Ode to You! Awarded to the Basic Needs Resources Program
By Adriana Jimenez
April 08, 2026 - 01:57 PM
Last month, the Adult Basic Education Program chose to pass the "Ode to You!" award to the Basic Needs Resources Program. The award was presented to Rigo Estrada, Director of Basic Needs Resources, and the Basic Needs Resources staff. Lesley Johnson shared the following comments about the Basic Needs Resources Program:
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) team is incredibly honored to pass the "Ode to You" award to the Basic Needs Resources team. Their commitment to our students鈥� well-being is far more than a service, it is a vital pillar of student success and a testament to the power of campus wide collaboration.
Under Rigo鈥檚 dedicated leadership, this amazing team has been instrumental in supporting
our ABE and School of Continuing Education (SCE) students. From personally delivering
snacks and providing meals to fuel student learning, to providing dedicated personnel
like Paulina Serrano and Giselle Dorado-Casanova to help navigate complex challenges,
their support has been truly transformative for our noncredit students. They treat
every student with a level of dignity and holistic support that makes Mt. SAC feel
like a true community.
They have not only helped our students meet their most fundamental needs of food,
housing, and stability, but they have also done so with a spirit of partnership that
makes working with them a joy. By bridging the gap between basic survival and academic
achievement, they help keep the promise of opportunity alive for everyone who walks
through our doors.
With deep gratitude, the ABE team celebrates the Basic Needs Resources team鈥檚 unwavering
advocacy for noncredit students.
About the award: The 鈥�Ode To You!鈥� is a department-to-department award that will continue to be passed quarterly. This
new award was inspired by the memory of retired classified employee, Odette Richardson,
who was one of the founding members of the VOICES Committee. During her tenure, Odette
was very active with CSEA, Chapter 262, the Mt. SAC Staff Association, and many other
campus initiatives. Odette鈥檚 advice was always to 鈥済et involved.鈥� She felt that by
getting involved at work, you enrich not only your own work experience, but you enrich
the experiences and provide benefits to the students, colleagues, and the community
you serve.
VOICES Representatives: Ruben Flores & Loralyn Isomura
Photo Credit: Ruben Flores
