Let Your Life Be An Inspiration
About us
The Alameda County Foster Parent Association is a Chapter of California State Foster Parent Association. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, educating and advocating for licensed foster parents, relative and non-relative caregivers and adoptive families throughout Alameda County.
Our Mission is to promote consistent, safe, quality care for the well-being of all foster children by providing support and advocacy to foster and adoptive families, relative and non-relative caregivers.
We envision that one day every child, youth and young adult in foster care, and their caregivers, will thrive and successfully navigate to a healthy and positive future.
If you are a foster or adoptive parent or relative caregiver in Alameda County, consider joining the ACFPA. We are here to support you through your journey.
Member Only Opportunity
Sergeant-at-Arms Position – August 2022
The ACFPA Board is looking for members who might be interested in filling the Sergeant-at-Arms position. This is a wonderful member-only opportunity. The Sergeant-at-Arms is primarily responsible for keeping meetings running smoothly and efficiently, by gently redirecting participants when discussions drift off topic or one participant dominates the discussion, and helping to keep track of time allotted for each agenda item.
This is a voluntary, appointed position. Although this is not an official ACFPA Board position, it is ideal for an ACFPA member who wants to become more active in the Association and to eventually hold a Board position.
Please review the job responsibilities and qualifications, and if interested, apply by submitting a brief letter of interest to acfpa7@gmail.com. Please include the following information in your letter of interest: 1) Relevant work history and experience, 2) What makes you a good fit for the position, 3) How you can contribute to the ACFPA Mission.
All applications will be reviewed by the Board and notices will be sent to applicants once a decision is made.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Are you familiar with Job Corps?
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.
We appreciate you!
The annual Caregiver Appreciation Dinner, hosted by Alameda County Social Services, Department of Children & Family Services, was held on May 20, 2022 this year. The event was in person, which in itself was a blessing after being couped up for so long. It was wonderful to see all the families again in person, instead of on video!
As usual, the department did a fantastic job of creating a welcoming, festive atmosphere, complete with a DJ, delicious food, fun photo booth, raffles, gift baskets and other surprise gifts for everyone.
The theme this year was “Still We Rise”. The Keynote Speaker, Vanetta Johnson, Executive Director of Beyond Emancipation, gave a touching and inspirational speech about her program and its wonderful Mission to “support young people as they imagine and create their own life beyond foster care”.
On behalf of ACFPA and our members we want to thank the Department for this wonderful event and give a special shout out to Felicia Brown, our County Liaison, for her tireless work on behalf of the kids in care and their families. Thank you!
Stressed? Need Support? Family Paths offers a 24 hour parent support hotline providing free and confidential counseling, information and referrals. Call 1-800-829-3777
Apply for ACFPA Scholarships
Our Scholarships can supplement the cost of camps and activities for your kids, and much much more. Apply Today.
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.
Are you done building your family through adoption? There is still a lot we can offer you through the ACFPA.
Read on…
**Reminders**
- Join an Association Meeting
- Renew your membership
- Apply for a Scholarship
RFA Caregiver Social Media Policy
As Resource Families we are required to protect the confidentiality of Children in Care. This includes posting information and pictures on social media platforms. Please review the Social Media policy and ensure compliance with this requirement.
Do you need training hours?
There are plenty of ways to get your training hours. Chabot College and UCSF Benioff are just two of the organizations offering trainings. Click on the links below for their upcoming programs. Also, check our Resource page for more training options.
Join us at our meetings
We would love to see you at our monthly ACFPA meetings on the 4th Monday of every month. Check our Events calendar for the exact dates and details.
Our next ACFPA Association meeting is on Monday, July 25th at 7:00 PM. Our meetings continue to be virtual. Please check your email for the Zoom invitation and link a week prior to the meeting. Hope to see you there.
We can use your support. Here are a few simple ways you can help.
Choose Alameda County Foster Parent Association as your favorite charity on AmazonSmile and we will receive a portion of the proceeds each time you shop, at no cost to you.
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Get In Touch
Address
ACFPA
1271 Washington Ave, #659
San Leandro, CA 94577
alamedacountyfosterparentassociation.org 