Mutual Assistance Network (MAN) is dedicated to advancing social and economic opportunities for families based in North Sacramento neighborhoods.
Operating out of multiple locations in Del Paso Heights and Arden Arcade, MAN offers a full scope of resources for all age groups, including access to pregnancy and parenting resources, youth and financial empowerment programs, and affordable housing resources.
Executive Director Danielle Lawrence has been with MAN for over a decade. She says although these neighborhoods are their main focus, they work hard to help anyone in need.
“Although contracted funds may dictate the scope of community we are able to enroll in specific programs, we do our best to meet families where they are and provide available services and resources,” Lawrence says. “For example, we may not have specific funding to help bury the child you just lost tragically, but we use donations such as Big Day of Giving dollars to do that.”
“We are honored to do this sacred work. Many hands make light work and that is demonstrated in the team here at MAN.” — Danielle Lawrence Executive Director
Recently, MAN has been assisting Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban several years ago but who are just now reaching California. “They don’t qualify for state resources and they have nothing,” Lawrence says. She adds that as a culturally responsive organization, MAN is proud to have staff who can minimize cultural/linguistic barriers and help families get acclimated to life here in Sacramento.
“You have taught me so much about parenting. I’ve definitely learned how to talk better with my child. You have taught me to speak with my child and not just to my child.” — MAN Parent Participant
MAN has also been spearheading the community-driven Black Child Legacy Campaign to address high mortality rates of Black children, who die at twice the rate of any other ethnicity. Since 2013, the campaign has surpassed its goal, reducing the death rate by 30 percent in Sacramento County. However, a glaring disparity still exists and BCLC continues to provide resources to break intergenerational traumas, increase health resources and reduce chronic stress.
