West Sacramento, Calif. — The S.L. Gimbel Foundation awarded $50,000 to Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to increase access to and consumption of safe drinking water for members of seven southern California Tribes.

RCAC staff will work with La Posta Band of Mission Indians leadership to bring the Agua4All program to a consortium of seven tribes served by the Southern Indian Health Council in eastern San Diego County: the Barona; Campo; Ewiiaapaayp; Jamul; La Posta; Manzanita and Viejas tribes. As is common in many disadvantaged rural California communities, these Tribes do not have the infrastructure necessary to provide ready access to safe drinking water for their members.

The Agua4All program raises awareness about California’s drinking water crisis; builds community partnerships to install water bottle filling stations in schools and neighborhoods where they’re needed most; identifies funding sources; and develops long-term solutions for California’s water quality and access problems.

S.L. Gimbel Foundation funds will be used to purchase and install seven water bottle filling stations, provide 3,300 reusable water bottles, and to implement RCAC’s Agua4All educational curriculum.

“We’re pleased to partner with the S.J. Gimbel Foundation to expand access to safe drinking water with the leadership of these seven Tribes,” said Stanley Keasling, RCAC Chief Executive Officer. “Agua4All has had a significant impact encouraging children and communities to consume more drinking water, and we are always pleased to add new partners to our efforts as we expand the program statewide.”

Founded in 1978, RCAC provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. RCAC serves rural communities in 13 western states and western Pacific islands. Services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, Tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias and other specific populations. RCAC staff provides direct services in collaboration with local and community partnerships in three program areas: affordable housing, environmental services, and lending. To learn more about RCAC visit About RCAC.

Rural Community Assistance Corporation is supported by a grant from the S.L. Gimbel Foundation.

Media contact:

Julia Helmreich, director
Communications, Development & Events
(916) 447-9832 ext.
jhelmreich@rcac.org