BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK\/KBFX) \u2014 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. <\/p>\n
“Helping thy neighbor.” All in a way their executive director says, \u201cit\u2019s a way to help God\u2019s children.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur calling is to help thy neighbor,\u201d said Executive Director at the Mission at Kern County, Carlos Baldovinos. \u201cOur calling, the way this organization was set up almost 75 years ago, was to do just that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baldovinos emphasizes the organization’s mission to help neighbors in crisis, whether due to addiction, food insecurity, or job loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s something that we have an opportunity to change people’s lives wherever they’re from,\u201d said Baldovinos. \u201cYou know, for me, I don’t count it as a job, but I count it as an opportunity to bless others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baldovinos says that when a city like Bakersfield sees someone struggling, people come together.<\/p>\n
RELATED TO: Mission at Kern County expands to meet growing demand for meals and services<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cEverybody matters, and when we see people come through those gates,\u201d said Baldovinos. \u201cThey 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cSomebody that really cares about community,\u201d said Baldovinos. \u201cSo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n