THE COMMUNITY VOICE A Quarterly Newsletter by Community Services Employment Training
December 2021
Dear Community Partners, The 2021 year continued to present unique challenges for CSET and the entire community. Remote work and virtual meetings became the norm as we sought to protect staff and customers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The determination of our staff members to help local individuals and families did not waver as they worked tirelessly to provide important services to the community. We expanded our programs and increased the availability of online applications for services. Our VITA program brought in a record number of tax returns, and our Senior Services team delivered nearly 350,000 frozen meals to elderly seniors in Tulare County. Our Workforce Department assisted thousands of people to improve their job skills and work readiness, and our Energy Services staff weatherized homes and provided energy assistance in a safe manner. Our Sequoia Community Corps completed public works projects throughout the County and helped CSET and other organizations provide pandemic relief services. We could not have done it without the support of our staff, partners, and the community. We are grateful for your encouragement, and we look forward to another successful year helping families achieve self-sufficiency. Wishing you all a wonderful and safe holiday season. Sincerely, Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner, CSET Executive Director
FARMERSVILLE YOUTH RECEIVE TABLETS & WIRELESS CONNECTION WITH $25,000 CONTRIBUTION FROM THE BEST BUY FOUNDATION
Photo: Karen Pizano, Sr. Program Specialist for the STEPS Program.
Thank you Best Buy Foundation for the contribution of $25,000 to increase digital connectivity for Tulare County youth affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many families in Farmersville, CA, distance learning was nearly impossible due to economic hardship and infrastructure barriers such as a lack of internet access. By providing technology access, youth will become competitive candidates for jobs that require technology literacy and experience. This grant equipped Farmersville high school students with 48 tablets, 50 wireless hotspots, and 7 months of internet access to ensure they were able to continue their education and post-secondary goals. Page 1
ADDRESSING ENERGY NEEDS FOR LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES CSET's Energy Services provides emergency assistance to low-income households in Tulare County who faced increased energy costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local relief funds will be provided to eligible households through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. For assistance on home energy bills, customers may call the Energy Services Hotline at 1-844-224-1316 or visit www.cset.org/energy-assistance.
Photo: Maria Lango, Outreach/Intake Program Specialist providing energy services information to local resident.
ECO PROJECT REDUCES HOMELESSNESS IN VISALIA - ONE PERSON AT A TIME
Photo: Alumni of the ECO Project.
In 2019, the Environmental Cleanup Opportunities (ECO) Project was launched in Visalia to assist individuals impacted by homelessness gain the skills, knowledge, and resources to obtain and retain employment. Since its launch, more than 143 individuals have participated in the ECO Project. In addition, the Visalia City Council unanimously approved a three-year agreement with Caltrans to fund the clean-up effort of Highway 198. Both programs help people who are experiencing homelessness to gain jobs and become stable. Click here to view a brief video featuring the ECO project and its impact on the community. Page 2
MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY 2021 This year's Make A Difference Day was held on October 23rd at Mooney Grove Park in partnership with the Tulare County Parks & Recreation department. Volunteers participated in fun and engaging projects like planting trees and painting the exterior walls of restrooms. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's event, including our wonderful CSET board and staff. Photo: Featuring CSET staff, board members, and partners during event.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON GIVING TUESDAY! A warm Thank You to everyone who gave so generously yesterday to CSET on Giving Tuesday - we appreciate your support. CSET is thrilled to announce we have exceeded our $1,000 Giving Tuesday fundraising goal. These donations transform the lives of people in Tulare County and your support makes all the difference. Although it may be over, the spirit of giving continues. Learn more, give, and share at www.cset.org/donate.
Page 3
NOW RECRUITING VITA VOLUNTEERS FOR 2022 TAX SEASON At CSET, our talented VITA volunteers have the ability to assist customers with many complex tax questions. Volunteers like Michele serve as IRS-certified tax preparers during the tax season to assist low-income households in Tulare County file their federal and state tax returns at no cost. Michele shared the following about her experience at VITA:
"Volunteering with VITA these past three years has been very rewarding. I've enjoyed working with the community and with clients one-on-one to inform them about the tax preparation process. If you are passionate about making an impact in the community, I encourage you to become a VITA volunteer." - Michele Anderson Want to become a VITA Volunteer? Visit www.cset.org/vita to apply.
LOCAL SENIORS RECEIVE HANDMADE SCARFS & THROWS Thank you for your continuous support to elderly seniors, Joanna Parker. Your wonderful gifts will bring seniors joy and warmth this holiday season. We appreciate your generosity!
Photo: Nariman S. Ajluni and Albert Cendejas receive gifts on behalf of Senior Services.
WE'RE HIRING, JOIN OUR TEAM! CSET is currently looking to fill multiple positions across departments. Help share CSET's current job listings with your network. Visit our job listing page at bit.ly/CSETJobs.
Page 4
FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT PURSUES HIGHER EDUCATION BY EXPLORING A CAREER PATH IN CONSTRUCTION AT YOUTH@WORK
Visalia CSET 312 NW 3rd Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 Tel. 559.732.4194 Visalia Employment Connection 4025 W. Noble Ave. # B Visalia, CA 93277-1631 Tel. 559.713.5000
“As someone from a small town like Sultana, I didn’t think I would have all these great opportunities. Now I feel like everything is working out and I’m getting closer to where I want to be. I’m really thankful for all the help CSET has given in helping me be where I am today” - Adrian Sanchez Jr.
Tulare Family Resource Center & Employment Connection Affiliate 304 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 Tel. 559.684.1987 Porterville Employment Connection 1063 W. Henderson Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 Tel. 559.788.1400
Adrian was a Construction Management Pathways student at Dinuba High School when he enrolled in CSET's Youth@Work In-School program. He was motivated to apply his knowledge and skills in construction at Dinuba Lumber Co. Despite this being Adrian’s first job, he was valued as a great asset to the team. He quickly showcased his strong work ethic and was hired by the company upon completion of his work experience contract.
Earlimart CSET 176 N. Front St. Earlimart, CA 93219 Tel. 661.849.2960 North County Youth Site 40802 Road 128, Cutler, CA 93615 Tel. 559.315.3223
Adrian is now attending Reedley College as a full-time student while working part-time at Dinuba Lumber Co. With the help of his Career Coach, Adrian was able to apply and enroll in the Reedley College EOPS, a student support program that provides assistance with textbook purchasing and individualized academic support. Adrian plans to transfer to Fresno State and major in Construction Management. As a first-generation college student, Adrian is proud to be one step closer to his career goal of being a General Contractor. His aspiration is to one day own his own construction company.
Pixley CSET 927 Center St. Pixley, CA 93256 Tel. 559.575.0098 CSET Senior Services 1.800.321.2462 Cutler-Orosi, Earlimart, Exeter, Farmersville, Goshen, Lindsay, Porterville, & Woodlake
Congratulations, Adrian! We wish you the best in your career journey.
View more stories at www.cset.org/client-success-stories. CSET inspires youth, families, and communities to achieve self-reliance through innovative pathways and collaboration. To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Community Voice newsletter, send an email to: csetmarketing@cset.org Discover more information about CSET’s programs and services at: www.cset.org Follow us on social media for the latest updates:
Page 5