Our board members play a vital role in shaping the vision and impact of our work, and our Treasurer, Dom Nkunku, is a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose. For the past three years, Dom has been driven by a deep passion to serve his community, bringing both heart and perspective to TCCC’s mission.
What Dom values most about being part of TCCC is the opportunity to make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s helping provide immediate essentials like food and shelter or supporting long-term solutions like job training, mental health care, and housing, he finds fulfillment in seeing hope restored. For Dom, the work goes beyond services. It’s about treating every individual with dignity, compassion, and respect.
One experience that stands out to him is helping a young mother and her two children transition from living in their car to stable housing. With the support of TCCC programs, she was able to access temporary shelter, job assistance, and childcare. Watching her move from fear and uncertainty to stability and confidence was a powerful reminder of why this work matters, not just for individuals, but for entire families.
Dom hopes more people understand that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. A meal, a conversation, or simply being seen can help someone feel valued again. He believes that by building awareness and compassion, we can break down stereotypes around homelessness and create a more supportive community for everyone.
Outside of TCCC, Dom describes himself as passionate, reliable, and optimistic. He is a pastor, speaks nine languages, and enjoys cooking traditional Congolese dishes as a way to connect with others and share his culture. When asked what historical figure or celebrity he’d have dinner with if given the chance, his answer was, “I would love to sit down with Jesus Christ. His teachings on love, forgiveness, and faith have changed millions of lives, and I would love the chance to ask Him questions directly and learn from His wisdom. It would be the most life-changing dinner conversation ever!”
On his days off, you’ll likely find Dom exploring new places, taking road trips, or discovering local favorites like Magellan Restaurant.
We’re grateful for Dom’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others. His dedication continues to help move TCCC’s mission forward and strengthen the community we all share.
Beginning January 1, 2026, new federal tax rules will change how charitable donations are deducted when you file in 2027. The good news? If you typically take the standard deduction, you may now be able to deduct up to $1,000 (individuals) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) in cash donations to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities, including Tracy Community Connections Center. This “above-the-line” deduction allows many donors to receive a tax benefit for giving, even if they don’t itemize.
For those who do itemize, a small adjustment is coming when you are filing in 2027. Starting in 2026, only the portion of your charitable giving that exceeds 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) will be deductible. For most donors, the impact will be modest. However, some may choose to “bunch” donations into one year to maximize their deduction.
If you’re planning a larger gift, it may be worth reviewing your timing and strategy before filing your 2026 taxes in 2027. Keeping good records of cash donations and confirming the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status will be especially important under the new rules. As always, thoughtful planning helps ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact, both for your financial goals and for the individuals and families TCCC serves.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.
Two members of Tracy Community Connections Center’s Street Outreach team, Elizabeth and Gavin, recently completed the Passenger Assistance, Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) Driver Training Program, an important certification that strengthens our ability to safely transport the clients we serve.
The PASS program, developed by the Community Transportation Association of America, is widely recognized as the industry standard for safely assisting passengers who may require additional care. The training focuses on proper transportation procedures for individuals using mobility devices, older adults, and people with medical or accessibility needs. It is commonly used for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), ADA paratransit services, and other specialized transit programs that serve vulnerable populations.
During the training, Elizabeth and Gavin spent the day learning how to safely assist passengers and properly operate our ADA-accessible van, ensuring that clients can be transported with dignity, safety, and respect. This certification helps ensure that when our outreach team provides rides to appointments, services, or housing placements, clients receive the careful support they deserve.
We’re proud of Elizabeth and Gavin for completing this training and continuing to expand the ways TCCC can support the community. Their dedication helps ensure that transportation is never a barrier for people who need help accessing critical services.
Interested in volunteering with our team? Learn more about opportunities to help members of the Tracy community.
At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), we’re always looking for new ways to meet the basic needs of the people we serve. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton that will help bring fresh, healthy food directly to our clients.
Beginning in March, TCCC will host a Farmer’s Market-style food giveaway during our regular shower program. On the third Monday of each month at 9:45 a.m., clients will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables provided by the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton. This new addition will take place at our shower program location at New Heart Church, where many community members already come to access showers, hygiene supplies, clothing, and other support services.
Access to nutritious food is an essential part of overall health and stability. For individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, fresh produce can be difficult to come by. Through this partnership, we’re able to make healthy food more accessible while continuing to offer the services that help people maintain dignity and well-being.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton for working with us to make this possible. Partnerships like this allow organizations to combine resources and reach more people in meaningful ways.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we encourage you to join us on the third Monday of each month at 9:45 a.m. at our shower program. Together, we can continue building a stronger, healthier community.
When people look at the list of services available on our Get Help page, they may see a variety of programs and wonder: What exactly does the term health resource center mean? At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), we use language that reflects both practical support and compassionate care, and it’s important to clarify what a “health resource center” is and how our services fit into that concept.
What Is a Health Resource Center?
A health resource center is any place or program that connects people directly with health-related services, information, and support. That can include:
Assistance accessing medical care
Help enrolling in health insurance or Medicaid/Medi-Cal
Referrals to clinics or behavioral health providers
Support managing chronic health conditions
Screenings, education, and health promotion
In short, a health resource center focuses on helping people access healthcare and health-related support, whether through direct services or by linking individuals to appropriate providers.
Some health resource centers are physical clinics where people can walk in for care. Others are outreach programs, nonprofit hubs, or coordinated networks of services.
Is TCCC a Health Resource Center?
Yes, but with a broader purpose.
TCCC is not a medical clinic, and we do not provide direct medical treatment. However, we do function as a health resource connector: we help individuals access care, find medical referrals, and navigate systems that support wellbeing.
Here’s how TCCC aligns with the health resource center concept:
Our case management team helps clients enroll in healthcare or Medi-Cal coverage.
We connect people with medical providers, mental health services, and addiction recovery programs.
Through our Street Outreach team, we link people directly to care and escort clients to appointments.
Our recuperative care services support people after discharge from hospitals, ensuring continuity of care and a safe environment to recover.
Are All Resources Listed on the Get Help Page Health Resource Centers?
Not exactly.
The resources listed on our Get Help page cover a range of support areas, and not all of them are health resource centers in themselves. They include:
Housing navigation and eviction prevention
Case management for food, IDs, benefits enrollment
Shower and laundry programs
Street outreach
Recuperative care
While many of these services intersect with health and wellbeing, only some directly engage with healthcare access.
For example, the shower and laundry programs address hygiene and dignity, which are deeply tied to physical and mental health. They are not medical resources themselves, but do provide essential supportive services that reduce health risks, but they don’t replace clinical care.
TCCC’s Role in Your Health and Wellbeing
So what does this mean for someone seeking help?
TCCC is a support hub that helps individuals find and access healthcare. We connect our clients with clinics, behavioral health, and community partners, as well as navigating the system of arranging insurance, appointments, and referrals. More directly, we also help individuals stay healthy through hygiene and supportive services.
We help remove barriers to health, which is one of the biggest challenges facing people experiencing homelessness. We may not be a clinic, but we ensure that people who need care can find and receive it.
If you’re looking for support with health resources, housing, benefits, or basic needs, TCCC is here to help you navigate your options. Call (209) 407-9649 or explore our Get Help page to get find the help you need.
