LEADERSHIP | STEWARDS

LEADERSHIP

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Stewards Inc’s payee program exists to provide support for adults with mental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable individuals in Kern County. The majority of them suffer from at least one mental disability, and many have cooccurring disorders.

These individuals have been deemed incapable of managing their finances by Social Security and they come to us as a last resort because they do not have a family member or trusted friend to help them with financial management. Like all other nonprofits, the services that Stewards Inc offers do not lend themselves to profit, because it is not a typical market with a consumer who can afford to pay for the services.

OUR IMPACT

Currently, we have roughly 1,300 clients. Through the management of their finances we are quite effective in steering them away from very dangerous and severe outcomes, such as slipping into homelessness or blowing all of their money at the beginning of the month. The whole community benefits from this because the roughly $1.2 million in disability benefits we manage per month is used on rent, food, payment of their utilities, and other basic necessities.

OUR NEED

We are allowed a small subsidy by Social Security in the form of a service fee, but these fees do not, unfortunately, come anywhere near meeting our operating expenses. For this reason, we need individuals like you to help us to continue the work of serving the most vulnerable population in Kern County. Without your crucial support, Stewards Inc. could not fulfill its mission. Find out how to donate by clicking here.

Far from begrudging this reality, we see it as an opportunity to invite conscientious individuals in our community to participate in our important work and to develop the relationships and collaborations with potential partners, friends, and supporters we need to create a lasting impact in our neighborhoods.

Andrae Gonzales

Chief Executive Officer

BOARDOFDIRECTORS

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

STEWARDS' GOVERNING BOARD IS MADE UP OF SOME OF KERN COUNTY'S MOST CARING AND HARDWORKING PEOPLE. WITHOUT THEIR TIME AND TALENTS, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FULFILL OUR MISSION.

Where is your office located?

We are located Downtown at 107 17th St, right off of Union Avenue near the E Truxtun Avenue overpass.
What are your office hours?

We are open Monday and Thursday from 9:00am-12:00pm. Our phone hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm
What is your mailing address?

Our mailing address is 107 17th St., Bakersfield, CA 93301.
What is your fax number?

Our fax number is 661-859-1442.
How do I check my account balance?

Contact your account manager via email or phone. Account manager contact information can be found on our team page.
How do I reach my account manager?

You can find contact information for all account managers on our team page.
Can I review and discuss my budget with my account manager?

Yes, you can contact your account manager at any time. If you’d like to make changes, it is best to discuss and request changes at least 5 days before month-end so the changes will go into effect the following month.
How do I request additional funds?

You may contact your account manager in person or via email or phone to make your request. Your request may be granted IF you have funds available above and beyond your budgeted funds. There will be a 48 hour waiting period for any extra check requests. To prevent any inconvenience, please set up direct deposit. We can deposit weekly and there is only a 24 hour waiting period for extra requests.
When do I need to provide receipts?

You should provide receipts to your account manager anytime a request for additional funds is granted and prior to making another request.
How long does it take to void and reissue a lost check?

After 7 business days, we will issue a Stop Payment. A $15 fee will be charged for lost checks. However, we can eliminate the problem of lost checks and the associated wait time to have them reissued if clients use a Wells Fargo Debit Card or vendors sign up for direct deposit. If you don’t have a Debit Card and would like one, please contact your account manager. If you are a vendor interested in direct deposit, please email us: admin@stewardsinc.org
What happens to the balance in a client's account when he or she passes away?

We return all required funds to the benefit issuer, pay all final expenses, follow the instructions of written wills or follow probate rules, and return to the state any unclaimed funds.
How do I receive my debit card?

Print out or pick up a direct deposit form from Stewards Inc. You must walk into a Wells Fargo bank and open a bank account. If you open an account with at least $50, Wells Fargo will issue you a temporary debit card. A permanent debit card will arrive in the mail shortly after. However, if you can't obtain a temporary card, you can still walk into the bank and withdraw money from your account, so long as you have a valid CA ID.
When are my funds deposited to my debit card?

Funds are dispersed daily. They will be available 24 hours after the payment is scheduled.
What is the Prepaid Card Solutions card?

Your Prepaid Card Solutions card is a prepaid debit card funded through a deposit from Stewards Inc. You can use the card to make purchases or to withdraw cash at an ATM up to the amount left on the card.