FRC News - January 2019

JANUARY. 2019

The City of Fremont salutes the more than 2,000 volunteers composed of residents, clubs, schools, faith-based organizations, businesses, and non-profit organizations that joined together for a national day of “doing good” on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Make A Difference Day was sponsored by the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission, Cargill, Compassion Network, State Assemblymember Kansen Chu, Senator Bob Wieckowski, Supervisor Scott Haggerty, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, and Councilmember Raj Salwan. The event showcased residents serving their community in a variety of ways. This year, 2,039 volunteers participated in over 85 planned projects throughout the City contributing more than 7,505 volunteer hours! Projects included: • • • • • • •

Tree planting and cleanup at Fremont Central Park Handwritten cards for police officers and veterans School and shelter beautification Emergency storage pod organization Free bike repair clinic Mobile home park yard work Meals for those in need

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Food and Clothing Drives Organizing a food bank and thrift store Painting projects Free tutoring Helping seniors with home projects Nature Learning Center gardening Sabercat Historical Park restoration

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, groups and businesses for their commitment in making a difference in our community. You are the reason this event is so successful every year. For a complete list of participating groups, please see http://bit.ly/COFDiff2018 For a glimpse into many of this year’s projects, check out the Make a Difference Day 2018 video at http://bit.ly/2BNpU43. If you would like to be a part of the community spirit next time, mark your calendar for Make a Difference Day on October 29, 2019.

• Shop With a Cop • Monthly Calendar • Free Tax Filing • Election Results • Homeless Count • Winter Shelter

Shop With a Cop On December 5th, the Fremont Police Department, in partnership with Target Stores, Mission San Jose Rotary, the Fremont Police Association, and Fremont Bank held their 15th annual “Shop with a Cop” event.

Each year the program invites 20 children, identified by the City of Fremont’s Human Services Department, to participate and purchase holiday gifts for their family members at Target. The children are chauffeured to and from school by a Fremont Police Officer and escorted by the officer and a Target staff member to purchase their gifts. The presents are then wrapped with help from City staff and volunteers.

Afterward, there are games, activities, and lunch for the children before returning to school.

The goal of the program is to provide the children with the most important of holiday gifts, “the gift of giving.” In case you’re wondering about the children, they are not left out.

Gifts for participating children are purchased and wrapped ahead of time. The cost of the gifts and the entire program is covered by the participating organizations and generous contributions from our sponsors, donors and volunteers.

Tax season is upon us and SparkPoint Fremont is here to help! If your annual household income is $55,000 or less, we can do your taxes for free through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Changes in tax law this year could increase your refund. For example, the new Child Tax Credit is now $2,000, an increase of $1,000 which could mean larger refunds for families with qualifying children.

Our IRS-certified tax preparers are passionate about helping people and will be located at three different Tri-City locations on different days and times beginning January 30th. Attend the location most convenient for you.

Fremont Family Resource Center 39155 Liberty St., Building EFGH, Fremont January 30 — April 12 Walk-in Service on: Wednesdays & Thursdays: 4—8pm Fridays: 10am—1pm Plus April 15: 10am—7pm

New Haven Adult School 600 G St., Union City (Entrance on H St.) February 2 —April 13 Walk-in Service on: Saturdays: 10am—1.30pm *Closed Saturday, March 9

Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center 39399 Cherry St. Room 1211, Newark February 5 — April 9 By appointment only. Call 510.574.2026 Tuesdays: 11am—3pm

SparkPoint Fremont runs one of the largest free tax preparation sites in the Bay Area and has been offering quality services since 2002. The VITA program is sponsored by the IRS and United Way Bay Area.

For a list of documents to bring and any other questions, call SparkPoint Fremont at 510.574.2020 or visit our website after January 15: www.fremontvita.org PG2

JANUARY 2019

FRC AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services: Tri-City Children and Youth Services

Staff at Tri-City Children & Youth Services

We are one of four county-run outpatient mental health clinics serving children and youth with acute and enduring mental health challenges through age 21. Most participants meet Medi-Cal eligibility or may qualify through their school district. We serve Tri-City residents and are located in FRC Suite G732.

We offer individual, family and group therapy as well as case management, consultation, medication evaluation and monitoring.

Many of our staff are fluent in languages other than English to provide services in an individual’s primary language.

We work with children, youth and their families across a large spectrum of issues including suicidality, social isolation, family conflict, school truancy, eating disorders and other self-injurious behaviors.

We address the underlying mental health issues such as poor self-concept, depression, anxiety, and disconnection from family, peers and adults.

We work closely with family members in the healing process and work with youth until age 21.

We often partner with local school districts to provide services to qualified special education students whose mental health challenges limit their success in school, and work closely with parents raising children along the developmental spectrum and/or with various disabilities.

If your child or a child you know suffers with moderate to severe mental health challenges, please contact the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care ACCESS line: 1.800.491.9099.

SERVICES Alameda County Library Kiosk The FRC houses a Pop-Up Library Kiosk in our lobby where visitors of all ages can check out or drop off library books. Use your library card or get one from our Welcome Center.

When: Monday—Friday 8-5 Where: FRC Welcome Center Back Tax Preparation Service Free assistance with filing back taxes, plus IRS advocacy and resolution.

When: By appointment only Where: FRC Suite #A110 Contact: Jane, SparkPoint Fremont, 510.574.2026 Civil Legal Clinic Referrals and advice on civil legal problems: housing, public benefits, health care access, youth justice, domestic violence with family law issues, and consumer law. Must apply for appointment and be income eligible.

When: By appointment only Who: Bay Area Legal Aid Contact: Jane, SparkPoint Fremont, 510.574.2026 Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Monthly Orientation DOR is a state agency that helps people with disabilities enter/ return to the workforce.

If you have a permanent disability and want to work, sign up for this orientation to learn about DOR’s comprehensive services. Registration required.

Contact: DOR 510.794.2458 Job Search Services EDD/America’s Job Center is a resource center with internet, computers, printers, copiers, fax, etc. The workshop calendar is at the front desk.

Dates and times listed at www.tricitiesonestop.com When: Monday—Friday, 8-5 Where: FRC Suite #B200 Contact: EDD/America’s Job Center 510.794.3669

Legal Clinic Call VLSC (Volunteer Legal Services Corp) to set up an appointment for free legal advice.

When: 3rd Tuesday by appointment only Where: FRC Mediterranean Room #H810 Contact: VLSC 510.302.2222 (option 4) TCV Mobile Food Pantry FRC visitors needing food can pick up free groceries. No registration or requirements.

The first 100 individuals receive a ticket to participate.

When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 10.30am Where: FRC Millennium Rm #A120 Contact: TCV Food Bank 510.793.4583 Van Share Service CRIL has 2 wheelchairaccessible vans available to rent for a low hourly cost.

Both are 2012 Dodge Caravans with hand and foot controls for braking and acceleration.

Drivers must first register at www.getaround.com.

Red Van is located at BART Hayward station; Blue Van is located at CRIL Hayward office.

Contact: CRIL Hayward 510.881.5743 WIOA Job Search Workshops WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) is a federal grant program located at EDD/ America’s Job Center.

View calendar at www.tricitiesonestop.com.

Where: FRC Suite #B200 Contact: Tri-Cities Career Center at Ohlone College Newark 510.742.2323

JANUARY 2019

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FRC CALENDAR | JANUARY 2019

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JANUARY 2019

FRC CALENDAR | JANUARY 2019

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Recruiting Volunteers for Homeless Count 2019 currently homeless guides to count the number of homeless individuals in the South County.

Below are the details for volunteers:

The County of Alameda conducts a homeless count once every two years to retain and improve Alameda County’s funding for homeless services and meet federal data reporting requirements. The count also increases community understanding of homelessness and informs strategies, programs, and policy planning.

The next homeless count will occur on January 30, 2019. Once again, the City of Fremont will lead the coordination effort in southern Alameda County and is looking for volunteers to participate in this important event. Volunteers will work alongside formerly or

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When: Wednesday, January 30 from 5—10am

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Where: South County – Fremont, Union City and Newark. Volunteers will receive specific assignments the day of the count.

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Deployment Center Location: City of Fremont, Fire Department’s Training Classroom, 3300 Capitol Avenue, Bldg. A in the rear entrance.

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Training: One hour of training will be given the week of January 14 — date and time TBD. An online training will be available for volunteers who are unable to attend the in-person training.

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Total Time Commitment: 5—6 hours.

Thank you to those who participated in the 2017 Homeless Count. Showing up at the crack of dawn did not dampen your dedication and enthusiasm! We hope to see you again this year!

If you have any questions or to sign up to volunteer for the count, visit www.everyonehome.org/everyonecounts/

Hearty Harvest – Poultry For All! Go green! Request your monthly copy of the FRC NEWS electronically.

Email us with the subject title “Go Green” at FRC@fremont.gov We’d like to hear from you! Have any article ideas, suggestions or feedback for our newsletter? Email us at FRC@fremont.gov Thank you!

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JANUARY 2019

Thanksgiving groceries for those in need and turkeys for all!

Every year CityServe’s Compassion Network hosts an annual Fall event that provides turkeys and groceries for those in the community who could not otherwise afford to celebrate Thanksgiving. Over fourteen local churches very generously provided over 500 meals. The event has outgrown the FRC so it was held at Cedars Church in Newark where they also provided refreshments and fun crafts for the children. Afterward, volunteers delivered meals to seniors who couldn’t travel. A big thank you to all the donors and volunteers needed to produce this large holiday food distribution program.

Voters Say “Yes” to Fund Winter Shelter Affordable Housing Serves Tri-City for Veterans, Working Community Families, and the Homeless The City of Fremont Human Services

California’s record voter turnout on the November 6 midterm election resulted in the passage of Prop. 1, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Act, and Prop. 2, Mental Health Care and Housing to End Homelessness.

With the defeat of Prop. 6, voters also protected critical funding for SB 1, a new source of State funding to enhance and improve highway, transit and local roads statewide.

The defeat of Prop. 6 protects $42 million that Fremont will receive to repair and maintain local roads, reduce congestion, and increase mobility options including bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

With the passage of Prop. 1, this $4 billion bond will go towards assisting California’s veterans,

working families, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness by providing funds for the construction of

affordable housing, funding for homeownership programs, and home loan assistance to veterans.

Prop 2. dedicates up to $2 billion in bond proceeds for the “No Place Like Home Program” to fund supportive housing for those with mental illness who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.

I like the abundance of services and resources within walking distance so that I can help consumers in a timely fashion. I feel supported by FRC colleagues to work collaboratively to meet the needs of our consumers and that we serve consumers with different socioeconomic backgrounds! — Jamila Mohammed, works at both CRIL & Fremont Healthy Start

Cargill Donation to Fremont Human Services

We are grateful to Cargill for supporting the efforts of the City of Fremont’s Human Services Department. Mark Hughes, Cargill’s Director of Government Affairs, presented Suzanne Shenfil, Fremont’s Human Services Director, with a $15,000 check for three programs: • Winter Shelter for the Homeless — $10,000 • Make a Difference Day — $2,500 • Seniors Night Out — $2,500 Thank you Cargill!

Department operates a Winter Shelter for the Tri-City homeless community offering food and a warm place to sleep. It’s now open seven nights a week through mid-March offering a hot dinner, showers, hygiene products, cots, sleeping bags, pillows, and breakfastto-go bags in the morning. During the week, housing assessments and limited health services are also provided.

The Winter Shelter is located at the Fremont Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway. Guests must arrive between 6.30—8.00pm.

On January 16th, the Winter Shelter moves to the Fremont Teen Center located at 39770 Paseo Padre Parkway, just down the street. There are no shower facilities in this building but participants can shower at the Fremont Senior Center Monday—Friday from 3—5pm before entering the Teen Center. To hear a recorded message with Winter Shelter location and hours, call 510.574.2222.

The Winter Shelter would not be possible without wonderful support from the Tri-City community. If you are interested in volunteering at the Winter Shelter or providing a dinner, please contact specialprojects@cityserve.org. If you would like to donate to the Winter Shelter, please go to www.fremont.gov/hsdonate and choose the first program listed ‘Winter Shelter.’

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ACCESS LINE For Finding Mental Health and/or Substance Use Treatment

1.800.491.9099

Do you sometimes need childcare for just a few hours?

Or need a backup when your regular provider is out sick? The FRC operates a drop-in, hourly childcare service for well children and it’s open to the public. At Discovery Cove, kids can participate in arts and crafts with caring adults for up to 12 hours a week.

Call for reservations.

Hours: M—F 8.30am—5.00pm Ages: 2—10 years Cost: $8/hour with sibling discount and free to customers attending FRC appointments FRC Discovery Cove | 39155 Liberty Street | Suite #H850 510.574.2010

SUPPORT THE FRC! Can you support the VITA Tax Program?

Every year the FRC provides free tax preparation services to low-income Tri-City residents through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Although VITA operates with the help of 130+ volunteers, the program still relies on funding to pay for the staff time, space, training, marketing and supplies. We are grateful for the support of UWBA, the City of Oakland, and Y&H Soda Foundation which covers some of the program costs, but we must raise additional funds to balance our VITA budget. Gifts of any size are welcome and will help support local families. To donate to VITA, please go to www.fremont.gov/hsdonate and choose ‘Family Resource Center.’

Thank you!

Fremont Family Resource Center

ACCESS provides information, screening and referrals for Alameda County residents who need mental health and/or drug and alcohol treatment.

ACCESS is answered by County licensed mental health clinicians Monday-Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.

After hours calls are returned by Alameda County Crisis Support Services. The telephone menu is in six languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Cambodian. ACCESS uses a telephone interpretation service for additional languages and California Relay for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

An Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services program.

FRC

CENTER SCHEDULE

Our bilingual Resource Specialists help visitors with information, referrals and public benefit applications.

Visitors can drop by the Welcome Center any day Monday—Friday in Bldg ABCD. If you want to meet a specialist who speaks your language, call the Welcome Center at 510.574.2141 to request an appointment.

MONDAY: MANDARIN/ CANTONESE

8.00am — 4.30pm

TUESDAY: KOREAN

8.00am — 3.30pm

WEDNESDAY: DARI

8.00am — 12.00pm

WEDNESDAY: SPANISH

1.00pm — 4.30pm

THURSDAY: SPANISH

8.00am — 4.30pm

FRIDAY: PUNJABI & HINDI 8.00am — 4.30pm The FRC Welcome Center Schedule is subject to change.

510.574.2000 www.fremont.gov/frc /FremontFRC /FremontCares frc@fremont.gov Fremont Family Resource Center 39155 Liberty Street | Fremont | CA 94538

The City of Fremont does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Human Services Department at 510.574.2050