SUMMER. 2020
MOST IN-PERSON EVENTS OR SERVICES ARE CANCELED BUT MOST ARE AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY. CHECK OUR CALENDAR INSIDE OR CALL US WITH ANY NEED.
Last year, Jatin Chadha, a junior at Mission San Jose High School (MSJHS) and President of the MSJHS Investment Club, had an idea to teach financial literacy skills to high school students. He wanted to address the issue of what he saw, that many high school students lacked personal money management knowledge that is essential for adulthood. Jatin contacted SparkPoint Fremont, a free financial coaching and education program at the FRC. He shared his vision with the team and a plan was hatched for Financial Coach Arnie Becker to teach Jatin and his Club officers a high school financial education class during the summer of 2019. The MSJHS Investment Club Officers Jatin Chadha, Yash Agarwal, Ethan Malhotra and Dev Thakar learned well and modified the curriculum to offer their four-part financial literacy course to MSJHS students last Fall. Fremont Mayor Lily Mei visited a session, expressing much support and encouragement. With over 30 students attending all four sessions and class evaluations high, the first class was a big success. For the 2020—2021 school year, the Investment Club is expanding the program district-wide by offering a train-the-trainer class to students at other Fremont schools. On June 20th the Club held a virtual information session with over 50 students. Said Judy Schwartz of SparkPoint Fremont, “We’re excited to have played a role in the Youth Financial Literacy program that is now expanding throughout FUSD. I’m inspired by Jatin and his friends, and what young people can accomplish with vision, hard work and a little help. We’re honored to have been a part of it.”
IN THIS ISSUE
Safety Protocols at the FRC The FRC buildings remain closed to walk-in visitors but all 23 agencies continue to serve the public remotely through phone, email and video tools. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to call any FRC agency. Under special circumstances, appointments might be made on site at the FRC. If you are given an appointment, we have new safety protocols in place to help keep staff and visitors safe. Here’s an idea of what to expect: 1. If you are feeling sick or have a temperature, do not come to the FRC. Seek medical care. 2. Face Coverings are required by all staff and visitors per the Alameda County and State of California Orders. 3. The only entrances through which the public will enter will be the main doors to each building that are located between the two buildings under the trellises.
main entrance doing health screenings of all visitors ensuring that everyone wears a Face Covering.
4. Waiting rooms have fewer chairs to maintain physical distance. 5. Our Discovery Cove Childcare Center is closed through June 2021 since physical distancing cannot be ensured. If possible, please leave your young children at home with a friend or relative. 6. Once the FRC buildings are re-opened, most agencies will likely require most people to have appointments to limit the number of people in the office at one time and maintain social distancing; so always call before visiting the FRC. There will be Building Monitors outside each
Since the 23 FRC agencies are independently managed, they will determine their own return date to the FRC which will occur gradually when it is safe. Until each agency is in the office full-time, be assured that all agencies will continue to offer services remotely. Every Monday we publish a list of FRC agencies with their status (Open, Open for Appointments Only or Working Remotely) and the best phone numbers to reach them. It can be found at www.fremont. gov/FRC. While the FRC will be different in some ways, you can still expect the same great service by our caring staff. For questions, call the FRC at 510.574.2000.
Housing Navigation Center Update
Shady, relaxing common space
Beautiful handpainted outdoor wall murals add to the atmosphere
Fremont’s Housing Navigation Center (HNC) has continued construction throughout the spring with an anticipated completion date this summer. The HNC will accommodate up to 25 unsheltered community members, with each participant staying up to six months while they are focused on finding stable, permanent housing.
landscaping is a crucial element in achieving this goal. As a member of the compassionate Fremont community, you are invited to sponsor areas of the HNC garden.
The HNC is located behind City Hall and has been thoughtfully designed to be an integrated part of Downtown Fremont. The HNC aims to be a welcoming and private environment for the participants, and PG2
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Every donation, no matter the size, will contribute to creating an environment where unsheltered community members can focus on rebuilding their lives. Sponsorship opportunities range in size from $20 for a single plant to $1,000 to sponsor an entire building’s landscape. For more information and to support the HNC visit www.Fremont.gov/HNCdonate
FRC AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
We wish to thank First Five of Alameda County and their partner, Supply Bank, for last month’s very large donation of essential supplies to help our community. Knowing that so many low-income families are out of work and facing serious food and supply shortages, First Five Alameda County set in place a plan to provide pandemic supplies including gloves, masks and disinfectant, as well as diapers and wipes to protect the health and well-being of children throughout Alameda County. The FRC enthusiastically accepted the offer to become a Distribution Partner dispensing key supplies for Fremont, Newark and east county families. The FRC’s Grab & Go food giveaway was the logical event to combine with the pandemic supply distribution. Compassion Network volunteered to take the lead on the supply distribution for the FRC site. They also volunteered to invite and coordinate with four faith communities to assist in south county distribution. The faith communities are: Harbor Light Church, Grace Church Fremont, Gurdwara Sahib Fremont and Convergence House of Prayer.
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program continues to serve clients during these challenging times. WIC is a nutrition program offering supplemental food for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to 5 years of age. WIC issues WIC cards (EBT cards) to provide healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, and more, as well as formula and baby food for infants. Although WIC office doors are closed indefinitely, the staff are working hard remotely to provide services. WIC staff are conducting appointments by phone and loading WIC benefits virtually. If you or someone you know may qualify or if you need information on where to get extra food in the community, call WIC at 510.795.2457. Once WIC re-opens, they can be found in Suite #D430.
We’d like to thank our generous donors, distribution partners and all the volunteers for their help in sharing critical supplies. In total, First Five/Supply Bank provided our south and east county communities with 10,000 gloves, 2,500 masks, 500 gallons of disinfectant, 800 diapers, 600 containers of baby wipes and 250 pre-school books.
FRC Staff prepare the food giveaway
Compassion Network managed the pandemic supplies
HELP THE ENVIRONMENT AND SAVE RESOURCES
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Staff and volunteers distributing food and supplies at Harbor Light Church, Fremont
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During these challenging times, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, loneliness or a host of other emotions. We encourage everyone now, more than ever, to build social connections and increase awareness with virtual tools that make connection possible during a climate of physical distancing. In times of uncertainty, know that many Mental Health providers are always here for you, so don’t hesitate to call.
Hotlines for Alameda County Residents 24-hour Crisis Line 1.800.309.2131 If you’re struggling with difficult life circumstances, grief or uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, call the Crisis Line from Crisis Support Services of Alameda County. You do not need to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to call. TEENS can text the word “safe” to 20121 between 4—11pm daily. 24-hour National Suicide Prevention LifeLine 1.800.273.8255 This LifeLine provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress or their loved ones. 24-hour Parenting Stress Helpline 1.800.829.3777 Alameda County parents can call this hotline to get help with everyday parenting stress from Family Paths. Click here for flyer. Sally’s Place: 24-Hour Crisis Peer Support 510.963.9849 During Shelter-in-Place, LaFamilia will provide 24-hour crisis peer support and remote peer services to Alameda County residents aged 18 and over. Click here for flyer. SAVE 24-Hour Hotline 510.794.6055 Confidential hotline is for anyone experiencing domestic violence. If you know someone who you think needs help, you can also call SAVE.
Helplines and Resources 2-1-1 Alameda County residents can call this three-digit phone number to be connected to free and confidential information and referrals to health, human, and social service organizations. Available 24/7. ACCESS LINE 1.800.491.9099 Provides information, screening and referrals for Alameda County residents who need mental health and/or drug and alcohol treatment. It’s available Monday—Friday 8am—5pm from Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.
FRC Mental Health Providers and Services Afghan Coalition 510.745.1680 Offers a variety of services including mental health and domestic violence support to empower refugee families, women and youth. FRC Working Wellness Team 510.574.2023 Counseling, community resource linkage and supported employment assistance for CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work participants. Family Education & Resource Center 510.459.4506 FERC is an advocacy program that provides information, resources, education and support to families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. Fremont Office: FERC Warm Line 888.896.3372 Monday—Thursday 9am—5pm, Friday 9am—1pm. Youth & Family Services 510.574.2100 Counseling and support groups for youths and families from City of Fremont Human Services Department. Tri-City Children & Youth Services 510.795.2434 Counseling for children and youth from Alameda County Behavioral Health. Tri-City Community Support Center 510.795.2434 Provides case management and psychiatry services under Alameda County Behavioral Health.
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Special COVID-19 Resources
IT'S OKAY TO VENT We are here to help you Stay Strong Against COVID-19
FREE, CONFIDENTIAL AND NON-JUDGEMENTAL SUPPORT LINE FOR BAY AREA WORKERS IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS RESPONDING TO COVID-19.
CDC Centers for Disease Control The CDC’s COVID-19 website has many resources on dealing with being quarantined, coping with stress, taking care of yourself and family, helping children cope, help for responders and much more. Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook This workbook contains tools and techniques for dealing with coronavirus anxiety. For more tools and info, visit thewellnesssociety.org Frontline Workers Counseling Project Free therapy for Bay Area frontline workers impacted by COVID-19. Over 500 clinicians to choose from are listed on the site. Staying Strong Against COVID-19 Support Line 510.420.3222 Free and confidential support line for Bay Area workers in health care settings responding to COVID-19. It’s for all jobs in any type of health care facility. Click here for flyer 1 and flyer 2. Stay Well While Sheltering in Place From Alameda County Public Health Department, this handy one-page guide provides tips for maintaining your well-being.
510-420-3222 Other Local Mental Health Providers Bay Area Community Health 510.770.8040 Provides healthcare including mental health services for adults and youths. La Familia Counseling 510.881.5921 Provides mental health services for adults and youths as well as other crucial social services. Sally’s Place: Peer Respite 510.963.9849 A voluntary, short-term program that provides non-clinical crisis support to help people find new ways to move forward with their recovery. Serving those 18 and over. Senior Mobile Mental Health Program 510.574.2032 Provides intensive outpatient mental health services to Tri-City/Hayward seniors age 60 and over in their homes. The City of Fremont program serves those who are isolated and unable to access traditional mental health services because of physical/medical and mental health challenges.
Virtual Social Support Groups Multiple Social Support Groups in Farsi, English, Punjabi, Hindi or Napali. Plus a South Asian Youth Support Group. All groups are offered via Zoom through The Hume Center. To obtain scheduling information or to register, call 510.745.9151 or email southasianprogram@humecenter.org For more virtual events from the FRC, please visit our calendar on pages 6 and 7.
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FRC CALENDAR | JULY—AUGUST Live Activities Special 4th of July Giveaway for Tri-City Families in Need Saturday, July 4 from 10.30am—1.30pm. Tri-City Families in need are invited to a unique Independence Day celebration — a drive-through giveaway that can serve 500 families. Follow the signs along Capitol Ave to enter the FRC parking lot on Liberty St. With Face Coverings on, please remain in your car and you’ll pass several stations offering groceries, pandemic supplies, hot meals and more. For questions, contact Kashmir Singh Shahi 510.299.7982 or Baljit Singh 510.376.1128. No registration required.
TCV Food Bank Mobile Pantry
Grab & Go Bags at the FRC 1st & 3rd Wednesday 10:30 - 11:30am 80 bags of groceries are available to anyone in need. First-Come, First-Served
WIC Farmers Market Checks Friday, July 10 from 9am—3pm. Eligible WICFRC clients can pick up a $28 check to buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. (Foster parents with foster babies less than 6 months old are not eligible.) First come, first served. WIC clients can line up outside of the FRC Millennium Room, #A120 at 39155 Liberty St, Building ABCD. Face coverings and physical distancing are required. Questions? Call 510.795.2457 or email Joyce.Lin@acgov.org FRC Grab and Go Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 10.30—11.30am. Tri-City families in need are invited to this twice-monthly walk-in grocery giveaway from our generous partner TCV Food Bank Mobile Pantry. Held in the FRC parking lot between the two buildings. Face coverings and physical distancing are required. Questions? Call the FRC at 510.574.2000. No registration required. Click here for flyer.
Fremont Family Resource Center 39155 Liberty St, Fremont Enter our parking lot and the Grab & Go will be straight ahead
Face Coverings are now required in Fremont. Physical Distancing will be practiced.
Virtual Events and Services BINGO Fridays via Zoom! FERC (Family Education and Resource Center) Fridays, 4—5pm. (No Bingo on July 3 and 10) For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. Small prizes will be mailed to winners. At least 7 days in advance for each Bingo night(s), send Juanita juanita@mhaac.org your email address or call FERC at 510.746.1700 so they can send your Bingo Card(s). Join Zoom Meeting or join by phone: 669.900.9128 Meeting ID: 81173114919, Password: 135548# Food — Money for Groceries Are you laid off or low income and need money for groceries? We’ll help you apply to CalFresh benefits. Click here for flyer. To schedule a phone appointment, call the FRC at 510.574.2000. LEGAL — Civil Legal Clinic at FRC Advice on civil legal issues such as housing, health care, government benefits, youth justice and domestic violence with family law issues from Bay Area Legal Aid. To request a phone appointment, residents must complete an application form which you can obtain from SparkPoint Fremont. Call Jane at 510.574.2026. LEGAL — Consumer Rights Clinic at FRC Are you being harassed or sued by creditors? Need info on bankruptcy, foreclosure or wage garnishment? Get info before your court date. Due to COVID-19, Bay Area Legal Aid canceled all in-person clinics; however, they are offering a limited number of phone or online appointments on Thursdays. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call their Legal Advice Line at 800.551.5554.
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FRC CALENDAR | JULY—AUGUST Virtual Events and Services (Cont.) LEGAL — Family Law Clinic at FRC Legal Access Alameda provides free legal advice on divorce, custody, visitation or support issues. Due to COVID-19, Legal Access Alameda (formerly ACBA VLSC) canceled all in-person clinics; however, they are offering limited virtual free services by phone. Call the ACBA intake line for assistance at 510.302.2222 option #4.
Virtual Support Groups Caregiver Support Group FERC (Family Education and Resource Center) 2nd Tuesday 4—5.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For questions: Michele@mhaac.org or 510.746.1700. Current Meetings on Google Meets (Google Hangout). Meeting ID or join by phone: 401.594.3156. Pin#: 610 018 380# Caregiver Support Group FERC (Family Education and Resource Center) 1st and 3rd Wednesday 4—5.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For meeting information, email Bettye@mhaac.org or call 510.746.1700. Caregiver Support Group FERC (Family Education and Resource Center) 1st Thursday 5—6.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For questions, Bettye@mhaac.org or 510.746.1700. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 822 4692 6453# Password: 503883# or join by phone: 669.900.9128 Meeting ID: 822 4692 6453# Password: 503883# Caregiver Support Group FERC (Family Education and Resource Center) 3rd Thursday 4—5.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For questions: Michele@mhaac.org or 510.746.1700. Current meetings on Google Meets (Google Hangout). Meeting ID or join by phone: 401.594.3156. Pin#: 610 018 380# Caregiver Support Group FERC (Family Education and Resource Center) 3rd Thursday, 5—6.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For questions, Bettye@mhaac.org or 510.746.1700. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 811 5089 1934# Password: 475164# or join by phone: 669.900.9128 Meeting ID: 811 5089 1934# Password: 475164# Caregiver Support Group — Spanish FERC (Family Education and Resource Center) Wednesdays 5.30—7pm. For questions, Juanita@mhaac.org or call 510.746.1700. Join Zoom Meeting or join by phone: 699.900 9128. Meeting ID: 840 8086 9393# Password: 821128# Circle of Care Program EBAC (East Bay Agency for Children). Virtual support group and parenting education for grieving families. For questions or to register, email CircleofCare@EBAC.org
Holiday Closures Most FRC agencies are closed July 3 except America’s Job Center/ EDD, State Department of Rehabilitation, and Fremont Healthy Start (FHS). FHS will be closed on July 6.
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BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE
FAMILY SUPPORT/FINANCIAL COACHING
Alameda County Social Services
C330
510.795.2428
FRC Welcome Center/ Fremont Healthy Start
FRC Welcome Center/ Fremont Healthy Start
ABCD Lobby
510.574.2141
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
D430
510.795.2457
ABCD Lobby
510.574.2141
Family Support Services A110
510.574.2021
Lincoln Families Kinship D450 Support Program
510.583.8026
SparkPoint Fremont Financial Services
A110
510.574.2020
D440
510.574.2270
CHILDCARE Hively 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
MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING CULTURAL AND FAITH BASED SERVICES Afghan Coalition
D460
510.745.1680
CityServe’s H840 510.796.SERV Compassion Network (7378) Herald Family Rebuilding Center
D450
510.790.3366
EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING
Family Education and D400 Resource Center (FERC)
510.790.1010
FRC Working Wellness A110 Team – for CalWORKS participants
510.574.2023
Fremont Youth and Family Services (YFS)
E500
510.574.2100
Tri-City Children and Youth Services
G710
510.795.2434
G710
510.795.2434
Alameda County Behavioral Health Vocational Services
D470
510.795.2300
Tri-City Community Support Center
America’s Job Center/ EDD
B200
510.794.3669
REACHING AGENCIES DURING COVID
La Familia Counseling Vocational ESL
F600
510.329.3739
While FRC agencies are working remotely, we’re publishing the best phone number(s) to reach them. The list is posted every Monday on the FRC website at www.fremont.gov/FRC
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SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)
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
KEY TO LOCATING FRC SUITES 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.
Tri-City Community Support Services, Adult and Children Mediterranean Room H810 Tri-City Community Support Services, Adult and Children G710
G700
D410
510.713.2557
Discovery Cove Childcare Center
H850
510.574.2010
Lincoln Families Kinship D450 Support Program
510.583.8026
Tri-City Children and Youth Services
G710
510.795.2434
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
D430
510.795.2457
Fremont Youth and Family Services (YFS)
E500
510.574.2100
Family Resource Center Administration, Family Support Services, Family Service Team and SparkPoint A110
Discovery Cove H850
4 Enter
Youth and Family Services E500
La Familia Counseling Services/VESL F600
Community Child Care Council (4C’s of Alameda County)
Enter
5
510.270.8807 925.417.8733
Caribbean Room H830
Enter
Enter
6
Hively D450
Millennium Room Nova Room A130 A120
CityServe H840 Pacific Room H800
YOUTH SERVICES
BHCS Vocational Program D470
3 2
1
Afghan Coalition D460
Department of Rehabilitation F630 Enter
Enter
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ACCESS LINE For Finding Mental Health and/or Substance Use Treatment
1.800.491.9099 We just learned that one of our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) customers is one of two Grand Prize Winners in the SaveYourRefund annual contest! Melissa Lieu had her 2019 taxes prepared by our volunteer tax preparer Margaret Lee at the Fremont Family Resource Center VITA site. The VITA team encouraged Melissa to save a portion of her refund to qualify for the nationwide contest and now she’s $10,000 richer! Congratulations Melissa! SaveYourRefund gives Americans big incentives to save part of their tax refund and is sponsored by the AARP Foundation.
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
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for physical distancing to keep everyone safe, Discovery Cove Drop-In Childcare Center located at the FRC will be closed through June 30, 2021. Since the FRC opened its doors in June 1999, free drop-in childcare has been available to families accessing services at the FRC. For many years Discovery Cove has also been available to community parents at a reasonable hourly cost. We regret that we are unable to offer this service at this time.
Fremont Family Resource Center
CENTER SCHEDULE
Our bilingual Resource Specialists help visitors with information, referrals and public benefit applications. While the FRC is closed, you can call the Resource Specialists directly for assistance.
DARI, PASTU
DARI
KOREAN
510.410.3421 510.410.4272
510.414.2700
MANDARIN, CANTONESE 510.410.3425 PUNJABI, HINDI
SPANISH
510.574.2000 www.fremont.gov/frc /FremontFRC /FremontCares frc@fremont.gov Fremont Family Resource Center 39155 Liberty Street | Fremont | CA 94538
510.491.6699 510.410.3432 510.410.8392
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