By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (June 10, 2025)
The end of the school year marked the exciting launch of a new partnership between Rescue Union School District (RUSD), Gold Oak Union School District (GOUSD), and ASPIREKids, aimed at supporting and uplifting communities across El Dorado County. Research shows that children thrive when strong support systems exist between home, school, and community. Resilience isn’t just built—it’s nurtured through caring and effective partnerships.
Thanks to the Flaherty Impact Foundation, ASPIREKids hosted two Community Nights this spring—one at Gold Oak Elementary (GOUSD) and another at Green Valley Elementary (RUSD). These events were designed to bring families and the local community together for an evening of connection and joy. Dinner was served, groceries and clothing were distributed to those in need, and students enjoyed fun activities. Arts and crafts, along with exploring a fire truck and spraying the hose, were big hits with the kids!
Jodi Mottashed, Executive Director and Co-Founder of ASPIREKids, shared the importance of these events:
“It’s so important to create a sense of community within our schools and among our families—but even more so, to offer them meaningful support. Thanks to the generosity of The Flaherty Impact Foundation, we’re able to provide essential resources that help ease the financial pressures so many families face. At the same time, we’re creating space for families to come together, share a meal, and simply enjoy being part of their school community. I truly believe that when we support both students and their families, we’re setting kids up for greater success—in school and beyond.”
Looking ahead, the goal is to host one Community Night every other month at both Gold Oak Elementary and Green Valley Elementary. There are also hopes of expanding the program to include one or two additional schools that would benefit from hosting similar events.
Through this partnership, ASPIREKids, GOUSD, and RUSD are demonstrating the true strength and potential of education rooted in the community. It’s all about care, connection, and creating stability—building the foundation for lasting success for students, families, and the communities they call home.
For more information about ASPIREKids, please visit: https://www.aspirekidseldorado.org/
