FLAG, Central Valley

Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG) answers the needs of both front line caregivers (who are in need of easily accessible meals) and restaurants (which are suffering from operational limitations) in a single stroke—problems that were both brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Through FLAG’s community partnerships, they are helping to feed healthcare providers and first responders and keep local restaurants in business simultaneously.

The organization was started by two New Jersey women, Liz Bernich and Gina McGuire, who raised over $100,000 for the cause within its first two weeks of existence. “Now, there are over 100 FLAG groups nationwide, each operated independently,” explains Tali Whelan, RN, Founder of FLAG, Central Valley. “We share ideas, the name, and support one another, but there is no centralized control or organization. It has become a movement to engage the community in meeting local needs.”

On March 31st, Whelan read an article about the New Jersey FLAG, and instantly knew she had to bring it to Fresno. “I know what it is like to work long shifts, care for critically ill patients, and be a part of emotionally difficult and dire situations. With restaurants suffering, hospital cafeterias closed, and medical professionals unable to leave and get a meal, I knew I could fill a need in the community by feeding people,” Whelan recounts, “and that is what pushed me to start FLAG, Central Valley.”

“The broad mission is to support our local community, while promoting and creating economic impact and community collaboration,” specifies Whelan. During this pandemic, they have specifically focused on supporting locally owned restaurants, while feeding our community’s healthcare providers and first responders. “The outpouring of good will and support is really a reflection of people’s goodness here in the Valley. We have merely helped provide an avenue to express that in dire times. We have great people that are living as neighbors all around us here. FLAG will continue to do whatever we can to create positive change and impact the community (small businesses, healthcare providers, and others) in a meaningful and significant way.” FLAG’s mission will evolve as we all adjust to a new normal, and they will continue to evolve and help for as long as they are needed.

Because the groups are independently operated, each are able to meet the specific needs of the community they serve with greater ease and ability. In the Central Valley, that meant finding a way to reach those on the outskirts. “We have also reached out to rural healthcare communities to help those who help our underserved populations,” elaborates Whelan. “FLAG, Central Valley continues to raise funds to purchase meals from locally owned restaurants, who then deliver the meals to healthcare providers and first responders throughout the Central Valley,” whose needs are brought to FLAG’s attention by members of the community.

“FLAG is in continuous contact with community members, elected leaders, and business owners, local hospitals, clinics, and restaurants,” Whelan shares of the demand and response process. “Local business owners, with their sponsorship donation, communicate to FLAG where they would like meals sent and what restaurants they would like to support. Being in constant communication with supporters gives FLAG the unique opportunity to hear directly from the community and learn where the impact of FLAG’s services would best be utilized.”

Through input from the community and its leaders, FLAG’s partnerships with Central Valley restaurants allow the public to be involved in a way that will continue to generate participation and community engagement. “To date, FLAG has partnered and delivered meals to Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Medical Center, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and Madera Community Hospital,” lists Whelan. “FLAG also has created a meal partnership with United Health Centers, raising awareness and creating a focus on our rural communities.” FLAG has now worked with 26 restaurants, all of which are locally owned with firm Central Valley roots.

FLAG, Central Valley feels especially fortunate to work alongside the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, who is their fiscal sponsor. “Because of the support of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, FLAG is able to offer its donors the benefit of a tax deduction. To donate, simply go to our website and you will be able to place that tax-deductible donation,” suggests Whelan. For those who would like to write a check, email her at info@flagcv.org for mailing details.

Word of mouth and creating a place for community involvement is of utmost importance to FLAG. “So many individuals want to help, but don’t feel like they know how,” understands Whelan. “With FLAG, individuals can volunteer and engage from home.” In addition, “getting the community involved is at the core of our mission/cause. We have partnered with the Girl Scouts of Central California South, Best Buddies of Fresno, the local Miss America organization, Toca Madera Winery, Quady Winery, and more. We are of the mentality that, ‘If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’” as the African proverb goes.

Their recent partnership with Best Buddies, Team Central Valley was especially moving. As a local non-profit dedicated to assisting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Best Buddies interns made cards of support for healthcare providers at Community Regional Medical Center. “It was moving,” admits Whelan. “Local schools have also sent cards of support, too. Getting diverse communities involved has been a way to not only help local businesses and front line workers, but to strengthen the great community we have in the Central Valley!”

Since their launch, FLAG has grown from supporting primarily local hospitals to also serving rural healthcare clinics and first responders, such as the fire department staff. “FLAG is constantly looking for ways to grow community partnerships to engage and support local businesses while reaching as many healthcare providers as we can to show them support,” expresses Whelan, and they are lucky to have had the community’s support from the beginning.

Being shown so much generous support doesn’t mean FLAG’s story has been without some difficulty. “The challenge, of course, is the economic climate and concern people have,” Whelan confesses. Yet in spite of those concerns, “Fortunately, many people have dug deep to help. In order to continue our positive impact on small businesses, we run on donations. This is an especially difficult time for everyone, but any amount is very appreciated. Together we will have (and have had) a lasting and profound impact on our community.”

“FLAG is also looking for volunteers that would like to get involved!” Whelan exclaims. “We value community involvement, ideas, and collaborations! We are accepting volunteers for a variety of tasks and responsibilities.” Donations, however, are the most effective way people can get involved. “FLAG is able to continue because of the generosity of the community! In order to continue, we need monetary donations. We have various donation sponsorship packages for individuals and businesses interested in donating a large meal package. We also value individual donations and accept them with gratitude.”

Despite the uncertainty of current times, it is encouraging to see the togetherness that has evolved. People want to help each other, and everyone relishes the opportunity to strike a win-win. FLAG, Central Valley is a win-win. Whelan asks that we “help our local restaurants, feed our amazing healthcare staff, and give everyone a way to help! Please share this group and donate, if possible. No donation is too small.”

Fresno Headquarters
1444 Fulton Street
Fresno, CA 93721
559.349.3778
www.flagcv.org

Managing Editor Lauren Barisic

Photographers Lisa Vang & Ricardo Viveros