San Leandro-based social service innovator Rose Padilla Johnson has dedicated years of hard work to a variety of issues facing low-income communities in the Bay Area. Since 1991, Rose Padilla Johnson has served as the CEO of Davis Street Community Center Incorporated, which is based in San Leandro, California.
Since being founded in 1970, the Davis Street Community Center has worked to improve the quality of life of at-risk populations by improving health issues and addressing poverty. In addition to childcare support and health clinic services, Davis Street offers family support services that include food and clothing, housing resources, and nutritional cooking classes.
Nutritional cooking classes at Davis Street take place in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen staffed by a trained nutritionist. Each class helps students learn to prepare healthy and affordable meals with readily available food items. Moreover, the nutritionist teaches each student how to make healthy shopping choices on a budget. After completion of the class, students leave with informative printed materials and receive one-on-one follow-up support from a wellness coach.
