Spotlight on Corazón Healdsburg: Q&A with Executive Director Marcy Flores

Led by Marcy Flores (center), this passionate Corazón Healdsburg team is committed to empowering the community and creating lasting change. 

Corazón Healdsburg plays a vital role in supporting families and individuals in our community, providing crucial services that help prevent financial crises and improve quality of life. From case management to direct financial assistance, Corazón has been a lifeline for many. We sat down with Marcy Flores, Executive Director of Corazón Healdsburg, to learn more about the impact of their work, the challenges they face, and what’s next for this essential organization.

How has the support from Healdsburg Forever made a difference for Corazón Healdsburg?

The unrestricted funding we received from Healdsburg Forever has been a game-changer for us. It's honestly some of the best funding we’ve had because it gave us the flexibility to direct resources where they were needed most. So far, we’ve been able to help 57 households with a range of needs, from utility payments to temporary housing for families facing domestic violence. This kind of flexibility means we can act quickly and efficiently when our community members are in crisis, and that’s invaluable.

Can you share a success story that really highlights the impact of this support?

One story that stands out involves a mother who came to us after enduring years of domestic violence. She was determined to create a safer environment for her children. Thanks to the funding from Healdsburg Forever, we were able to help her secure stable housing, which in turn allowed her to regain custody of her kids. We also provided job placement support, and she now has stable employment. Today, she’s self-sufficient and building a brighter future for her family. It’s stories like these that remind us how powerful community support can be.

What challenges are you facing as you work to support the community, and how are you addressing them?

Like many organizations, fundraising continues to be a challenge. We know part of the challenge this year was due to the elections—there were a lot of financial asks happening all at once. But we’re pressing forward with determination. We’re also in the middle of a new strategic planning phase, which will guide us for the next three years. Engaging our community through focus groups and a broad survey will help us better align our efforts with what our community needs most.

What’s next for Corazón Healdsburg, and how do you see your partnerships evolving?

We’re really excited about our new partnership with Humanidad Therapy. Mental health support is a huge need in our community, especially for our Latinx residents, and this collaboration allows us to offer bilingual and bicultural therapy services. It’s part of the Mental Health Talent Pipeline Project, which is fostering a new generation of mental health professionals from within our community. This partnership not only fills a critical gap in services but also helps build long-term resilience by cultivating local talent. We’re proud to be part of a solution that strengthens our community for today and tomorrow.

For more information about Corazón Healdsburg, visit their website at corazonhealdsburg.org.