Stories

We are impacting lives in Orange County everyday with the generous support of donors.

“Our experience at St. Mary’s was great. My son was very happy with his care, which is saying a lot considering he’s an RRT. He was thankful for the care he received.”

Living Our Values

Providence St. Mary honored with Yawa’ Award

Providence St. Mary Medical Center was deeply honored to be among four organizations recognized at the 15th annual Forging Hope Yawa’ Awards, hosted by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians). This meaningful award celebrates organizations that exemplify the tribe’s philanthropic Pillars of Giving through service in education, health care, essential needs and Indigenous empowerment.

The word Yawa’ — meaning “to act on one’s beliefs” — is central to the tribe’s values. It reflects a way of life
grounded in kindness, respect and purpose. Providence St. Mary’s nearly 70-year legacy of service in the High Desert and its bold new initiative, the region’s first Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) program, earned the hospital this extraordinary recognition.

Meeting survivors with compassion

At the heart of the SART is a mission that mirrors the spirit of Yawa’: to meet survivors with compassion and action, ensuring they have access to the critical, trauma-informed care they need close to home.

The award itself, a handcrafted Serrano gourd rattle encased in glass, was created by San Manuel Tribal youth to honor the tribe’s rich cultural traditions and ancestral ties to the High Desert. Chief Executive Randy Castillo accepted the award on behalf of Providence St. Mary, expressing gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to serve on sacred land with humility and intention.

“We are proud to have partners who answer the call of Yawa’ by meeting the basic needs of at-risk groups, helping students onto the path of education, supporting Indigenous communities and addressing health care disparities in our region,” said Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena, Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel, during the awards ceremony, held at Yaamava’ Theatre in Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

This award is a testament to the power of partnership, shared values, and the enduring belief that health care can and must be a force for healing, justice and hope.