Our founders, Chet and Helen Soda, rose from very modest beginnings to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. Chet and Helen lived the American Dream and created the foundation as a permanent resource for their beloved East Bay to ensure that others would have the same opportunity. Their vision, faith, community spirit and commitment to people in poverty inspires and drives our work.
Guiding Principles
Based on our Founders’ values and Catholic Social Teaching, the Y&H Soda Foundation has the following guiding principles:
Stewardship
We strive to honor the legacy of our Founders by investing our resources effectively and responsibly in service to the community.
Partnership
We commit to working with others to advance our shared mission and increase our collective impact.
Learning
We are a learning organization that is committed to continuously improving our work and sharing what we learn with our partners and the field.
Justice
We strive to address the root causes of injustice to achieve long-term, equitable change.
Compassion
We care about the vulnerable members of our community and seek to build a more caring community in the East Bay.
Dignity
We value the humanity and strengths of each individual and work to ensure that all persons contribute to and benefit from the common good.
Innovation
We imagine, seek out, and support bold and creative approaches that inspire leadership, advance equity and strengthen our communities.
Mural Credit: The mural above depicts an indigenous grandmother in the cosmos watching the younger generation complete the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor. It is in the Fruitvale District of Oakland.
Peace and Dignity (2011) by the Community Rejuvenation Project