We increase our families’ capacity for self-sufficiency by providing supportive services, building on strengths, enhancing life skills, and strengthening community linkages
We are non-judgmental and approach families with respect.
Our services are family-driven; we regularly communicate with families to gather their input and assure their satisfaction.
We believe in every family’s right to self-determination.
We take pride in providing culturally competent services and embracing cultural differences in everything we do.
We maintain integrity in our operations and services
As the blossoms of Spring begin to burst all around us, I am reminded of the power of renewal and growth, not only in nature, but within our community and the work we do at Family Support Services This season brings a sense of hope and new beginnings, and it’s particularly significant as our agency celebrates our 35th Anniversary this October An incredible milestone to be sure!
This spring, we are excited to welcome several new staff members in all of our programs across the East Bay and San Francisco The addition of new program staff will allow us to expand our reach to underprivileged communities, address the pressing needs of our families, and create a lasting impact
As we move forward, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you our devoted supporters and generous donors for your unwavering support and belief in our mission I also want to thank our Board of Directors and hardworking staff Together, we have created a network of support that uplifts and empowers those in need
Looking ahead, we have ambitious goals to amplify our impact However, the path forward is not without challenges, and we need your continued support more than
ever. Whether through supporting our annual event, a generous donation, or simply spreading the word about our work, your involvement serves as the catalyst propelling us toward success.
Let us embrace the spirit of Spring as a symbol of renewal and growth May this season inspire us to continue our work with renewed vigor and commitment, knowing that each small effort contributes to a greater impact
Thank you for being a part of our FSS family. Here's to a Spring filled with hope, growth, and transformative change.
Jun Reina Chief Executive Officer
70 families
with children 0-5 years old received essential parenting support and resources through SafeCare®
Your dedication and compassion are the driving forces behind our success. provided to parents and caregivers in San Francisco and the East Bay
18,330 respite hours
116 families in the East Bay received family support services and legal assistance
2,771 hours of academic guidance, recreation, and mentoring provided to 133 youth in the Bay Area
JANETTE DREW
President
KIRK L DOBBINS, ESQ
Vice President
RAMON SIMMS
Treasurer
LOIS BOYD
Secretary
JEFFERY GARY
JANE HENDERSON, PhD
LOGAN MARCUS, MD, MSc
JOHN ROBBINS, SIOR
SHAY ROGERS
KAREN E. WILSON
Creating this positive impact for thousands of families across the Bay Area requires a collective effort
A vital component of our community is our dedicated Board of Directors
We invite you to join us in our mission to keep families healthy and intact, and make a meaningful difference in our community info@fssba.org
SafeCare® is an evidence-based parent training curriculum designed for parents and caregivers with children, 0 - 5 years old, who are at risk or have been reported for child maltreatment.
Research has shown SafeCare® is effective in improving parents’ relationships with their children, and in maintaining child-safety and well-being
JUN REINA ChiefExecutiveOfficer
OSCAR LUNA ChiefFinancialOfficer
CLARISSE SAN AGUSTIN-TOLEDO ChiefDevelopmentOfficer
LADONNA DAILY, BA Director,FamilyPreservationProgram EastBay
AYSHA FRANCO, BSW Director,FamilyPreservationProgram SanFrancisco
DONNA MOORE, BA Director,KinshipSupportServices
ELYIN SOTO-ARNOLD, MA Director,RespiteProgram SanFrancisco
ZORO PRUNEDA Director,PeopleOperations
JESSICA WOODS-TORLOWEI Director RespiteProgram EastBay
“I feel that this is a program that every parent should take.”
FSSSafeCare®Client
A 30-year-old single mother was referred to SafeCare® by Family Treatment Court. Determined to reunify with her 2 ½ baby girl who was born with a positive toxicology, she finished her residential treatment program and completed the Parent-Infant Interaction, Health, and Home Safety Modules through SafeCare®.
Eventually, she was reunified with her child.
Her commitment to self-improvement and dedication to her child helped her overcome significant challenges and achieve a positive outcome for both herself and her baby girl.
FSS is accredited by the National SafeCare® Training Research Center (NSTRC)
In February, we honored the love of fathers with a heartwarming celebration The East Bay Family Preservation Program Team hosted a memorable Valentine’s Day Luncheon for our EPIC Fathers Group (Encouraging Parenting in the Community for Fathers). The occasion left a lasting impact! Witnessing fathers, alongside their children and grandchildren, enveloped in love and appreciation was truly awe-inspiring
Former Mayor of Oakland, Jean Quan, graciously spent a few moments with our families, adding a touch of significance to the occasion. Her presence underscored the importance of community support and the value of initiatives like ours in nurturing familial bonds
In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, EPIC Fathers Men’s Support Group celebrates and uplifts fathers. The group provides a respectful and safe environment for fathers to talk, reflect, problem solve, and support each other as they navigate through the challenges and joys of parenting
In early April, our Kinship Youth Program hosted 13 youth and teens for Making Proud Choices
MPC is dedicated to teaching about selfempowerment, fostering healthy relationships, and sexual health education, all aimed at empowering our youth to make informed and positive decisions.
I enjoyed the classes and learned a lot! Thank you!
- MPC Youth Participant
We are delighted to note that every participant successfully completed the entire workshop series and earned an A grade.
FSS recognizes the importance of self-care and rest Through our East Bay and San Francisco Respite Programs, we provide parents and caregivers of children facing developmental disabilities, medical fragility, substance exposure, abuse, neglect (or atrisk of), and illness Getting valuable time for respite helps ensure caregivers can sustain their own well-being while tending to the needs of their loved ones.
As of January 2024, we have provided 18,330 respite hours to families across the East Bay and San Francisco In early April, the San Francisco Respite Team held a childcare event that allowed many hardworking parents and caregivers some holiday time for Cesar Chavez Day
In the East Bay, we welcomed Jessica Woods-Torlowei who will serve as Director, Respite Program
With a committed team at the helm, we continue to provide vital time for respite and rejuvenation, as well as personalized care to families across the Bay Area.
I had time away for important things and selfcare. My baby was able to grow in social trust and engagement.
- Respite Program Client
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City, State Zip
We are excited to share that Growing Up Strong (GUS) - our in-house therapy-based program - is back!
Due to the current workforce climate, we faced staffing shortages within GUS For the past several months, our team worked diligently to address this challenge
To date, we have successfully hired three clinical providers These new additions to our staff bring a full range of clinical expertise, enhancing our ability to serve our target demographics effectively
Growing Up Strong works with families with children, 0 - 18 years old, who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, and / or social challenges at home or at school, or who have experienced trauma as a result of neglect, maltreatment, family, or community violence.
By addressing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges proactively at a young age, parents and caregivers help reduce the risk of long-term mental health challenges for their children, fostering a foundation of resilience and strength.