News

Devastating wildfires hit Mendocino and Lake Counties for third straight year

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Strong winds contributed to more than 60 wildfires across California’s North Coast starting in the early morning hours on Monday, October 9. Most media attention has focused on Sonoma and Napa Counties; however, Lake and... [Read More]

New National Funding will support Sonoma County Senior Corps RSVP volunteers

Thursday, September 28, 2017

North Coast Opportunities (NCO), a Community Action Agency serving seven Northern California counties, was recently awarded a new, three-year RSVP grant to expand services to Sonoma County. Joan Reynolds, currently a Program Coordinator with the... [Read More]

MendoLake Food Hub Hits Stride in Third Operating Year

Friday, September 22, 2017

The MendoLake Food Hub, operated by North Coast Opportunities (NCO), has a simple mission: connect local farmers with local buyers. Now in its third year of operation, 2017 sales have far outpaced 2016. Last year,... [Read More]

Community Gardens Celebrate 10 Years

Thursday, August 24, 2017

The Gardens Project of North Coast Opportunities (NCO) is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a garden party on Friday, September 15 at Vinewood Park in Ukiah.

The Gardens Project officially launched in 2007 with the... [Read More]

Local Foods, Local Places Workshop to be hosted in Ukiah on June 28-29

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

North Coast Opportunities, the Mendocino Food Policy Council, and the City of Ukiah are hosting a two-day community workshop on the topic of local food and its potential for strengthening our local economy, supporting healthier... [Read More]

11th Annual Mendo Human Race coming to Ukiah on May 7

Friday, April 21, 2017

It’s a testament to community involvement that North Coast Opportunities is able to host the 11th Annual Mendo Human Race this Saturday, May 7th. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised... [Read More]

AmeriCorps VISTA serving in Lake and Mendocino County

Thursday, April 20, 2017

NCO is excited to welcome a group of AmeriCorp VISTA service members to our community! Thanks to an AmeriCorps VISTA grant, NCO is hosting 6 service members in our community who are working to build capacity in local... [Read More]

NCO seeks involved community members to serve on Governing Board

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Are you an engaged member of the Lake or Mendocino County communities who is dedicated to making positive change for our at-risk populations?
Are you interested in making policy decisions that effectively address the problems faced... [Read More]

Farm to Table feast celebrates community and raises funds for local farms

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The Good Farm Fund is excited to host its Third Annual Winter Feast on Thursday, December 8 from 5-9 pm. This year’s farm-to-table dinner will be held at Barra of Mendocino Event Center at 7051... [Read More]

Join Us for Make A Difference Day 2016 at Todd Grove Park

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Ready to Make a Difference in your community? Come join us at Todd Grove Park on Saturday, October 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We will be gathering in the main picnic area before... [Read More]

Wildfire Relief Fund re-opened in response to Clayton Fire

Monday, August 15, 2016

North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and MendoLake Credit Union have re-opened the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund in response to the Clayton Fire, which has already destroyed at least 175 structures in Lake County. Thousands of... [Read More]

NCO’s Gardens Project Seeks Volunteers

Friday, July 8, 2016

The Gardens Project of North Coast Opportunities has been steadily working throughout the spring and summer to build two new community gardens in Lake County. The Highland Senior Center Garden in Clearlake has been renovated... [Read More]

Free produce distributions in Lake County this summer

Friday, June 10, 2016

Through a partnership with Redwood Empire Food Bank, the Lake County Community Action Agency of North Coast Opportunities, Inc. (NCO) will be offering free produce in June, July, and August around Lake County at different... [Read More]

Grange Farm School becomes the Grange School of Adaptive Agriculture

Friday, May 13, 2016

In a day and age when constant change is more reliable than average rainfall, Adaptive Agriculture is the way of the future. The next generation of farmers must be trained and equipped with the diverse... [Read More]

11th Annual Mendo Human Race May 7 in Ukiah

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

It’s a testament to community involvement that North Coast Opportunities is able to host the 11th Annual Mendo Human Race this Saturday, May 7.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised and... [Read More]

Richard Cooper: A role model among us

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Richard Cooper hit the county running in 2008 when he relocated from Ventura to become the CEO and President of Mendo Lake Credit Union. It wasn’t a sprint however but more like an enthusiastic puppy... [Read More]

Russian River Sisters donate generously to Valley Fire relief efforts

Saturday, March 26, 2016

On Friday, March 25, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Rio Theater in Monte Rio, Sonoma County. The group, a California 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose primary goal is... [Read More]

Be Well: Lake County’s Online Resource for Health and Wellness

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Imagine living in a place where nature is your playground, nourishing food is readily available, and health-minded folks are eager to share their skills and services, and gather with the community in the name of... [Read More]

Nutrition Week Celebrated Throughout Konocti Unified School District

Monday, March 21, 2016

Representatives of Lake County Health Services Public Health Division, FoodCorps (a program of the Lake County Farm to School project of North Coast Opportunities, Inc.), the Lower Lake Hub (a program of the Department of... [Read More]

Recruitment for next Lake County FoodCorps service member underway

Friday, March 4, 2016

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – FoodCorps, a nationwide team of AmeriCorps leaders who connect children to locally grown food and help them grow up healthy, is seeking to recruit a local service member.

The individual will... [Read More]

North Coast Farmers Convergence still going strong in its fourth year

Thursday, March 3, 2016

The Fourth Annual Farmers Convergence took place on Tuesday, March 1 at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits. It was one of the biggest Convergences yet with over 130 people in attendance at the beautiful Ridgewood Ranch... [Read More]

Fire Relief Efforts Update

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Reposted from California Credit Union League.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and credit unions, more than $4 million was raised to assist affected residents and firefighters in Middletown and the... [Read More]

Fourth Annual North Coast Farmers Convergence: Tuesday, March 1

Friday, February 19, 2016

The Fourth Annual Farmers Convergence will bring together the North Coast Farming Community for training and networking North Coast Opportunities is bringing together food producers from Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt, Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties, along... [Read More]

National Disaster Recovery Group Coming to Lake County

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Team Lake County (TLC), Lake County’s officially recognized Long Term Recovery Group, has requested the services of World Renew to determine the full scope of the remaining rebuild and assistance needs following the 2015 fires... [Read More]

Milestones and Changes for the Foster Grandparent Program

Friday, January 15, 2016

Eileen Bostwick, long-time director of the Foster Grandparent Program of North Coast Opportunities (NCO), retired on Friday, January 15. “It’s so bittersweet,” says Bostwick. “What am I going to do with all my time?” she... [Read More]

KUSD Awarded Farm to School Planning Grant

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the Konocti Unified School District (KUSD), in partnership with North Coast Opportunities, Inc. (NCO), has been awarded a Farm to School Planning Grant. Part of the $4.8 million... [Read More]

NCO teams up with Lake County on long-term recovery

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

With the fire long subsided and the rains starting to come, Lake County is turning its attention toward long-term recovery from the summer wildfires that destroyed hundreds of homes and tens of thousands of acres.... [Read More]

Valley Fire Relief Fund winding down, still in need of donations

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

The Valley Fire Relief Fund received almost 1,500 applications, a clear indicator of the enormous need left in the wake of California’s third most destructive fire in modern history. To date, the fund has sent... [Read More]

New USDA grant will build community gardens in Lake County

Monday, November 2, 2015

In 2007, North Coast Opportunities (NCO) established The Gardens Project in Mendocino County to help increase access to healthy, fresh, local, and just foods. The Gardens Project encourages self-reliance by helping people cultivate food and... [Read More]

Valley Fire Relief Fund, four weeks in: major progress and a long road ahead

Friday, October 9, 2015

Four weeks ago today, the Valley Fire erupted across Lake County. The third most destructive wildfire in California’s history, it burned 76,067 acres, 1,958 structures, and left thousands homeless and unemployed. With CalFire recently announcing... [Read More]

Update on the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

When the Rocky and Jerusalem Fires hit Lake County, North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and MendoLake Credit Union (MLCU) decided to create the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund to help those impacted. In a few short... [Read More]

Donate to the Lake County Fire Relief Fund

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Click here to make a secure online donation to Valley Fire relief efforts in Lake County.

You can also donate in person at any Mendo Lake Credit Union, Tri Counties Bank, or Savings Bank of... [Read More]

Apply for Assistance from the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

To apply for assistance through the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund, simply fill out this short application. For an editable or Spanish version, e-mail earcher@ncoinc.org or call (707) 467-3210.

Haz clic aqui para solicitar ayuda... [Read More]

Fire relief fund nears its goal thanks to generous community support

Thursday, September 10, 2015

LAKEPORT — Thanks to donations from the Lakeport Women’s Civic Club and Savings Bank of Mendocino, the Rocky/Jerusalem Fire Relief Fund is nearing the $50,000 goal amount set by North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and Mendo... [Read More]

Update on the Rocky/Jerusalem Fire Relief Fund

Friday, August 14, 2015

The Rocky Fire Relief Fund, created last week by North Coast Opportunities (NCO), MendoLake Credit Union (MLCU), and the Lake County Department of Social Services (LCDSS), has generated incredible community response. Formally retitled the “Rocky-Jerusalem... [Read More]

Local organizations team up on Rocky fire relief fund

Friday, August 7, 2015

As the Rocky fire slowly starts to die down, those affected can start to take stock of what has happened. Thousands of evacuees will go home to assess the damages. Fortunately for most, they will... [Read More]

USDA Joins Community Partners to Expand Access to Summer Meals for Children

Monday, July 6, 2015

This Friday, July 10, everyone is invited to enjoy a free lunch and celebrate the 40th anniversary of a popular summer meals program at Todd Grove Park with a free lunch featuring locally grown food... [Read More]

Wellville: Can a Startup Transform Health Care in Lake County?

Monday, July 6, 2015

This article, written by David Gorn, first appeared on KQED - NPR's Northern California affiliate - on July 6, 2015. Read the original article here.

A group of tech entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley has... [Read More]

CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant Helps Launch Northern California Food Hub

Saturday, July 4, 2015

This article, written by Karen Rifkin, first appeared in the Ukiah Daily Journal on July 4, 2015 and was cross-published on the CDFA blog on July 6. Read the original article here.

The Mendo-Lake... [Read More]

Training the Next Generation of Farmers

Friday, July 3, 2015

This article, written by Elizabeth Archer, first appeared in Civil Eats on July 3, 2015. Read the original article here.

A group gathers around an outdoor table set with kale salad, speckled bayo beans... [Read More]

Leadership Mendocino Grads Give Back

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Thirty three members of Class XXII graduated from Leadership Mendocino last month. They were honored by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors for completing the ten-month program and for giving back through community projects. Here... [Read More]

What's Art Got To Do With Leadership?

Friday, June 26, 2015

What's Art Got to Do with Leadership?

"The arts are integral to a healthy community," says Alyssum Wier, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Mendocino County. "We need more artists in leadership to bring... [Read More]

NCO’s Income Tax Assistance Program Honored by United Way

Monday, June 1, 2015

On Wednesday, May 27, North Coast Opportunities was honored as a Community Partner of the Year by United Way of the Wine Country. Of particular focus was the IRS-backed Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program,... [Read More]

Assessing our Community's Health Needs

Friday, May 22, 2015

Work has begun on a health needs assessment process in Mendocino County. During 2015, data will be used from HealthyMendocino.org as well as information from local surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other sources to understand major... [Read More]

NCO awarded grant to support farmers and help feed families

Friday, April 3, 2015

On April 3, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the recipients of the USDA’s first ever Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grants, totaling $31.5 million. FINI was authorized through the 2014 Farm Bill to help participants... [Read More]

Lake County Farm to School Recruiting New FoodCorps Service Member

Thursday, March 19, 2015

North Coast Opportunities - Clearlake

Join the Local Food Movement with North Coast Opportunities (NCO) in beautiful Lake County, CA! Located in Northern California just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay Area, the... [Read More]

Third Annual North Coast Farmers Convergence Gets Serious

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

More than 100 local farmers and farmer supporters gathered for the third annual North Coast Farmers Convergence on Tuesday, March 10 at The Ridgewood Ranch, just south of Willits.

The North Coast Farmers Convergence brings the... [Read More]

Lake County Farm to School Project Launched

Monday, February 9, 2015

As part of the ongoing effort to encourage the purchase of locally-grown produce by schools in Lake County for student lunches, snacks, and breakfasts, North Coast Opportunities, Inc. is pleased to announce that it was... [Read More]

Head Start Annual Report

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Check out the Head Start Annual Report today! [Read More]

North Coast Opportunities Receives USDA Grant to Increase Local Foods in School Cafeterias

Friday, December 19, 2014

North Coast Opportunities is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as one of 82 project sites spanning 42 states and the Virgin Islands to receive support this year through the U.S. Department of... [Read More]

MendoLake Food Hub brings farmers and buyers together

Monday, December 8, 2014

Twelve fruit and vegetable farmers from Mendocino and Lake Counties were greeted by a rainbow as they climbed out of a 15-passenger van on Thursday, December 4. “We really got lucky with this break in... [Read More]

Schools of Hope comes to Mendocino

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This popular quote written by Dr. Seuss holds as true today as it did... [Read More]

Lake County Prepares to Take a “Quantum Leap” on the Way to Wellville

Monday, November 24, 2014

On Friday, November 21, a group of over 150 community members gathered in Lakeport to talk about a pressing issue: the health of Lake County, ranked 58th out of 58 counties in California in terms... [Read More]

CalFresh Challenge Journal

Monday, October 20, 2014

Elizabeth Archer lives in Ukiah and works at North Coast Opportunities as the Community Outreach Coordinator. From October 20-24, 2014 she documented her experience taking the “CalFresh Challenge” in a daily journal.

Emergency Food and Shelter Dollars Available

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Mendocino and Lake Counties have been awarded federal funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. Mendocino County has been chosen to receive $42,719 to supplement... [Read More]

Health and Human Services Agency Sponsoring CalFresh Challenge

Monday, October 6, 2014

More than 50 people in Mendocino County will be taking the CalFresh Challenge during the week of October 20th. Participants in the Challenge pledge to use the average California food stamp benefit – $5 per... [Read More]

Farmers Market Promotion Grant seeks to generate more income for local farmers

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

North Coast Opportunities (NCO) is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a $100,000 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced all recipients on... [Read More]

North Coast Opportunities to join the Ukiah Main Street “Safe Trick or Treat” Program on October 31

Monday, September 29, 2014

North Coast Opportunities (NCO) has announced that it will participate as a “Safe Trick or Treat” site on Friday, October 31 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The annual event is put on by the Ukiah Main Street... [Read More]

NCO awarded $1.4 million to help write a new health story in Lake County

Thursday, September 25, 2014

North Coast Opportunities was recently awarded a three-year grant for $472,000 per year, totaling $1,416,000. The “Partnerships to Improve Community Health” (PICH) awards are part of a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)... [Read More]

NCO and County of Mendocino partner to offer free CERT training

Monday, September 8, 2014

The Mendocino County Office of Emergency Services and NCO Volunteer Network are excited to present a FREE Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. It will take place at SPACE Theater at 508 W. Perkins Street... [Read More]

Mendocino County Celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week

Sunday, August 3, 2014

This week, August 3 through 9, is the 15th annual "National Farmers Market Week." Mendocino County is home to seven certified farmers’ markets which operate through the Mendocino County Farmers’ Market Association, affectionately known as... [Read More]

Food program injects hundreds of thousands of dollars into the community

Monday, July 7, 2014

Tonya Stultz, mother to five-month-old Miles and a childcare provider in Ukiah, works closely with the Rural Communities Child Care (RCCC) program. Run by North Coast Opportunities, RCCC provides Stultz and other child care providers... [Read More]

Training the next generation of farmers at the Grange Farm School

Thursday, July 3, 2014

With nearly a third of U.S. farmers over the age of 65, it is estimated that 400 million acres of land will change hands in the next 10 years. And, although there is a growing... [Read More]

VITA volunteers brought $728,000 back to the community

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Local North Coast Opportunities (NCO) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers recently gathered together to celebrate the success of the 2013 Earn It! Keep It! Save It! program. These volunteers have a good deal to... [Read More]

New gardens break ground in Ukiah

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Written by Justine Frederiksen and published in the Ukiah Daily Journal on 5/21/2014

Dana Armstrong and her family cannot wait to plant their first garden.

"He makes awesome salsa," Armstrong said of her husband, Roy, explaining... [Read More]

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Action in the United States

Monday, May 19, 2014

On Friday, May 16, about 150 North Coast Opportunities employees gathered for a staff “Retreat and Refresh” day at Ridgewood Ranch near Willits. These annual gatherings are the one time a year that NCO is... [Read More]

SOUP: Teaching Job Skills and Building Community, One Cooking Class at a Time

Friday, May 2, 2014

A drizzle falls as a group heads outside from the kitchen at the Buddy Eller Center, part of the Ford Street Project in Ukiah. No one seems to notice the rain as they grab tools... [Read More]

Foster Grandparent Program under attack despite proven track record

Thursday, April 3, 2014

For nearly 50 years, the Foster Grandparent Program has been quietly changing the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of society: our youngest and oldest citizens.

The Foster Grandparent Program is a national organization... [Read More]

Second Annual North Coast Farmers Convergence Builds on Success from First Year

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

More than 100 local farmers gathered for the second annual North Coast Farmers Convergence on Wednesday, March 5 at The Ridgewood Ranch, just south of Willits. Also in attendance were people who work with food... [Read More]

Walmart funds three backpack programs in Lake County

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Clearlake, CA - On Tuesday, February 4, Walmart presented a check to North Coast Opportunities – Community Action (NCO-CA) in the amount of $25,000. The grant money will be used to start a “backpack” program... [Read More]

NCO receives grant to build a Food Hub to support local farmers

Monday, December 9, 2013

North Coast Opportunities is pleased to announce it has received a significant grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s “Specialty Crop Program” to develop a Food Hub as part of our continued work... [Read More]

Brookside School Farm’s Fallow Days Are Over

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

It’s official: a trio of three local farmers will take over the one-acre Brookside School Farm at Brookside Elementary School in Willits. Lucas Howerter and Amanda Senseman will co-farm the land, and Michael Foley will... [Read More]

FoodCorps Partners with YouthBuild at Nokomis Elementary School Garden

Friday, November 29, 2013

On November 25 and 26, FoodCorps service member Keegan Niland collaborated with 15 young adults as well as Vaughn Pena and Mike Sherosick from YouthBuild of Pinoleville Pomo Nation. The team worked to construct 12... [Read More]

North Coast Opportunities Names New Executive Director, NCO Veteran Patty Bruder

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Ukiah, CA – After almost 30 years with North Coast Opportunities, Patty Bruder began her new role as Executive Director on November 18, 2013. Bruder has served as NCO’s Community Action Agency Director for the... [Read More]

Yokayo Elementary School and Pinoleville Head Start Welcome New Volunteers

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Yokayo Elementary School has a new principal this year. Dana Milani, who has been teaching 5th grade at Yokayo for a number of years, is now the principal. [Read More]

Head Start Lessons Continue to Pay Dividends

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Ukiah, CA – Twenty-two years ago, North Coast Opportunities’ Head Start Child Development Program gave Terri Davis the boost she needed to go from an unemployed, single mother to eventually attaining a Master’s degree in... [Read More]

Project Sanctuary to benefit from Leadership Mendocino project

Friday, October 25, 2013

Emergency Food and Shelter Dollars for Lake and Mendocino Counties

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Lake and Mendocino Counties have been awarded federal funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. [Read More]

North Coast School Gardens: For and By the Communities They Serve

Monday, September 30, 2013

What do dirty hands, happy students, and healthy communities have in common? On California’s North Coast in Lake and Mendocino counties, the answer is: school gardens. Public and private schools throughout each county have been... [Read More]

Leadership Mendocino Gathers to Welcome Class XXI

Friday, August 23, 2013

Leadership Mendocino alumni, staff and supporters gathered at Ukiah Players Theatre during a lovely late summer evening for the Class XXI Orientation. [Read More]

Second Annual “Feeding Our Future” Inspires and Informs School Food Service Staff

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

On August 13, more than 125 school cooks, kitchen managers, and food service directors from across the North Coast region gathered at Campovida in Hopland to participate in the second annual “Feeding Our Future” training... [Read More]

Summer Meal Programs Offer a Lifeline to Families

Friday, June 28, 2013

For many students, the end of the school year heralds a summer filled with swimming, barbecuing, sleeping in, and taking vacations. Unfortunately, summer can also stretch family budgets to the limit, as free and reduced... [Read More]

The Human Race: A Fundraiser By and For the Community

Saturday, May 4, 2013

On Saturday, May 4, runners and walkers from all over Mendocino and Lake counties gathered at Alex Thomas Plaza in Ukiah to participate in the Human Race. The race is held in cities and towns... [Read More]

Community Cooking at the Buddy Eller Center

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Three young women move calmly around an unfamiliar kitchen, taking gleaming knives out of packages and pulling price tags off utensils.

It’s an hour before the first of a four-part cooking class at the Buddy Eller... [Read More]

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