Assemblyman Joe Patterson presents $500,000 award to Koinonia Family Services

Assemblyman Joe Patterson visited Loomis on Wednesday to present Koinonia Family Services with a $500,000 discretionary award. Koinonia Family Services is a non-profit organization that aims to make a difference in the lives of foster children by providing services including family preservation, child advocacy and outpatient services, according to its website. According to a news release from Patterson's office, gaps in the state's system of care for youth mental health needs "have led to children in crisis and languishing in emergency rooms." "It was an obvious, obvious choice," Patterson said of choosing Koinonia for the award. "Foster care and mental health services, especially, are so important to me. I mean, these are kids and adults that are being left behind and so this was actually top of our mind and I'm very thankful to be able to do this." Before awarding the large presentation check, Patterson provided Koinonia staff with an overview of his responsibilities on the state budget committee and how legislators are able to make requests from the budget for programs they want to recognize due to impact and service to the community. "My philosophy is I'm going to take every dime I can get of your tax dollars and bring them back to the district because I feel like there are a lot of needs in my community, and if I can get money in the state budget, the taxes you already pay, I'm going to get every dime I can," Patterson told Koinonia staff. According to the release, the funding will assist Koinonia with streamlining and expanding specialized programs that heal trauma in home-like, community environments. "Koinonia is thrilled to be selected to partner with Assemblyman Patterson's office to strengthen our local community's capacity to serve children and families in crisis and just as importantly to provide care and healing before a crisis," said Tiffany Sickler, PhD, executive director of Koinonia, in a written statement. "With this funding, Koinonia will expand out capacity to reach youth and heal trauma." Following the presentation of the check, Sickler presented Patterson with a Koinonia polo shirt. Koinonia staff and board members then joined Patterson on the front steps of Koinonia headquarters for a photo opp.