UC Davis Health is committed to advancing healthcare and building strong community partnerships as part of its role as an Anchor Institution. A recent example is the Clinical and Translational Science Center’s (CTSC) collaboration with Wellspring Women’s Center, supporting underserved and homeless women and children in Sacramento.
The CTSC I-DARE Taskforce developed a two-year action plan with efforts aimed at expanding volunteer involvement and deepening community impact to ensure support for organizations addressing key social issues. With a focus on addressing homelessness, the committee sought to support wellspring in the form of financial and volunteer support.
CTSC volunteers participated in two major events:
- Thanksgiving Meal and Warm Clothing Giveaway
- Holiday Breakfast and Gift Giveaway
Through these events, volunteers helped serve meals, distribute winter clothing, and provided over 200 bags of toys and essentials. Through this newfound connection, Liz Vasile, Program Director for Health Equity Resources and Outreach (HERO), who is also a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT), volunteers her own time to offer free yoga classes in Spanish to support women overcoming trauma.
UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center has forged a unique collaboration with Wellspring Women's Center to enhance services and tangible aid, delivering direct support to address the immediate needs of women and children in our shared community. This partnership underscores the vital role of service and collective action in addressing social determinants of health and uplifting those most in need.—Genelle Smith, Executive Director of Wellspring Women’s Center
This partnership not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a culture of service and connection among UC Davis Health employees. As the institution looks ahead, its commitment remains: to serve, support, and make a meaningful impact.
