Sara Gamez, Ed. D.

Why do you support Children’s Fund?

I support Children’s Fund because its mission is deeply personal to me. As a former foster youth and San Bernardino County resident, I know what it feels like to grow up without stability, security, or a clear sense of hope. I also know how powerful it can be when someone steps in and says, you matter—and Children’s Fund does that for children and their families every single day. Children’s Fund gives vulnerable children facing poverty, abuse, neglect, foster care, homelessness, and other serious challenges Support, Opportunity, and Hope at moments when those things feel out of reach. I have seen them stand beside families in crisis and provide needed resources that change the course of a young person’s life. Their work is not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence, and reminding children, young people, and families that they are not alone. As a Board member, I continue to witness the compassion and intentionality behind every program and partnership. Children’s Fund doesn’t just invest in services; they invest in futures. I support Children’s Fund because I understand how life-changing that support can be, and I believe every child deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and hopeful about what lies ahead.

What impact have you seen Children’s Fund make?

As a Board member, I see firsthand the heart behind Children’s Fund—the compassion, intention, and care woven into every partnership and solution that transforms families’ lives and strengthens our community through Support, Opportunity, and Hope. I have witnessed Children’s Fund consistently go above and beyond to serve our community through compassion, innovation, and their impactful programs. I have seen the organization build strong partnerships and mobilize critical resources to meet the immediate needs of children and families during times of crisis—often stepping in to help prevent families from experiencing homelessness or other devastating emergency situations. I have also seen Children’s Fund open doors of opportunity for young people in foster care by providing scholarships that offer more than financial support—they offer hope. These scholarships help young people take meaningful steps toward earning a college degree, often as the first in their families to attend and graduate from college. The confidence and possibility these opportunities create are truly life changing.