New Leadership at Corazon Community Services
Corazon Community Services (CCS) in Cicero, Illinois, has announced the appointment of Vanessa Melgoza and Mason Garcera as interim co-executive directors, effective January 1, 2025. This leadership shift is filled with promise as these two experienced individuals aim to guide CCS through a transformative phase, ensuring it meets the needs of the community more effectively than ever before.
Having dedicated over two decades of service to the Cicero area, the new interim co-executive directors are well-prepared to step into this role at a critical juncture for the organization. Their goal is to maintain CCS's commitment to excellence while expanding its reach and influence.
Profiles of the New Leaders
Vanessa Melgoza, who previously served as the Director of Health Services, specializes in micro social work, focusing on public health and clinical operations. She has been at the forefront of various impactful initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and providing access to essential healthcare services. Melgoza states, "Corazon Community Services has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity in our community. We are honored to lead an organization with such a meaningful legacy and look forward to collaborating with staff, volunteers, and our stakeholders to deepen our impact."
Mason Garcera, who was the Director of Operations, carries a wealth of expertise in macro social work and nonprofit management. His experience in strategic planning, program development, and overseeing operational tasks will be invaluable as he works alongside Melgoza. Garcera expresses his enthusiasm, saying, "Together, Vanessa and I bring complementary strengths to this leadership role. We are excited to build on the agency's success and continue advancing the mission of creating empowered and thriving communities."
CCS's Legacy and Future Direction
Established in May 2003, Corazon Community Services has become instrumental in fostering community growth and inclusion. Through a variety of programs focusing on youth development, health services, and educational initiatives, CCS has operated without charge to the local community for over twenty years. This rich history sets a solid foundation for the new leadership team as they look to harness existing programs while advocating for new ones that address the evolving needs of the population they serve.
Both Melgoza and Garcera are committed to implementing community-centered programs and ensuring that CCS operates efficiently to meet its goals. As they transition into this new chapter, they will continue collaborating with partners and stakeholders in the community to reinforce their commitment to social justice and equity.
Get Involved
For anyone interested in learning more or participating in the initiatives of Corazon Community Services, further information is available by visiting
corazoncs.org. Through collaboration and collective efforts, CCS aims to enhance community resilience, promote inclusion, and foster long-term growth for those it serves.
With Melgoza and Garcera at the helm, CCS is poised for an exciting future that promises to deepen its impact in the Cicero community.
Media Contact
For further inquiries, please reach out to Rowan Ewangan, Director of Development, at [email protected] or call (708) 202-9655.