March, 11, 2020

To whom this may concern:

It is a pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Juan Martinez. Juan has been an active
participant with the California Health Collaborative (Collaborative) – Merced County Tobacco
Control Program (MCTCP) since December of 2016.

The Collaborative is a nonprofit organization guided by its mission of “changing lives by

improving health and wellness.” The Collaborative implements an array of health promotion and
disease prevention programs, public health surveillance systems, and a variety of capacity-
building and networking activities which serve particularly the underserved and
underrepresented communities. One of the several programs of the Collaborative is the Merced
County Tobacco Control Program, which serves as the lead program in Merced County for
tobacco control and prevention efforts.

Juan is an active member of the CALI Youth Coalition which stands for “Collaborate. Advocate.
Lead. Inspire.” CALI Youth advocates are tasked with providing education to Merced County
residents, peers, and local decision makers including city council members, law enforcement,
and community coalitions on the dangers of tobacco products. Youth advocates assist program
staff during community outreach events, participate in data collection activities, provide
educational presentations and attend regular attend youth coalition meetings/trainings.
Juan has been one of the most reliable members of C.A.L.I; he always has a positive attitude
when participating in meetings and program events.

While working with Juan, I’ve watched his growth and development change over time. He used
to be very quiet and to himself, but over time he became more vocal and began to take the
steps in the right direction in becoming a leader. Juan became very eager to learn new
materials; sometimes he would even inform me on some of the newest and latest trends that I
was unaware of. He has participated and conducted educational presentations to community
leaders and coalitions, each time becoming a better public speaker. He also participated in city
council meetings where he addressed the council during public comment to express his
concerns in his community. Overall Juan has become a great individual, while he progresses in
life I know he will make an impact wherever he goes!

Our organization strongly believes in building partnerships with youth. By involving young people,
the community is allowing them to carefully develop their leadership potential, so that as they
grow and learn they can become thoughtful, prepared leaders of the society.

Should you have any questions in regards to Juan Martinez participation with the California
Health Collaborative please feel free to reach me at (209) 725-8240 or via email
pwhite@healthcollaborative.org.

Thank You,
Patrik White
Patrik White
Youth Coordinator
California Health Collaborative
Evi Hernandez Stephanie Gonzalez Patrik White Maria Galvan Crystal Duran
Senior Project Director Program Manager Youth Coordinator Community Engagement Coordinator Program Assistant

California Health Collaborative | Merced County Tobacco Control Program

1903 G Street, Merced, CA, 95340
(209) 725-8240 | www.healthcollaborative.org | mctcp@healthcollaborative.org