MARCH. 2019
A Client Story — Drake
Drake McCarthy grew up largely in the foster care system, having to endure many different homes and group homes. He became emancipated as a teenager, and entered Abode Services’ Project Independence program where he lived in subsidized housing, attended high school, and worked part time. During this time he was diagnosed with cancer, but he kept moving forward and earned an Outstanding Young Leaders award from Foster Club. When Drake aged out of Project Independence, he was unsure of his next steps and next home.
Drake contacted the City of Fremont’s Human Services Department where he was linked to affordable housing opportunities and joined SparkPoint Fremont to work with Financial Coach Freddy Molina on setting financial goals and a plan to achieve those goals. Drake needed to learn to drive, and through the Human Services’ Giving Hope program, he was able to get funding to take the needed driving lessons and get his driver’s license. Now working full-time and having improved credit with guidance from his coach, Drake was able to purchase his first car. Today, Drake works and attends Ohlone College where he is pursuing a political science degree so that someday he can run for office in order to impact the lives of foster youth. SparkPoint helps low to moderate income residents improve their finances by increasing income, managing credit and building assets. To learn more about SparkPoint Fremont services, attend an Info Session by calling 510.574.2020 or stop by FRC Suite #A110.
• Ride-On Tri-City! • Monthly Calendar • Minimum Wage • Home Repairs • CalWORKS • Winter Shelter
Learn How to Get Around with Ride-On Tri-City! Are you a senior or a person with a disability living in Fremont, Newark or Union City? The Ride-On Tri-City! program can help you: •
learn how to use AC Transit buses or BART;
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obtain and learn how to use a Clipper Card;
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get information on discounted transit fare for youth, persons with disabilities and seniors;
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get access to transportation alternatives if you no longer drive and are not able to take public transit due to a disability; and
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learn about Medi-Cal covered transportation benefits.
Transportation Resource Specialists from the Ride-On Tri-City! program can help answer any questions about getting around in the community. They can work with you to assess your individual transportation needs and get you linked with the most appropriate transportation services. Ride-On Tri-City! Helpline assistance is available over the phone, by email or by appointment at Fremont City Hall. For more information, please contact: Pamela Gutierrez (Se habla Español), 510.574.2053 or pgutierrez@ fremont.gov or Shawn Fong, 510.574.2033 or sfong@fremont.gov The Ride-On Tri-City! program is provided by the City of Fremont Human Services Department and is made possible through Measure B/BB funding from the Alameda County Transportation Commission. For more info, visit: www.alamedactc.org
The Fremont City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, January 15 to increase minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2020 for large employers and by 2021 for small businesses. Fremont joins a host of other Bay Area cities who have similarly decided to increase minimum wage within their borders ahead of the State’s timeline, citing the need to aid low-wage workers living in the costly region. Currently, businesses that employ 26 or more people are required by California to pay workers $12 per hour, while those that employ 25 or fewer must pay $11 per hour. Under Fremont’s new wage schedule, businesses with 26 or more employees in Fremont will be required to pay workers $13.50 per hour by July 1, 2019, and $15 per hour by July 1, 2020. Employers with 25 or fewer employees will get one extra year to adapt to the changes, and must pay workers $13.50 by 2020 and $15 per hour by July 1, 2021. The council added an exemption, allowing nonprofits to continue to pay workers less than the increased minimum wage if the employee is age 21 or under. The City received more than 300 responses to a 2018 survey on the topic of raising the minimum wage faster than the State on the Fremont Open City Hall online forum, and 62% of respondents supported raising the minimum wage faster than California. (Excerpts from Joseph Geha, Bay Area News Group, January 2019. Fremont to raise minimum wage to $15 by 2020, The Mercury News)
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MARCH 2019
FRC AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
Herald Family Rebuilding Center
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
Herald Family Rebuilding Center Team
Fifty percent of Chinese American immigrant marriages end in divorce and that rate is rising. Newly single parents sometimes encounter enormous emotional challenges and lack the skills or knowledge to manage their finances and deal with strained family relations. Herald Family Rebuilding Center (HFRC) is a nonprofit agency serving single Chinese adults who have lost a spouse due to death or divorce, as well as those on the brink of divorce. Through group and individual lay counseling, support groups, and a
variety of workshops on emotional management, healthy boundaries, active listening and parenting skills, HFRC assists adults and their families in rebuilding a faithful, hopeful and meaningful life. They also hold an annual three-day Life Rebuilding Conference to help clients break through barriers and reach additional goals. All services are provided in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. For more information, visit HFRC Tuesday— Thursday from 9am—5pm in FRC Suite #D450 or call 510.790.3366.
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
Family Law Clinic Call Legal Access Alameda to set up an appointment for free legal advice on divorce, custody, visitation or support issues. When: 3rd Tuesday by appointment only Where: FRC Mediterranean Room #H810 Contact: Legal Access Alameda 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 Weds, 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 Free Tax Preparation Service Annual household income must be $55,000 or less. For info on VITA tax services, visit www.fremontvita.org MARCH 2019
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FRC CALENDAR | MARCH 2019 MONDAY
Event Time FRC Agency ProNet Orientation 9am—12pm EDD/America’s Job Center
Phone
Notes
510.794.3669
Drop-in
Vet Connect
9am—12pm
EDD/America’s Job Center
510.794.3681
Drop-in
CalFresh Application Assistance
9am—3pm
FRC Core Team
510.574.2000
Alameda Alliance New Member (1st Mon)
1—3pm Partner: Alameda Alliance 510.747.6289
After School Program
3—6pm
Members Receive Gift Card
Lincoln Kinship Support Services 510.421.7658
TUESDAY
Event Time FRC Agency ProNet Basic Job Search 9am—12pm EDD/America’s Job Center Housing Workshop for 10—11.30am Persons with Disabilities (3rd Tues)
Phone
Notes
510.794.3669
Drop-in
Community Resources for Independent Living
510.794.5735
ESL for Afghan Women
10am—12pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
Computer Literacy for Afghan Women
12—3pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
Yoga for Women
3—4pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
After School Program
3—6pm
Lincoln Kinship Support Services 510.421.7658
English and Farsi
WEDNESDAY
Event Time FRC Agency Phone Washington on Wheels 8.30—11.30am Partner: Washington Hospital 510.818.7803 (1st & 3rd Wed)
Notes
ProNet Basic Resume
Drop-in
9am—12pm
EDD/America’s Job Center
510.794.3669
Drop-in, mobile medical van
Mobile Food Pantry 10.30—11.30am Partner: TCV Food Bank 510.793.4583 Drop-in (1st & 3rd Wed) Bring bags After School Program
3—6pm
Lincoln Kinship Support Services 510.421.7658
VITA Free Tax Service
4—8pm
FRC Core Team
Trauma Informed Practices Reflective Group 6.30—9.30pm 4Cs (March 6 only)
510.574.2020
Drop-in
510.584.3114
While it’s challenging to work at the busy FRC Welcome Center on the front line working with the public, it’s very rewarding being able to help clients make positive changes in their lives. Shahla Arsala, Fremont Healthy Start at the FRC Welcome Center
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MARCH 2019
FRC CALENDAR | MARCH 2019 THURSDAY
Event Time FRC Agency ProNet Basic Interview 9am—12pm EDD/America’s Job Center
Phone
Notes
510.794.3669
Drop-in
ESL for Afghan Women
10am—12pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
Computer Literacy for Afghan Women
12—3pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
Yoga for Women
3—4pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
After School Program
3—6pm
Lincoln Kinship Support Services 510.421.7658
VITA Free Tax Service
4—8pm
FRC Core Team
510.574.2020
SparkPoint Fremont Info Session (3rd Thurs)
6—7pm
FRC Core Team
510.574.2020
FRIDAY
English and Farsi
Drop-in
Event Time FRC Agency Debtor’s Rights Clinic 10am—3pm Partner: Bay Area Legal Aid (4th Fri)
Phone
Notes
510.574.2026
Housing Workshops for All 2—3.30pm
Partner: Bay Area Community Services
510.513.0330
Drop-in
VITA Free Tax Service
FRC Core Team
510.574.2020
Drop-in
10am—1pm
SUNDAY
Event Time FRC Agency Phone Sunday Breakfast for 7.30—8.45am Partner: The Tzu Chi Foundation 510.574.2000 the Homeless
Notes
Drop-in
SUPPORT GROUPS Afghan Women’s Support Group — English and Farsi Women discuss daily challenges and learn jewelry making. When: Every Tuesday 1.00—3.00pm Where: FRC Suite #D460 Contact: Afghan Coalition 510.745.1680
Family Caregiver Support Group Safe and judgment-free space for family caregivers who have a loved one with a mental health challenge. Facilitated by Family Education and Resource Center (FERC). When: 2nd Tuesday 5.00—6.30pm Where: BACS, 40963 Grimmer Blvd, Fremont Contact: FERC 510.746.1700 or FERC Fremont 510.790.1010
HFRC Mandarin Support Group — Mandarin For adults in relational crisis who seek a safe place to share their current life challenges in a supportive environment. When: 2nd Tuesday 7.00—9.00pm Where: FRC Enterprise Room #C320 Contact: Herald Family Rebuilding Center 510.790.3366
MARCH 2019
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CalWORKs Program Sees Increase in Benefits furthering their education. For families experiencing homelessness, the CalWORKs program can assist with temporary homeless assistance (HA) by helping with payments for a shelter or hotel/motel for families for up to 16 consecutive days.
The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program provides cash assistance to low-income families with children, as well as employment services for adults, such as assistance looking for a job, attending job training, or
Effective January 1, 2019, the daily amounts of CalWORKs temporary HA payments increased for a family with up to four members from $65 to $85 a day. Each additional family member will continue to get an additional $15 a day, up to a daily maximum of $145. Starting April 1, 2019, there will also be a 10% increase to the CalWORKs maximum aid payment levels. The 10% increase will raise the maximum grant on April 1, 2019 from $714 a month to $785 a month for a family of three. For more information or to apply for the CalWORKs program, visit www.bit.ly/ACCalWORKs or pick up an application at the Alameda County Social Services office in FRC Suite #C330.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s first proposed budget shows a significant commitment to Early Childhood Education, through a big investment in dollars to expand facilities ($245 million) and supporting quality care through investments in Work Force Development ($245 million). The governor’s proposed budget also calls for $247 million to add childcare facilities to the California State University campuses, and another $10 million to develop a plan to increase access to subsidized childcare for working families. While this is all great news, this year’s proposed budget does not provide more low and moderate income families with access to subsidized childcare, despite long waiting lists. But the budget does signal a commitment to serve more families in future years. (Source: California Budget Project) PG6
MARCH 2019
Cargill executives Mark Hughes and Aileen Fox recently toured the Winter Shelter and presented Suzanne Shenfil, Fremont’s Human Services Director, with a $13,400 check to help feed participants breakfast to-go items when they leave in the morning, along with other supplies. Cargill has been a generous contributor to the Winter Shelter for several years and we are very grateful. Since November 15th, the Winter Shelter has provided dinner to 60—80 people per night, with an average of 40—50 people staying overnight. Clients range in age from six months to 79 years.
Fremont’s Home Repair Program
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley (EBSV) is partnering with the City of Fremont to offer critical home repairs to eligible low-income Fremont homeowners. The Emergency and Minor Home Repair Grant Program and the City of Fremont’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program are grants and loans that are available citywide. The program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners, mobile homeowners, and property owners with tenants with disabilities (who require reasonable accessibility upgrades) to meet minimum health and safety standards. Repairs may include, but are not limited
to, roofs, exterior siding or painting, water heaters, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, flooring, ramps, stairs and porches. Homeowners must live in the home and meet the income requirements listed on the website. There is a one-time payment of $50—$100 depending on the homeowner’s income level. For more information, visit www.habitatebsv.org/ services/home-repair/fremont. For questions or to request service, contact Habitat for Humanity EBSV at HomeRepair@HabitatEBSV.org or 510.803.3388. To arrange accommodations, call 510.803.3388 or 800.735.2929 for TTY—TDD services.
Celebrating Johnny Candle Lighters and Betty Yee — Fund Lobby Volunteers Extraordinaire! Furniture On January 18, FRC staff and current and past volunteers from the FRC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program gathered for a farewell party in honor of Johnny and Betty Yee who are moving out of the area, after 17 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Fremont FRC. In 2002, Johnny helped establish the FRC’s free tax preparation service and grow it into the distinguished VITA site that it is today. Johnny and Betty are two of a group of extraordinary long-term VITA volunteers who have served as trainers and coaches every season since we launched our tax service. Since then, FRC VITA volunteers have assisted low-income families bring home $41.5 million in refunds that have gone back into our community. Additionally, Johnny served many years as a board member of our non-profit, the Family Resource Center Corporation, as well as a member of our Community Advisory and Engagement Board (CAEB). Thank you Johnny and Betty! We will miss you but your contributions to the FRC and VITA program will live on!
We are excited to receive a grant from the Fremont Candle Lighters for $6,700 to purchase furniture for our main lobby in Building ABCD. The FRC hosts hundreds of visitors daily and these funds will allow us to replace the worn furniture with commercial grade furniture in time for our 20th anniversary this summer. We are very grateful to the Candle Lighters for this wonderful donation. MARCH 2019
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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
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
The Winter Shelter for the Tri-City homeless community provides food, showers, sleeping bags/ cots and more. It is located at the Fremont Teen Center, 39770 Paseo Padre Parkway and people should arrive by 6.30pm. For more information, call 510.574.2222 or go to www.fremont.gov/wintershelter
Can you help? If you would like to provide a dinner on a specific night, please contact specialprojects@cityserve.org and monetary donations are gladly accepted at www.Fremont.gov/hsdonate. Thank you!
Fremont Family Resource Center
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