Sonoma County Adult and Youth Development Honors Local Volunteers at Derby Gala

Community activist JT Henley has ignited a culture of volunteerism in Rohnert Park and Cotati, that over nearly three decades has inspired area politicians, entrepreneurs and local residents to follow suit.

Henley’s not doing it for attention — in fact, when presented with Sonoma County Adult and Youth Development’s lifetime achievement award for volunteerism Saturday, he was embarrassed, he said.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen,” he said as he sat shyly before a crowd of more than 100 people that packed for the 6th annual “” gala, which was hosted by Mayor Gina Belforte, who is also president of SCAYD.

Henley was one of 39 community volunteers or service organizations nominated in 11 different categories May 7. The event, themed after the Kentucky Derby, featured a silent auction, live bidding on the race’s horses and a hat contest. In the end, 12 outstanding volunteers were honored, but all were recognized for their efforts.

Other winners include: The Cotati Arts Project for community service group of the year, Jennifer Wiltermood for projects benefiting youth, Marie McNaughton for the arts, Hayley Fenech for Sonoma State University volunteer, Ed Gilardi for education-related, the Conservation Corps of the North Bay for SCAYD’s green award, David Lee from DK Landscaping for most charitable business, Lisa Moore for outstanding civil servant, Mike Harris and Cal Ripken for youth sports, Kailani Yamanoha for the teen award and Ed Gilardi for volunteer of the year award.

Henley served as president of SCAYD for 27 years and reportedly helped build the organization from the ground up. He’s also been active in youth sports programs, including Pop Warner; he was a co-founder for the Active 20-30 Club of the North Bay, he’s helped organize the Rohnert Park Crane Melon Fesitval and is past president of the Education Foundation, among many other community outreach organizations.

“Volunteers are stewards of the community,” Belforte said. “Many times, we don’t realize how involved the are; the need never stops.”

Belforte said it was Henley’s ardent dedication to community service that rubbed off on her, and inspired her join the board at SCAYD.

“I’m not sure he knows how much he’s impacted people’s lives,” Belforte said. 

“When I first came to town, it was JT that started me on the road to community service,” said Gerard Giudice, who co-owns Sally Tomatoes, also serves on the SCAYD board.

SCAYD is a Rohnert Park-based nonprofit that provides counseling services for families and youths, homeless prevention outreach programs, emergency food and relief assistance and employment services for people in Sonoma County. 

SCAYD provided assistance for a staggering 276 families from Rohnert Park or Cotati last year, 123 of which were children. They helped 58 teens get an education or a job, they provided counseling for 108 families and reached out to 78 people for alcohol and drug diversion programs. 

“No one that comes to SCAYD is ever turned away for lack of funds,” Belforte said. “Our mission is to help everyone in our community reach their highest potential."