anniversary as our Community Engagement Manager at Sierra Community House! For a decade, Felicity has been the heart and soul of our outreach efforts, fostering deep [...]
Victim Support Advocate Stephanie: A Champion for Survivors During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the impact of sexual violence and support survivors on their healing journey. Sierra Community House is constantly assisting community members with sexual [...]
Our Staff’s Book Recommendations for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to educate, advocate, and support survivors in their healing journey. At Sierra Community House, we are dedicated to fostering a community of safety, resilience, and empowerment. [...]
Celebrating Jim McHugh’s 10 Year Anniversary, Sierra Community House’s Fiscal Director!
This March, we are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone—Jim’s 10-year anniversary at Sierra Community House! For the past decade, Jim has been the backbone of our financial operations, ensuring sustainability, growth, and strategic [...]
A Heartfelt Farewell to Debbie Nicholas: A Pillar of Our Team
After years of dedicated service, Debbie Nicholas, our beloved Administrative Assistant, is retiring. Her contributions to Sierra Community House have been immeasurable, and as she transitions to this new chapter, we want to take [...]
Celebrating Women’s Impact: Miss Irene and Miss Conchita at The Family Room
In honor of Women's History Month, we at Sierra Community House want to shine a spotlight on two remarkable women who make a difference every day in the lives of the families and children [...]
Sierra Community House is Honoring this Black History Month with Learning & Leadership
At Sierra Community House, we are committed to fostering a community rooted in equity, safety, and support for all. From advocating for survivors to empowering youth, we strive to create spaces where every voice [...]
Celebrating Compassion: Katrina Midgley’s Promotion to Grants Manager
At Sierra Community House, compassion is more than just a value—it’s the driving force behind everything we do. This February, as we celebrate kindness and generosity, we’re thrilled to recognize Katrina Midgley, who was [...]
Know Your Rights FAQ
It is important to know that everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, is protected by certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers [...]
A New Year of Connection and Impact: Wishes for 2025
As we step into a brand-new year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on our hopes and dreams for the months ahead. At Sierra Community House, our team is inspired by the opportunity to [...]
Celebrating 10 Year Anniversary with Teresa, Our Deputy Executive Director
This year, we proudly celebrate multiple staff members reaching their 10-year work anniversaries, a testament to their dedication and resilience. These individuals began their journeys with us even before the merger and remain integral [...]
Meet Our New Board Member: Barbara Kane
We are thrilled to welcome Barbara Kane to our board of directors! With a deep passion for fostering equity and empowering the multilingual community, Barbara brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Sierra [...]
Celebrating Community Connections at the Junta Regional de Programas Comunitarios
Last week, Sierra Community House hosted the Junta Regional de Programas Comunitarios en Español at Truckee’s Town Hall, bringing together local organizations and community members to share resources, foster collaboration, and empower our Spanish-speaking [...]
Sierra Community House Holiday Giving Guide
As the holiday season quickly approaches, one way to spread abundance and gratitude is by supporting local organizations working to directly support community members in need. Sierra Community House plays a vital role in [...]
Meet Our New Hunger Relief Manager, Lauren Fisher
At Sierra Community House, we’re fortunate to have passionate leaders driving our mission to serve the community. One of those leaders is our new Hunger Relief Manager, Lauren Fisher. With her dedication and expertise, [...]
Support Our Community with Food and Essential Item Donations!
Our community is stronger when we come together to support one another. Sierra Community House is grateful to collect essential non-perishable foods and household items to help families and individuals facing challenging times. Your donations [...]
Let’s Talk Turkey: Bringing Holiday Meals to Our Community!
As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to launch our “Let’s Talk Turkey” program once again! At Sierra Community House, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a warm, nourishing holiday meal surrounded by [...]
Introducing Danny Renfrow, Sierra Community House’s New Board Member
We’re thrilled to introduce Danny, the newest addition to our board at Sierra Community House! With over 20 years of dedicated service in law enforcement with Truckee PD, Danny brings a wealth of experience, [...]
Celebrating Día de los Muertos: Embracing Hispanic Heritage and Promotoras
Sierra Community House is proud to celebrate Día de los Muertos, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Promotora Month. Día de los Muertos is a vibrant holiday not just honoring those who have passed; it’s also [...]
5 Ways to Offer Support to a Friend in an Unhealthy Relationship
Every October, Sierra Community House observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced [...]
Insights from Erika Razo on Supporting Survivors During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Sierra Community House's Victim Support program is dedicated to serving victims of domestic and sexual violence. Our team works diligently to respond to community members in crisis, providing them with emergency shelter, therapy, legal [...]
September Marks World Hunger Action Month
September is World Hunger Action Month, a time to reflect on the global crisis of hunger and its impact in our community. Hunger is more pervasive than many realize, even in small communities like [...]
How Ryan, Our Hunger Relief Coordinator Transforms Hunger into Hope
In a world where hunger remains a daily struggle for millions, Sierra Community House’s Hunger Relief program is at the forefront of this battle in the North Tahoe and Truckee community. Within the Hunger [...]
Sierra Community House Welcomes Sue Drake to the Board
The Sierra Community House Board of Directors is thrilled to introduce our newest member, Sue Drake! The Sierra Community House Board of Directors is made up of key individuals who bring diverse expertise, deep [...]
Three Practical Ways Coaches Can Promote a Healthy Team Environment to Prevent Bullying
Written by Dominique Apollon, Community Education & Prevention Coordinator and Ashley Duke, School-Based Prevention Education Coordinator It’s “Back-to-School” time again, which means the Sierra Community House Prevention Team has already started scheduling the age-appropriate [...]
How Alondra Delgadillo, our Family Support Manager Connects Families with Essential Resources
In times of need, access to the right resources can be a lifeline for families, helping them overcome challenges to build a brighter future. In the past year, Sierra Community House provided more than [...]
Get to Know Bridget Posson: Our New Grants Manager!
We are thrilled to introduce Bridget as the newest addition to our team at Sierra Community House. Bridget joins us as a Grants Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to [...]
Rocking Out and Raising funds: Meet our Development Director, Allison Edwards
What do vibrant outfits, live music, and raising funds have in common? They are all passions of our incredible Development Director, Allison Edwards! Meet Allison Edwards, a vibrant and dynamic force behind Sierra Community [...]
July Events Recap: A Month of Music, Art, and Wellness
July has been a vibrant month filled with a variety of events that brought our community together to celebrate music, art, and wellness. Here’s a recap of Sierra Community House’s highlights: Truckee Thursday Every [...]
Welcoming Sophia Guglin to the Sierra Community House Board of Directors
This May, the Sierra Community House welcomed Sophia Guglin to the Board of Directors. Board members bring fresh insight to the organization and play a key role in our events, direction, and growth. Sophia's [...]
Meet Ashley Duke, Sierra Community House’s School-Based Prevention Education Coordinator
We are thrilled to introduce our new School-Based Prevention Education Coordinator, Ashley Duke to our team! In this role, Ashley will work closely with students, teachers, and the community to implement evidence-based prevention programs [...]
Sierra Community House Launches “Blue Harvest” Farm-To-Table Dinner Experience and Fundraiser Benefitting North Tahoe/Truckee Hunger Relief
Non-profit brings together renowned local chef, beloved Truckee musician, Tahoe area artist, farmers, and winemakers for “Blue Harvest: United to Nourish,” a Farm-To-Table Dinner benefiting local hunger relief North Tahoe and Truckee, CA – [...]
Celebrating 20 Years: Maria’s Legacy of Service at Sierra Community House
In every organization, there are individuals who embody its spirit and dedication. At Sierra Community House, we are delighted to highlight Maria Bernal, who has touched countless lives and become an integral part of [...]
Sierra Community House Marks 5 Years of Community Impact in North Tahoe and Truckee
In the last five years, nearly 41% of households in the area* have received services from the non-profit, including school violence prevention programs, legal assistance, food distributions, health workshops, services to victims of domestic [...]
Meet David Cooper, Sierra Community House’s Bilingual Immigration Specialist
As a Department of Justice recognized organization, Sierra Community House provides legal aid, immigration assistance, and more, to local residents in the North Tahoe/Truckee area. In an area where the demand for legal help [...]
Sierra Community House’s June Event Highlights
June has been a month of vibrant community engagement for Sierra Community House, as we joined in on several exciting events that brought together neighbors, families, and supporters. From celebrating literacy to embracing creativity, [...]
Massive Budget Cut to Domestic Violence Organization Threatens Victims
Originally Published By Moonshine Ink - June 13, 2024 By Paul Bancroft “The first time he hit me was on our one-year anniversary. That cycle of violence continued and escalated for 9 years. I [...]
Paul Bancroft on Prevention Education and Advocacy with VALOR Conversations Podcast
In a recent ValorUS Conversations podcast episode, Paul Bancroft, the Executive Director of Sierra Community House, shares his journey of starting as a young violence prevention educator and eventually working up to become Executive [...]
Welcoming Amie Quirarte to the Sierra Community House Board of Directors
The Sierra Community House Board of Directors is happy to welcome a new member, Amie Quirarte! Amie brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team, and we had the opportunity to connect [...]
Help Sierra Community House End Hunger
Did you know that today, May 28th, is World Hunger Day? It's a day to recognize the pervasive issue of hunger that affects millions of people worldwide, including right here in our community. In [...]
Sierra Community House Announces Multi-Year Funding from North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) to Address Tahoe Housing Issues Head On
NTCA and Placer County Commit to $300,000 annually for three years to help local North Tahoe/Truckee workforce find, secure, and navigate local housing challenges North Lake Tahoe-Truckee – May 27, 2024 — Sierra Community [...]
Empowering Families: Sierra Community House’s 2024 Family Room Graduation
May 23, 2024 Truckee, CA – Sierra Community House, a non-profit organization committed to providing services and support to North Lake Tahoe and Truckee families, is excited to announce the graduation ceremony for the [...]
Martis Fund supports Sierra Community House Truckee North Tahoe Housing Advocacy & Direct Assistance Program
$356,500 from Martis Fund this year will help North Tahoe/Truckee workforce to find, secure, and navigate local housing challenges May 20, 2024 North Lake Tahoe-Truckee – Sierra Community House, a nonprofit focused on empowering [...]
Prioritizing Mental Health with Ludim and Sierra Community House
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on the importance of mental well-being and breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. At Sierra Community House, [...]
Empowering Stories of Survival and Strength with Move Mountains
We are proud to share about an event that took place this past Saturday with Move Mountains at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe to honor survivors of domestic abuse and commemorate Mental Health Awareness [...]
Inclusive Summer Adventures Through Accessible Programs
Summer is around the corner, and with that comes the question of how to keep children busy and safe while school is out. Summer camps offer invaluable experiences for children and teenagers, fostering personal [...]
TTUSD’s Kim Bradley on Connecting Communities to Prevent Sexual Assault
As we round out Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on the ongoing education and prevention efforts our community takes throughout the year help combat sexual violence before it happens. [...]
Our Commitment to Child Prevention and Education
Preventing child abuse is a pressing issue that requires collective effort and proactive measures from parents, educators, and communities. At Sierra Community House, we are deeply committed to this cause, and our Prevention team [...]
Meet Dominique Apollon – Community Education & Prevention Coordinator
It is with great pleasure and excitement that Sierra Community House introduces our newest team member to you all. Dom brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, with a background in [...]
Northstar, Kirkwood, Heavenly through Vail Resorts EpicPromise commits to a $150,000 multi-year donation to Sierra Community House
$150,00 over three years will support hunger relief, crisis intervention services, family strengthening services in North Tahoe North Lake Tahoe-Truckee – April 8th, 2024 —North Lake Tahoe, CA –Sierra Community House is pleased to [...]
Sierra Community House and Truckee Police Department Join Forces for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and we know that addressing this important topic locally requires a village of invested partners and community collaborators. By bringing together various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, advocacy [...]
Navigating Crisis: A Look Inside Sierra Community House’s Response to Sexual Assault Survivors
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and with that comes an opportunity to dive into the reality and spread awareness around sexual abuse. Sierra Community House is dedicated to serving and empowering our community [...]
Meet Karla Juarez – Community Health Coordinator
We are so excited to welcome Karla Juarez, the new Community Health Coordinator. She shared, "I strongly believe in our vision of being a part of a community that is an inclusive, safe, and [...]
Sierra Community House Announces New “Community Pantry” Format to Truckee Hunger Relief Program
Sierra Community House (previously Project MANA) has been providing hunger relief services in the Tahoe community since 1991 and provides supplemental nutritional assistance to 700+ households every week. Starting in early 2024 in Truckee, [...]
Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Tribute to the Amazing Women at Sierra Community House
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a time to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while raising awareness about the challenges they continue to face worldwide. [...]
Meet Empty Bowls Chef: Meredith Miller Elliott
No one deserves to go hungry, and spreading awareness against food insecurity is at the heart of what Sierra Community House does. Through partnerships with local grocery stores, farmers, and volunteers, Sierra Community [...]
Working towards Social Justice Locally in Tahoe – World Day of Social Justice Day
Core Value: Social Justice We work towards a society where all people are safe, able to meet their basic needs, and treated with dignity and consideration. We are committed to social change with [...]
Meet Lisa Boyd, Sierra Community House’s newest Board Member
Sierra Community House’s Board of Directors is made up of smart, passionate, and community-minded individuals who have committed to help us empower our North Tahoe and Truckee through family strengthening, crisis intervention, hunger relief, [...]
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Presents an Opportunity to Learn…
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and our Prevention team, which partners with local schools to teach about healthy relationships, knows how important this topic is today, and every day. We sat down [...]
“Inspire Your Heart with Art Day”: Highlighting our Family Room
‘“Art has the power to render sorrow beautiful, make loneliness a shared experience, and transform despair into hope.” - Brenne Brown, PH.D LMSW Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, observed annually [...]
Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week with NTTHS
November 11th through 18th is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week. Sierra Community House is excited to extend a warm welcome to North Tahoe - Truckee Homeless Services (NTTHS) as our guest contributor for today's [...]
33rd Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival Recap
How wonderful to see so many of you Friday at the 33rd Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival, Glitter and Gold. It was a lovely evening of supporters, community partners, volunteers, staff, and friends [...]
Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Beloved Pets
Domestic violence is a widespread issue that causes emotional and physical harm to people around the world, including in our community in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. What's often overlooked is the connection between domestic [...]
Glitter and Gold at the 33rd Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival
On November 3rd, from 6 to 9 PM, Sierra Community House, along with our supporters, community partners, and friends, will celebrate at our 33rd Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival. On this special evening, [...]
Empowering Survivors During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every October, Sierra Community House observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced [...]
Sierra Community House Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15th to October 15th, we proudly celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the value that the Latinx community contributes to North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Their impact is seen in the local businesses that [...]
RAKKAN Ramen’s Delicious Fundraiser For Sierra Community House
"Any time I'm eating spicy noodles in a bowl, I'm happy." - Anthony Bourdain On Monday, September 25th, Rakkan Ramen will be officially opening their doors in Truckee at 10001 Soaring Way, Unit 160, [...]
Get to Know Our Hunger Relief Food Supply Coordinator
By Nicole RossiHave you ever wondered what it’s like to work or volunteer with the Hunger Relief team? As part of our commitment to raising awareness during Hunger Action Month, we’re bringing you behind the [...]
Hunger Action Month: Ways to Have an Impact in Tahoe
Support our community when they need it most By Allison Edwards For many, Hunger Action Month is a time to consider getting involved in support organizations like Sierra Community House who help our neighbors [...]
2023 National Sexual Assault Conference
By Andrea Chapman In my role at Sierra Community House, I oversee our 24-hour Helpline and Non-Residential Advocacy Program dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse. Recently, I [...]
Why I Became a Founding Member of Sierra Community House’s Giving Society
By Barbara Kay Earlier this summer, we set sail aboard the Tahoe Gal, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe. This occasion marked the launch of Sierra Community Giving Society – a group of donors, [...]
National Nonprofit Day – Celebrating Love in Action!
Did you know that August 17 is National non-profit day? With over 150 nonprofits in our region, it should probably be a holiday! To commemorate this glorious day, we would like to share a [...]
Let’s Talk Turkey Distribution Schedule
Sierra Community House will offer three special food distributions for the Thanksgiving holiday that will include a turkey and fixings. Services are free and everyone is welcome. You can register onsite; no qualifying documentation is [...]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every 9 seconds in the U.S. a woman will experience violence by a partner. Domestic violence thrives in silence. To support victims and survivors, and prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need [...]
Community Education & Prevention Program Helps Students Connect and Learn
The Community Education & Prevention Program at Sierra Community House provides violence prevention education to adults and youth in the Tahoe-Truckee Area. Our Youth Empowerment Groups at local schools support young people and help them [...]
Sierra Community House Partners with Take Care Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe-Truckee – May 25, 2021 -- Sierra Community House, a non-profit that provides safety net services to the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region, today announced a collaboration with Take Care Tahoe to leverage its [...]
April is A Time To Appreciate Volunteers
A letter from the Volunteer Coordinator at Sierra Community House Most of us remember where we were one year ago, when COVID-19 began to change everything in our lives. I remember where I was when [...]
April is Sexual Assault Awareness
Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread. This proclamation is a clear declaration to join advocates and communities across the country in taking action to prevent sexual violence. [...]
Free Virtual Crisis Intervention Training
FREE Training to Learn How to Support Victims of Violence April 20 - June 8th. This 69-hour training is a great opportunity for anyone interested in preventing violence and serving victims of trauma. We [...]
Immigration Policy Update
What is new? On March 9th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the public charge rule has been permanently blocked nationwide. Remember, submitting an application that you are entitled to can’t hurt [...]
Sierra Community House’s Big Groove-In
A Re-Imagination of the Annual Father Daughter Dance Sierra Community House, a local non-profit that provides crisis intervention and safety net services, announced today that it is breaking from tradition by offering a free, [...]
Honoring Latina Health Workers
Promotoras Reduce the Impact of COVID-19 in Local Latino Communities Sierra Community House, a non-profit that provides safety net services to the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region, is proud to spotlight the strong and resilient [...]