Celebrating 25 Years of Impact

Founded in 2001 as Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), My Way Home has spent the past 25 years empowering individuals and families through financial education, housing counseling, and homeownership opportunities. We have always believed that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future through financial empowerment and homeownership.

We invite you to join us for our 5th Annual Leading People Home Awards & 25th Anniversary Celebration, a special evening honoring the community leaders, partners, and advocates whose dedication has helped create pathways to opportunity for thousands of families throughout our region.

Together, we'll reflect on the thousands of lives we've touched over the past 25 years, celebrate the people and partnerships making a difference today, and look ahead to the next chapter of our mission.

Enjoy an evening of dinner, awards, inspiring stories, and celebration as we honor the people who are truly leading others home.

Thursday, October 8, 2026

4:30pm - 7:30pm

Spanish Hills Club

999 Crestview Ave., Camarillo, CA

Become a Sponsor
Purchase Tickets

of changing lives through homeownership

Mark this special milestone with us!

Become a Sponsor
Learn more

“My Way Home went above and beyond to guide and serve me, AND they helped me with over $75,000 in down payment assistance for my home… I have all of you to thank, with your support the dream of owning a home is no longer impossible for families like mine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

— Adrienne, My Way Home Homeowner

Leading People Home Awards

Honoring Those Who Have Inspired Our Work

The Leading People Home Awards honor five important leaders who have inspired My Way Home’s work. Their vision and dedication to serving others remind us that meaningful change happens when people come together with a shared commitment to creating opportunity, empowering others, and building stronger communities.

Lynn L. Jacobs Award

Excellence in Lifetime Leadership

Honoring Lynn Jacobs for her legacy of empowering homeownership through Ventura Affordable Homes, Inc. and her work while serving as California’s Director of Housing and Community Development under Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Rodney Fernandez Award

Excellence in Visionary Leadership

Honoring Rodney Fernandez who championed the cause for affordable workforce housing in Ventura County for over 50 years and founded VCCDC (DBA My Way Home) in 2001.

Michael McGuire Award

Excellence in Community Partnership

Honoring our first Board Chair, Michael McGuire, a man of great compassion for those in need who has left a special space in the community and hearts of many that will long be felt.

Ernest Baskette Jr. Award

Excellence in Community Support

Honoring our longest running Board Member, Ernest Baskette, Jr. His personal and professional mission was to affect transformative repositioning of the economic status of families and the revitalization of the communities in which they reside.

Carmen Ramirez Award

Excellence in Advocacy and Community Impact

Honoring Carmen Ramirez for advocating solutions-based initiatives to provide affordable housing for low-to moderate- income households, and championing social, health, and environmental programs to deliver a better quality of life for all.

Congratulations 2026 Award Recipients

  • Celina L. Zacarias

    Lynn L. Jacobs Award for Excellence in Lifetime Leadership

  • Jessica Wishan de L’Arbre

    Rodney Fernandez Founder’s Award for Excellence in Visionary Leadership

  • Ventura County Credit Union

    Michael McGuire Award for Excellence in Community Partnership

  • Yvonne Gutierrez

    Ernest Baskette, Jr. Award for Excellence in Community Support

  • Consulado de México en Oxnard

    Carmen Ramirez Award for Excellence in Advocacy and Community Impact

Learn More About Our Recipients

Experience the Evening

Thursday, October 8 | 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Spanish Hills Club | 999 Crestview Ave, Camarillo, CA 93010

Every year, the Leading People Home Awards brings together our friends, partners and community advocates for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration. Watch a highlight video from our last event!

Join My Way Home for a fun and inspiring night and enjoy:

✨ Dinner overlooking the scenic views of Spanish Hills Club

✨ Recognition of outstanding community leaders

✨ Networking with housing, business, and community partners

✨ Live music during the networking reception

✨ Inspiring stories of lives transformed through homeownership

✨ A celebration of 25 years of impact

Thank you to our Event Supporters

PRESENTING

LEADER

BUILDER

SUPPORTER

OceanAir Credit Union

Rize Credit Union

SoCalGas Company

Ventura County Credit Union