Jacqueline Riddell credited the resiliency of the people of Imperial County for her organization, Best S.T.E.P. Forward, which received a Nonprofit of the Year award.
Riddell, the CEO and founder of the nonprofit, accepted the honor from Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) at the California Nonprofits Day award luncheon.
“We are honored to be recognized as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for the 36th District,” Riddle said, according to Garcia's website. “Beyond thankful to our assemblyman, Eduardo Garcia, for allowing us an opportunity to share our passion at this level of platform; the opportunity to shine a light on the community we are dedicated to and love deeply is forever appreciated. The resiliency of Imperial County and its amazing individuals is truly one of a kind, and we are proudly here representing.”
S.T.E.P. stands for Sports, Theatre, Expression and Perseverance. Its mission, according to Garcia's website, is “dedicated to providing an inclusive, neurodiverse environment where children with disabilities can learn and thrive.” The organization hosts various events for families and youth throughout the year that incorporate sports and artistic expression.
“Best S.T.E.P. Forward fills a vital need in our community,” Garcia said, according to his website. “We are honored to recognize the organization’s strides to create inclusive opportunities for our Imperial Valley special needs community. Best S.T.E.P Forward’s work has sparked dynamic energy in our community, and seeing their mission grow to support more youth is incredible.”
California legislators annually have the opportunity to recognize worthy nonprofits from their district. The California Nonprofits Day award luncheon is cosponsored by the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, the newly formed Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, and the California Association of Nonprofits.
The event honored 113 exemplary nonprofit organizations from across the state, highlighting their important contributions.
Garcia represents California’s 36th Assembly District, which is comprised of Imperial County and cities and communities in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. He serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy, the Assembly Select Committee on California’s Lithium Economy and the Assembly Select Committee on California Mexico Binational Affairs.