At the heart of our mission here at the Redlands Noon Rotary Club is the belief that strong, connected communities equip every person — especially children and families in need — to thrive. Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming leaders from Olive Crest, and their story deeply resonated with our commitment to service, advocacy, and hope.
Why Olive Crest Matters
Olive Crest’s mission is clear and powerful: “Preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping and restoring children and families in crisis… One Life at a Time®.” Olive Crest - Strong Families, Safe Kids
They serve across California, Nevada, and Washington, helping communities where children are at risk of abuse, neglect or simply lack of stable support. Their tagline — Strong Families. Safe Kids. — captures the heart of their work. Olive Crest - Strong Families, Safe Kids
With statistics like “every 10 seconds a child is reported abused” and “60% of foster youth who age out become homeless within the first year,” Olive Crest - Strong Families, Safe Kids the urgency for this work is evident.
Our Guests: Dedicated Leaders in Action
We welcomed two incredible individuals from Olive Crest who are actively making this mission real:
- Walter: With a lifelong commitment to helping children and families, Walter now serves as Director of Development at Olive Crest. He brings decades of nonprofit leadership (including 17 years with the Boy Scouts of America in California and Washington) to his current role — securing services for those in crisis and advocating for the vulnerable.
- Monica Madueno: Over seven years into her journey with Olive Crest, Monica now leads the PROMISE program that supports youth impacted by commercial sexual exploitation. Starting as a parent partner, then facilitator, then wrap-around program supervisor, she embodies growth, resilience and leadership. As a proud mom of five (including two adopted children), her personal and professional lives align around creating safe, empowering spaces for youth and families.
Together, Walter and Monica represent the depth of Olive Crest’s work: combining strategic development and frontline service, community-based programs and personal passion.
What This Means for Redlands & Beyond
By hosting Walter and Monica, our Rotary chapter reaffirmed our shared values:
- Service above self — stepping in where help is needed most.
- Community partnership — no single organization works in isolation; we shine brighter together.
- Advocacy for the vulnerable — children and families in crisis deserve our attention, compassion and resources.
In Redlands and the Inland Empire region, we have a strong network of volunteers, service-minded businesses, schools, faith communities and nonprofits. Olive Crest’s model reminds us that when we build strong families, we create safer, healthier environments for everyone.
Call to Action for Our Community
Here are a few ways Rotary members and the public can engage:
- Learn more about Olive Crest’s programs and mission by visiting their website.
- Partner with us — our club can help coordinate a service project, awareness campaign or fundraiser in collaboration with Olive Crest.
- Share stories — when local members volunteer or witness impact, document and share it on social media. Use #RedlandsRotary #OliveCrest #CommunityImpact to help amplify.
- Make it personal — consider mentoring, hosting a project, or simply reaching out to a family in need in your neighborhood. Every connection counts.
Why We Share This Now
As we head into an era of growing challenges — economic, social, and emotional — service organizations like Olive Crest are vital. By aligning our Rotary club’s purpose with their mission, we deepen our impact locally and inspire others to join us.
Our meeting, our conversations, our shared vision — all remind us that change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people care, connect, and commit.
Thank you to Walter, Monica and the entire Olive Crest team for your work, your hearts, and your partnership. Together, we rise as a community that believes in hope, restoration and the power of “One Life at a Time.”
Together, Redlands serves. Redlands cares. Redlands transforms.