Two invaluable EFNEP contributors were honored at the UCCE San Bernardino Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Saturday February 9, 2019. The event was held at the Chino Basin Water Conservation District in Montclair. Alice Ruiz, a school nurse in the San Bernardino Unified School District, has worked closely with our youth educator Dalilia Lizarraga, to bring the program to Lincoln and Bradley Elementary schools over the last several years. The program has had a lasting impact on the 1st through 3rd graders reached. Each year they are excited to learn more about making healthy choices and Ms. Ruiz has played an integral role in this. Esmeralda McWilliams, also an honoree, is the community liaison for the Cajon High School Family Engagement Center in the San Bernardino Unified School District. Her close connection with parents from schools in the district, has helped the EFNEP program impact many families. She helped Clara Wilshire, EFNEP adult educator, overcome hurdles which led to a large group of 19 parents enrolled in EFNEP Eating Smart Being Active series. She also assisted in bringing in the UCCE Master Gardener program to teach parents how to grow their own herbs. Without dedicated volunteers, EFNEP program would not be as successful as it is today.
