Fostering Hope Initiative
Serving Marion, Polk & Yamhill Counties
Community Health Services • Residential Services • Pregnancy Services
Serving Marion, Polk & Yamhill Counties
Community Health Services
Residential Services
Pregnancy Services
CCS serves as the lead partner for this neighborhood-based collective impact initiative designed to strengthen families, mobilize neighborhoods and promote optimum child and youth development. It is a partnership of government, public and private organizations joining together with a common goal.
CCS serves as the lead partner for this neighborhood-based collective impact initiative designed to strengthen families, mobilize neighborhoods and promote optimum child and youth development. It is a partnership of government, public and private organizations joining together with a common goal.
Who We Are
Fostering Hope Initiative’s (FHI) mission is to champion the positive development of children and adults, strengthening families, and building community. We work with families focusing on The Five Strengthening Families Protective Factors™, Social Determinants of Health and Trauma Informed Care. By providing services in the community, we are addressing barriers that limit a family’s ability to access much needed services and resources.
What We Do
FHI provides health and human service navigation and care coordination to build community, decrease risk factors, and address the Social Determinants of Health. We are trusted community advocates, working to promote health and wellness through three primary service centers:
Community Health Services: Services to individuals and families in neighborhoods and communities experiencing challenges related to the social determinants of health.
Residential Services: Services to individuals and families in affordable and transitional housing.
Pregnancy Services: Services to pregnant and newly parenting individuals.
For more information contact: FHIreferrals@ccswv.org.
Need help enrolling in the Oregon Health Plan or Accessing Services?
¿Necesita ayuda para inscribirse en el Plan de Salud de Oregón o Acceso a los Servicios?
Need help enrolling in the Oregon Health Plan or Accessing Services?
¿Necesita ayuda para inscribirse en el Plan de Salud de Oregón o Acceso a los Servicios?
Family Support and Connections / Conexiones y Apoyo Familiar
Fostering Hope Initiative partners with the Oregon Department of Human Services to provide Family Support and Connections (FS&C) services in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. FS&C is a free, voluntary program that offers support, skill building, and service connection with the goal of strengthening parents and families.
La Iniciativa Fostering Hope se asocia con el Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregón para brindar servicios de Conexiones y Apoyo Familiar (FS&C) en los condados de Marion, Polk y Yamhill. FS&C es un programa voluntario y gratuito que ofrece apoyo, desarrollo de habilidades y conexión de servicio con el objetivo de fortalecer a los padres y las familias.
Family Support and Connections / Conexiones y Apoyo Familiar
Fostering Hope Initiative partners with the Oregon Department of Human Services to provide Family Support and Connections (FS&C) services in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. FS&C is a free, voluntary program that offers support, skill building, and service connection with the goal of strengthening parents and families.
La Iniciativa Fostering Hope se asocia con el Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregón para brindar servicios de Conexiones y Apoyo Familiar (FS&C) en los condados de Marion, Polk y Yamhill. FS&C es un programa voluntario y gratuito que ofrece apoyo, desarrollo de habilidades y conexión de servicio con el objetivo de fortalecer a los padres y las familias.
Meet the Fostering Hope Initiative Team!
Irma Elizondo
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
Irma was raised in the Willamette Valley of Oregon; she loves the outdoors and spending time with her family. She has worked in human services for a total of 6 years. Her lived experience, diverse background and passion in this field has led her to FHI where her position as a community health worker will allow her to assist individuals and families with support and guidance. Her goal is to make a difference in the lives of others, one person/ family at a time.
Carina Garibay
Program Supervisor, Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
Carina was born and raised in Salem, OR. After attending Linfield and receiving a B.A. in Sociology, she continued pursuing her passion in serving the community by working with Fostering Hope Initiative. Carina started as a CHW and then worked her way up to Program Supervisor. She has loved working with FHI for many years!
Heather-Ann Bussiere-Robinson
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
Heather-Ann is originally from Reno, NV and recently relocated to the Mid-Willamette Valley, where her husband is from. Prior to working at CCS, Heather-Ann worked directly with homeless women, especially those experiencing disabilities and mental illnesses, as well as elderly with United Gospel Mission. She was also involved with AmeriCorps. Now, Heather-Ann is preparing to work as the main Community Health Worker for Father Taaffe Homes and Pregnancy Support Servies and St. Joseph Family Shelter. She is passionate about mental health and is working on getting her QMHA-I, CADC and CCMHC, to help her better serve those experiencing mental health struggles. Heather-Ann has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and Ethnic Studies from UNR and a master’s degree in urban ministries from SMU. She loves spending time with her two dogs, her family and journaling.
Orlando Alvarez Flores
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
Orlando was born and raised in Salem, Oregon. His interest in serving the community began during his high school years when he volunteered at his school and other community events. While working full-time and studying as a student at Western Oregon University, his desire to create positive change grew as he entered the non-profit sector and began serving vulnerable populations. He coordinated and managed a program designed for the migrant farmworker community, providing health and resource navigation, meeting basic living needs, and offering hydration and education directly on-site, among other services. Orlando has been a community health worker since 2023, and in 2024, he obtained a BA in Psychology. He is currently attending PSU to pursue an MSW, with the goal of gaining additional tools to better support the community.
Adilene Arevalo
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
I am a bilingual Community Health Worker, born in California and raised in Oregon, with a strong passion for helping others and serving my community. Growing up in Oregon has given me a deep understanding of the diverse needs within our local communities. My background includes extensive customer service experience across different fields, which has strengthened my communication skills, cultural awareness, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
I am committed to building trust, providing compassionate support, and helping individuals and families navigate resources with confidence. My goal is to make people feel heard, respected, and empowered as they work toward improved health and stability.
Samantha Flores
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
Born in Alabama and raised in Oregon, Samantha developed a passion for community service at a young age through volunteering at local events. As a first-generation student, she graduated from the University of Portland in 2025 with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. Samantha recently began her professional career with Fostering Hope Initiative as a Community Health Worker, providing Health-Related Social Needs services in partnership with Yamhill County. On her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, running, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops.
Jocelyne Yanez
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
Jocelyne has lived in Salem, Oregon, for 18 years after relocating from Southern California. She attended Portland State University, earning her Bachelors of Arts in Community Health Education in June 2020. She came into the role of a Community Health Worker at Fostering Hope Initiative after completing her Master of Public Health at New York University in May 2023, where I explored the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Her next mission in life as a CHW is serving Marion and Polk County in residential services to offer outreach resources and address community needs. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, and playing with her dog, Atlas.
April Trejo Fuentes
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
In 2020 April completed her AAOT with Chemeketa Community College, to then finish her education at Oregon State University. In 2022 she was the first in her family to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. She always had the passion to help others out. In 2023, she entered the professional workforce as a Community Health Worker with Fostering Hope Initiative, serving Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties. her hobbies include: fishing, Kayaking, and spending time with her Dog.
Camille La Rocca-Carrillo
Fostering Hope Initiative Program Supervisor, Certified Traditional Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
Camille is a born and raised Oregonian who has been working in social service for most of her adult life. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Global Development and Social Justice, she joined the Peace Corps and served in Guatemala as a Healthy Schools Coordinator. Following her Peace Corps service, Camille jumped into working for her community in the non-profit world. She has experience working in housing, healthcare, pregnancy services, home visiting programs, early learning, and more. Camille also is a certified Traditional Health Worker and has been a birth and postpartum doula since 2022. She is passionate about connecting families with resources and support and is excited to be working as a supervisor in the FHI program.
Nancy Arevalo Luna
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
I was born in California and have always had a passion for helping others, especially those who may not always feel seen or supported. Being bilingual allows me to connect more deeply with diverse communities and help bridge gaps in understanding and access to services. I completed two years of college in Social Services, which strengthened my commitment to advocacy and community support. I also worked for two years as a CNA, where I learned the importance of compassion, patience, and truly listening to people’s needs. As a Community Health Worker, I am dedicated to building trust, empowering families, and walking alongside individuals as they navigate challenges and work toward stability and well-being.
Leslie Caudillo
Certified Community Health Worker, Oregon Health Plan Assister
With a heart for service and a deep-rooted connection to the Northgate community, Leslie serves as a dedicated Community Health Worker, OHP Assister, and Doula. Her career began at Salem-Keizer Public Schools as a Community School Outreach Coordinator, a role that allowed her to fulfill a lifelong dream of giving back to the very neighborhood and elementary school where she grew up.
Since joining the Fostering Hope Initiative, Leslie has embraced her new roles and thrived in her partnership with the Cornerstone management team. Together, they have created impactful events and strengthened residential programming, leading to greater empowerment for Northgate residents through advocacy and support. Beyond her professional life, Leslie is happily married to her high school sweetheart and is a proud mother of three. As a military spouse, she also actively engages with military social services. When she isn’t empowering her community, you can find her exploring new places, hiking, crafting, and making cherished memories with her family and friends.
