SACRAMENTO – Senator Scott Wilk, (21st Senate District), joined community members, local businesses, customers, family and friends to honor Jorge Urbina, Founder and CEO of the Sophia Elizabeth Foundation (SEF). Wilk recently named SEF as his December choice for the 21st Senate District Nonprofit Appreciation Award.
“Jorge and his team at the Sophia Elizabeth Foundation have been selfless in their service to the community,” stated Senator Wilk. “They have supported countless families and individuals in the Antelope Valley, refusing to let anyone remain hungry, thirsty, or cold through the night. I am proud to recognize the Sophia Elizabeth Foundation for its tireless service to those in need.”
Jorge Urbina founded the Sophia Elizabeth Foundation in 2015, named after his daughter. He was inspired to start the foundation after working in a local shelter for several years and seeing how many children lacked the supplies and financial resources needed to succeed in school. Since 2015, Urbina has expanded the mission of SEF to assist with the needs of all community families and individuals in addition to low-income children.
The SEF operates four main programs: the School Ready Program, which helps families pay for school supplies and activities; the Meals Program, which provides homeless individuals with meals, clothing, shelter, and other essentials; the Matthew 25 Program, which sets up grocery giveaways in disadvantaged communities; and the Homeless Paws Program, which assists homeless or low-income animal owners in taking care of their pets.
“I am humbled to receive this recognition,” stated Urbina. “The Sophia Elizabeth Foundation will never stop working to assist every community member in need. I am grateful for Senator Wilk’s support for our mission and look forward to continuing our mission in the future.”
Urbina lives with his wife, Vanessa, their now-five-year-old daughter, Sophia and three-year-old son, Michael.