Dear Friend,  

In our December eNews, you may have read that Rubicon Programs is participating for the second year in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A.), a national program providing free tax preparation assistance to low-income individuals and families, at our Richmond Economic Empowerment site. V.I.T.A. ensures that low-income tax filers receive tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit for which they may be eligible.  

I'm pleased to report Rubicon Programs, along with a talented team of volunteers, has already processed well over $42,632 in Federal tax refunds for residents! These benefits will go a long way in supplementing income for low-income families.

V.I.T.A. is an example of the integral role Rubicon's new Financial Opportunity Center will play in enhancing Economic Empowerment, along with credit counseling, budgeting and savings resources for Richmond families.   

I look forward to keeping you posted on our progress.  Thank you, as always, for being a valued member of our community. 

Warmest Regards, 

Jane Fischberg

President and Executive Director

P.S.  I look forward to welcoming you at Rubicon's 5th Annual Honors Benefit on April 9th.  Be sure to purchase your tickets soon! See details below. 

Athea, participant in Rubicon Programs' Economic Empowerment Division

Profiles of Change - Athea

Every day, we are inspired by the endurance, talent and courage of our participants.  We hope you've had a chance to visit our new website, and explore the faces of Rubicon -- the men, women and children who are a part of our Rubicon family.  

Athea came to Rubicon Programs in 2008 after struggling with substance abuse, and losing her job as an Accounting Clerk. Athea discovered Rubicon and stopped by the Richmond Economic Empowerment site in hopes of dusting off her resume and finding a stable job and more permanent housing.  

Athea worked with a Rubicon Career Coach, who helped her craft her resume and follow up job leads matching her skill set. Within several weeks, she was hired at a local business in Richmond, where she remains employed and was recently promoted. Athea also enrolled in our housing and financial stability programs to ensure her family maintains safe and secure housing and that she continues to build her savings nest for the future.

Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Bridges to Home  

Bridges to Home provides services to individuals who are  homeless or at risk of homelessness, with severe and persistent mental illness.  The program has a tremendous impact -- a 97% reduction in homelessness and a 50% reduction of hospitalization and crisis visits. 

The following video was recorded in Rubicon's new Multi-Media Center, a Mental Health and Wellness initiative to provide participants with an opportunity to use cutting-edge video technology.  

We invite you to click on the image below to listen and learn how Bridges to Home provides a bridge to recovery and personal independence.

(Above) Teresa Easter, Bridges to Home participant, reflects on Rubicon's impact on her life and family.

Rubicon's Business Services Team thanks Bay Area Business Community

2nd Annual Rubicon Business Services Breakfast

Rubicon is proud to offer talent recruitment services at no cost to local employers.  On January 13, 2011 we thanked our community of employers by acknowledging their critical role in hiring qualified Rubicon clients looking for work. 2011 Award Winners:

• Alameda County Medical Center
• Catholic Charities of the Eastbay
• Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
• Tagged, Inc.

Award recipient, Chamayne Pierce of Alameda County Medical, said "it is vital to stay connected [...] and to continue to do business with Rubicon for future job placements."   

Lila Blanchard, Rubicon Business Services Representative

(Left to Right): Lila Blanchard, Anthony Irving, Chamayne Pierce (Alameda County Medical Center), Darla McArthur (Tagged, Inc.), Michael McArthur, Alicia Cragholm (Morgan Stanley Smith Barney), Jacqueline Guerpo, Graham Thomas.

Is your company looking for talent?  To learn how you can join our community of valued employers, please contact Graham Thomas, Business Services Manager at (510) 809-1302.

Rubicon's 5th Annual Rubicon Honors Benefit will feature dinner, music, silent and live auctions.  Our evening will culminate with a special ceremony recognizing program participants.   

  Saturday, April 9, 2011

6:00 to 11:00 pm

Bellevue Club 

525 Bellevue Ave.

Oakland CA

P.S.  For all of our World Series SF Giants Fans, among many exciting items we'll be auctioning a baseball signed by famed pitcher,
Brian Wilson!   

Ticket and Table Purchases

Pre-sale Tickets (now available through March 25th):
Tickets: $135 per person, $1600 per table

At the door (after March 25th):
Tickets: $150 per person, $1800 per table 

• MAIL: Visit Rubicon's website and download our Ticket Sales Form. 
• ONLINE:  You may purchase tickets directly online using Eventbrite.

For information regarding Gala ticket sales and sponsorships, please contact: 

• Lynn Peralta, Director of Development at (510) 231-3965 or lynnp@rubiconprograms.org 

• Nicole Medeiros, Development Specialist at (510) 231-3994 or nicolem@rubiconprograms.org 

Deborah Clarett  Loan Adminstration Manager, Low Income Investment Fund

What do you do at the Low Income Investment Fund?  

I head up a department within the Lending Division that manages all loan administration functions, including loan closing and loan servicing of all of LIIF's own portfolio and third party portfolios.  The loans are made to support the development of affordable housing, child care facilities, charter schools, and other community facilities, i.e. soup kitchens.

How did you become a member of Rubicon's Board of Directors?

I was recruited by Board Member Lindy Hahn.

What do you like most about Rubicon and the work it does?

All of the services that Rubicon provides assist people with establishing a foundation to turn their life around and end many generations of poverty.  I often ask myself if people that work in this sector really care about the people that they serve or it is "just" a job. In addition to the Board, Jane, and other managers, I have had the pleasure to meet many staff members at Rubicon and work alongside them during my volunteer day at the Richmond office.  I can wholeheartedly say that Rubicon does care and I am so proud to be affiliated with an organization such as this one.

What do you like to do for fun?

Currently, I enjoy my family time, especially with my two grandchildren. I read when I have some quiet time, and soon I will start taking horseback riding lessons.