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Common Vision Coalition offers wraparound help in Redlands, hosts fundraiser April 11
Summary
Common Vision Coalition, led by Maria Whittaker Sasatos, provides food, housing assistance, IEP support and referrals for Spanish‑speaking residents in Redlands; the group is partnering with the Highland Women’s Club for a scholarship fashion show April 11 at the Elks Lodge in San Bernardino.
Maria Whittaker Sasatos, co‑founder of Common Vision Coalition and president of the Highland Women’s Club, told Essence Table Talk that the Redlands‑based nonprofit provides a range of direct services for local residents.
“We are a multifaceted organization,” Sasatos said, explaining the group helps community members “at their level, whatever their need is,” from food and groceries to help filling out job applications, housing forms and other applications. She said the coalition connects people to external services when it cannot provide assistance directly.
Sasatos described sustained support for Spanish‑speaking residents and families navigating legal or school systems. “We are right there… at the IEP meeting along with the parent, making sure that the information they are receiving they understand,” she said, adding the coalition follows up with parents to confirm agreed services and plans are being implemented.
The coalition traces some of its work to a 2010 focus on substance‑use prevention among youth, Sasatos said, and the group also mentors parents who complete transitional housing programs.
Sasatos highlighted local partnerships and fundraising: the Highland Women’s Club raises scholarships through events, and Common Vision Coalition is partnering with the City of Redlands on a Super Rockstar Walk and Roll to raise awareness of disability needs and encourage community compassion. The Highland Women’s Club’s fundraiser, Soaring for Scholarships, is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at the Elks Lodge in San Bernardino, Sasatos said.
For help or referrals, Sasatos provided a contact number for the organization: (951) 533‑4438. She asked callers to be prepared to describe needs so staff can assess and refer participants to appropriate services when needed.
The coalition’s work, Sasatos said, covers families with children who have special needs (autism, ADHD), parents who need help navigating IEPs and families affected by substance use, and it aims to keep graduates of its programs engaged with and giving back to their communities.
The Essence Table Talk hosts thanked Sasatos for appearing and noted the organization’s role in Redlands community support. The show moved next to a brief station announcement before introducing the next guest.
