FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A Fresno nonprofit is partnering with the community to support a local mother and her two children following the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Catlin was nominated and selected as the 2026 September recipient of the Fresno Chapter of Helping One Woman<\/a>.<\/p>\n The national nonprofit organization started in Fresno back in 2008 and has grown across different states, supporting women in the community who are navigating devastating trouble or irreplaceable loss.<\/p>\n Caitlin Kurtz’s husband, Calvin Kurtz, died unexpectedly at the end of May, leaving behind Caitlin, their teenage son and their daughter, who recently turned 1.<\/p>\n Reflecting on her husband, Caitlin described him as a positive and encouraging presence.<\/p>\n “He’s so funny. He was encouraging. I feel like anybody that he came into contact with, like people just were drawn to him,” she said.<\/p>\n Calvin worked as a plumber for Fresno Plumbing. Caitlin said he was known for his ability to connect with others.<\/p>\n Helping One Woman Fresno selected Caitlin as its 2026 September honoree as the organization works to support women in the community who are navigating devastating trouble or irreplaceable loss.<\/p>\n Mary Cochron, a leader with the Fresno chapter, said the organization provides a way for community members to support those facing hardship.<\/p>\n “Sometimes when you don’t know how to help someone in your community, H.O.W is the way you can actually help them,” Cochron said.<\/p>\n Founded in Fresno in 2008, the nonprofit has expanded to other states. The Fresno chapter hosts dinners on the third Monday of each month to honor that month’s recipient.<\/p>\n “This is an opportunity for us all to come together, really just kind of wrap our arms around Caitlyn and assure that she’s not alone in her walk,” Cochron said.<\/p>\n Community members can support Caitlin and her family by attending the dinner, donating raffle or silent auction items, or gifting tickets.<\/p>\n “This is how it started: one woman can buy another woman lunch. Ten women can buy another woman groceries, but 100 women can really change a woman’s life. We bring together 100, if not more, women every month to honor our recipient,” Cochron said.<\/p>\n Caitlin said her faith and support from the community have helped her navigate the difficult months since her husband’s death.<\/p>\n “it just felt like an honor to be chosen for this,” she said. “Just knowing that I have that support and that help has been really helpful to help me get through this time.”<\/p>\n The fundraising dinner is scheduled for Sept. 21 at Piazza Del Pane in Fresno. Information about tickets is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Danyelle Burke North on Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n