State Sen. Brian Jones honored Archie’s Pantry in Ramona as Nonprofit of the Year and Ramona resident Jennifer Cortes as one of 20 Distinguished Women in Senate District 40.
The Senate majority leader presented Marcie Laws-Hayes, founder of Archie’s Pantry, with an official Senate certificate at the capitol in Sacramento on May 21. The certificate honors the organization’s “extraordinary service and dedication to the Ramona community and beyond.”
“It was really fun, exciting and awesome for us,” said Laws-Hayes, who accepted her certificate with her oldest son, Evan Hayes, 13, and celebrated with other nonprofits at a luncheon. “It was a quick trip, but it was well worth it.”
Operated by the Ramona-based nonprofit, Friends of Generations, Inc., Archie’s Pantry offers essential items — clothing, shoes, baby supplies, household goods, food, toys and books — at its thrift store on Letton Street. The model is “take what you need, give what you can,” according to the nonprofit.
“Archie’s Pantry is a remarkable example of neighbors helping neighbors with dignity, kindness and comion,” Jones said. “From clothing and food to school supplies and job training, their work reaches across generations to those who need it most.”
Archie’s Pantry coordinates donations with the nonprofit’s Care Closets at Ramona and Montecito high schools, Laws-Hayes said. Snacks, school supplies, sports equipment and other items can be donated at Archie’s Pantry and transferred to the Care Closets so students can select items they need.
“I believe being recognized with the award will help spread the word about the services we offer and the work we do, including training adults with developmental disabilities,” Laws-Hayes said. “People in our community and within San Diego County will know about the services we offer, including a thrift store, Archie’s Pantry, with free items.”
Archie’s Pantry helps adults with disabilities at her adult day center, Generations Day Care, by giving them job training and paid employment, she said.
“Archie’s Pantry not only meets everyday needs, it uplifts the entire community and helps people move forward with dignity and hope,” Jones said.
Jones also honored Ramona resident Jennifer Cortes at an April 18 awards ceremony held at his San Diego office. Cortes was one of 20 local women recognized as Senate District 40 Distinguished Women along with Senate District 40 Woman of the Year Maggie Watkins of Alpine/Dehesa.
Cortes was being recognized for her leadership with The Patriot Group, California Department of General Services, Small Business Advisory Council, San Diego Military Advisory Council, Veterans in Business Network, Heroes Ministry, and Veterans Beer Club in addition to her “dedication to veterans, military families, transitioning service and the community,” Jones said.
“I was completely humbled and honored with the recognition alongside so many other amazing women,” Cortes said. “There were other women being recognized who are doing great things in our community.”
Although Cortes has not served in the military, she is active in military-related organizations as a U.S. Navy granddaughter, U.S. Air Force granddaughter, U.S. Navy daughter and U.S. Marine Corps spouse. Her husband, Kevin Cortes, retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service, she said.
She serves as vice president for strategic partnerships for the utilities services company, The Patriot Group. She is also a board member of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, which develops partnerships among the military, elected officials and businesses, and advocates for those who have served in the military and their families.
Additionally, Cortes advocates for veteran-owned businesses in the state by assisting the California Department of General Services and the Veterans in Business Network nonprofit.
The Corteses also connect with military service , their spouses and relatives through Heroes Ministry, which coordinates events at Awaken Church campuses in the San Diego area.
“The goal is to the military in their faith journey,” she said.
Additionally, she and her husband, Kevin Cortes, help service , military spouses and veterans who are in a career transition connect to job opportunities through the Veterans Beer Club. Kevin Cortes helped found the nonprofit nine years ago and expanded it to chapters nationwide.
Cortes said she is “extremely grateful” to be recognized as one of the Distinguished Women and hopes the honor brings attention to groups she s.
“It was a complete surprise and I wasn’t expecting it,” she said. “This isn’t possible without the of my husband, Kevin, and my family and friends.”
Other Distinguished Women include Wendy Urishima-Conn of Rancho Bernardo, Beverley Magtanong of 4S Ranch, Shandon Harbour and Jany Staley, both of Scripps Ranch; and Alyssa Navapanich and Christi Papworth, both of Rancho Penasquitos.
