Dixon Family Services executive director Cookie Powell, left, stands alongside Mayor Steve Bird after receiving this honor. Dixon Family Services has been supporting the community as the “one-stop-shop of social services” since 1984.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Family Services was recognized as the Nonprofit Organization of the Year during the Dixon Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate Dixon event on March 8. 

Dixon Family Services executive director Cookie Powell was honored “and delighted to accept the award on behalf” of her dedicated staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and many supporters who helped keep the doors open. Dixon Family Services operates like a team of partners who all want to help their fellow citizens when they struggle to make ends meet, according to staff.

This award is especially timely because 2024 was also Dixon Family Services’ 40th anniversary. Dixon Family Services was established as a social services nonprofit organization in January 1984. The organization strives to reduce and prevent child abuse while providing supportive services to struggling Dixon families and children.

Since then, Dixon Family Services staff said, programs, community events, outreach efforts, holiday programs and much more is provided to the community.  Dixon Family Services staff consider the organization to be a one-stop-shop for social services, supporting citizens regarding employment, financial stability, emotional wellness, sobriety, escaping abuse and much more.

To make access easier for residents, Dixon Family Services shares space with The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program in their building.  

On March 8, Dixon Family Services was announced as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year at Celebrate Dixon. Dixon Family Services executive director Cookie Powell accepted on behalf of her organization.

Under the guidance of Powell, Dixon Family Services offers information and referrals to connect citizens to services, basic needs case management programs to assist low-to-moderate-income families struggling financially and a family case management program to provide support and motivation to low-income families with children ages 1 to 18 years old. The nonprofit organization also offers a safety net program to assist Dixon residents without children and a food pantry to provide non-perishable groceries to Dixon residents in need.

According to Powell, what stands out the most from her time at Dixon Family Services are the fond memories she has created, the people she has been able to help and the personal and professional relationships with staff members, board members, volunteers, partner agency representatives, local officials and leaders.  

This past February marked Powell’s 30-year anniversary at Dixon Family Services.  In 1995, she wanted a part-time job to fill her days after raising four children at home for many years.  

“I enjoyed coordinating the DFS Pantry and working alongside the wonderful, hardworking volunteers. Together we all loved what we were doing and our hearts were filled by making a positive difference for the people we served,” said Powell. 

For these reasons, Dixon Family Services under Cookie Powell is the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year.

For more information, visit www.dixonfs.org or call 707-678-0442.