NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD 2022

Approximately 4 years ago, during the Pandemic, as a way to do something positive, Jill Mather began a solo project of cleaning up trash during her daily walks through Chatsworth.  From this came what today is VCC, Volunteers Cleaning Communities, with Jill as the President and Founder.
VCC is a group of citizens, neighbors and organizations committed to restoring our neighborhoods to a pride of ownership 5-7 days a week.  She has organized group cleanup days with many local schools, teaching young people the power of volunteerism and the value of taking ownership and pride of their neighborhoods.

Jill created a 501C3, a website, bi-weekly newsletter, purchased supplies for the volunteers and is a liaison with her local Councilmember’s office.  The challenge of accomplishing this during that stressful time was great, but her organizational talents and professional expertise enabled her to turn it into a successful and effective organization, which continues today.

The West San Fernando Valley is the primary community benefiting from VCC’s cleanup efforts.  Jill has inspired the creation of the Westside/South San Fernando Valley VCC group, so the range of communities being served continues to grow through VCC Leaders.  There are also regular North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Encino and Tarzana Cleanup events!

Jill’s inspiration comes from her work ethic, energy, and can-do attitude.  No job is too big or too small for her.  She treats her volunteers with warmth and respect and has their respect as well!  Jill stays busy by also serving on the board of Chatsworth Kiwanis, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, Keep LA Beautiful, Diamondhead Homeowners Association and Chatsworth Women’s Club.
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VCC created by Jill helps to ameliorate the visible effects of the issues many of our communities are experiencing, while also creating and inspiring an army of caring volunteers.  Jill is out there working side by side, for our community, and right along with her volunteers!

VCC was given the honor of being named NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR 2022 honored by Senator Henry Stern which was awarded at a lovely luncheon on the capitol lawn in Sacramento, Wednesday, June 8, 2022.   

The event was at the capitol under a huge tent in front of the capitol.  We had a great table at the outskirts of the tent, which was cooler and easy access.  Senator Stern was not able to be with us because he tested positive for Covid the week before, but we had his Chief of Staff Brendan Murphy be his representative.  We were also in the company of our friends Assemblywoman Suzzette Valadares and Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel.    

This award is such an honor for VCC and its volunteers - it recognizes us as a truly valuable and legitimate nonprofit organization by the state of Califonria and will assist us in future grants to further our cause of changing the mindset of littering in Americans.   

Thank you to all the volunteers of VCC for doing the work that was recognized by the Senator honored by the state of Califonria!  You are all the best!  What a bright future we have in front of us!