As an Outreach Specialist at PHFE WIC, Sara Jimenez has built personal relationships with hospitals, schools, community organizations, and first responders across the community she serves. So, when a local firefighter encountered an unhoused mother with a six-month-old baby who had previously been enrolled in WIC but had since fallen out of touch with the program, she knew exactly who to call. Jimenez recalls, “when I picked up the phone, I thought, I’m so glad she remembered me.”
Jimenez immediately jumped into action, gathering resources and confirming a plan with PHFE WIC’s Pico Rivera office. The fire department didn’t hesitate either, driving the mother and her child over to the office, where the team — including Nutritionist, Breanna Estrada, and Nutrition Counselor, Ivan Sandino — welcomed them with compassion and reinstated the mother’s WIC benefits that day. She left with the nutrition support and resources she needed for herself and her baby.
PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, is the largest WIC agency in the United States, providing healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and family resources to more than 200,000 women, children, and families across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Bernardino County each month at no cost. Outreach specialists like Jimenez are often the first point of contact for families — connecting with community partners, spreading awareness of WIC’s services, and making sure people know how to find their way to support when they need it, whether that’s their first time hearing about the program or, as in this case, a way back in.
Jimenez’ outreach career started with a bit of serendipity. “I started this kind of work with the department,” she says. “There were a few positions open, and I’m glad to say I was one of the two that were hired.” She had carpooled to the interview with the other finalist. “We were joking, what if I don’t get it and you do? So luckily, both of us did.” Jimenez has now been with PHFE WIC for 35 years, dedicated to connecting families and communities with the resources and support they need.
Ask her how she connects with community partners, and Jimenez will tell you it comes down to being genuinely present wherever she is. “Whenever I’m out there in the community, whether I’m running, whether I’m walking, whether I’m just picking up something to eat, I talk about the program because it’s so helpful to the families we serve,” she says.
Jimenez affectionately refers to herself as a “human billboard” for WIC. “Marketing is great on social media. Marketing is great on TV. But marketing, when it’s a human doing it, is totally different. I don’t think we’re going to ever be replaced,” she says. “You make that mom, dad, or family feel immediately important with that in-person connection.”
Not every family says yes right away, and Jimenez has learned to see hesitation as an opportunity rather than a setback. “Kindness takes you a long way,” she says. “When people are hesitant, just be kind and give them that smile. It’s okay if they say no. I already planted that seed that it’s okay to see me next time.” She keeps brochures and her contact information on hand for exactly that reason. “I’ve got to tell you, they do come back,” she says. “When they’re ready, they’ll tell you.”
After 35 years, Jimenez says the work still feels meaningful because of the people. “When you love what you do, you don’t have to do much. It just comes naturally,” she says. “I know that my families feel it and appreciate it. I feel that appreciation even over the phone.” Jimenez’ passion for her work radiates through every word. “I just love it,” she says with a smile.
Her advice to anyone considering WIC for their own family is simple: “You want to do the best for yourself and your family? This program is one of the best,” she says. “We learn to be better parents. We learn to eat better, feel better about ourselves, and be healthier.” She points to the nutrition education, the recipes, and the resources available to families at every stage — from pregnancy through early childhood. “It’s free. It’s here. You want to talk to a professional? We’re here. Just allow us to serve you, and you will not regret it.”
And to anyone already part of the program, Jimenez wants them to know it’s something to be proud of. “Everybody that’s in this program, they should be proud,” she says. The program keeps evolving to better serve families’ nutrition and resource needs, and for Jimenez, that growth is exactly what makes her proud to be part of it, too.
Click here to learn more about PHFE WIC.
