In the wake of the November 29 mass shooting in Stockton that claimed four lives and wounded 13, several local organizations in the community have come together to launch the Heal Stockton Fund, an effort to provide immediate support to individuals, families, organizations and communities directly impacted by the tragedy, many of whom are experiencing trauma and urgent needs.
The Heal Stockton Fund is a collaborative effort led by Sierra Health Foundation, San Joaquin Community Foundation and Reinvent Stockton Foundation, nonprofit organizations with deep roots in San Joaquin County and Valley. The fund launches with an initial investment of $50,000 from Sierra Health Foundation, $25,000 from the Black Freedom Fund and $25,000 from The James B. McClatchy Foundation. The fund, which is accepting and encouraging additional donations, will be used to directly help those in need, and provide critical resources like mental health services, housing, food, medical care and legal assistance.
“Our community is hurting, and this fund is a lifeline for families navigating unimaginable loss and trauma. Together, we can provide immediate relief and build a safer future,” said Michael Duffy, CEO of San Joaquin Community Foundation.
Priorities for the fund were affirmed with community organizations on the ground and include:
- Food security
- Relocation and rental relief
- Mental health services and trauma-informed care
- Medical care navigation and expense relief
- Legal assistance through victim witness programs
- School and employer liaison services
“I’m proud to be working with partners who stepped up without hesitation to meet this moment. In the days following the shooting, we came together quickly to launch the Heal Stockton Fund so families wouldn’t have to navigate this trauma alone. The Heal Stockton Fund is providing urgent support to grieving families, and it reflects our shared commitment to long-term, community-based solutions to prevent violence. Stockton is strongest when we act together, and this effort shows what’s possible when we do,” said Reinvent Stockton Foundation Founder and Former Mayor of Stockton Michael Tubbs.
Funding will be distributed quickly to trusted nonprofit organizations providing wraparound and ongoing services in Stockton using a rapid-response process modeled on San Joaquin Community Foundation’s Stockton Strong COVID emergency relief efforts.
“This fund represents Stockton’s resilience and commitment to healing. We are working with partners who know the community best to ensure resources reach those who need them most,” said Nikolas Howard, CEO of Reinvent Stockton Foundation, which will implement the Fund.
Beyond immediate relief, the Heal Stockton Fund will also support future efforts focused on bolstering transformative solutions, including gun violence prevention and intervention strategies developed with community organizations.
“When tragedy strikes, our responsibility is to act swiftly and compassionately. The Heal Stockton Fund is about meeting urgent needs while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions to prevent gun violence and support a healthy, thriving region,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation.
Reach out to us at info@sierrahealth.org to join this vital rapid-response fund. Your funding support will help us address urgent needs and long-term healing in Stockton.
