Half a century ago, three public health nurses launched the Cupertino Roundup, now known as West Valley Community Services (WVCS), to fight hunger and poverty in Santa Clara County — and the organization recently marked its 50th anniversary by honoring nurses at its 13th annual Chefs of Compassion fundraiser. El Camino Health’s chief nursing officer, Cheryl Reinking, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, DipACLM, was one of five area nurse honorees recognized at the event, where professional chefs from Silicon Valley prepared dinner inspired by ingredients found at WVCS.
Reinking has been with El Camino Health for 36 years, serving in a number of positions before becoming chief nursing officer in 2013. She oversees the nursing division and patient experience, leading more than 2,000 nurses and support staff. Reinking is the chair of the Pathways Home Health and Hospice Board of Directors and is active on the boards of several organizations. She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and many other professional organizations.
WVCS serves low-income and homeless individuals and families in Santa Clara County, with a service area that includes the 22,000 men, women and children living in poverty in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, West San Jose, Monte Sereno and the surrounding mountain regions. WVCS partners with local government, foundations, community donors and volunteers to provide food, housing, referrals and case management to those facing food and housing insecurity.
See more about the nurse honorees at West Valley Community Services’ Chefs of Compassion.
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