SEPTEMBER. 2018
SERVING
RESIDENTS SINCE 1999
Celebrating Our 20th Year!
MINIMUM WAGE?
Have Your Say!
Fremont City Council is Considering a Local Minimum Wage Ordinance. What do YOU think?
Welcome to the Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC)! Every day hundreds of visitors come to the FRC seeking information, help and support. The 20+ social service agencies located here are a one-stop shop for Tri-City families and individuals looking for counseling, employment, childcare and benefit programs to name a few. And almost all of the services are free. The FRC consists of two adjacent buildings with a Welcome Center in Building ABCD which assists visitors with information, referrals and more. The Welcome Center is staffed by bilingual Family Resource Specialists
The statewide minimum wage will reach $15 per hour in January 2022 for employers with more than 25 employees and January 2023 for employers with 25 or fewer employees. To help low-wage earners in our community, the Fremont City Council is considering establishing a local minimum wage ordinance that would raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour more rapidly than the State.
Continued Page 2 >
Continued Page 3 >
IN THIS ISSUE: • Client Testimonial • Monthly Calendar • Discovery Cove
• Agency Spotlight • Resource Guide • FRC in Photos
FROM FRONT PAGE
CELEBRATING OUR 20th YEAR who are happy to assist you. We also have Discovery Cove, a drop-in childcare center that is available to FRC customers as well as the community. The Administration office in Suite A110 houses the FRC Core Team from the City of Fremont’s Human Services Department. This team includes Family Support Coordinators who can assist families facing crises as well as Financial Coaches from SparkPoint Fremont. FRC News is a new publication with information to
assist you and your family. It’s your source for news, as well as a Resource Guide listing FRC agencies, their services, support groups and our calendar of workshops and events. We’re starting our 20th year, and we’re still going strong — committed more than ever to working together — to being a Go-To Place where Tri-City families and individuals can find support and guidance. Welcome to the FRC!
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
Sandy Jeronimo | BankWork$ Graduate When Sandy Jeronimo was 18 years old she immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico with her parents. She faced the struggles of learning a new language, new culture and making new friends. Although she felt lost in the Bay Area, she mustered up the courage and motivation to learn English by enrolling in an ESL course. Years later Sandy moved out of her parents’ home and started her own family. Her husband worked two jobs that provided more than enough for her family’s needs. Then suddenly her husband left and Sandy became a single mother caring for two children aged one and ten. With no income or savings, Sandy had to move back in with her parents. She had no direction in life, felt miserable, and eventually lost her self-esteem and confidence. She applied for CalWORKS benefits and was connected to the FRC’s Family Service Team (FST) which provided a multi-disciplinary approach to helping Sandy overcome barriers to employment. Sandy started working with a therapist, an employment counselor, and a SparkPoint financial coach. She felt the FST team believed in her and
PG2
SEPTEMBER 2018
gave her the support and motivation she needed. Eventually, the FST introduced her to something that changed her life — JVS BankWork$, a free, 8-week training program designed to prepare participants for a career in the banking industry. Sandy was accepted into the BankWork$ Program and learned the basics of the financial industry, bank products, regulations, as well as soft skills, dressing for success and interviewing techniques. What motivated her the most was visiting local banks and asking employees questions about the industry. After these field trips she felt excited about her future profession and started regaining her confidence. At the BankWork$ graduation ceremony, Sandy was selected as the student speaker. In her emotional and heartfelt speech, she shared her struggles of being a single mom raising two children, how she felt depressed after her marriage ended and how BankWork$ renewed her confidence and spirit. Immediately following the graduation ceremony, the graduates interviewed with local banks who were onsite. Wells Fargo hired Sandy as a Teller and within three months she was promoted to Personal Banker. Sandy enjoys her new job and loves sharing her success story with others saying “with the right resources, support system and motivation, anything is possible. There are no boundaries in what we believe. I chose to believe in myself.” Sandy is grateful for the support and guidance received from the FRC and FST teams and continues to work with her SparkPoint financial coach toward her goals.
FROM FRONT PAGE
MINIMUM WAGE? One possible approach is the following schedule that would increase the local minimum wage to $15 per hour in two steps: Proposed Effective Date Proposed Minimum Wage
July 1, 2019 January 1, 2020
$13.50 $15.00
Fremont residents, businesses and other stakeholders can provide feedback and share their perspectives via Fremont Open City Hall, the online civic engagement forum, at: www.fremont.gov/MinimumWageSurvey
Simply email: FRC@fremont.gov to receive your monthly copy of the FRC News electronically.
FRC AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
FREMONT HEALTHY START | FRC WELCOME CENTER
Tri-City residents seeking services or information at the Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) are initially greeted by a smiling helpful face at the Welcome Center desk. Family Resource Specialists from East Bay Agency for Children’s Fremont Healthy Start program staff the Welcome Center and offer a wide array of assistance to people navigating myriad services available to them at the FRC and throughout Tri-City. Our Family Resource Specialists speak 11 languages and trade off working at the Welcome Center each day. Most of the staff were once immigrants to the U.S. themselves and bring a special empathy and understanding to the diverse Tri-City population as a result. People seek help at the Welcome Center for a variety of needs including health insurance, CalFresh/food stamps, child care or help completing applications to name a few. Sometimes people don’t know what services will meet their need so the Resource Specialist will spend time learning about the person and their specific situation and needs. In talking to a resident, the Resource
the family to youth counseling. Or someone may mention they found housing but need furniture. The staff member can then share resources in the community that may be able fulfill that need.
Specialist may suggest additional services. For example, someone may ask for help with a Medi-Cal application and say something about their rebellious child. That comment may prompt more discussion with the worker who may ultimately make a referral, or facilitate a connection for
Fremont Healthy Start recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary helping residents meet their basic needs and overcome barriers to well-being. With over 100 collective years working with local families, the Healthy Start staff are extremely knowledgeable about the services available in the FRC as well as in the broader community. Visit Fremont Healthy Start at the FRC Welcome Center or call 510.574.2141. They look forward to helping you! SEPTEMBER 2018
PG3
TUESDAY
MONDAY 3
10
17
24
CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
9.00am—12.00pm Orientation and Job Prep (7) 9.00am—1.00pm (drop in) Immigration Legal Consultations (6) 9.00am—3.00pm CalFresh Application Assistance (1)
9.00am—12.00pm Orientation and Job Prep (7) 9.00am—1.00pm (drop in) Immigration Legal Consultations (6) 9.00am—3.00pm CalFresh Application Assistance (1)
9.00am—12.00pm Orientation and Job Prep (7) 9.00am—1.00pm (drop in) Immigration Legal Consultations (6) 9.00am—3.00pm CalFresh Application Assistance (1)
4
11
18
25
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Job Search (7) 10.00am—12.00pm ESL for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women (2) 3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women (English and Farsi) (2)
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Job Search (7) 10.00am—12.00pm ESL Class for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women (2) 3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women (English and Farsi) (2)
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Job Search (7) 10.00—11.30am Housing Workshop for Persons with Disabilities (4) 10.00am—12.00pm ESL for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women(2) 3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women (English and Farsi) (2) 9.00am—12.00pm Basic Job Search(7) 10.00am—12.00pm ESL for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women (2) 3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women (English and Farsi) (2)
(1) CalFresh Application Assistance: Low income? Need money for food? You might qualify for CalFresh. We’ll help you apply online. Mondays. Call for appointment. FRC Suite #A110. More Info: SparkPoint Fremont 510.574.2000 (2) Afghan Coalition: FRC Suite #D460. More info: 510.745.1680 (3) Debtor’s Rights Clinic with Bay Area Legal Aid: Are you being harassed or sued by creditors? Need info on bankruptcy, foreclosure, bank account levy or wage garnishment? Get info before court date. 4th Friday. Registration required. FRC #A120, Millennium Room. More info: SparkPoint Fremont, Jane 510.574.2026 (4) Housing Workshop for Persons with Disabilities: Get tips & advice to start your housing search. Open to persons with disabilities and their families or care providers. 3rd Tuesday. FRC Millennium Room, #A120. More info: CRIL 510.794.5735
PG4
SEPTEMBER 2018
ALL WORKSHOPS | ORIENTATIONS | INFO SESSIONS ARE CURRENT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION
WEDNESDAY 5
12
19
26
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Resume (7)
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Resume (7)
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Resume (7)
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Resume (7)
THURSDAY 6
13
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Interview (7) 10.00am—12.00pm ESL for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women (2)
3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women — English and Farsi (2) 5.00—7.00pm WRAP for Family Members (11)
9.00am—12.00pm Basic Interview (7) 10.00am—12.00pm ESL for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women (2)
3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women — English and Farsi (2) 5.00—7.00pm WRAP for Family Members (11)
20 9.00am—12.00pm Basic Interview (7)
10.00am—12.00pm ESL for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women (2) 3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women (2)
27 9.00am—12.00pm Basic Interview (7) 10.00am—12.00pm ESL for Afghan Women (2) 12.00—3.00pm Computer Literacy for Afghan Women (2)
9.00am—12.00pm Veterans’ Job Club (10) 2.00—3.30pm Housing Workshops for All (5)
8/9
14
9.00am—12.00pm Veterans’ Job Club (10) 2.00—3.30pm Housing Workshops for All (5)
15/16 7.30—8.45am Sunday Breakfast for the Homeless (9)
5.00—7.00pm WRAP for Family Members (11) 6.00—7.00pm SparkPoint Info Session (8)
21
9.00am—12.00pm Veterans’ Job Club (10) 2.00—3.30pm Housing Workshops for All (5)
22/23 7.30—8.45am Sunday Breakfast for the Homeless (9)
3.00—4.00pm Yoga for Women — English and Farsi (2) 5.00—7.00pm WRAP for Family Members (11)
(6) Immigration Legal Consultations: Receive personalized immigration legal advice from an attorney or BIA Accredited Rep to identify immigration benefits you may be eligible for and help you through the process. Mondays. Drop-in only. FRC Suite #D450. Fee $30. More info: IIBA 510.894.3639 (7) ProNet Job Search Classes: A non-profit network for professionals who are job hunting. Sign in by 8.40am at FRC Suite #B200 Front Desk. More info: EDD/America’s Job Center - California 510.794.3669
SEPTEMBER 2018
7
SAT/SUN
7.30—8.45am Sunday Breakfast for the Homeless (9)
(5) Housing Workshops for All: BACS (Bay Area Community Services) offers a series of 8 weekly housing workshops on finding affordable housing. Attend 1 or all 8 classes in any order. One-hour class then individual help. Fridays. Drop-in. FRC Enterprise Room, #C320. More info: BACS 510.513.0330
PG5
FRIDAY
28
9.00am—12.00pm Veterans’ Job Club (10) 10.00am—3.00pm Debtors’ Rights Clinic (3) 2.00—3.30pm Housing Workshops for All (5)
29/30
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 to ask questions, share their experiences and support one another. Facilitated by FERC (Family Education and Resource Center). When: 2nd Tuesday 5.00—6.30pm Where: BACS, 40963 Grimmer Blvd, Fremont Contact: FERC main office 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
HEARD AT THE FRC 7.30—8.45am Sunday Breakfast for the Homeless (9)
(8) SparkPoint Info Session: Free financial services for low-income people who want to improve their finances. 3rd Thursday. FRC #A120, Millennium Room. More info: 510.574.2020 www.Fremont.gov/SparkpointFRC (9) The Tzu Chi Foundation: Provides breakfast every Sunday morning, rain or shine, to anyone in need. Located between the two FRC buildings. (10) Vet*Net: Veterans receive job search help, employer referrals and career counseling. Fridays. FRC Suite #B200. More info: EDD/America’s Job Center - California, Fred 510.794.3892, Daniel 510.794.3681 (11) WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) for Family Members: 8-week workshop for family members of a loved one with a mental health challenge - to remind you of coping strategies & wellness tools when dealing with stressful situations. Thursdays, Sept 6—Oct 25. Registration required. More Info: FERC, Michele 510.790.1010
I feel privileged to work in an environment where people are met with respect and providers go the extra mile to serve the individuals and families of the Tri-City community and connect them to the services they need (even beyond their own agency). Josefine Andino, Family Education & Resource Center. SEPTEMBER 2018
PG6
FRC IN PHOTOS
4C’s Annual Children’s Faire
CityServe’s Minnie Rogue Informs FRC Staff
YFS Managers Train FRC Staff
Proclamation on Mental Health Awareness Day
SparkPoint Fremont at Union City Family Center
PG7
SEPTEMBER 2018
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 be income eligible. Must apply for appointment. Applications available at FRC Welcome Center & turn in to Suite #A110. When: By appointment only Who: Bay Area Legal Aid Contact: Jane, SparkPoint Fremont, 510.574.2026 Department of Rehabilitation Monthly Orientation DOR is a state agency that helps people with disabilities go to work. If you have a permanent disability and want to work, sign up for this orientation to learn about DOR services. Registration required. Contact: DOR 510.794.2458 Job Search Services EDD/America’s Job Center — California is a self-directed resource center with internet, computers, printers, copiers, fax and reference materials. Workshop Calendar is at the front desk with dates and times listed at www.tricitiesonestop.com
When: Monday—Friday, 8-5 Where: FRC Suite #B200 Contact: EDD/America’s Job Center — California 510.794.3669 Legal Clinic Call VLSC (Volunteer Legal Services Corp) for free legal advice. If you do not qualify or they cannot help you, they will try to refer you to someone who can. When: 2nd Tuesdays by appointment only Where: FRC Mediterranean Room #H810 Contact: VLSC 510.302.2222 (opt 4) Van Share Service CRIL has 2 wheelchair-accessible vans available to rent for a low hourly cost. Both are 2012 Dodge Caravans with hand controls and foot controls for braking and acceleration. Drivers must first register at www.Getaround. com. Once approved, drivers use the Getaround app on their cell phone to make reservations. Red Van Location: BART Hayward station in the ADA parking lot at 699 B St, Hayward. Available 24/7. Blue Van Location: CRIL Hayward Parking Lot at 439 A St., Hayward. Mon—Fri 8am—9pm. Contact: CRIL Hayward 510.881.5743 WIOA Job Search Workshops WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) is a federal grant program located at the EDD/ America’s Job Center — California. Provides resources, support and training. View workshop calendar at www.tricitiesonestop.com. Where: FRC Suite #B200 Contact: Tri-Cities Career Center at Ohlone College Newark 510.742.2323
BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE
FAMILY SUPPORT/FINANCIAL COACHING
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
YOUTH SERVICES
Alameda County Social Services
C330
510.795.2428
FRC Welcome Center/ Fremont Healthy Start
Child Care Links D450
510.270.8807 925.417.8733
FRC Welcome Center/ Fremont Healthy Start
ABCD Lobby
510.574.2141
Family Support Services A110
510.574.2021
Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)
D410
510.713.2557
Veteran’s Services
F620
510.795.2686
Lincoln Child Center Kinship Support
D450
510.583.8026
Community Child Care Council (4C’s of Alameda County)
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
D430
510.795.2457
SparkPoint Fremont Financial Services
A110
510.574.2020
Discovery Cove Childcare Center
H850
510.574.2010 510.583.8026
F620
510.795.2686
Lincoln Child Center Kinship Support
D450
Veteran’s Services
Tri-City Children and Youth Services
G710
510.795.2434
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
D430
510.795.2457
Fremont Youth and Family Services
E500
510.574.2100
ABCD Lobby
510.574.2141
A100
510.794.5735
Deaf, Counseling, D420 510.790.1433 Advocacy and Referral (TTY and VP) Agency (DCARA) 510.371.0042 (Voice) State Department of F630 510.794.2458 Rehabilitation
CHILDCARE Child Care Links D450
510.270.8807 925.417.8733
HOUSING ISSUES
Community Child Care Council (4C’s of Alameda County)
D410
510.713.2557
Fremont Fair Housing and Landlord/Tenant Services
Discovery Cove Childcare Center
H850
510.574.2010
D460
D450
510.790.3366
Tri-City Community Support Services, Adult and Children
510.894.3639
Mediterranean Room H810
510.795.2300
510.329.3739
MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING Family Education and D400 Resource Center (FERC)
510.790.1010
Family Service Team – A110 for CalWORKS participants
510.574.2023
Fremont Youth and Family Services
510.574.2100
E500
Tri-City Children and Youth Services
G710
510.795.2434
Tri-City Community Support Center
G710
510.795.2434
Tri-City Community Support Services, Adult and Children G710
G700
Millennium Room Nova Room A130 A120
Caribbean Room H830 Family Resource Center Administration, Family Support Services, Family Service Team and SparkPoint A110
CityServe H840 Pacific Room H800
Discovery Cove H850
4
6
5
Youth and Family Services E500
La Familia Counseling Services/VESL F600
Enter
SEPTEMBER 2018
D450
Enter
PG8
F600
International Institute of Bay Area (IIBA)
Enter
D470
EDD/America’s B200 510.794.3669 Job Center of California La Familia Counseling Vocational ESL
There are 2 buildings at the FRC. Building ABCD is on the right and houses suites beginning with A, B, C or D; and Building EFGH houses suites beginning with E, F, G and H.
Enter
EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING Behavioral Health Care Services Vocational Program
510.574.2270
510.745.1680
CityServe’s H840 510.796.SERV Compassion Network (7378) Herald Family Rebuilding Center
D440
IMMIGRATION
CULTURAL AND FAITH BASED SERVICES Afghan Coalition
KEY TO LOCATING FRC SUITES
BHCS Vocational Program D470
3 2
1
Afghan Coalition D460
Department of Rehabilitation F630 Enter
Enter
SEPTEMBER 2018
PG9
DISCOVERY COVE
provider is out sick, school is closed or when parents need to run errands without the kids. The fee is $8.00 per hour per child and a sibling discount is available.
Discovery Cove is the FRC’s drop-in childcare center, providing free childcare to FRC customers, as well as affordable drop-in services to local parents in our community. FRC customers who are attending appointments at our center can use the service for their well children aged 2 months – 12 years. They can obtain a referral form from their agency provider and fees will be waived. Local parents might find Discovery Cove very handy when a regular
Our childcare center provides a warm inviting atmosphere and stimulating, age-appropriate activities. It’s operated by the City of Fremont Recreation Department – Tiny Tot Program which has offered quality services to local children for many years. Discovery Cove is open MondayFriday 8.30am—5.00pm and children can visit up to 12 hours a week. Discovery Cove is located at the FRC at 39155 Liberty Street in Suite #H850. For convenient drop-off and pick-up, there are reserved parking spaces in front of Suite #H850. For more information or to make reservations, call 510.574.2010.
SUPPORT THE FRC!
ACCESS LINE For Finding Mental Health and/or Substance Use Treatment
1.800.491.9099 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
New Lobby Furniture! Can you help? As the FRC begins to prepare for our 20th anniversary, we are thrilled to be recommended for a grant of $6,700 from Fremont’s Candle Lighters to replace our lobby furniture in Building ABCD! Attending the Ghost House at the Fremont Hub is a fun way to help ensure the FRC is awarded the furniture grant. The FRC hosts hundreds of visitors daily and the furniture in all our lobbies is badly worn. We believe our lobbies should be welcoming and represent the respect we hold for the families we serve. But because commercial grade furniture is so expensive, we still need an additional $15,000 to furnish the rest of our lobbies. Can you help? Donations are tax-deductible. Donate at www.Fremont.gov/hsdonate or contact John NguyenCleary: 510.574.2049 or jnguyen-cleary@fremont.gov
Fremont Family Resource Center
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
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