Molina Healthcare of California Celebrates Three Sacramento MolinaCares Community Champions

10/30/2024

Each Honoree Received $5,000 to Donate to Nonprofit Organization of Choice

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 - Molina Healthcare of California ("Molina") recently recognized three Sacramento area residents for their dedication to addressing social determinants of health through the MolinaCares Community Champions program. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

"Molina is proud to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to connect their communities to the resources they need to improve their health and well-being," said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California. "We share this commitment to helping our neighbors in Sacramento and across the state."

This year's Sacramento MolinaCares Community Champions are:

Neptoune Nilofar of Elk Grove has donated many hours to improving the lives of immigrants and refugees across northern California. Nilofar leads a team of Opening Doors caseworkers and staff supporting nearly 2,000 refugees. Last year, her team successfully resettled 1,635 refugees. Nilofar also works part-time at JC Penney, to leverage employee discounts to help refugees secure affordable clothing. She also recommends clients for employment in the service industry. Nilofar has built strong relationships with social service organizations and government agencies to ensure individuals she serves have access to a host of resources and support as they navigate their new lives in the U.S. Nilofar's grant will be donated to Opening Doors.

Barbara Barnett of Fair Oaks volunteers for organizations throughout Sacramento, including the Rancho Cordova Food Locker. Under her leadership of the Food Locker's recycling program, more than 1,000 pounds of plastic film, bags and bottles have been collected and recycled. Barnett also volunteers at Mercy San Juan Hospital's surgery desk where she comforts families waiting for updates on their loved ones. She spends time shopping at garage and estate sales, finding essential items for groups in need. She regularly partners with organizations including the Gathering Inn in Roseville, Wellspring Women's Center and Ukrainian refugee groups. Barnett's grant will be donated to Rancho Cordova Food Locker.

Kali'Eshe Jackson of Sacramento supports First 5 Sacramento, which focuses on eliminating racial inequities, promoting health, and improving the lives of children and their families. In 2022, she devoted weeks to learning about community building and civic engagement at First 5's Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI). Jackson has housed victims of sexual trafficking and canvased the streets to offer resources to get them to a safe place. She initiated a project called Priceless on Purpose, which offers services including but not limited to weekly dance sessions to release stress. She has recruited mentors for children who live in high-crime neighborhoods. Jackson also advocates for people with disabilities and used her PLTI skills to work with the city to make street curbs more accessible. Jackson's grant will be donated to Priceless on Purpose.

About Molina Healthcare of California
Molina Healthcare of California, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Marketplace (Covered California) programs. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

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