About us

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Are you a caregiver or a current or former foster youth? Are you feeling frustrated? Would you like additional support? Contact Family Urgent Response System (FURS) at 1-833-939-FURS. Check our News page to learn more.

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Easter Basket Giveaway- Member Only Event

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ACFPA Christmas Event 2022

On December 17, 2022 ACFPA hosted another smashing Christmas party for Resource Parents, including relative, foster and adoptive families, and children in Alameda County. Over 440 families and kids registered for the event. This year, the families were given the option to either drop by and pick up their gifts or walk through the event; more than 300 opted to walk through the event.

Once again this year, the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward allowed the use of their facilities and sanctuary for this wonderful celebration. Families who opted to pick up their goodies received extra large pre-packed gift bags filled with clothing, toys, books and gift cards. Those who walked through had a chance to choose their own gifts from the Toy Room. Babies and teens received Target gift cards, thanks to the generosity of New Life Church, Bay Area Chinese Bible Church and East Bay Orphan Care. There were also bags filled with cosmetics and of course, yummy sugar cookies.  

In addition to the wonderful gifts, Santa was prominently displayed in the Sanctuary this year and families had a chance to take their pictures with St. Nicolas. The Sanctuary was decorated to the hilt by our wonderful volunteers and looked truly magical.

As usual, we couldn’t pull off such a fabulous celebration without the generosity of our donors and tireless work of our volunteers. These included East Bay Orphan Care, New Life Church, Chinese Bible Church of Alameda and San Leandro, Sephora, Mary Kay, Toy for Tots, First Presbyterian Church of Hayward and many individual donors who support this event every year. We are grateful to Rendy Orlando, the ACFPA Fundraising and Donations Co-chair, who led much of the volunteer effort and with her family, dedicated many hours to make this event possible, as well as Carol Graham who spent countless hours organizing the registration. Click on Gallery to see more pictures of the event.

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Job Corps may be a Great Resource for the Youth or young Adult in Your Life

During the July 2022 Association Meeting, we received a wonderful presentation from Gianna Silvestre, Outreach and Admissions Counselor with Job Corps.

Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the country and has been operating for more than 50 years. The program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 to complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. It is funded by the U.S. Department of labor.

At Job Corps, students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship, go on to higher education, or join the military.

Ms. Silvestre explained that at their Treasure Island location, they offer a variety of training programs, including basic and advanced culinary, office administration, certified nursing assistance, certified medical assistant, security and protective services, and advanced information technology. They also offer training in construction in fields like cement masonry, carpentry, electric, plastering, and building construction technology.

Along with free training, the Treasure Island location offers free on-campus living, uniforms, meals, and medical services. Finally, once the students have completed the program, they receive assistance in finding employment.

To be eligible for this program, the individual must be:

• Between 16-24 years of age
• Below the poverty line or currently on income assistance
• U.S. citizen or legal resident

The Job Corps Booklet provides additional information in both English and Spanish. Applications are accepted online at jobcorps.gov.

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A Great Resource for Foster and Probation Youth

The Independent Living Program (ILP) serves the Foster and Probation youth in Alameda County. Their Mission is to “help foster youth meet their basic needs and become self-sufficient adults making conscious and healthy decisions”. ILP eligible youth are usually referred to ILP by their child welfare workers or probation officers. If you have a youth in your care that you think is eligible for services and has not been referred yet, speak to the youth’s child welfare worker about a referral to the program. Youth and families can also self-refer to the program. Check the website for more information and contact information.  

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