Community Health Workers

Community Health Workers

Service Area

Riverside & San Bernardino Counties

Who We Serve

Community members

What we Provide

Class training, field experience, and certification in community health

Community Health Workers Help Build Healthy Communities

Reach Out’s Community Health Worker (CHW) Training and Apprenticeship programs prepare individuals to become the bridge between the healthcare system and the community in an effort to address health disparities and social determinants of health, which collectively influence the health outcomes of the population. In association with Victor Valley College and the Local Apprenticeships Uniting a Network of Colleges and High Schools (LAUNCH) network, participants learn a high level skill set to become Certified CHW Professionals.

Become a CHW
Advanced Training

Training Community Health Workers in substance use education yields multifaceted benefits. By harnessing their influence and knowledge, we create a cost-effective, grassroots approach that not only prevents and addresses substance use disorders, but also fosters a culture of informed decision-making, compassion, and improved overall community well-being. These empowered frontline advocates become equipped to:

  • Raise awareness about substance misuse risks
  • Offer culturally sensitive interventions
  • Identify early signs of addiction

Now Recruiting!

Classes will be held in person Mondays & Fridays from 9 – 11 am

*Must have a CHW certificate*

The Road to Become a Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers

Through the CHW curriculum, participants are able to learn about advocacy skills, service coordination, research and evaluation, public health topics and more! CHWs are in high demand to help their communities grow healthier and stronger! 

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AmeriCorps-CHW

The AmeriCorps Program offers additional opportunities with public health training provided by the CDC. Participants will become members within the AmeriCorps network which is nationally recognized and provides direct access to opportunities nationwide after completing one service year at Reach Out! 

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Promotores de Salud- CHW

Promotores de Salud (CHWs) are lay members of the community who work in association with local health care systems, academic institutions, health departments, and community-based organizations — their primary function is to serve as liaisons between the community and the health care system!

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Contact Us

CHW General Training 

Saniyyah Thomas
Outreach Specialist
saniyyah@we-reachout.org

CHW General Training 

Irina Danova
Outreach Specialist
irina@we-reachout.org

AmeriCorps CHW 

Jennifer Anderson
Program Coordinator
jennifer@we-reachout.org

Steven Hardacre
Program Manager
steven.hardacre@we-reachout.org

Shermineh Davari, Ph.D
Director
shermineh@we-reachout.org

Shawna Pope
Program Support Specialist
shawna@we-reachout.org


Youth Advocates for Health Access

Youth Advocates for Health Access

Service Area

Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

Who We Serve

Youth Ages 14-18

What we Provide

Learning opportunities for youth interested in a career in healthcare fields.

The Youth Advocates for Health Access (YAHA) program is a 40-hour internship designed for young adults ages 14 to 18 years of age.

YAHA provides learning opportunities for young adults looking to explore various healthcare fields, while preparing them to become workforce ready.

Interested in this program?

900+ Hours of Service (2021-2022 fiscal year)


Work-based learning

Work-based Learning

Service Area

School Districts in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

Who We Serve

Health pathway students from
6th to 12th grade

What we Provide

Health focused internships, career speakers, site visits, and trainings

Reach Out’s Healthcare Work Based Learning program actively enhances education efforts by collaborating with junior high and high school students. The program allows students to exemplify their analytical, oral, written, and other essential skills in a professional setting. The WBL model expands upon key core competencies that employers seek in future employees through four unique stages: Awareness, Exposure, Preparation, and Training.

Reach Out teams up with school districts to address the unique needs of their student population. Experiential learning opportunities are then facilitated as staff connects the current healthcare workforce to students in the Inland Southern California Region. WBL programs last for the duration of the school year and are customized to meet each school’s unique needs.

17 school districts in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have implemented WBL programs in school

20,000 students have been impacted by Reach Out's Healthcare WBL programs

See our youth empowered


JV Leadership Academy

JV Leadership Academy

Service Area

Jurupa Valley

Who We Serve

Community Members

What we Provide

Development and empowerment of leaders in the community

The mission of the Jurupa Valley Leadership Academy is to develop and empower leaders within the community to advocate and link community members to resources available within the city. Leaders gain knowledge of community resources from reputable agencies and health providers. In July 2020 the 2nd cohort of leaders, consisting of 22 community members, celebrated their graduation from the academy with a drive-thru event. The leaders received special recognition from Reach Out, the Cityof Jurupa Valley, the Office of Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, and the Office of Representative Mark Takano. The leaders continued their involvement with Reach Out and the Jurupa Valley community through stipend work disseminating Opioid Use Disorder, Medication Assisted Treatment and Listos educational materials. They continue to demonstrate the skills they learned in the academy to become key connectors in their communities.

Join the Jurupa Valley Leadership Academy by participating in a free 10-week program. During the 10 weeks you will learn communication skills and obtain Different information and resources to become an advocate in your community. This program is open to all Jurupa Valley residents interested in becoming leaders and participating in the outreach work of Reach Out. You will obtain information and resources available in your community by attending the monthly action team meetings.

Topics covered include:

  • Advocacy
  • Capacity Building
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Cultural Competency
  • Immigration
  • Resource Navigation
  • Safety in the Community
  • Self-Care

See our latest graduates!


Latino Health Collaborative

Latino Health Collaborative

Service Area

Riverside & San Bernardino Counties

Who We Serve

Latino Community Members

What we Provide

Health resources for Latino communities

Reach Out engages the diverse Latino population of Riverside and San Bernardino counties through the Latino Health Collaborative (LHC). They address issues such as language, cultural competency, implicit bias, and other barriers. The mission of LHC is to break the barriers to health access and excellent quality of life for all Latinos in the Inland Empire. This is accomplished through:

  • Building cultural competence among healthcare providers in our Inland Empire region by providing them with the means to decrease social and cultural barriers and improve communication in clinical settings.
  • Increasing Latino participation in Healthy City initiatives by providing cities with a toolkit for effectively engaging Latino individuals and groups.
  • Access to healthcare career resources among Latinos by partnering with Inland Health Professions Consortium (IHPC) AND Nexus groups.


Youth Court

Youth Court

Service Area

Riverside & San Bernardino Counties

Who We Serve

Youth

What we Provide

Restorative Justice

Our Partners for Innovative Communities (PIC) Collaborative helped guide the return of Youth Court to San Bernardino County in 2021. This restorative justice program helps offenders avoid school suspensions and involvement in the juvenile justice system by participating in a simulated court with a jury composed of youth and an adult judge.

The first hearing took place in June 2021 with a case referred by the San Bernardino County Juvenile Probation Department. Ann Marie Pierce, District Attorney for the Central Juvenile Unit, presided as judge.

The goal of this program is to instill accountability in youth without affecting their record. Another benefit is that after completing the program, many of the youth participants profess an interest in pursuing careers in the criminal justice system.

Interested in this program?


Youth Grantmakers

Youth Grantmakers

Service Area

Riverside & San Bernardino Counties

Who We Serve

Youth

What we Provide

Awareness about philanthropy in the community

Youth Grantmakers (YGM) develops knowledge and awareness about the importance of philanthropy in our communities. Participants are high school students who express an interest in leadership. In 2021, three graduates were awarded grants for activities and causes ranging from focusing on at-risk youth, scholarships for DACA students, and using creative writing to help those recovering from mental health issues.This year the program was also recognized by California State Assemblywomen Sabrina Cervantes of District 60, which serves western Riverside County.

Interested in this program?


Substance Use Prevention

Substance Use Prevention

Service Area

San Bernardino Counties

Who We Serve

Community Members, Teachers, Parents

What we Provide

Substance use prevention

The policy and prevention team conducted additional virtual town halls in 2021 focused on substance use prevention. Reach Out joined partnered stakeholders across multiple counties to expand efforts. The town halls were a platform to deliver direct education, promote intentional discussions through breakout activities, and bridge gaps with community partners and residents.

In January 2021, Melissa Grisi, LCSW, CAADC, EMDR Certified Therapist (also a trauma-informed yoga teacher and clay artist) presented “Stages of Change,” a trauma-informed approach to substance use treatment and recovery. In March 2021, Reach Out was part of a program entitled Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. Facilitators included Belinda Ordaz, Project Coordinator, and Gloria Andino, Prevention Coordinator, both from the National Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Their presentation focused on shattering the myths around alcohol and other drugs.

RBS Training Program

Coalitions

Community Coalitions

Fontana Community Coalition

Service Area

Fontana

Who We Serve

Potential Partners and Community Members

The Fontana Community Coalition (FCC) is a  passionate, dedicated and attentive grassroots community partnership that promotes positive direction and opportunity for youth recognition, celebration of Fontana’s cultural diversity, policy and collaborative solutions that respond to the specific needs of the community. FCC strives to bring community members and organizations together by utilizing media, policy, ordinances, community organization, and capacity building to reduce and prevent substance abuse. 

The Drug-Free Communities Coalition strives to bring community members and organizations together by using media, policy, ordinances, community organizations, and capacity building to prevent and reduce substance use by young people.

When:
Every odd month on the 3rd Wednesday at 12-1pm

Info & Registration:
Larenn@we-reachout.org

Partners for Innovative Communities Coalition

Service Area

Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Fontana

Who We Serve

Potential Partners and Community Members

The mission of Partners for Innovative Communities is to empower communities by increasing their capacity to create healthy and safe environments through policy design, partnerships, and collaborations. Current members include law enforcement, elected officials, youth organizations, faith-based organizations, business owners, community providers, youth, parents, school officials, community stakeholders, advisors, health care providers, health care professionals, colleges, universities and other community coalition members. 

When:
Every even month on the 4th Thursday, 12-1pm

Info & Registration:
Aruran@we-reachout.org
(951) 542-1426

Morongo Basin Community Coalition

Service Area

Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Pioneertown, Landers, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Wonder Valley

Who We Serve

Potential Partners and Community Members

The Morongo Basin Community Coalition (MBCC) is a community group focused on reducing substance misuse in the Morongo Basin. This coalition is designed to assist the community in building partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and facilitating community discussion to create a safer and healthier Morongo Basin.

When:
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 3-4:30pm

Info & Registration:
Karmolette@we-reachout.org
(951) 554-1187