OAKLAND: The Port of Oakland has received a Community Service Award from the Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement. The Port was recognized for its contributions to the West Oakland community at the Center’s 20th Anniversary Gala & Awards last night. Port Executive Director Chris Lytle accepted the award on the Port’s behalf.
“For over a decade, the Port of Oakland has partnered with the Prescott-Joseph Center on key issues such as air quality,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. “As a result of these efforts, the Port has improved air quality by more than 70%.”
The Port of Oakland’s contributions to the Prescott-Joseph Center include providing seed funding for the Northern California Breathmobile in 2008 and on-going support to provide asthma-related support services to communities in need.
Since its inception, the Breathmobile has provided asthma treatment, evaluation and education not only to many children in the West Oakland community, but also students throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The Prescott-Joseph Center has partnered with the Port on efforts to improve air quality, including helping the Port to secure state funding for cleaner trucks as well as funding for the Port’s shore power program which reduces pollution from ships.
Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement is a non-profit organization dedicated to community services, education, culture, and development in West Oakland. Their flagship programs include a mobile asthma clinic, food pantry for the hungry, summer youth recreation, and cultural arts.
