CSUN students, faculty, staff and Strength United allies gather for Denim Day 2019, a day dedicated to raising awareness of sexual assault prevention, in front of the CSUN Library. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Strait.

CSUN’s Strength United has been nominated by state Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, who represents California’s District 46, as 2021 Nonprofit of the Year — joining an exclusive group of nonprofits honored by California legislators for their great work in the community. The honor was announced June 23, California Nonprofits Day.

“My office has had the great opportunity to partner with Strength United throughout this extremely challenging time for so many in our community,” Nazarian said. “I am grateful for the work that they do to support those who have experienced so much trauma this past year and [have done] since their inception. The San Fernando Valley is fortunate to have an organization working to support and empower over 5,000 children, adults and families at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. I am proud to nominate Strength United as a 2021 California Nonprofit of the Year.”

Strength United is a chartered center operated through CSUN’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education, assisting those affected by violence, sexual abuse and trauma. It has been serving the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys for more than 30 years, providing confidential support and response 24 hours a day, seven days a week — supporting more than 5,000 children, adults and families every year.

“We help children, adults and families live abuse-free lives, and we are deeply humbled to be recognized by Assemblymember Nazarian as 2021 Nonprofit of the Year in District 46,” said Strength United Executive Director Kim Goldberg-Roth. “The assemblymember is a great ally and champion for survivors of abuse and violence.”

Strength United also has been providing mental health training to more than 160 CSUN graduate and undergraduate students each year, and offering prevention and education workshops throughout the community to address violence and abuse at the root.

“We are immensely proud of Strength United and delighted to see them recognized as a nonprofit of the year,” said Shari Tarver-Behring, dean of the CSUN Eisner College. “I am especially grateful to the students, staff and volunteers who provide the critical care at the core of Strength United’s mission. This honor is a testament of their relentless support on behalf of often unheard voices in our community.”

According to the California Association of Nonprofits, the Nonprofit of the Year celebration started in 2016 with the purpose of highlighting the great work of nonprofits around the state, fostering closer relationships with legislators and elevating the nonprofit sector’s profile in Sacramento. Every year, legislators across California have chosen a Nonprofit of the Year in their district.

Awards and Honors, Kim Roth, Nonprofit of the Year, Strength United, StrengthUnited