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!

Job Corps May Be a Great Resource for the Youth or Young Adult in Your Care

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: 1) Between 16-24 years old 2) Below the poverty line or currently on income assistance 3) 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.

The ACFPA Drive-though Summer Giveaway

Liz and Felicia at the Registration Table

On July 31st 2021, the ACFPA hosted our member-only, COVID-safe, Drive-through Summer Giveaway. This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our amazing partners at the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward who once again allowed us the use of their parking lot to stage this event.

With the help of our incredible community of partners and supporters, we were able to distribute pre-packed bags of supplies and goodies to 45 families and over 100 children during the Drive-through Summer Giveaway.

Some of the items that were distributed to families were “My Stuff” bags from the My Stuff Bags Foundation non-profit organization, containing age-appropriate books and other items, Chabot College Family Bags, His Kingdom Movie Night bags, Alameda County Social Service Appreciation bags, an assortment of Mary Kay and Sephora cosmetics, arts and crafts and school supplies and new pairs of Old Navy shoes.

Additionally, families received goody bags that were donated to the ACFPA by two industrious High School students from Hayward, Sonal and Vanishnavi, who collected $600 and used it to fill 75 bags with crafts, toys, masks, hand sanitizers, lip balm and school supplies.

To top it all off, and in honor of a beautiful summer day, families received delicious ice cream treats for their ride home.

Huge thanks go out to Joyce Ryder, Rendy Orlando and Scarlet Payne who spent countless hours preparing for this event and organizing each family’s bag of goodies, and to the ACFPA Board members and our community volunteers who helped everything run safely and smoothly during the event.

Finally, thanks to our member families who attended the event, making it a fun summer outing for the kids.

We hope everyone had a great summer and wish all of the families and kids a safe return to school.