Hespera-based Rock’n our Disabilities Foundation crowned Nonprofit of the Year

Senator Scott Wilk recognized Dana Hernandez, founder/CEO of the Hesperia-based Rock’n our Disabilities Foundation, as the Cal Nonprofit of the Year for the 21st Senate District.

Hernandez joined Senator Wilk last week in Sacramento for a special celebration, which highlighted the work of over 100 nonprofit organizations in the communities they serve throughout California.

Founded by Hernandez in 2018, the foundation’s mission is to offer social, educational, and mentoring programs for children with disabilities.

Hernandez said raising two special needs children helped her to understand the struggles special needs families face.

"I created the disabilities foundation to bring awareness to families with special needs children and to give them a place where they could all come together for support and fun," Hernandez told the Daily Press.

In an online message, Hernandez said she credits the success of the nonprofit.to her “Lord and Savior,” her nonprofit team, board members and an army of supporters.

She also thanked volunteers, partners, donors, grantees, sponsors, families, the Hesperia Recreation & Park District, the City of Hesperia, the Hesperia Unified School District and the City of Victorville.

“I don't think one knows just how hard it is to make a dream of this magnitude a reality,” Hernandez said. “But, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. We filled a void and need that was so needed in our area."

She added that each day, God allows her to wake up to serve and love the beautiful population that has changed her life.

“These kids and adults taught me to love and see life from a different perspective,” Hernandez said. “Growing up, I wanted six kids, and God gave me more than 200. I love each of them as if they were my own.”

In 2019,  Rock'n Our Disabilities Foundation hosted a “Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” for its new office location in Hesperia and the launch of the nonprofit’s “Special Needs Saturday Sports Program.”

The foundation also hosts various events throughout the year including dances, dinners, Easter egg hunts and Christmas parties.

The name “rock star” describes Hernandez, because of her nonprofit journey, which began with her passion for volunteering in Victor Valley, especially to help families and youngsters, according to Wilk’s office.

Over the years, Hernandez’s love for her community was channeled into a nonprofit that has served countless individuals and their loved ones.

“Through her nonprofit, Dana and her team gives children with disabilities and their parents a space to love and grow while letting them know that they are not alone,” said Wilk, during the presentation. “It is my pleasure to recognize Dana and Rock’n our Disabilities Foundation as the 21st Senate District Non-Profit of the Year. Congratulations to you!”

Hernandez thanked Wilk for the recognition and for his “steady leadership in Sacramento,” which she said "uplifts the lives of families and children."

“Your support and that of the community allow Rock’n our Disabilities Foundation to thrive, grow, and make a difference,” Hernandez said. “I am honored to receive this recognition and proud to represent Senate District 21 at today’s ceremony.”

For more information on the foundation, visit rocknourdisabilitiesfoundation.org or facebook.com/rocknourdisabilities.

Wilk represents the 21st Senate District, which includes the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor valleys.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Rock’n our Disabilities Foundation in Hesperia wins Nonprofit of the Year