FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Christina Cano, Christina.Cano@cv.ca.gov, (279) 224-2907
GO-Serve, State Attorney General Highlight Work to Protect California from Trump’s Reckless Cuts and Reinforce the Power of Service
What you need to know: After a year of attacks on service programs like AmeriCorps California, the state is doubling down on service. California recognizes the power of meeting community needs through service especially during the holiday season when rising food prices and financial strain leave many families vulnerable.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement Director Josh Fryday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Improve Your Tomorrow Founder Michael Lynch and AmeriCorps California members served together today at a Sacramento food locker to underscore the importance of volunteering and donating during this season of giving and highlight California’s work to continue to defend and invest in AmeriCorps after federal cuts.
“Today is a reminder that when California leads with service, we don’t just build stronger communities, we fight to protect them. We are standing firm to defend AmeriCorps in California and together we’re demonstrating the power of service to strengthen our communities. I’m grateful to Attorney General Rob Bonta and partners like Improve Your Tomorrow who understand the real power of service lies in its ability to connect people, solve problems and keep communities moving forward,” said California Chief Service Officer and GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday.
GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday and Attorney General Rob Bonta join AmeriCorps California members preparing grocery distribution at Joey’s Food Locker in Sacramento.
AmeriCorps members at Natomas High School went the extra mile to support their community, lending a hand with preparing the weekly grocery distribution at Joey’s Food Locker — unloading deliveries, organizing pantry items and assembling essential food groups to support hundreds of local families.
“This holiday season, I’m grateful for the thousands of AmeriCorps members serving in communities across our state,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “These AmeriCorps members represent the best of our country — embodying a spirit of giving that is especially poignant this time of year. I’m proud of the work my office did to defend AmeriCorps and ensure critical programs like Improve Your Tomorrow continue to get the support they need to raise up the next generation of leaders. In California, we’re not looking for a fight — but we won’t hesitate to defend our people, our programs and our values when they’re under threat.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta, GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday, Improve Your Tomorrow Co-Founder Michael Lynch and AmeriCorps California members convene at a Sacramento food locker to prepare weekly grocery distribution.
Earlier this year after the Trump Administration abruptly cut funding for AmeriCorps and thousands of California service members lost their positions overnight, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Bonta and a multi-state coalition successfully sued and forced the reinstatement of federal AmeriCorps funding. The Trump Administration also agreed to release an additional $184 million rather than continue defending its unlawful actions.
“AmeriCorps has been a lifeline for organizations like Improve Your Tomorrow and for the students we serve every day. When DOGE tried to gut this program, it wasn’t just a budget decision — it was an attack on opportunities for low-income communities and young people across California. We’re grateful that Attorney General Bonta stood up, went to court and won. This victory means our IYT AmeriCorps members can stay focused on what they do best: helping students get to and through college, instead of wondering if their service will be cut out from under them,” said Improve Your Tomorrow CEO/Co-Founder, Michael Lynch.
Despite the Administration’s attempts to divide communities and restrict resources, California is doubling down on service. GO-Serve is working to protect service and expand access to the support communities need. Service is how California meets the moment and fills the gaps for families who depend on real help. Find paid service opportunities to serve at CAServiceCorps.com.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH with GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Christina Cano at Christina.Cano@cv.ca.gov, (279) 224-2907.
RELATED FOOTAGE AND INTERVIEWS:
B-roll: California Service Corps
Photos: AmeriCorps California
Video: Director Fryday and Attorney General Bonta
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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
California Volunteers, under GO-Serve, empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
