5 Heroes Of CA: Visionary Leaders, Tireless Advocates And Beyond

CALIFORNIA — In times of hardship, the stalwarts and natural humanitarians often come out of the woodwork.

Many residents of the Golden State have endured immeasurable loss and struggles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As California and the rest of the nation continue to heal, heroes of the state's communities have emerged.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. And we’re working tell the stories of these outstanding people.

Here are five heroes that have been identified by Patch readers that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Nancy Jones of Santa Cruz - 'A Tireless Advocate'

Nancy Jones has been identified as a prominant volunteer and "incredible" asset and contributor to a 32-year-old nonprofit organization, the Homeless Garden Project.

The organization offers a year-long core transitional employment program serving people experiencing homelessness with earned wages, job training and support services. The program is operated on a 3.5 acres organic farm, where trainees make more than 40 products out of items grown at the farm.

"It is through our volunteer program that Nancy has truly shined. Beginning as a volunteer in our Downtown Santa Cruz store, Nancy learned of our Capitola location, which we were only staffing 2 days a week at a slight financial loss. Nancy took a lead role in motivating and organizing volunteer management of the Capitola location for our retail program, allowing us to expand our open hours to 5 days a week.

Nancy truly understands the value of our work and is a tireless advocate for the work we do," wrote Paul Goldberg, who nominated Jones.

Read more about Nancy Jones here.

2. Angie Rowe of Aliso Viejo - 'Visionary Leader'

Before Angie Rowe was CEO of Beyond Blindness, a nonprofit that helps children with visual impairments and other disabilities, she worked to expand the organization to reflect the growing needs of children in need.

Under her leadership, Beyond Blindness is now the leading accredited organization for children with visual impairments, according to Carrie Williams-Freitas who nominated her and said she has transformed the 60-year-old organization.

"She’s achieved this impressive milestone in just two years — and in the face of a pandemic that disproportionately affected her organization’s client base, many of whom are immunocompromised, and many of whom are economically disadvantaged," Williams-Freitas wrote.

Read more about Angie Rowe here.

3. Christine Barry of Belmont Shore - 'One-Woman Powerhouse'

Christine Barry has been crowned as a "one-woman powerhouse for good" for her incredible contribution to those experiencing homelessness in Belmont Shore.

"She has dedicated her life to helping homeless get the services she needs...and she does this voluntarily," said Dana Buchanan, who nominated Barry.

As a volunteer and member of the small seaside neighborhood, she has been able to help houseless people find resources and also foster meaningful relationships with those struggling without shelter.

Read more about Christine Barry here.

4. Yuri Williams of Los Angeles - 'What It Takes To Become A Superhero'

When Yuri Williams lost his mother in 2009, he fell into a dark place. Through this period, he became inspired to find a way to help others who might also be suffering.

That's when he began serving those experiencing homelessness in Skidrow, Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Pedro, Orange County and the surrounding areas. He did this through his non-profit, A Future Super Hero And Friends. He also started serving others battling illness or those with disabilities or special needs.

The best part? He does it all in a superhero costume.

"During the pandemic, he was still out there giving out groceries, Easter baskets, school school supplies, and art kits. He is a real hero," said Kwesi Jordan.

Recently, he was surprised by The Rock, who bought out a movie theater and gave tickets to all the people his nonprofit serves.

Read more about Yuri Williams here.

5. Kayla Billington of Half Moon Bay - 'Children Of Uganda Get Life-Saving Care'

Kayla Billington, an Oakland Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse, is known for her amazing, life-saving work. It all began when she formed a bond with a special little boy in Uganda, Patrick. Three years later, he died in her arms, after he had traveled to a hospital in Kentucky.

After Patrick's death, she vowed to continue to help other children like him. If his structural heart defect had been discovered and treated earlier, it would have been fairly easy to correct.

In 2019, Kayla founded a nonprofit called Paty’s Project – named after the little boy she loved – which offers free heart surgeries to Ugandan children. Patrick’s little sister, Gift, also was born with the same defect. Kayla brought her to the United States as well, and she survived! Now, Gift is a thriving 5 year old.

Read more about Kayla Billington here.

Read more about California's heroes here.