Marcy Flores, the former interim executive director, is taking over the role permanently.

The event celebrated a partnership between the local nonprofit and the telecommunications company Comcast.

Organizers said Thursday’s block party was an olive branch to Ward Street residents who have often felt sidelined or distant from the rest of the community.

Nonprofit group Corazón Healdsburg oversaw selection of recipients with awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 to artists, authors, musicians and other performers.

The Sonoma County Pathway to Income Equity, launched in February, making the first of 24 monthly payments of $500 to 305 local families in need.

Local individuals and organizations are eyeing a “transformative grant program” launched by The Arts and Culture Collective of Northern Sonoma County, in partnership with Corazón Healdsburg, to let their creative dreams take flight and give voice to the underrepresented voices of the area.