WINTER. 21/22
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Da r Fa i rs Hi i Pu ndi nj a Vie U bi tn rdu
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150 Total Staff work in 22 Agencies
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As our community and country grapple with the Coronavirus Omicron surge, our FRC Collaborative has held strong and continues to provide critical safety net services to Tri-City families in need. Almost overnight when the Pandemic hit in March 2020, our 22 agencies set up virtual services, so that when our buildings closed to the public, all services continued uninterrupted. Our two buildings reopened in July 2021 and as of this writing, remain open today. All agencies are continuing to provide services by phone and other virtual platforms, while some are open or open for appointments only. Use our FRC Work Status list to call ahead to the agency you would like to visit to ensure they can receive you.
IN THIS ISSUE • • • •
FRC Collaborative Highlights Pandemic Programs Compassion Network Event Calendar
In addition to regular FRC agency services, many COVID-19 related services have and continue to be provided to Tri-City families by the City of Fremont Human Services FRC Core Team, the lead agency at the FRC collaborative. The impact of the pandemic hit Tri-City families very hard. In response and through partnership with the federal government, several rental assistance programs have been implemented by the FRC Core Team to ensure that families can remain housed and landlords can stay afloat too. In 2020 the team managed Tri-City Cares (for all three cities — Fremont, Union City and Newark) and in 2021 and continuing into this year, the Keep Fremont Housed program has assisted families with back rent and utilities. Between the two rental programs, we have provided renters with almost $12M to repay rent and utilities, keeping struggling residents housed and landlords whole.
Tri-City Cares* Rental Assistance May—Dec 2020
Families Served 157 Total Amount Awarded $565,155 Avg. Amount of Assistance $3,600 * Fremont, Union City and Newark
Alameda County Financial Navigation Dec 2020—Dec 2021
265 Families Served 45% Unemployed & Jobhunting 35 Financial Topics Discussed (eg rent, food, utilities...) 1,500 Referrals Made We LOVE our Partners! Specifically our gratitude goes out to TCV Mobile Pantry and the new 5SikhSEVA.org food truck, who are enabling us to provide ongoing food assistance for Tri-City families in need. During the bi-monthly food events, and with the support of First Five of Alameda County and Supply Bank.org, we have also been able to provide PPE, diapers, cleaning supplies, and children’s backpacks, books and toys.
Food and Supply Distributions
Keep Fremont Housed Rental Assistance April 2021—as of Jan 2022
44 Events 5,280 Families Served 61,203lbs of Food
Families Served
847
Total Amount Awarded $11,349,234 Avg. Amount of Assistance $13,399 When a financial crisis hits a family, not knowing where to turn for help can lead to fear, anxiety and depression. Thanks to funding from the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE), and through a partnership with the Economic Empowerment Program of International Rescue Committee Oakland, the FRC Core Team opened the Alameda County Financial Navigation Program. This program provided residents impacted by COVID-19 with a free financial consultation by phone, from a trained and skilled Financial Navigator, who followed up each call with an email and/or text full of links to all the resources discussed during the call. These consultations gave callers solutions and support to assist in weathering this challenging time. PG2
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14 Food Truck Events 2,400 Free Hot Meals As the Go–To place for South County families related to resources, the FRC is an obvious location to offer key community events like the COVID-19 test and vaccination events held in partnership with Alameda County Public Health Department.
COVID-19 Health Events
1 Testing Event 2 Vaccination Events
Keeping Families Housed and Fed (cont) Last year’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program and volunteers soldiered on during the pandemic despite the logistical and safety difficulties. Over 100 volunteers operated virtually from their homes to file taxes for the community as low-income families rely on refunds and tax credits to maintain their homes. Right now over 100 volunteers are training to prepare for the 2022 tax season. This year is particularly important for families to file as many will qualify for an expanded Child Tax Credit. This year’s VITA program will open February 2nd. For more information, visit www.fremontvita.org
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program 2021 Tax Season
1,500 Families Served $2,614,122 Total Refunded 103 Volunteers 8,931 Volunteer Hours 22 Languages Spoken
SERVICES 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 510.574.2000 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 www.fremont.gov/sparkpointfrc 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. www.fremont.gov/workforcetraining WINTER 21/22
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FRC CALENDAR | JAN—MAR 2022 Live Activities FRC Food Events for Tri-City Residents — On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month beginning at 10.30am, we hold special events between the two FRC buildings at 39155 Liberty St in Fremont. No registration is needed. Masks and social distancing 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.
SEVA FREE FOOD TRUCK Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 10.30am—12pm. Free, hot vegetarian meals for the first 200 people provided by 5SikhSEVA.org with support of Fremont Gurdwara.
Virtual Events and Services Improve Your Credit — January 11, 6—7.30pm. Free webinar from SparkPoint Fremont. Topics: How to obtain your credit report, fix credit report errors, how to communicate and negotiate with creditors and avoid identity theft. Register at https://bit.ly/3rrxLyG Your confirmation will contain the Zoom link. English Literacy on Zoom by Afghan Coalition. To register, contact Seema at 510.745.1680 or seema@afghancoalition.org Beg/Intermediate, Tuesdays 12—1.50pm. Advanced, Thursdays 12—2pm Conversational, Fridays 3—4pm. 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 www.fremont.gov/sparkpointfrc 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 LEGAL — Legal Help for Immigrants from Pars Equality Center offers legal immigration services to lowincome immigrants such as asylum, family petitions, U visa, VAWA, EAD cards, change of address AR-11, Request for Evidence (RFE) etc. More info at www.parsequalitycenter.org Call Pars Equality Center at 510.894.3161. *NOW OPEN*
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FRC CALENDAR | JAN—MAR 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://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSevjGnWMfEtXFRRXk-9IPSCfSU_8EynNYKSke_3FiZKfyQwpw/viewform YFS — Virtual Support Group for Parents and Caregivers of Youth English Group options: Tuesdays at 10—11.30am or 6—7.30pm. Spanish Group options: Wednesdays 10—11.30am or 6—7.30pm. Explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted parents/caregivers, their children and families. Explore strategies for self-care, challenging child/youth behaviors, and ways to improve communication. For more info or to register, visit https://fremont.gov/3060/caregiver-support or call 510.574.2100.
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January 17 FRC is closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 21 FRC is closed for Presidents Day
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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 www.fremont.gov
BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE
FAMILY SUPPORT/FINANCIAL COACHING FRC Welcome Center/ Fremont Healthy Start
ABCD Lobby
510.574.2141
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 D450
510.270.8807 925.417.8733
4Cs of Alameda County D410
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 H840 Compassion Network
510.796.SERV (7378)
Herald Family Rebuilding Center
510.790.3366
D450
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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510.795.2300
MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING 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
Tri-City Community Support Center
G710
510.795.2434
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
510.713.2557
Discovery Cove Childcare Center (Program Discontinued) 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
H850
4 Enter
Youth and Family Services E500
La Familia Counseling Services/VESL F600
4Cs of Alameda County D410
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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FRC AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
Compassion Network Autumn is the busiest time of year at CityServe’s Compassion Network and 2021 was no exception. In the month of October, this faith-based non-profit saw nearly 600 people in their office. Most signed up for their annual Hearty Harvest Thanksgiving food distribution which provides groceries for a holiday dinner. Then on the second and third weekends in November, twelve of their network churches in the Tri-Cities hosted the Hearty Harvest distribution events. Nearly 500 bags of food and grocery gift cards were distributed to families representing nearly 2500 individuals. Additionally, Compassion Network volunteers were meeting clients throughout the week for a multitude of other services as described in their new flyer. Compassion Network serves low-income families and individuals, senior citizens and unsheltered individuals, matching volunteers with people in need throughout the Tri-Cities and beyond.
FRC
CENTER ASSISTANCE
Our bilingual Resource Specialists help people with information, referrals and benefit applications. Open M–F 8.30am–4.30pm in Bldg ABCD During the Pandemic, please call instead of visiting.
MAIN LINE
510.574.2141
ENGLISH
CALL ANY NUMBER
PASHTO
510.410.3421
FARSI
510.410.4272
KOREAN
510.414.2700
MANDARIN, CANTONESE 510.410.3425 PUNJABI, HINDI, URDU 510.491.6699 SPANISH
510.410.3432 510.410.8392
Compassion Network is open Monday—Thursday from 10am—12pm and 1—4pm and on Fridays from 10am—2pm in FRC Suite H840 or call 510.796.SERV (7378). ACCESS provides information, screening and referrals for Alameda County residents who need mental health and/or drug and alcohol treatment.
Pars Equality Center Joins FRC Pars Equality Center provides high-quality legal immigration services, advocacy and education to low-income immigrant communities.
Pars is located in FRC Building EFGH in Suite F610 Contact them at 510.894.3161 or afghansupport@parsequalitycenter.org
Fremont Family Resource Center
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 www.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