Sandra Celedon poses with Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula in this photo from 2023 on the Building Healthy Communities Facebook page

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula announced Wednesday the recipient of the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year for the 31st District, placing emphasis on the continued improvement of historically marginalized communities.

Fresno Building Healthy Communities (Fresno BHC) was named the 2024 winner by Arambula on Wednesday, citing the nonprofit organization’s efforts to improve health care, education, land use, transportation and development.

Founded in 2010 under The California Endowment, the organization established itself as a separate nonprofit organization and now claims more than 30 nonprofit and faith-based organizations in its network reaching nearly 100,000 people in Fresno.

“Fresno Building Healthy Communities is honored to be selected as the 31st Assembly District Nonprofit of the Year,” said Fresno BHC President and CEO Sandra Celedon. “Our work focuses on fostering and encouraging thriving communities where all children and families can live healthy, safe, and productive lives.”

Since its founding, Fresno BHC has secured numerous successful community efforts, including leading community and voter engagements for Measure P, which directly benefited the improvement of Fresno area parks, trails and the arts.

The organization also helped secure a $6.6 million grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation to renovate Calwa Park.

“Sandra and Fresno BHC helped connect me to what was happening in my community, and, over the years, I have seen their tenacious resolve to give a voice to people who historically have not been heard,” Arambula said, adding that the nonprofit’s efforts to incite change inspires the youth of today to become tomorrow’s leaders.

“They understand that a community’s strength comes from its diversity and determination. Simply put, Fresno BHC believes in people power,” Arambula added.

The California Nonprofit of the Year event provides elected officials to highlight their districts’ most influential and constructive nonprofit organizations in communities statewide.