Gallagher honors Jesus Center at Capitol
SACRAMENTO » Assemblyman James Gallagher (RYuba City) honored the Jesus Center as a California Nonprofit of the Year during California Nonprofits Day on Wednesday.
At the California State Capitol, Gallagher presented Jesus Center board chair Larry Ruby and Executive Director Amber Abney-Bass with a legislative resolution congratulating the nonprofit.
“They’re an amazing resource in Chico serving our homeless and empowering people out of homelessness, out of drug addiction and getting them into an empowered, restored life,” Gallagher said in a video sent by his office. “They do amazing work there and we’re delighted to be able to recognize their great work.”
Abney-Bass spoke in the video thanking the community.
“Thank you for trusting us; thank you for helping us be able to provide these programs and services to people who are suffering — to walk alongside us as we improve so many lives in the community,” Abney-Bass said. “We just thank you so much for your trust and to James for this honor.”
Ruby thanked the work of former director Laura Cootsona and current director Abney-Bass on their leadership.
“No question about it, we have made an impact on our city and helping others, and it’s just a privilege and a blessing to be a part of it,” Ruby said.
The Jesus Center said in a press release it has been serving homeless people in Chico for more than 40 years by providing meals, beds and an assortment of vocational programs including an agriculture program and its retail front called.
Its location at 2255 Fair St., which replaced the old Jesus Center on Park Avenue, has 58 beds for shelter and will soon add 100 more beds upon completion of its Renewal Center across the street — expected to be completed summer 2023.
The nonprofit has been serving as site operator and food provider for Chico’s emergency non-congregate shelter since February and, as of Friday, provides shelter for people in 101 of its 177 Pallet shelters.