San Jose Mayor, Chuck Reed, delivered his annual State of the City address at the San Jose Civic Auditorium before a packed house on Thursday evening February 9^th. Attendees included the City Council, other elected officials, city employees and volunteers as well as Happy House chapter, Community United, which had been selected by City Councilman, Pete Constant, to receive an award for the important volunteer work being done with the children and families in his District 1 at the Starbird Youth Center, and expanded to the Alma Youth Center.

Happy House Founder Nancy Cartwright as well as Executive Director Peter Kjenaas and Executive Consulant Kathie Heard, joined Community United’s Executive Director Donna Stewart and her co-founder Jan Nitikin; top Donors (& Volunteers!), Marie Guenat and Bruce Stewart; and the core team that services the Starbird and Alma Youth Centers to receive the award.

The beautiful crystal sculpture from The City of San Jose (with logo), The Capital of Silicon Valley reads: “2012 Community Honoree Presented to Community United San Jose In recognition of your exemplary dedication and contribution to making San Jose a prosperous and vibrant city for all”

The Good Choices Program was also cited in this important and appreciated recognition!

The mayor made it clear in his State of the City address that the Gang Prevention Task Force, which Happy House Community United is an important part of, was responsible for an overall drop in crime and had performed a great service in keeping youth activities alive during tough economic times.

Happy House Community United is proud to accept the award and with the dedicated staff at the Starbird and Alma Youth Centers is committed expanding its efforts to help more and more children and families who could use a little help.