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