October Conversation Clubs, Chat Among Family, Meg's Conversation Group, community events & more

Greetings!

October is finally here 🎃, which means mid-term season is here too! We know it can be scary, but we believe in you! 💪🏼

This month's newsletter includes our virtual & in-person Conversation Clubs, Meg's Weekly Conversation Group, immigrant resources, and other community events and resources from our trusted partners.

Upward Scholars Announcements

Virtual & In-person English Conversation Clubs

Our next English Conversation Clubs will be in-person AND virtual on November 5 and 6. These are opportunities to build confidence in your English conversation skills in a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment.

In-person English Conversation Club

Thursday, November 5

6:30 – 8 pm

Sobrato Center for Nonprofits (350 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City)

Child care will be available for children 3 years old and older.

Virtual English Conversation Club

Friday, November 6

10:30 am – 12 pm

Via Zoom

Chat Among Family — Plática Entre Familia (English/Spanish Bilingual)

English:

We invite you to join us for Chats Among Family. These chats create a space of trust and friendship—where we can open up without being judged, support one another as the Upward Scholars family, and celebrate our achievements.

Chaplain Gerardo García Palacios will join us to help us cope with the challenges we face every day.

Please join us on Thursday, November 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. To join the conversation, use the information below.

Spanish:

Te invitamos a la Plática Entre Familia. Estas pláticas sirven para crear un espacio de confianza y amistad. Un espacio donde también podemos desahogarnos sin ser juzgados, apoyarnos como familia de Upward Scholars y celebrar nuestros logros.

Nos acompañará el capellán Gerardo García Palacios para ayudarnos a lidiar con los desafíos que enfrentamos día a día.

Te invitamos a unirte el jueves 12 de noviembre, de 6 a 8 pm, por Zoom. Para unirte a la plática, usa la información de abajo.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83107668603?pwd=GVpBc8u7Zkqq15P9GoTd7KEuPQux6H.1&jst=2

ID: 83107668603

Passcode: 477200

Meg's Weekly English Conversation Group (sponsored by Upward Scholars)

Practice speaking English in a fun group with Meg Brosnan. Drop in anytime, no registration needed!

Tuesdays, September 29, 2 pm – 3 pm

Wednesdays, October 14, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Cañada College

Learning Center, Study Room 9-253

Questions? Email Meg Brosnan, group leader: margaretbrosnan@my.smccd.edu

Emotional & Spiritual Counseling with Reverend Gerardo García Palacios

Upward Scholars offers students and their families free spiritual and emotional counseling with Rev. Gerardo García Palacios. People of all beliefs are welcome, and Rev. Gerardo is bilingual in English and Spanish.

To schedule a session with Rev. Gerardo, email him at pastorgarcia1679@outlook.com or call/text him at (650) 387-9174.

Platiquitas (English/Spanish)

Platiquitas provide students with the chance to participate in regular small-group meetings with spiritual counselor and Reverend Gerardo, centered on specific topics. The discussion is bilingual in Spanish and English, depending on attendance. You do not have to speak Spanish to attend.

Rev. Gerardo will hold the next Platiquita, or virtual conversation, on "Living in Two Worlds Without Losing Ourselves" on Friday, October 16, at 6:30 pm.

To participate in the Platiquita, join via Zoom here. No need to register in advance.

Everyone Has Rights, Know Them! (more below)

Community Opportunities

San Mateo County HSA's Job Fair

Are you looking for a job? Join San Mateo County HSA for an in-person Job Fair. Bring your resume, meet employers, and explore a variety of full-time and part-time job opportunities

When: Wednesday, October 21, 10 am – 12 pm

Where: San Mateo County Services Agency

1500 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404

Halloween Spooktacular

Join Redwood City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services for some Halloween Spooktacular fun! Enjoy carnival games, a monster maze, prizes, and so much more. Pre-registration is encouraged to secure your spot. Admission is $10 per child. Parents/guardians are free with child admission.

When: Saturday, October 24, 12 – 3 pm

Where: Red Morton Community Center

1120 Roosevelt Ave, Redwood City, CA 94061

Pal-O-Ween Block Party

Join PAL for an exciting, family-friendly event filled with spooky fun! Enjoy a costume contest, candy bags, a photo station, delicious food, and so much more. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of Halloween activities.

When: Friday, October 30, 6 – 9 pm

Where: Pal Center

3399 Bay Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063

CORA at Fair Oaks Community Center

Join CORA's office hours at Fair Oaks Community Center for information and support related to crisis intervention, safe housing, mental health services, LGBTQ+ support, legal services, and prevention and education. Visit the Fair Oaks Community Center front desk for more information and assistance connecting with CORA services.

When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month, 3 – 5 pm

Where: Fair Oaks Community Center

2600 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063

Safety Net Benefits Updates

This short video helps San Mateo County residents understand important updates and next steps for several safety net programs, including Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Assistance, and the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).

The video explains:

What to expect when applying for or renewing benefits
Common information or documents residents may need
What “verification” means
Why it is important to read notices and respond by the due date
How to submit documents
When to contact HSA for help

Watch the video in English here and in Spanish here to learn more!

San Mateo County Resource Centers

Resource Centers provide employment-related services and referrals to community-based agencies for assistance with additional needs, all of which are free of charge and open to all members of the public.

They offer:

Access to Resources
Convenient and Professional Setting
Dedicated Support
Access to a Diverse Range of Opportunities

Learn more here.

Legal Support Guide

Facing legal challenges? You don't have to navigate them alone. Seeking qualified legal assistance is the most important step you can take. Bring a trusted supporter to any appointments. You can call Faith in Action at (203) 666-4472 if you don't have someone to accompany you.

Consider creating a family preparedness plan to protect your loved ones. This plan helps you and your family know what to do in case of immigration related emergencies.

For helpful resources and referrals, scan the QR codes in our guide or click the links below.

Remember, being informed is your best protection.

Legal directory by ImmigrationAvocates.org

Confirm your immigration court hearing date and time

Make a Family Preparedness Plan

Family Preparedness Plans in California: Video Orientation

In this informative video, you'll learn about immigration and family preparedness, focusing on practical tools, reliable information, and guidance to navigate uncertainty and plan ahead.

The session covers key topics, including understanding individual rights, creating a family preparedness plan, organizing important documents, and making critical decisions for children and dependents in emergency situations. Viewers are also introduced to campus and community-based resources available to support families before, during, and after unexpected events.

Grounded in care and community, this video aims to demystify complex processes, reduce fear, and equip individuals and families with actionable steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Click here to view the recording.

Save or Download this Information Here

All people are protected under the law, regardless of immigration status.

If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA) as soon as possible.
Know your rights. Keep the red card handy at all times. If you encounter ICE, remember you have constitutional rights. (You can download a red card here.) Upward Scholars also has physical red cards available for pickup at our office.
Have a plan for you and your family in case someone is detained. Find plan templates here.
Memorize a trusted person's phone number in case you are detained and do not have access to your phone.
Download and complete your Immigration Preparedness Toolkit here
Download and complete your Family Preparedness Plan here
DO NOT sign ICE documents or speak to any officers without an attorney present. Get advice from an attorney about your immigration options.
Find Free and Low-Cost Immigration Legal Service Providers here
Find more resources on the County’s Immigrant Service page here.

NOTE: This is for informational purposes, not legal advice.

Employment Opportunities

Sequoia District Adult School (SAS) Job Board

SAS has a job board to help students like you find jobs. There are a variety of positions in various industries. Visit their website to learn more.

Scholarship Opportunities

NOTE: If you need help applying to any of these, contact Programs Director Diana Viscarra at diana@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.

Immigrants Rising List of Scholarships and Fellowships

Immigrants Rising has curated this list of scholarships and fellowships that don't require proof of U.S. citizenship. The list has general application eligibility requirements, including education level, region/state, and immigration status. Use the filters to find scholarships that could be right for you.

Click here to find an array of scholarships specific to your major or area of study.

Live Your Dream Award

Application Deadline: November 15
Some qualifications: identify as a woman; primary breadwinner for family

If you know of any other job or scholarship opportunities with deadlines in the next few weeks or months, please email the information to Jessica, Development & Marketing Senior Manager, at jessica@upwardscholars.org so she can share them with all Upward Scholars students.

Onward & upward,

Upward Scholars Team

Our Programs Team

Contact our Programs Team with any questions regarding our programs and services.