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For additional resources, check our Resources page and/or download the Alameda County Resource Guide.

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Celebrating Community at the 2026 ACFPA Picnic 

Hi there! My name is Josie. I’m one of the youth volunteers who loves helping out with the Alameda County Foster Parent Association. On Saturday, August 8, 2026, we celebrated another wonderful year of the Alameda County Foster Parent Association with our annual ACFPA Picnic! 

There were so many fun activities throughout the day. When families checked in, they received tickets for activities such as face painting and train rides. The train ride was especially fun because you could sit back, enjoy the ride, and wave to people around the park as you passed by! There was also a large game area where kids could run, play, and have fun while volunteers like me helped organize races and games, including a big baseball game. Meanwhile, adults had the chance to relax, socialize, and meet new people.

The game area was bustling with excited children and filled with all kinds of activities. There were bullseye games with plastic shurikens and axes, bubbles, egg races, sack races, a plastic baseball set, and so much more! The kids were so excited that as soon as the game station was set up and opened, they ran onto the field, ready to play.

The face-painting station was another big hit. Many kids were excited to choose their designs, and some even decided to get their face paint on other parts of their arms, hands, or even legs! The free train ride was also a favorite. Kids happily waved to people around the park as the train passed by, making the ride even more enjoyable.

Volunteering at the game station was such a fun experience for me! I got to teach kids how to safely play the axe and shuriken games, organize races, and help make sure everyone was having a great time. Seeing how excited and happy the kids were made volunteering especially rewarding. I would definitely recommend volunteering at future ACFPA events: the kids are amazing and so sweet, and the other volunteers are incredibly kind and welcoming.

Of course, the activities weren’t the only great part of the picnic! We also had delicious food from a taco truck, including tacos, empanadas, vegetables, and nachos with nacho cheese. The toppings station had everything you could want for a taco, including limes, cheese, salsa verde, and more. For dessert, we had cake in several delicious flavors, including original, lemon, and birthday cake!

An event like this takes many people working together behind the scenes and throughout the day. Thank you so much to all of our wonderful volunteers for helping make this picnic possible and for everything you do for our community. Your time, energy, and kindness make these events so special.

I had such a wonderful time at this year’s picnic, and I hope to see everyone again next year!

Author, Josie, is a 15 year old ACFPA member and youth volunteer.

Click link to read more articles about the picnic or see more pictures of the picnic

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Scholarship Grant

On July 21, 2026, ACFPA accepted a $3,000 grant from the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance in support of our Scholarship program. ACFPA Board members, Charles Bracey and Candice Kendall, attended the check presentation ceremony and had the opportunity to share the impact of our work in the community.

In the last 5 years, ACFPA has awarded over $43,000 to 164 kids to help supplement the cost of enrichment and academic activities. This generous gift will allow us to continue providing support to foster, kinship, and adoptive families throughout Alameda County. Every dollar helps create brighter futures for the children and caregivers we serve.

We are grateful to Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance for their generous grant in support of our mission.

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Food Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, here are a few links to helpful resources in Alameda County:
Food Resources
Find a Food Pantry

You can also call the Emergency Food Helpline at 510-635-3663, Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm.

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Member Only Backpack Giveaway

On Saturday July 25, 2026 the Alameda County Foster Parent Association (ACFPA) hosted its annual drive-by Backpack Giveaway. The member-only event supported all children living in ACFPA member homes, ensuring students started the upcoming school year fully prepared.

The giveaway was designed for maximum efficiency and personalization. Backpacks and supply inserts were organized by age and school grade level, with smaller, more colorful backpacks for younger kids and larger ones in solid colors for older ones. Thanks to Board members Felicia and Rendy, the backpacks were pre-assembled prior to the event, making the distribution much easier.

During the drive-by event, backpacks were clearly displayed so kids could choose their preferred styles. Earth tones proved to be the day’s trend, with brown and tan backpacks emerging as the most popular choices among the students.

Thanks to the hard work of seven adult volunteers and three junior helpers, by the end of the day, 79 children received backpacks filled with essential school goodies and grade-appropriate supplies.

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ACFPA Scholarship Update

Did you know that ACFPA scholarships can help you pay for camps, swimming, gymnastics, music lessons, tutoring and much more. Check the Scholarship page for more information, step by step guide to the process and an easy online application form. You can also download your receipts for reimbursement when you submit your application. Take advantage of this member-only benefit today.

In 2025, ACFPA granted more than $10,000 worth of scholarships to 35 applicants. Scholarships make a huge difference for kids in care. Here is what one caregiver had to say about the value of the scholarship for a child in their care:

“[Child’s name] has had a stressful year seeing many family relationships fall apart. Now she’s back in school with a long commute from foster home to school of origin. She loved gymnastics camp and continuing once a week will bring her joy. She loves exploring new movements, using them in dance and exercise. She glows from praise from her coaches.“

Scholarship applications are accepted all year long. Check the Scholarship page for more details and take the time to send in an application.

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Latest News

• 
  Picnic in the Park
  On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the Alameda County Foster ParentContinue reading “Picnic in the Park”
• 
  Member Only Easter Giveaway
  ACFPA hosted its annual Easter Giveaway on March 28, 2026.Continue reading “Member Only Easter Giveaway”
• 
  Fun Summer Activities
  We are so lucky to live in the Bay AreaContinue reading “Fun Summer Activities”
• 
  Emergency Child Care Bridge Program
  Some years back, my husband and I fostered our firstContinue reading “Emergency Child Care Bridge Program”
• 
  Annual Member Only Christmas Celebration and Bike Giveaway
  On December 6, 2025, the Alameda County Foster Parent AssociationContinue reading “Annual Member Only Christmas Celebration and Bike Giveaway”
• 
  Opportunity to Offer Host Housing
  During a recent ACFPA meeting, staff from Beyond Emancipation presentedContinue reading “Opportunity to Offer Host Housing”

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