MAY. 2019
To celebrate National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 9th, the City of Fremont Human Services Department, Youth and Family Services (YFS) in partnership with Fremont Unified School District (FUSD), and with support from Kaiser Permanente is hosting the second annual FUSD Student Art competition with the theme “Sharing Feelings and Hope.” This event highlights the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and emphasizes that positive mental health is key to every child’s healthy development. With the help of a judging panel made up of Fremont Human Relations Commissioners, parents, students, community leaders and a professional artist/designer; winners, runners-up and honorable mentions will be selected for recognition and awards. The work of these students will be displayed at an art exhibition and celebration event at the Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) on May 9th. The artwork will be posted on Instagram @Fremontyouthwellness, Facebook at www.facebook.com/FremontFRC as well as the YFS webpage www.fremont.gov/2275/Events. Original student artwork will also be displayed through the end of the school year at YFS, FRC and FUSD. For more information, contact YFS’ Annie Bailey or Joyce Lim at 510.574.2100.
IN THIS ISSUE • Mental Health Awareness Month • Winter Shelter Report • Creative Mental Health Support
May is Mental Health Awareness Month Let’s End Mental Health Stigmas Mental illness can affect anyone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health: •
1 in 5 adults (43.8 million or 18.5%) experience mental illness in a given year.
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1 in 5 youth aged 13—18 years (21.4%) experience a severe mental disorder at some point during their life.
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More than 90% of children who die by suicide have a mental health condition.
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Each day an estimated 18—22 veterans die by suicide.
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Adults in the U.S. living with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions
The FRC dedicates this issue of FRC NEWS to mental health awareness and ending the stigmas that prevent some from seeking help. We want everyone to know that treatments are available and effective, and that people can recover to live full and productive lives. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and May 9th is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. It’s a time when organizations across the country are raising awareness of good mental health which includes emotional, psychological and social well-being.
Alameda County residents with Medi-Cal insurance can call ACCESS (Alameda County Crisis Support Services) at 1.800.491.9099 to be directed to mental health providers, some of which are at the FRC. For those with private insurance, call your insurance company to find providers covered under your plan.
Creative Mental Health Support through Workshops The Afghan Coalition offers several workshops as creative mental health support for immigrant women who are isolated from their families and struggling to adjust to a new life.
Workshops such as Jewelry Making, Sewing, Cooking and English as a Second Language (ESL) serve multiple purposes: they give PG2
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business to support their family as they work towards self-sufficiency.
clients a safe place to learn a new skill, discover their creative side, share their personal stories and meet others in the community. These workshops become a vehicle for enhancing
self-esteem and building community, both important ingredients for positive mental health. Some even use their new skills to create unique products and start a small
These workshops, along with a Women’s Support Group and preventative counseling, help to provide an ongoing, cohesive mental health program for clients. For questions on Afghan Coalition classes, please call 510.745.1680.
FRC AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
Family Education Resource Center (FERC)
Michele Wms-Smith of Family Education & Resource Center
At FERC we know first-hand that family members play a significant role in their loved one’s mental health recovery and should be able to share beneficial information with providers who are treating their loved one. FERC helps to bridge the communication between providers and families. We educate our clients, the families, and work with providers so they can see their patient’s caregivers as allies instead of adversaries. We offer a holistic approach to working with our families by: 1) providing education so families are wellinformed about mental health diagnoses and treatment options; 2) equipping families
to become stronger advocates with knowledge related to HIPPA Laws (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects patient privacy) and family/patient rights; and 3) supporting caregivers’ well-being to mitigate burnout and strengthen their self-care. To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, we are launching our new website www.FERC.org Ask us about: Family Caregiver Support Groups, Mental Health First Aid, Family-toFamily, and Wellness Recovery Action Plan for Family Members. For more information, contact Michele Wms-Smith in FRC Suite #D400 or call 510.790.1010.
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. 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.ohlone.edu/careercenter Where: FRC Suite #B200 Contact: Tri-Cities Career Center at Ohlone College Newark 510.742.2323
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FRC CALENDAR | MAY 2019 MONDAY
Event Time FRC Agency ProNet Orientation 9am—12pm EDD/America’s Job Center
Phone
Notes
510.794.3669
Drop-in, #B200
Vet Connect
9am—12pm
EDD/America’s Job Center
510.794.3681
Drop-in, #B200
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
MAY 27: FRC IS CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY
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, #B200
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
After School Program
3—6pm
Lincoln Kinship Support Services 510.421.7658
WEDNESDAY
Event Time FRC Agency Phone WOW Health Van 8.30—11.30am Partner: Washington Hospital 510.818.7803 (1st & 3rd Wed)
Notes
ProNet Basic Resume
510.794.3669
Drop-in, #B200
Mobile Food Pantry 10.30—11.30am Partner: TCV Food Bank 510.793.4583 (1st & 3rd Wed)
Drop-in, #A120 Bring bags
9am—12pm
EDD/America’s Job Center
After School Program
3—6pm
Affordable Housing Workshop (5/15 only)
6—7.30pm City of Fremont Human Services 510.733.4945
Drop-in, parked on Liberty Street
Lincoln Kinship Support Services 510.421.7658 Fremont Main Library
I love working at the FRC because it gives me the opportunity to help folks plan their financial future and help them make the best health care insurance choices. I also work with amazing people who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Arnie Becker, City of Fremont, FRC Core Team
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FRC CALENDAR | MAY 2019 THURSDAY
Event Time FRC Agency ProNet Basic Interview 9am—12pm EDD/America’s Job Center
Phone
Notes
510.794.3669
Drop-in, #B200
ESL for Afghan Women
10am—12pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
Computer Literacy for Afghan Women
12—3pm
Afghan Coalition
510.745.1680
After School Program
3—6pm
Lincoln Kinship Support Services 510.421.7658
SparkPoint Fremont Info Session (3rd Thurs)
6—7pm
FRC Core Team
FRIDAY
510.574.2020
Event Time FRC Agency Debtor’s Rights Clinic 10am—3pm Partner: Bay Area Legal Aid (4th Fri) Housing Workshops for All 2—3.30pm
Partner: Bay Area Community Services
Phone
Notes
510.574.2026
510.513.0330
Drop-in, #C320
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, between 2 FRC buildings
SPECIAL FRC EVENTS 4Cs 17th Annual Free Children’s Faire Saturday May 18 from 10am—1pm 4Cs Hayward, 22351 City Center Drive Hayward Music, Oakland A’s Stomper, bounce house, free books, door prizes, fire engine, local agencies, and lots more fun stuff!
Free FRC Citizenship Workshop Saturday June 1 from 9.30am—12pm FRC Pacific Room #H800 Hosted by FRC & IIBA (International Institute of the Bay Area) and open to lawful permanent residents. Call to register by May 28: 510.451.2846, ext 301.
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. When: 2nd Tuesday 5.00—6.30pm Where: BACS, 40963 Grimmer Blvd, Fremont Contact: FERC 510.790.1010
Mandarin Support Group 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
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Fremont Winter Shelter Report This year, the City of Fremont Human Services Department converted Fremont’s Warming Center to a full-service Winter Shelter that was open seven nights a week, not just during inclement weather. The shelter provided hot food, showers, clothing, sleeping bags and cots as well as medical and social services during the week. The Winter Shelter was open November 21, 2018— March 21, 2019 for 117 consecutive nights serving 438 individual clients ranging in age from 4 months to 78 years. On average, 54 people attended dinner with 40 people staying overnight. More families with small children attended than in previous years since Fremont was the only winter shelter accepting families. It was also one of the few seasonal shelters not requiring nightly pre-registration. This winter Tri-City Health Center provided 80 hours of medical services to participants. Abode Services provided outreach and housing assessments resulting in many families transitioning to family shelters. CityServe’s Compassion Network coordinated 129 individual volunteers and donor groups who provided and served dinner for four months. Human Services is grateful to our partners and all the donors and volunteers that helped make this winter shelter possible. Now in our fifth year of service, there continues to be enormous support from the Tri-City community.
International Women’s Day Dinner hosted by Afghan Coalition
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The biggest challenge throughout the season was staffing the shelter overnight. The job announcement for Winter Shelter Monitor is still active on the City of Fremont’s webpage to prepare for next season. If interested in the Shelter Monitor position, contact Laurie Flores, City of Fremont Human Services Department at LFlores@fremont.gov
After School Tutoring Programs, Afghan Coalition
New Veterans Resource Center at the Fremont Main Library
Substance Use Access & Referral Helpline
For Finding Substance Use Treatment in Alameda County 1.844.682.7215 The Substance Use Access & Referral Helpline provides information, screening and referrals to Alameda County residents seeking Substance Use Disorders (SUD) treatment services. SUD counselors will screen and assess callers for the most appropriate level of treatment including:
Military veterans have a new resource available at the local public library. In partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), the Fremont Main Library, located at 2400 Stevenson Boulevard, is pleased to help veterans and their families with a new Veterans Resource Center (VRC). Accessible during regular library hours, the VRC offers a collection of library books and other library materials selected especially for veterans, with a focus on information about state and federal education, employment, housing, health, disability and other benefits. The Veterans Resource Center also offers volunteer assistance for veterans and their family members by appointment, for one-on-one help connecting to benefits.
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Outpatient Treatment
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Intensive Outpatient
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Recovery Residence
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Resident Treatment
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Withdrawal Management
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Opioid Treatment Program/ Medication Assisted Treatment
The Helpline is open Monday—Friday 8am to 9pm and is provided by Alameda County Behavioral Health. Calls made after hours will be answered by Crisis Support Services (CSS).
For more information or to make an appointment, call the Fremont Main Library at 510.745.1400. Additional information can be found on Facebook by following Veterans Connect at the Library. www.facebook.com/VeteransConnectattheLibrary
I like volunteering at Compassion Network because the people that use FRC services are very diverse and interesting. Every day is different and you never know what questions you’ll be asked. It’s an adventure. Fred Fox, CityServe’s Compassion Network
To receive your monthly copy of FRC NEWS electronically, simply subscribe at FRC@fremont.gov MAY 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 is 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
Are You Struggling to Buy Groceries?
If you don’t have enough money to buy food for your family, apply to CalFresh. This is not a benefit program but a Federal nutrition program to ensure everyone has enough to eat. You can apply online at www.MyBenefitsCalwin.org or call the FRC at 510.574.2000 for an appointment to get help with your application. For more information visit the SparkPoint Fremont website under CalFresh assistance www.fremont.gov/241/SparkPoint
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 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