Oct 30, 2025
Kern County will launch a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Veterans CareerBridge, a structured, employer-driven pathway designed exclusively for the Veteran community. Supported by a Catalyst Fund grant through the Kern Coalition and California Jobs First, this program, which begins on January 5, 2026, aims to retain local veterans in critical roles.
By running bi-monthly cohorts, the program creates a predictable and sustainable model that not only retains veteran talent but also makes Kern County a destination for Veterans nationwide seeking meaningful careers. The program will provide veterans who have served honorably and utilized their GI Bill with a clear, structured, and predictable pathway to meet employers where they are, through training, matching, and paid internships that lead to real careers.
“This is a game-changer,” says Kenny Spratt, Founder of TalentBase, retired Army First Sergeant, Ranger, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star Medal for Valor recipient. “Veterans CareerBridge isn’t just another program; it’s a movement. It’s the first time Kern County will have a direct, employer-backed pathway where veterans turn their services and education into real careers. Employers get leaders they can count on. Veterans get futures they deserve. This is how we win as a community.”
TalentBase is calling on employers to step forward and join the January 2026 pilot cohort. To secure participation, complete the Employer Interest Form at TalentBaseUSA.com or email connect@TalentBaseUSA.com.
The U.S. Postal Service recently launched the 2025 season of USPS Operation Santa, inviting children and families nationwide to start writing and sending letters to Santa Claus. In its 113th year, this program connects letter writers with generous individuals and organizations who help fulfill their holiday wishes. This year, participants now have the option to fulfill wishes from multiple people within a single household by adopting a family letter.
All letters must be received by December 6 to be eligible for adoption and fulfillment. For more information and complete program guidelines, including important dates and details on how to write a letter or participate in fulfilling a letter, please visit www.USPSOperationSanta.com.
Bank of Sierra Donates $10,000 to Support the ENABLE Program at the Boys & Girls Club
Bank of Sierra recently awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC) a $10,000 Sierra Grant to underwrite the Club’s out-of-school programming, which includes the ENABLE Program. The Club’s ENABLE Program specialists support and facilitate integrated social, academic, and enrichment programs for Club members with intellectual or developmental disabilities at two Boys & Girls Clubs: E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center in East Bakersfield and Stockdale Boys & Girls Club in Southwest Bakersfield.
“At Bank of the Sierra, we are committed to investing in the future of our community. We are proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County with a $10,000 grant to further their exceptional work in providing academic support and enriching programs for children,” says Naseem Saba, VP Relationship Manager Commercial and Ag Banking with Bank of the Sierra. “Together we are helping to build brighter futures for the youth in our community.”
In early 2023, BGCKC reached out to local organizations serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and they were repeatedly informed that no regular/integrated after-school or summer activities were available. This void for services for children diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities prompted the Club to take a closer look at out-of-school time programming and develop the ENABLE Program in collaboration with Kern Regional Center.
For more information, please visit www.bgckc.org.
Sponsored by Kern County’s Department of Human Services (DHS), the 2025 Holiday Cottage is open to help fulfill wishes for children in foster care around Kern County during the holiday season. To support their cause, you can enjoy the event, Cruise for Cottage, on Saturday, November 8, at 10 am at 3043 Wilson Road, Bakersfield. Holiday Cottage has partnered with local car clubs to showcase some fantastic cars while having fun and donating.
The DHS marketing and outreach team works with resource parents, social workers, probation officers, and other partners to fill over 800 wishes for these children. There are many ways you can help. For details, please visit www.kcdhs.org/how-do-i/learn-about/holiday-cottage.
Kern Dance Alliance (KDA), a leading nonprofit arts advocacy organization, recently received the 2025 Outstanding Dance Education Organization Award from the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). The award recognizes KDA’s exceptional contributions to dance education and community impact. In addition to the award presentation, KDA participated as panelists in the “Empowering Excellence in Dance Education” session at NDEO’s National Conference in Detroit, Michigan.
Founded in 2015, KDA stood out for its innovative programs that integrate dance with education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, serving nearly 200,000 individuals and investing $5 million across Kern County and the Southern San Joaquin Valley.
“KDA is deeply honored to receive this national recognition from NDEO, which validates our decade-long mission to make dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background,” says Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of KDA. “This award celebrates not just our team of dedicated volunteers, but the entire community we’ve empowered through programs that foster creativity, wellness, and opportunity. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum as we mark our 10th anniversary.”
For more information about KDA and its programs, visit www.kerndance.org or www.kdacreativecorps.org.
