The California Wellness Foundation Sabbatical Program Award was created to improve the long-term effectiveness of health-focused nonprofits by providing their executives with the rest they need to continue to direct their organizations' missions. The leadership support program - now in its eighth year - provides eight organizations each with a $35,000 grant to cover the leader's salary and expenses during the sabbatical, which lasts a minimum of three months.

David Ashby, Executive Director, New Morning Youth and Family Services

David Ashby has served as executive director for New Morning Youth and Family Services (New Morning) since 1997.

Joan Benoît, Executive Director, Native American AIDS Project

Joan Benoît has been a part of the Native American AIDS Project (NAAP) since 1999, before the organization existed as its own entity.

Paula Cohen, Executive Director, Mendocino Coast Clinics, Inc.

Paula Cohen has been the executive director of Mendocino Coast Clinics (MCC) since it was established in 1994.

Margaret Diaz, Executive Director, Victor Valley Domestic Violence, Inc./“A Better Way”

Margaret Diaz arrived in Victorville in 1984, fleeing from Oklahoma to escape an abusive marriage. With her personal commitment that no one should have to leave their home and family to escape abuse, she started Victor Valley Domestic Violence in 1989.

Gloria L. Flaherty, Executive Director, Lake Family Resource Center

Gloria Flaherty has served as executive director of Lake Family Resource Center (Lake FRC) since 1997.

Marqueece Harris-Dawson, President and CEO, Community Coalition

Marqueece Harris-Dawson became president and CEO of the Community Coalition in 2004, after previously serving as the organization’s director of youth programs and as associate director.

Abdi Mohamoud, Executive Director, Horn of Africa Community

Abdi Mohamoud helped establish Horn of Africa Community in 1995 as a volunteer organization that provided information and referrals, translation and interpreter services for the growing community of refugees from East Africa resettling in San Diego.

Clare Mounteer, Executive Director, Monterey County Rape Crisis Center

Clare Mounteer has served as executive director of the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (MCRCC) since 1986.