SUMMER. 2022
The first Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) season launched at the FRC on February 3, 2003 with 38 IRS Trained and Certified Volunteers. The City of Fremont partnered with United Way Bay Area (UWBA) on a new free volunteer income tax program to help low-income families claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In 2003, families earning under $33,000 qualified for VITA’s free tax service. In that first year, Fremont VITA prepared 288 tax returns and brought home to the community $503,000 in refunds, of which $283,460 was the EITC. EITC is considered to be one of the most effective tools for helping families move out of poverty. Prior to VITA, there was broad awareness that many families who would have qualified for the EITC were not filing for it. VITA changed that thanks to the commitment of local residents who responded to our call for volunteers.
152,453 Total Hours Volunteered 34,518 Returns Prepared $54,201,254 Total Refunds $17,315,324 EITC Refunds
Over the years, Fremont VITA expanded to sites in Union City and Newark and added asset building education and opportunities to begin a savings plan. Even during the pandemic, our VITA Team pivoted to offer virtual and safe drop-off services – doing everything possible to serve our community in these difficult times. The VITA Volunteer Team has been expertly led by SparkPoint Program Coordinator Carolyn Robertson, with awesome support from Manjula Allam, Alex Ho and Simin Wang; and also over the years super CONTINUED PG2 >
IN THIS ISSUE • • • •
VITA’s 20th Anniversary FRC adds HRC Youth and Family Services Event Calendar
FROM COVER PAGE
VITA Site Coordinators including Snigha Dhar, Janis Garner, Sumathi Vijayakumar, Shalini Mongia, Deborra Lay, Janice Heredia, Damondrick Jack, Gigi Ying, with FRC Core Team support from Jane O’Hollaren, Alicia Andrade, Loretta Williams and Christine LaBadie. Amazingly, some of our volunteers from 2003 are still with us today, joined by hundreds of other volunteers over the years who completed IRS training and proceeded to expertly prepare tax returns for low-income families. We want to recognize our long-time volunteers — Tax Preparers, Coaches and Trainers — without whom our program would not be possible. We are extraordinarily grateful to have the BEST volunteers!
10–14 Years of Service and counting! Catrina Rivera Khee Leong Wong Margaret Lam Kathleen Kwan Ashok Desai Kathryn Vanscoy Olivia Perez Ziggy Patel Olga Borjon Betty Yee Hong-Bing Chen
15–19 Years of Service and counting! Damayanti Varma Oscar Aye Rebecca Denevan Arnold Becker Jeff Ramsey Mei Ling Chen Manjula Allam Duane Profeit
20 Years of Service and counting! Anthony Sapienza Genaro Mempin Johnny Yee Michael Shapiro
It truly takes a village… and with tremendous gratitude to the VITA Village of VOLUNTEERS and staff — we celebrate our FIRST 20 YEARS of doing taxes together!
Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) now is a Housing Resource Center
The federal government has mandated that all programs receiving federal funding to address homelessness set up a Coordinated Entry System to ensure that those most in need get priority for housing. Our Coordinated Entry System is led by Alameda County at bit.ly/3zMohC9. Coordinated Entry is an approach that aims to equitably prioritize those most in need with the available housing resources. The Coordinated Entry System includes:
On April 14th, the Homeless Care & Response Division of Fremont’s Human Services Department started offering drop-in hours as a South County Housing Resource Center (HRC) at the FRC. In addition to calling the FRC’s main line (510.574.2000) or visiting Abode’s drop-in hours, the HRC provides an opportunity for people seeking housing problem-solving support, shelter assessments and referrals, or housing assessments. The HRC is located in the FRC Millennium Room, Suite A120 located at 39155 Liberty Street in Fremont. Drop-in hours are Thursdays 10am—12pm and 1—3pm. Alameda County has set up HRCs throughout the county which can be found online at bit.ly/3NXqaQN PG2
SUMMER 2022
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Points of access to resources for people experiencing homelessness
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Housing Problem Solving
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Assessment
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Prioritization for available resources
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Referral/Matching to Housing/Homelessness Resources
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Grievance processes
The City of Fremont, led by the Homeless Care & Response Division, is increasing services to address the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. We know that the challenge of homelessness requires many solutions to address myriad conditions. For information on Fremont’s homeless care programs and services, visit bit.ly/3xwlpGS
SERVICES 2003
Fremont VITA launches with 38 volunteers
2012
Expands to Union City and Newark Libraries
2012
Embed Asset Building Program
2013
VITA helps customers enter SaveYourRefund raffle with $100 prizes
2016
VITA launches FremontVITA.org website
2017
Since 2017, 36 VITA Customers have won $100
2020
VITA receives large laptop donation
2020
VITA customer wins SaveYourRefund $10K Grand Prize!
2020
COVID pandemic — pivot to virtual tax preparation
2021
Still COVID/Virtual AND yet VITA customer wins $5K!
2022
VITA offers virtual and in-person tax preparation
Back Tax Preparation Service Free assistance with filing back taxes, IRS advocacy and resolution. By appointment only. Contact: Jane, SparkPoint 510.574.2026 Food — Money for Groceries Low income and need money for groceries? Apply at www.GetCalFresh.org/s/ffrc or call us if you need help. Contact: FRC Core Team 510.574.2141 Job Search — Training The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides financial assistance towards internships and training. Contact: America’s Job Center/EDD 510.794.3669 or Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center 510.742.2323 www.ohlone.edu/careercenter Job Search Support State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) helps people with disabilities enter/return to the workforce. Call for an orientation to learn about services. Contact: DOR 510.794.2458 Legal Help for Immigrants Pars Equality Center offers legal immigration services to low-income immigrant communities. Services are by appointment only. More information at: www.parsequalitycenter.org Contact: Pars Equality Center, phone 510.894.3161 or afghansupport@parsequalitycenter.org Legal Advice Line from Bay Area Legal Aid For help with legal problems involving Housing, Public Benefits or Consumer Rights Law, call 1.800.551.5554. For legal help involving Domestic Violence, call Jane at 510.574.2026 for an application. Contact: Bay Area Legal Aid, 1.800.551.5554 Legal Help from Legal Access Alameda A lawyer can help with problems with your landlord, boss, government benefits, divorce, child custody and more. See new brochure. For more info on the free services, go to www.acbanet.org/need-a-lawyer or call LAA. For problems relating to COVID-19 or natural disasters, go to www.ca.freelegalanswers.org Contact: Legal Access Alameda 510.302.2222 (option 4) SparkPoint Financial Services Free financial services and coaching for low to moderate income people who want to improve their finances. For more info and to register for a virtual information session, visit city.fremont.gov/sparkpoint After the session, you can request an appointment with a Financial Coach. Contact: Jane, SparkPoint 510.574.2026 Tri-City Workforce Training Resource SparkPoint Fremont’s list of free or low-cost local training programs helps you to: increase your skills for a promotion or new career; get a GED or certificate program, improve your English and more. Education providers include adult schools, community colleges, CSU East Bay, apprenticeship programs and more. See Training Resource at: https://bit.ly/3O2cCU4 SUMMER 2022
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FRC CALENDAR | JULY–DEC 2022 In Person Events FRC Food Events for Tri-City Residents — All events take place at 39155 Liberty Street in Fremont. Registration is not required.
TCV MOBILE FOOD PANTRY Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 10.30—11.30am. Groceries for first 100 families. Residents are invited to line up after 9.30am. Located in the FRC courtyard between the two buildings.
SEVA FREE FOOD TRUCK Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 10.30am—12pm. Hot vegetarian meals for first 200 people by 5SikhSEVA.org and Fremont Gurdwara. Located in the FRC courtyard between the two buildings.
THURSDAY SOUP TALK Thursdays from 11.30am—12.30pm. CityServe Volunteers provide lunch to unhoused community members. Located behind FRC Bldg ABCD facing the Downtown Event Center.
SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST Sundays from 8—9am. Tzu Chi Foundation provides a warm meal to unhoused community members each week. Located in the FRC courtyard between the two buildings.
ENGLISH LITERACY BY AFGHAN COALITION Beginners Class on Tuesdays from 12—2pm. To register, contact Seema at 510.745.1680 or seema@afghancoalition.org
Virtual Events and Services SparkPoint Fremont Virtual Info Session 3rd Thursday from 6—7pm. Learn about free services for low-to-moderate income people who want to improve their finances. Meet virtually with a Financial Coach. For more info and to register, visit city.fremont.gov/sparkpoint LEGAL – Consumer Rights Clinic from Bay Area Legal Aid. 4th Friday of the month, currently Virtual by Phone. Harassed by creditors or dealing with collection lawsuit, wage garnishment, bank levy, bankruptcy, foreclosure or liens etc? Get advice from an attorney. To register, call Jane at 510.574.2026. LEGAL — Family Law Clinic from Legal Access Alameda provides free legal advice on divorce, custody, visitation or support issues. Due to COVID-19, there are limited virtual free services by phone. Call LAA at 510.302.2222 (option 4) or submit an online request at www.acbanet.org/request-a-lawyer LEGAL — Legal Advice Line from Bay Area Legal Aid. For help with legal problems involving Housing, Public Benefits or Consumer Rights Law, call 1.800.551.554. For legal help involving Domestic Violence, call Jane at 510.574.2026 for an application. Contact: Bay Area Legal Aid, 1.800.551.5554
PG4
SUMMER 2022
FRC CALENDAR | JULY–DEC 2022 Virtual Support Groups Afghan Coalition - Men’s Support Group 2nd Monday 3—4pm. To register, email nariman@afghancoalition.org EBAC — Circle of Care Program Virtual support group and parenting education for grieving families. For questions or to register, email circleofcare@ebac.org FERC — African American Family Support Group 4th Tuesday 5.30—7.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For questions, email betty@mhaac.org or call 510.746.1700 and leave a message. To join this Support Group, visit www.ferc.org/programs/support-groups/ FERC — Borderline Personality Disorder — Family Support Group 1st Wednesday 5—6.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For questions, email bettye@mhaac.org or call 510.746.1700 and leave a message. To join this Support Group, visit www.ferc.org/programs/support-groups/ FERC — Family Members/Caregiver Support Group 1st Thursday 5—6.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. For questions, email bettye@mhaac.org or call 510.746.1700 and leave a message. To join this Support Group, visit www.ferc.org/programs/support-groups/ FERC — Family Members/Caregiver Support Group 2nd Tuesday 4—5.30pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. Open to caregivers across the county. For questions: contact michele@mhaac.org or 510.746.1700 and leave a message. To join this Support Group, visit www.ferc.org/programs/support-groups/ FERC — Spanish Speaking Family Members/Caregiver Support 2nd and 4th Wednesday 5.30—7.00pm. For families/caregivers of those who have loved ones with mental health challenges in Alameda County. Open to caregivers across the county. For questions, email juanita@mhaac.org or call 510.746.1700 and leave a message. To join this Support Group, visit www.ferc.org/programs/support-groups/ Herald Family Rebuilding Center — Mandarin Support Groups for Men and Women Tuesdays from 7—9pm. For questions, call 510.790.3366. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3mAiI1Q
To receive timely FRC communications and resources from us every week, subscribe at https://bit.ly/3y9Z0kg or scan QR code. Cancel any time.
July 4 Independence Day
Nov 24–25 Thanksgiving
Sept 5 Labor Day
Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. Agencies will close Dec 23 or 26. Call before visiting.
Nov 11 Veterans Day
SUMMER 2022
PG5
REACHING AGENCIES DURING PANDEMIC Each FRC agency determines their own work status (Open, By Appointment or By Phone Only). To check their remote work status, visit city.fremont.gov/frc
BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE
FAMILY SUPPORT/FINANCIAL COACHING FRC Welcome Center/ Fremont Healthy Start
ABCD Lobby
Family Support Services A110
510.574.2021 510.583.8026
A110
510.574.2020
D440
510.574.2270
F610
510.894.3161
Alameda County Social Services
C330
510.795.2428
Lincoln Families Kinship D450 Support Program
FRC Welcome Center/ Fremont Healthy Start
ABCD Lobby
510.574.2141
SparkPoint Fremont Financial Services
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
D430
510.795.2457
HOUSING ISSUES
CHILDCARE Hively
510.574.2141
D450
4Cs of Alameda County D410
510.270.8807 925.417.8733 510.713.2557
Discovery Cove Childcare Center (Program Discontinued)
Fremont Fair Housing and Landlord/Tenant Services
IMMIGRATION Pars Equality Center
CULTURAL AND FAITH BASED SERVICES Afghan Coalition
D460
510.745.1680
CityServe’s Compassion Network
H840
510.796.SERV (7378)
Herald Family Rebuilding Center
D450
510.790.3366
EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING Alameda County Behavioral Health Vocational Services
D470
America’s Job Center/ EDD
B200
510.794.3669
La Familia Counseling Vocational ESL
F600
510.329.3739
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SUMMER 2022
510.795.2300
MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING Family Education and D400 Resource Center (FERC)
510.790.1010
FRC Working Wellness Team – for CalWORKS participants
A110
510.574.2023
Fremont Youth and Family Services (YFS)
E500
510.574.2100
Tri-City Children and Youth Services
G710
510.795.2434
Tri-City Community Support Center
G710
510.795.2434
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
YOUTH SERVICES Hively
510.794.5735
D450
510.270.8807 925.417.8733
Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)
A100
Deaf, Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
D420
510.790.1433 (TTY and VP) 510.371.0042 (Voice)
Discovery Cove Childcare Center (Program Discontinued)
State Department of Rehabilitation
F630
510.794.2458
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
4Cs of Alameda County D410
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
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
H850
4
Youth and Family Services E500
La Familia Counseling Services/VESL F600
Enter
5
Enter
Enter
Enter
6
510.713.2557
BHCS Vocational Program D470
3 2
1
Afghan Coalition D460
Department of Rehabilitation F630 Enter
Enter
SUMMER 2022
PG7
FRC AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
FRC
CENTER ASSISTANCE
Our bilingual Resource Specialists help people with information, referrals and benefit applications. For more info, visit city.fremont.gov/frc Call the Welcome Center at 510.574.2141 or visit M–F 8.30am–5pm in Bldg. ABCD, 39155 Liberty Street, Fremont. ENGLISH
MONDAY–FRIDAY
MANDARIN/CANTONESE MONDAY Youth and Family Services (YFS), a division of City of Fremont’s Human Services Department, has provided family-focused mental health services to children for 49 years. We promote the well-being of children and their caregivers by utilizing our expertise to implement culturally responsive, community-based services for children and their families. Every year, we serve more than 1000 children aged 0–21 years and family members at counseling offices at the FRC, and Fremont and Newark schools and police departments. YFS provides individual, group, and family counseling to address social isolation, anxiety, depression, loss, grief, trauma, peer and family relationship challenges, diversion needs, as well as substance use issues. Our counseling reach has been greatly increased through the contribution of master’s and doctorallevel counseling interns we recruit annually, each one committing 20 hours per week under intense supervision. Kudos to our 2021—2022 YFS Counseling Interns (pictured above)! They are an amazing group! A number of them are bilingual, expanding our capacity to serve Tri-City families in Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Tagalog, Turkish, Urdu. Our interns have great hearts and dedication to improving children and families’ wellbeing. With their empathic and effective counseling services, we have seen children making good progress. We are thankful for their services and glad to celebrate with them upon graduating from our training program. YFS is located at the Fremont FRC, 39155 Liberty St, Suite #E500 and their phone number is 510.574.2100.
Fremont Family Resource Center
DARI
TUESDAY AM
KOREAN
TUESDAY PM
PASHTO/DARI
WEDNESDAY AM
SPANISH
WEDNESDAY PM
SPANISH
THURSDAY
PUNJABI/HINDI/URDU
FRIDAY
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.
510.574.2000 city.fremont.gov/frc facebook.com/FremontFRC twitter.com/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