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04/11/2024

Each Honoree Received $5,000 to Donate to Nonprofit Organization of Choice

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 11, 2024 – Molina Healthcare of California (“Molina), celebrated three Los Angeles-area residents for their commitment to serving under-resourced populations and improving health equity in their communities. Through the annual MolinaCares Community Champions program, each honoree received a trophy and $5,000 grant to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice. 

“This year’s honorees have shown their dedication to improving the health and well-being of their neighbors in the Los Angeles area,” said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California. “Molina is proud to honor such selfless individuals. We know the grants will further empower the missions of the community organizations these recipients work with.”

This year’s MolinaCares Community Champions are: 

Monique (Mona) Gotoy of Los Angeles: Gotoy has served as volunteer vice president and director of operations for Barber Gurus for the past four years. Gotoy spearheads the monthly community breakfast for unhoused members of the community. This event also enables individuals to sign up for health insurance, HIV/AIDS testing, cancer screenings and free groceries. Since 2021, Gotoy has funded this event – feeding 6,000 families and enrolling 2,500 families in a health insurance plan. Additionally, Gotoy has coordinated back-to-school events and donated 200 backpacks. She coordinates the annual Thanksgiving meal, which serves more than 150 families. She also offers free financial literacy classes to adults and youths. Gotoy’s grant will be donated to Barber Gurus.

Gail Mutke of Los Angeles: Mutke is one of the original volunteer founders of the Shower Program at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. St. Luke’s offers showers, clothes and food to unhoused individuals in the Long Beach area. During the pandemic, Mutke helped keep the program running. With a grant from Ahmanson Foundation, she orchestrated the building of a new women’s bathroom and shower, expanding capacity. Until 2021, Mutke ran the program – scheduling volunteers, procuring supplies, and soliciting grants. On Saturdays, 80 to 90 men and 30 to 40 women receive a hot shower, meal and clothing. In the last two years, Mutke has added specialty services on specific weekends – including dental and foot care provided by nurse volunteers and haircuts. Mutke’s grant will be donated to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Toi Nichols of Long Beach: Nichols is the executive director of M.O.R.E. Mothers – a nonprofit that serves as a holistic resource to mothers, providing support, education and community building. Nichols founded M.O.R.E. Mothers in 2019 with the mission to uplift and empower mothers and change the quality of life for as many families as possible. Since its inception, M.O.R.E. Mothers has touched the lives of more than 3,000 women and children. During the pandemic, Nichols filled her car with supplies, driving through the streets of Los Angeles to deliver the items. Nichols connects mothers to the resources they need and offers guidance and support throughout all stages of motherhood. Nichols’ grant will be donated to M.O.R.E. Mothers.

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About Molina Healthcare of California
Molina Healthcare of California has been providing government-funded care for over 40 years. The Company serves members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Covered California (Marketplace). Molina’s service areas include Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Imperial counties. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.