COMMUNITY
For Yazmine, community involvement isn't about attending one event or belonging to one organization. It's about seeing where she can help, connecting people and resources, and being willing to show up.
Where it started
After returning to Kerman, one of Yazmine's first major community activities was National Night Out with the Kerman Police Department.
Seeing families come together showed her what community events could accomplish.
From there, involvement became part of everyday life.
Supporting Local Students
In July 2022, Yazmine organized her first Back to School Drive after learning about the Migrant Services program at the local school district.
Fruta Fresca became a collection location for donated supplies, while the business purchased an additional $200 in school supplies. Everything collected was delivered to Kerman Unified School District for distribution to families who needed assistance.
In 2025, when plans for another school-supply event unexpectedly changed, Yazmine purchased approximately 1,000 school supplies herself and worked to keep the event moving rather than placing the additional burden on volunteers and community partners
Making Community Fun
Not every community project has to be serious.
Yazmine has organized scavenger hunts that send families around Kerman following social-media riddles to find toys, prizes and Fruta Fresca gift certificates.
Local businesses, parks, the library and public-safety organizations have participated.
One event drew an estimated 15 to 20 families.
For Yazmine, seeing children excited and parents enjoying Kerman together reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for families to make memories in their own community.
Helping Where Help Is Needed
Some service never becomes an event.
Fruta Fresca maintains a standing practice of providing homeless individuals who come into the shop with food and bottled water at no charge.
After a conversation with a restaurant server who volunteered with Poverello House, Yazmine also donated 100 school-supply boxes to support the organization's work.
For Yazmine, service often begins exactly that way: a conversation, a need, and the question, “What can I do?”
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.