2024

Year In Review

Building Hope, Protecting Families & Transforming Neighborhoods Across the Valley

Since 2016, Faith in the Valley has been on a mission to make sure the voices and experiences of communities of color in the Central Valley are front and center. We believe that real change doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or at city halls—it starts with people like you. When neighbors come together, raise their voices, and fight for what’s right, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. This year, our community showed up in incredible ways. Together, we won $2.3 million to transform a local park, protected farmworker families from losing their homes, and were part of the ongoing fight to end forced labor in jails.

Youth leaders knocked on thousands of doors, inspiring their neighbors to vote and stand up for change. Tenant leaders reversed illegal rent hikes, and we launched a community land trust to create housing that’s affordable for generations to come. And that’s just the start! What you’ll see next is more than just a list of achievements—it’s a celebration of our people. These stories highlight the power of faith, hope and collective action in building a stronger, more equitable Central Valley. Scroll down and get inspired by the impactful work we did together in 2024. This is what change looks like.

"In our hardest moments, real change begins. That's why we must remember that, with a shared faith, brighter days aren't just possible—they're on the horizon. Let's turn these challenges into our rallying cry for unity and action."

Pastor Curtis Smith
Executive Director, Faith in the Valley

Moments That Moved Us

People Power Wins $2.3 Million For Park Improvements

What can people power achieve? Discover how Kern county leaders are transforming their local park and with community action are turning vision into reality, winning over $2.3 million in improvements to ensure that kids and families have the outdoor space they deserve. This experience was a springboard for the community to expand these efforts to additional parks and other critical issues.

Building an inclusive democracy inspired by returning citizens

We believe that for democracy to truly work for everyone, it must include the voice of every citizen. To build a more inclusive democracy, we are engaging community members impacted by Prop 17, which restored voting rights to returning citizens on parole. Hear Kenyatta Latchison’s powerful testimony about regaining his right to vote and inspiring others to make their voices count.

“Whenever light faces darkness, light always wins.”

Daniel Rodela
Community Organizer, Faith in the Valley

Youth leaders bring hope to Central Valley communities

This year, youth across the valley courageously knocked on doors and spoke with their neighbors about issues ranging from air quality to immigration to parks and encouraged people to get out and vote. Despite the threats and uncertainty that lie ahead, they are choosing to lead with faith and love. Check out the inspiring work of these emerging young leaders.

Faith in the Valley

By the Numbers

19

Clergy and resident-led civic engagement events in 5 counties, including candidate forums, ballot parties, youth pop ups and town halls

29

Faith in the Valley has 29 active & emerging leadership teams

7,273

Doors knocked on and calls attempted by Faith in the Valley youth leaders

4

Two new polices passed, one saved and one prevented

2,357

Conversations with Central Valley low propensity voters and renters at the doors, on the phones and at events

23,700+

Views across Facebook and Instagram and nearly 3,000 engagements

Our Impact at a Glance

Fair Housing for Farm Workers

At the Empire Migrant Center in Stanislaus County, we supported farmworker families in the fight for fair housing protections and empowered the community to take action to change state policy. These efforts successfully protected thousands of seasonal farmworker families in the Central Valley and statewide from displacement—a critical win for families whose hard work feeds our nation.

Transformative Justice

In our ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic racism and promote real rehabilitation, Faith in the Valley leaders advocated to ban the practice of forced labor in jails and prisons and rallied with partners across the state to fight for second chances and resources for mental health, drug treatment, and homelessness prevention programs.

Tenant Protections

Two Central Valley counties faced the largest increases in homelessness in the state, including Kern county where we worked with partners to win a new eviction protection program to keep families in their homes. In Fresno, Faith in the Valley leaders and allies helped to prevent the city from eliminating the critically needed Eviction Protection program and its funding.

Community Land Trust

In San Joaquin County, we launched a community land trust (CLT) project with Iglesia Santa Maria Peregrina and the California Community Land Trust network to provide permanently affordable housing and meet local needs on faith-owned land. A community land trust is a community led effort that acquires and stewards land in perpetual trust, benefiting low income communities for generations to come.

Illegal Rent Hikes prevented

In Merced, we supported tenant leaders to reverse illegal rent hikes in the same complex where we previously fought illegal evictions after the California floods a few years ago, keeping families in their homes and protecting vulnerable residents and seniors from homelessness. Through our leadership and Know Your Rights training, renters were able to identify the problem on their own and take action.

Climate Justice & Green Jobs

Alongside Healthy Fresno Air and partners, we continued the fight to reduce pollution and create healthier, safer communities. This work is not just about environmental justice—it’s about human dignity, economic opportunity and the right to breathe clean air. This year, leaders advocated for low emission zones, renewable energy and trained new cohorts of young people in advocacy and green jobs.

Immigrant Protections and Community Safety

This year, we’ve strengthened the Valley Watch Network to support immigrant families facing deportation threats. The network connects individuals to a hotline for reporting ICE activity, legal service referrals, accompaniment, and community organizing opportunities. The network will also serve to monitor and respond to hate crimes to ensure safety and support for all our communities.

“This experience really impacted me. My heart opened up. It gave me a voice in my community that I never thought anyone was going to hear.”

Evelyn
Youth Leader, Faith in the Valley

Campaign Spotlight

Valley Watch Network

This year, we’ve strengthened the Valley Watch Network to support immigrant families facing deportation threats. The network connects individuals to a hotline for reporting ICE activity, legal service referrals, accompaniment, and community organizing. The network will also serve to monitor and respond to hate crimes to ensure safety and support for all our communities. More information coming soon.

Thank You

Let's keep building a stronger, more equitable Central Valley in 2025!

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