FOLSOM, Calif.—April 22, 2009—Barcellona, Inc. was honored today with the prestigious People Helping People Award in the small business category. Businesses and individuals throughout the Sacramento Region demonstrate commitment to community service every day, but too often these deeds go unrecognized. In 1989, the Community Services Planning Council initiated the People Helping People Awards to promote community service and to assure that the civic contributions of time, talent and resources by businesses, civic organizations and individuals are honored and encouraged.

Barcellona, an integrated marketing communications firm, was recognized for generously donating its full-scale services to HomeAid Sacramento (http://www.homeaidsac.org), the philanthropic arm of the North State Building Industry Association. HomeAid seeks to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives.  The charity has successfully matched local service providers in need of refurbishing, expanding or building new shelters with homebuilders able to fill that need since 1996.  Barcellona provides marketing expertise, graphic design, public relations and web related services to HomeAid at no cost.  Over the years this gift has included website design, public relations support, the creation of new project brochures and other collateral marketing materials to the tune of approximately $50,000 in donated services per year.

“Barcellona’s design work and marketing expertise have helped HomeAid’s voice be heard,” notes Pam Herman, the organization’s executive director.  “The more people who know about HomeAid’s mission, the more monetary and in-kind support is generated and collectively, HomeAid has the power to change many lives. HomeAid’s new website allows for easy online donations and shares our mission in a visually appealing and eye-opening fashion. Public relations pitches, high-quality marketing materials and the event support we have received from Barcellona have increased the power of our organization and helped us to reach our audience more effectively.”

Rochelle Barcellona, president and creative director of the agency, sits on the board of directors of HomeAid Sacramento. “When I was asked to be a director in 2005, I offered the services of the agency because I was so impressed with how HomeAid so positively affects the lives of people, from babies to senior citizens,” comments Barcellona. “I really feel blessed to work with Pam and everyone on the board. In fact, I was a little embarrassed to receive the award because I feel like I get so much in return already.”

Barcellona, Inc. is an integrated marketing communications firm that offers advertising, graphic design and public relations services, located at 1631 Creekside Drive, Suite 102, Folsom, CA 95630.  The agency may be reached by calling (916) 353-5200, by email at or via the website at http://www.barcellonabrand.com/.

The Community Services Planning Council is a catalyst for community change, providing health and human services information for the public, engaging people in collaborative planning, conducting policy analysis on health and social issues, developing innovative programs, building coalitions to effectively respond to emerging community needs, and offering training and technical assistance in community planning, mobilizing and program development so people can improve their communities. You can find out more about the Community Services Planning Council, including a list of all People Helping People award winners, at http://www.communitycouncil.org/.

Pam Herman, director of HomeAid Sacramento and Greg Grant, former chair of HomeAid Sacramento, flank Rochelle Barcellona, president and creative director of Barcellona, Inc. at the People Helping People awards ceremony.