BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — For 250 years, America has been built on stories that connect us. In this week’s Amazing America, we visit the Mission at Kern County who has served their neighbors battling a crisis for almost 75 years. It’s places like that help lend a hand, something our forefathers instilled 250 years ago.

“Helping thy neighbor.” All in a way their executive director says, “it’s a way to help God’s children.”

“Our calling is to help thy neighbor,” said Executive Director at the Mission at Kern County, Carlos Baldovinos. “Our calling, the way this organization was set up almost 75 years ago, was to do just that.”

Baldovinos emphasizes the organization’s mission to help neighbors in crisis, whether due to addiction, food insecurity, or job loss.

“It’s something that we have an opportunity to change people’s lives wherever they’re from,” said Baldovinos. “You know, for me, I don’t count it as a job, but I count it as an opportunity to bless others.”

Baldovinos says that when a city like Bakersfield sees someone struggling, people come together.

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“Everybody matters, and when we see people come through those gates,” said Baldovinos. “They could be in the very worst situation in their lives, going through crisis that they have never experienced before. I believe that even simple help, a hello, glass of water, whatever that may be, you’re showing the human kindness that we all have within us. That to me is what this is all about.”

He praises his staff for being amazing public servants and instills that anyone who comes to the Mission at Kern County will never be judged.

“Somebody that really cares about community,” said Baldovinos. “So with community, somebody that cares about people who come in through all walks of life, people that come in with a crisis, that’s what makes America beautiful.”

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With his parents migrating to the States before he was born, he said he witnessed his parents being loved and respected and wants to continue to spread that message.

“I’m a son of immigrants, and when I see America, what it’s done for my family, I need to keep sharing that same kind of love and respect to others as generations change,” said Baldovinos. “So, for that I love the United States of America.”

He says that with the hotter temperatures around Kern County during the summer time, the Mission at Kern County will continue to open their doors as also a cooling center.

“I wouldn’t want to be out there,” said Baldovinos. “I don’t think anybody want to be out in a hot concrete when it’s 105 degrees in Bakersfield.”

The Mission at Kern County runs off of community support, volunteer efforts and donations. To learn more on how you can help, click here.