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Bold Steps for Children Newsletter
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Kids in Common is engaged in the work of Step Up Silicon Valley, a movement to cut poverty. Later this month, we will be participating with San Jose State University to conduct a poll that will look at ways San Jose can support more of what we need to be a thriving community. If you would like to help, there are shifts available Wednesday through Sunday, November 18 - 22:
- Wednesday, 11/18, 6:00 - 8:30pm (Full)
- Thursday, 11/19, 7:00 -9:00pm
- Friday, 11/20, 5:30 - 8:00pm
- Saturday, 11/21, 12:00 - 6:00pm
- Sunday, 11/22, 12:00 - 6:00pm
If you are interested in signing up for a shift, please email Angela Silveira at
[email protected] with the date and time of the shift, or you can sign up on a Google document by
clicking here. Please sign up by Wednesday, November 11th.
In this month of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am to be able to work in partnership with so many of you who care passionately about the well-being of our community's children. It is our collective effort that helps us to improve results for our children and youth. Thank you for believing that we can make our children's lives better and for rolling up your sleeves to get the work done.
I hope you have a wonderful November and have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.
In community partnership,
Dana Bunnett, Director
Kids in Common
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Kids in Common wants every child safe, healthy, successful in learning,
and successful in life!
Kids in Common advocates for policies, partnerships, and investments that improve children's lives in Santa Clara County.
The cornerstone of our work is
the Children's Agenda, a county-wide initiative working to create measurable, positive changes for Santa Clara County children and families.
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FEATURES
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Bill to Protect Students from School Math Misplacement Signed by Governor
SB 359 authored by Senator Holly J. Mitchell and sponsored by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation will take effect January 1, 2016. It requires public school districts to develop and adhere to performance and assessment-based standards for assigning youths to math courses by the start of the 2016-2017 school year. The legislation is a first step in remedying the growing problem of "math misplacement," which can impede a capable student's progress both in learning math and advancing toward higher education and career goals.
A 2010 Noyce Foundation Pathways study had found that African American and Latino students, in particular, were improperly held back in nine Bay Area school districts despite having demonstrated proficiency on state standardized math tests. "Kids deserve the best shot we can give them at success," said Senator Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). "Yet too many students who are working hard to build the skills they need to be successful in our economy are being prevented from doing so."
You can read the full text of SB 359 by clicking here. For more information about math misplacement, visit www.siliconvalleycf.org/mathmisplacement.
www.siliconvalleycf.org
Governor Brown Signs AB 187 to Protect Kids with Serious Medical Conditions
Children Now is happy to announce that another of its legislative priorities, Assembly Bill 187, was signed into law by Governor Brown last week. Children's advocates applaud Governor Brown's decision to sign AB 187 (Bonta), extending the California Children's Services (CCS) program for another year in its current form. CCS serves approximately 180,000 children with serious, and sometimes life-threatening, health conditions, such as spina bifida, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease.
Advocates, state agencies, health providers, and other stakeholders have been working on a plan to improve the program. AB 187, which was unanimously approved by the Legislature, ensures that health care for these vulnerable children is not disrupted during this planning period. You can read the full press release about AB 187 by clicking here.
www.childrennow.org
AFLP/Cal-Learn Diaper Drive
Teen parents often have to work hard to make ends meet. One way we can help is by providing them with diapers and wipes. Please participate in the AFLP/Cal-Learn Diaper Drive, collecting diapers sizes 1 - 6 and wipes for the young parents served by Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (Kids in Common's parent organization).
To donate online, visit the Amazon Wishlist by
clicking here.
To donate by check or to drop off supplies, call (408) 808-1806, or (408) 808-1811.
KaBOOM! Wants to Build a Playground
in January
KaBOOM! is excited to promote play in our community by building a new playground in the Bay Area in January 2016, which will create extended opportunities for the balanced, active play that all children need to grow and thrive.
If you think your organization could be a competitive applicant for the Build it with KaBOOM! Playground Grant, please reach out to Alex Davis, a member of the KaBOOM! Community Outreach team, by calling (202) 464-6164, or by sending email to [email protected]. You can view the eligibility requirements and other pertinent information by clicking here.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Accessing Autism Services for Children with Medi-Cal in Santa Clara County
Peninsula Family Advocacy Program (FAP) of the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County and EMQ FamiliesFirst cordially invite you to a convening to learn about and discuss access to Autism Spectrum Disorder services.
Date: Friday, November 13, 2015
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: EMQ FamiliesFirst, Building A Community Room, 251 Llewellyn Avenue, Campbell, CA
For More Information: You can RSVP by clicking here. You can also send email to Andy Tran at [email protected].
SVCN 5th Annual Health and Housing Summit
This Summit will cover two very timely and interconnected issues - Health Care and Housing. It will focus on the intersection of health care and housing to ensure housing providers and service organizations are partnered to access to the best service delivery system. So if your agency provides health or housing services to youth, seniors, homeless, domestic violence, behavioral health, and more, you will want your staff to attend.
Date: Monday, November 16, 2015
Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm
Location: Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, 1400 Parkmoor Avenue, San Jose, CA
For More Information: Visit www.svcn.org.
COACHING CALL: Dealing with Fears about School Shootings and Lockdown Drills
School lockdowns and news about school shootings can be traumatic for adults as well as kids. During this coaching conference call, we will discuss: How do we help kids feel safe? How do we help ourselves feel safe? How can parents and teachers talk to children about these issues in ways that will be empowering instead of leaving them feeling scared and helpless? I hope you can join us on this call!
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Time: 12:00-1:00pm, Pacific Time
For More Information: You can register by clicking here. When you register, you can include your own question for the discussion, and we will send you some pre-reading and the call-in information.
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NEWS, REPORTS, AND TRAINING
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NEW! The Raising of America Series
This five-part documentary series explores the question: Why are so many children in America faring so poorly? What are the consequences for the nation's future? How might we, as a nation, do better? The series investigates these questions through different lenses: What does science tell us about the enduring importance of early life experiences on the brain and body? What it is like to be a parent today? And what policies and structures help or hinder the raising of healthy, happy, and compassionate children? The Signature Hour covers all three of these issues. The four subsequent episodes each dive in for a closer look. You can view the series by
clicking here.
NEW! The Maze of Foster Care and Health Care
Confusion about government medical coverage and eligibility leaves many former foster youth nationwide dealing with bureaucracy and red tape. In California, the "Covered til 26" campaign run by Children Now uses social networking and other means of communication to try to locate foster youth, ages 18-26, in the state and make them aware they are eligible for the state's Medicaid program. You can read more about this health care dilemma by clicking here.
NEW! Dropouts: Innovative Online Schools Attract Santa Clara County Youth
This article in the San Jose Mercury News details the newly opened Opportunity Youth Academies that offer free online classes and guidance. The academies target the 8,000 youth, ages 16-24, in Santa Clara County who have dropped out of school but may want to earn their diploma. Students can work at their own pace wherever they want. You can read the article by clicking here.
PLAY 60, Play On Launched; $750k Community Grants Program Now Open
The 50 Fund and NFL Foundation launched the PLAY 60, Play On initiative funded in part by the NFL's $1M legacy grant. The program includes a $750k community grants program to create active and imaginative play spaces managed by KaBOOM!, half-day 'Football Extravaganzas' this fall for 1,000 youth, a youth worker training play program managed by Playworks, and a 30-day play challenge that will donate life-saving meals to severely malnourished kids managed by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. You can learn more about the program by clicking here. Also visit the initiative's new website at www.play60playon.org.
Terrific Wins This Year for California's Foster Kids
Children Now worked with the Governor and State Legislature to pass legislation to provide support for, and protect the rights of, foster children and former foster youth. Highlights include legislation requiring that the educational rights of foster youth are made available through schools, that parenting foster youth aren't inappropriately labeled "at-risk parents," and that former foster youth can easily verify their status through the state in order to access services.To learn more, visit
www.childrennow.org.
Creating and Sustaining Effective Hospital Family Advisory Councils
Family Advisory Councils (FACs) in children's hospitals help ensure that families have a say in their children's care. A new report describes the California Patient and Family Centered Care Network, a statewide collaborative working to develop effective, impactful FACs. You can review the report by clicking here.
Realizing the Promise of Telehealth for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Telehealth has proven to be an effective tool in making specialized care more accessible for children with special health care needs, but in California providers and families are not using this service to its full potential. A new report explores the barriers to use and proposes some solutions. You can view the report by
clicking here.
Respect 360 eTraining
If you were unable to attend The Respect Institute's recent in-person trainings in Silicon Valley, no worries! You can get trained online to implement the Respect 360 Toolkit and/or Journal Program at your own pace by
clicking here.
You can also send email to Jessica Baker at [email protected] with questions or to inquire about partial scholarships.
Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Resources
There has been a lot of attention recently on the importance of developing healthy school climates and fostering social and emotional learning in schools. If you are interested in resources for strengthening relationships, increasing student engagement, improving school climate, integrating SEL into professional development, or bridging Restorative Practices and Trauma-Informed approaches within your schools or organizations, visit the Scoop.it! page by
clicking here.
In Their Own Words: Improving the Care Experience of Families with Children with Special Health Care Needs
Straight talk from 52 parents highlights the limitations of the current system of care for children with special health care needs and their families. A new report summarizes findings from 10 focus groups in which family members discussed what their lives are like, how well their families' needs are being met and how the health care system could be improved. You can review the report from Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health by
clicking here.
Keeping Your Children Safe
Young children are accidentally being exposed to marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs, with potential medical consequences. Prevention Partnership International's Advisory Committee, program developers of Celebrating Families!, recently put together a handout for parents, grandparents, and family members: Keeping your Children Safe - Alcohol, Prescription & Illegal Drugs, Marijuana & Other Hazards. You can view this handout by clicking here.
Feel free to copy and share it.
2014 Data Now Available on California's Homeless Students
Nearly 300,000 public school students in California were homeless at some point during the 2013-2014 school year - 5% of all such students. "Doubling up" with others for nighttime residence was the most common living situation among homeless public school students, but many lived in shelters, motels, or unsheltered during the school year. You can explore data from Kidsdata.org about homeless students in your county and school district by
clicking here
.
Promoting Children's Long-Term Health and Functioning: Applying a Life Course Approach to Pediatric Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Life Course Theory, which promotes a life-span approach to an individual's health, is taking hold in adult medicine, but adoption has been slow in pediatric practices. This paper proposes a framework to help pediatric practices become life-course settings for children with special healthcare needs. You can read the paper by
clicking here.
ONLINE TRAINING: Helping Parents to Feed Well so Children Can Eat Well
Parent educators can improve their knowledge of how child development influences child eating, learn how to help parents teach their child to be a healthy eater, and learn how to support parents in having enjoyable family mealtimes. You can view the four 30-minute videos created by Childhood Feeding Collaborative of Santa Clara County by clicking here. For more Information, send email to Carol Danaher at [email protected], or call (408) 793-2708.
New Standards and Tests Are Worth the Effort
This article discusses the new Smarter Balanced assessments, and the challenges and opportunities involved in these new tests for California students. The author, Gina D. Dalma, is the senior program officer at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and leads the Silicon Valley Common Core Initiative. You can read this article by clicking here.
Synchronizing Youth Programs in California Shows Signs of Success
This article from the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange describes Santa Clara County's innovative approach to better support youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. You can read this article by clicking here.
Dropping Out and Clocking In: A Portrait of Teens Who Leave School Early and Work
This article from the Urban Institute looks at teens who leave school early and are employed, and how they differ from other teens who leave school early. It discusses how working youth are contributing to their families' economic support system and how this potentially impacts government programs and policies. You can read this article by clicking here.
DOCUMENTARY: Poverty in a Land of Riches
This powerful documentary from CNN is about being poor in Silicon Valley. It is a "must watch" for anyone concerned about how low-income families make it in this county and its high cost of living. You can view the documentary by clicking here.
Child Abuse Prevention Resources for Schools
Please share this important information with parents, teachers, and school administrators about Kidpower's abuse, bullying, abduction, and other violence prevention resources for schools. You can check out this resource by clicking here.
Drugging Our Kids
This 5-part series by the Mercury News explores the excessive use of psychiatric drugs in the foster care system. Parts 1-4 examine how psychotropic meds are being used to treat troublesome behaviors, rather than to heal kids from the trauma they've suffered. Part 5 is a 40-minute documentary that takes viewers inside these children's lives and provides expert commentary. Check out the dedicated website by clicking here.
Facing Prejudice with Compassion and Determination
This article describes how to address prejudice and work with members of our communities to keep everyone safe. See the article from Kidpower's extensive free online library by clicking here.
WEBINAR: Social and Emotional Learning
Supported by music and videos, take-home activities, and stories kids relate to, the developmentally appropriate Second Step lessons have helped teachers instill social-emotional skills in their students for over 20 years. Interested in putting the Second Step program to work for your students? Attend one of the sessions from Committee for Children to hear directly from their experts. You can see a list of live webinars and register by
clicking here.
New Study: Cómo Están los Niños? The Health of Latino Children and Families in California
A comprehensive new study of California's Latino children paints a complex picture of their health and well-being, and finds striking differences within a 4.7 million-strong population that comprises more than half of all the children in the state. You can review the study by
clicking here.
VIDEO: Sports Illustrated Introduces Us To America's Homeless Student-Athletes
More than 100,000 student-athletes in America are homeless, according to
Sports Illustrated. While athletes such as Kevin Durant and James Jones have made headlines for overcoming childhood poverty and struggles, the magazine introduces us to today's kids who are succeeding in athletics but have no place to call "home" at the end of the day. You can watch the video by
clicking here.
FIRST 5 Obesity Prevention Efforts
The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) profiled FIRST 5 Santa Clara County's efforts to prevent early childhood obesity. Through a blog post and video, CSAC highlights how FIRST 5 programs are making healthy habits fun! You can read the blog by
clicking here; you can watch the YouTube video by
clicking here.
Early Literacy in California's Immigrant Families
Read this report about disparities in exposure to book-sharing programs among California's immigrant families. The Chair of the Children's Agenda Vision Council is a co-author of this report. You can read it on
Reuters by
clicking here.
School Discipline Consensus Report
Released by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, this report presents a comprehensive set of consensus-based and field-driven recommendations to improve conditions for learning for all students and educators, better support students with behavioral needs, improve police-school partnerships, and keep students out of the juvenile justice system for minor offenses. You can read the report by
clicking here
.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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English as a Second Language Classes
These ESL classes are offered at no charge. If you are 18 years or older, you can join the classes to learn reading, spelling, and literacy. The classes are open entry, so you can start at anytime. They are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:30am and/or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 - 7:30pm.
Location is 749 Story Road, Suite 10, San Jose.
For More Information: Call (408) 213-0961.
Calling All Youth-Based Program Agencies
Pacific Housing, Inc. is looking for partnerships
with youth-based program agencies to provide services for residents of affordable housing in East San Jose.
For More Information:
Visit
www.pacifichousing.org
. Send email to
[email protected] or call (916) 638-5200, x205.
Join The Children's Movement
Children Now is the leading nonpartisan, umbrella research, policy development, and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting children's health, education, and child well-being in California and creating national policies that support child development. Children Now also leads The Children's Movement of California, a grassroots network of more than 1,300 business, education, parent, civil rights, and faith-based, community and multi-ethnic organizations, as well as thousands of individuals, working together to make children a priority in public policy-making.
For More Information: Visit
www.childrennow.org. Main office: 1404 Franklin Street, # 700 Oakland CA 94612; (510) 763-2444.
CalFresh Application Assistance: Same Day Service
Community members now have faster access to CalFresh Benefits at 5 locations (listed below) around Santa Clara County! Eligibility workers are stationed at 5 Emergency Assistance Network Agencies (EANs) alongside Food Bank representatives to assist people with CalFresh. In 1-2 days, community members can be screened, apply for CalFresh and have their County interview. If approved, a client could pick up their EBT card on the same day at the Social Services Agency or the next business day at the EAN agency.
Locations:
(1) InnVision, Palo Alto - 33 Encina Avenue, Palo Alto, CA; Wednesdays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; drop-ins only.
(2) St. Joseph's Family Center - 7950 Church Street, Gilroy, CA; Mondays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; for an appointment, call (408) 842-6662.
(3) Sunnyvale Community Services - 725 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale, CA; Mondays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; for an appointment, call (408) 738- 4321.
(4) Community Services Agency of Mt. View & Los Altos - 204 Stierlin Road, Mountain View, CA; 1st and 4th Thursdays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; for an appointment, call (650) 968-0836.
(5) West Valley Community Services - 10104 Vista Drive, Cupertino, CA; 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 10:00am - 7:00pm; for more information, call (408) 255-8065.
10 Steps to a Healthier You!
 A FREE, three-class series for parents and caregivers about implementing a positive, healthy lifestyle into home environments. Classes are for residents of Santa Clara County, and are held at various dates, times, and locations throughout Santa Clara County year-round.
For More Information: To sign up for the free three-class series or to host the free classes at your site, call Healthier Kids Foundation at (855) 344-6347. You can get more details about the program by clicking here.
Eastside Elite Basketball League
If you want a basketball program for your child, this program offers both non-competitive and competitive programs. The Co-Ed Non-Competitive League is for 6 - 9 year olds with little or no basketball experience who would benefit from participation in a structured program with a focus on skills development, basketball fundamentals, and structured game time. The Eastside Elite Competitive Basketball League is for 10 - 16 year olds with emphasis placed on good sportsmanship and skills development.
For More Information:
For program details and fees, call Eric or Rhonda at (408) 794-1060.
FOR EDUCATORS: Embrace the Core Website and Communications Toolkit
The Embrace the Core website and Communications Toolkit are designed to help educators cut through the noise and communicate to parents about California's Common Core State Standards in their classrooms. Teachers, principals, district leaders, after-school program administrators, and anyone else who regularly fields questions from parents can use the posters, sample letters to parents, talking points, and various other resources to drive those conversations.
For More Information: Visit the website at www.embracethecore.org. You can get to the toolkit by clicking here. If you have questions, send email to Neha Singh Gohil, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, at [email protected].
Good. To Go. Is in San Jose!
Good. To Go. (G2G) is a community-based marketing campaign aimed at increasing San Jose residents' purchase of "fun, fast, and fresh" items such as fresh produce and kid-friendly 'grab n go' snacks at participating G2G outlets: Healthy Corner Stores, Fresh Cart mobile produce vendors, and PCFMA farmers' markets. To find G2G locations in San Jose, visit our online interactive map by
clicking here
. To stay up to date on events, new products, and program updates, be sure to "Like" our
G2G Facebook page
.
For More Information:
To learn how to spread the word about G2G within your network and become a G2G brand ambassador, please contact Misha Taherbhai at
[email protected] or call
(408) 513-8716.
New Teacher Intern Credential Program: Education Preparation for Inclusive Classrooms
In Fall 2014, the Inclusion Collaborative started an education specialist credential program focusing on inclusion: Preliminary Early Childhood Special Education, Preliminary Moderate/Severe Special Education, and a Clear Education Specialist Induction Program. Classes are held in the evenings and occasionally on Saturdays. These are alternative pathways to acquiring a teaching credential, allowing students to earn their credentials while interning with a school district. Education Preparation for Inclusive Classrooms (EPIC) accepts new students every two years, so if you are interested in one of the three programs, plan to apply for Fall 2016.
For More Information: To learn about the program, see the FAQ page by clicking here. For additional professional development opportunities and resources, visit the Inclusion Collaborative website by clicking here.
FREE Kids' Vision and Dental Screenings
Healthier Kids Foundation FocusFirst and DentalFirst programs are conducting FREE (donor-funded) vision and dental screenings for children ages 6 months - 18 years old. Vision screenings are performed with a high-optic digital camera, and dental screenings are performed by a licensed dentist, Monday through Friday, at your school, church, daycare center, community center, after-school program, or community-based organization. For dental screenings, all children will receive a FREE toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Healthier Kids Foundation staff will help parents with any follow-up as needed.
For More Information: This program is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Schedule your screenings by calling Sunny Ochoa at (408) 564-5114, Ext. 206, or send email to
[email protected].
Personal Safety Workshops
Kidpower's Public Workshops for ages 3 years to adults offer personal safety skills training that is relevant to the ages and life situations of the students. These dynamic, upbeat workshops teach skills such as boundary setting, advocacy, stranger safety, safety with words (spoken or online), help-seeking, and de-escalation. There are multiple workshops for different child age groups coming soon. Classes fill-up quickly, so let Kidpower know right away if you're interested!
For More Information: You can see the public workshop schedule and register by
clicking here. For questions, call (800) 467-6997 Ext. 1#, or send email to
[email protected].
GED Preparation Classes
These classes target older youth, ages 17 - 24 years. An assessment of a student's basic skill level will determine placement. Classes include both lecture and computer-based learning. The GED program is open-entry/open-exit during the school year.
Date: Monday through Friday
Time: 8:30am - 11:40pm
Location: 749 Story Road, Suite 10, San Jose, CA
For More Information: Contact Mariah Artley at (408) 213-0961, Ext. 27, or Caroline Sailor at Ext. 30.
FutureArtsNow!
This program hosts weekly Open Dance Sessions at the Edenvale Community Center for $3/session. Youth and young adults are invited to come and hone their Hip Hop dance skills during our weekly sessions inside the Edenvale Dance Studio/Gym.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday
Location: Edenvale Community Center, 330 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA
Youth Facing Expulsion
If you know of youth facing expulsion, Legal Advocates for Children and Youth may be able to connect you with a free lawyer to represent your child in a school expulsion hearing.
For More Information:
Call (408) 280-2416.
Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Dollars
Looking for resources to help advocate for Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) dollars to support early learning and development? Children Now can help!
For More Information: Check out Children Now's new campaign with resources by
clicking here. Sign up for The Children's Movement of California to receive more talking points, tips, and tools that will be released over the coming weeks and months by
clicking here.
CalFresh (Food Stamps) Outreach and Application Assistance
Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties can do pre-screening, answer questions, and help clients complete applications for CalFresh benefits. Application assistance can be arranged for weekdays, weekends, and evenings at community locations throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
For More Information: Call Second Harvest's Food Connection, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, at (800) 984-3663, or visit
www.shfb.org/getfood
.
Free Food for Low-Income Families
Free food resources are available to low-income families through Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Our region's Family Harvest, Produce Mobile, Pantries and Prepared Meal programs can accept more participants. Food distributions and meal programs are available weekdays and on weekends at community locations throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
For More Information: Call Second Harvest's Food Connection, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, at (800) 984-3663, or visit
www.shfb.org/getfood
.
For All of Our MFCCs and Other Professionals Under the Board of Behavioral Sciences
Kidpower is now certified as a Continuing Education Provider under the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences!
For More Information: Visit
www.kidpower.org.
Kaiser Permanente Child Health Program
Did you know that Kaiser Permanente in California insures low-income children who are not eligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California through its Child Health Program? With all of the confusion surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many mixed status and immigrant families do not know that the program is an option for their child. The Child Health Program is pleased to offer a quality option in California that gives children the healthcare they need for just $0, $10, or $20 per child, per month, for up to three children, depending on the family's income. Additional children are covered at no extra premium. There are also no co-pays (no charge) for services at Kaiser Permanente facilities.
For More Information: Send email to Maury Rosas at
[email protected]. You can also get additional details, including eligibility guidelines and how to apply, by
clicking here.
PARENT PROJECT
This 12-week program, which offers classes throughout Santa Clara County, is specifically designed for parents with difficult or out-of-control adolescents. Parents learn specific prevention and intervention strategies for destructive behaviors.
For More Information: Visit
www.ParentProject.com; call (408) 808-3794; or send email to
[email protected].
Silicon Valley Kids Climate Club
This club offers children (and adults) important lessons about conserving energy and water, recycling trash, and finding new food sources. Supervisor Dave Cortese started the Kids Climate Club to introduce children in 3rd through 12th grades to simple tips they can use to help protect the environment.
For More Information: If you would like Supervisor Cortese to give a presentation to your school or youth group, call
(408) 299-3050,
or send email to
[email protected]
.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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The Beat Within Is Seeking Volunteer Facilitators
Since 1996, The Beat Within has been committed to its mission to provide incarcerated youth in the juvenile justice system and beyond with a one-of-a-kind forum where they can write about the things that matter to them, explore how they have lost connection with those things they value, and consider how they might re-connect to positive situations in their lives through the power of the written word and visual art. Volunteer facilitators are needed to support this transformative work inside Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall every Thursday evening from 7:00 - 9:00pm.
For More Information: Send email to the Program Director, Lisa Lavaysse, at [email protected].
OYP Is Seeking Youth Leaders
The Opportunity Youth Partnership (OYP) is once again opening Youth Voice positions for youth ages 16 - 24 years who would be interested in representing their peers in this partnership. If you know of a youth who would be interested in the role, please have them complete an application. This is a wonderful leadership opportunity, and a stipend is provided for the youth members.
For More Information: You can download the application (PDF format) by
clicking here.
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is recruiting volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to work one-on-one with foster children and be a mentor and their voice as they navigate the dependency system. We train and support our CASAs as they work to support foster children.
For More Information: To learn more and sign up for an introductory session, visit
www.bemyadvocate.org.
Volunteer to Become a Certified Car Seat Technician
In the Bay Area, 4 out of 5 car seats are installed incorrectly. ACCESS (a service of the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary) hosts free car seat fitting inspections. Join ACCESS in our efforts to ensure infants and children are safe in their vehicles. Training is provided at Good Samaritan Hospital, 2425 Samaritan Drive, San Jose, CA.
For More Information: Call Shannon Hickok at (408) 559-2395, or send email to
[email protected]. You can also visit the ACCESS website by
clicking here.
Join the LPC Council of Santa Clara County
The Local Early Education Planning Council (LPC) of Santa Clara County is seeking individuals who are interested in applying for membership to the Council. Funded by the California Department of Education and housed at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, the mission of the LPC is to assess, represent, and promote the early care and education needs of children and families in the community. Applicants must work or live in Santa Clara County, and exhibit a strong commitment to advocating for increased quality childcare services; an ability to make information-based decisions; and excellent leadership skills.
For More Information:
If you are interested in submitting an application, send email to Michael Garcia at
[email protected]
, or call
(408) 453-6649.
Volunteer with Junior Achievement
Inspire students at local elementary schools with Junior Achievement! Junior Achievement prepares youth for economic success through a short series of age-appropriate lessons about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. You can volunteer to work in schools and teach these lessons (the teacher will be in the classroom to provide support.) The dates, times, and locations are flexible, including any school or after-school program (i.e. public, private, charter, etc.) There is a one-hour mandatory training.
For More Information: Send email to Amanda Lopez, District Manager, Silicon Valley, at
[email protected]
, or call (408) 217-7906.
Be a Mentor for Elementary School Children
Collaborative Community Program (CCP) is seeking mentors for children at Washington Elementary School in downtown San Jose. Mentors meet with children in Kindergarten through 5th grade on Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:00pm at the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library.
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COLUMN: THE BEAT WITHIN
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The Beat Within is a San Francisco-based non-profit that has been committed since 1996 to providing incarcerated youth inside Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall with a weekly writing and conversation workshop every Thursday evening. Below is another piece written by an incarcerated youth that was featured in their award-winning publication,
The Beat Within.
Just Sitting
I'm sitting here no where near my goals, ambitions or inspirations because the system got me down, stressed and depressed. I have a mission to get my Mom out of the hood.
Just came from court heard same bad news. Now, I'm in a bad mood on top of that we got some nasty crappy food.
Don't stare too long at these walls or you just might fall into a pit of sadness or madness regardless of who you are. Don't run away from your problems because you ain't getting that far. You got to face them head on.
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