It’s Raining STEM!

In late 2024, the Alameda County Foster Parent Association (ACFPA) was delighted to receive the LLNS Community Gift Program award of $5,000 for purchase of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys for foster children and their families.

The toys, ranging from building kits to interactive science experiments, were purchased by ACFPA with this grant with the goal of sparking a love for discovery and innovation in the children who would receive them. The STEM toys were distributed during the annual ACFPA Christmas event on December 7, where each of the 334 children-in-care and their Resource Families in attendance received a STEM gift. The children were able to select the STEM toys that caught their interest, aided by volunteers who were there to guide them through the exciting process of choosing and exploring new gifts.

The children picked out toys that sparked their imaginations, from robotic kits to solar-powered gadgets. For some, it was their first introduction to the world of STEM, and for others, it was a chance to explore a new passion that would help shape their future.

ACFPA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to LLNS Community Gift Program for their generous award. Their support not only brightened the holidays for these children but also helped plant the seeds for future innovators, engineers, and scientists. Through this partnership, the future looks just a little brighter for the foster children of Alameda County, and for that, everyone involved is deeply grateful.

Free Cell Phones

Did you know that a free cell phone is available to youth and non-minor dependents (NMDs) in foster care ages 13 to 21 years old?  The phones are provided through the California LifeLine Foster Youth Program

Free phones and monthly service for foster youth include:

  • Unlimited talk and text 
  • Up to 25 GB high-speed and 10GB hotspot data 
  • Motorola Moto G Power 5G phones with protective case and charger 

NMDs, Child Welfare Workers (CWWs) or caregivers can complete the application for a phone on the CA LifeLine program website – California LifeLine Foster Youth Program

For youth under 18, caregivers or CWWs should assist the youth or complete the application on the youth’s behalf.  Caregiver approval is required.  Please discuss the phone with the caregiver before submitting an application.   

When submitting the application, proof of the youth’s eligibility is required by submitting a Ward of the Court Letter/County Dependency letter. 

Christmas at ACFPA

As in past years, the Alameda County Foster Parent Association (ACFPA) closed out 2024, with two special Member Only events, the Annual Christmas Event and Free Bike Giveaway.

On December 7, 2024, ACFPA, in partnership with Presence City Church and New Life Church, hosted 334 children in care of Alameda County Resource families at the annual Christmas Walk-through Event.

Foster kids and their caregivers enjoyed a festive atmosphere while they collected free gifts, toys, PJs, bed sheets, clothing, treats and more.

The kids toy room was a crowd favorite, where children picked out their own toys, including free STEM Kits, nurturing their curiosity and love for learning. Older kids and teens chose their gifts from a selection more suited to their interests and needs. Additionally, through the generosity of our donors, over $3,000 in gift cards were distributed to kids 12 and older.

As in prior years, Santa was also present, warmly greeting the children, making note of their holiday wish lists, and taking memorable photos with each of them.

The event also included a crafts table where kids could create holiday decorations and thank you cards to be sent to the ACFPA donors.

A week later, on December 14, 2024, the holiday spirit continued to shine through when 36 bikes were distributed to ACFPA families. The bikes, donated by Kids Bike Lane, gave kids the freedom to explore and play, with free bike locks provided for the older children receiving 26-inch bikes.

These events would not have been made possible without the incredible support of our donors and volunteers. Their contributions ensured that every child and family felt the spirit of the season.

As always, we are also thankful for the many families who have opened their doors to take care of our kids. We wish everyone peace, good health and much joy in 2025.

Check the gallery for pictures.

We are grateful to our donors and supporters who made these events possible

Kids Bike Lane; Presence City Church, Dublin; New Life Church, Alamo; Redwood Chapel, Castro Valley; Resonate Church, Hayward; Textonics; Jay Franco & Sons; Lawrence Livermore National Security

Busy Buzzy Bots; Clorox Company; Pajama Plus Project; Sunset Elementary School; Ghirardelli Candy; Project Linus; Carters Pajama Program; Youth Up Rising; Toys for Tots; Joule Junction

Teen Gift Cards: Tim Rich, Progressive Asset Management, Joe & Michelle Bressler, Cargo Solutions; Joe & Michelle Bressler; Cindy Rosenbalm; Georgann Beavers; Sam Lewis; Paulette Gilkerson