Community Coalition's Marqueece Harris-Dawson receives The California Wellness Foundation Sabbatical Program Award

Community Coalition President and CEO Marqueece Harris-Dawson was recognized with The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) Sabbatical Program Award for his dedicated work and leadership to the organization.

The prestigious honor is a statewide award given to non-profit organizations to support their executives and improve long-term effectiveness. The award will fund a three-month long sabbatical for Marqueece, who has been at the helm of Community Coalition since 2004. His sabbatical period is from Dec. 1, 2010 and he returns March 1, 2011.

The leadership support grant will provide $35,000 to Community Coalition to cover salary and other expenses during Marqueece’s sabbatical. Marqueece is among eight other statewide recipients; he is one of the youngest and one of two African Americans receiving the coveted award this year.

Marqueece became Community Coalition’s executive director following founder Karen Bass’ transition into politics in 2004. A young Harris-Dawson came under scrutiny at a time when many thought the organization would not survive the departure of its founder Karen Bass. Since then however, he has proven to be a dedicated leader ensuring not only the survival, but the growth of one of LA’s most influential community organizing institutions.

“I’m very honored and humbled to have been chosen to receive The California Wellness Foundation Sabbatical grant. It shows a tremendous investment in black leadership and investment in the type of work that we are doing in South LA,” said Marqueece.

“Community Coalition takes on public health issues in a very different but important way than other organizations. We’re about organizing the community and fighting for resources that will make our neighborhoods safer and healthier. It’s great to see that our work is being recognized and is given the support to continue for many more years to come.”

When many people think of sabbaticals—they don’t necessarily think of non-profits. But The California Wellness Foundation is committed to investing in the executives who lead non-profit organizations that provide essential and much-needed services or resources to communities that most need them.

By supporting executives who many times go for years without recognition and little time for rest, the sabbatical helps prevent burnout and promotes the overall strength of the organization.

We are very proud to have Marqueece receive this recognition and award.

To learn more about The California Wellness Foundation, please visit their website at www.calwellness.org.