Unity Care's Community Partner Newsletter

NEWS from Unity Care Group

Community Partners Newsletter
May 4, 2010

Welcome from André Chapman

Dear Friends,

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and although our economy is in its worst state in decades (California is facing a 20 billion dollar budget deficit), Unity Care remains committed to serving our most vulnerable youth and families. While many non-profits have unfortunately cut programs and have even closed their doors, Unity Care continues to serve our communities through support from community partners like you.

In the midst of these financial challenges, we have great news for our partners and supporters. We recently received a Human Relations Award, hosted a successful Open House in Placer County, received a $20,000 grant from the Sharks Foundation and we're preparing for our second annual fundraising Luncheon on May 25, 2010. I hope you'll be able to join us to learn more about how you can help give our foster children hope for a brighter future.

Please read below for more exciting news.

Best wishes,

André Chapman

André Chapman
President and CEO

What's Happening at Unity Care

André Receives Human Relations Award
Unity Care's 2nd Annual Luncheon, May 25, 2010
Sharks Foundation Gives $20,000 Grant
Placer County Open House a Success!

Human Relations Award

On Thursday, April 22, 2010, André Chapman, President and CEO of Unity Care Group, accepted the Human Relations Award from the Office of Human Relations. Santa Clara County Board Supervisor, George Shirakawa, selected André as this year’s recipient for his efforts in promoting positive human relations and civil rights in Santa Clara County.

André expressed his sincere thanks for being recognized and is humbled by the award, saying “I am honored and grateful that Supervisor Shirakawa has chosen me to receive the Human Relations Award, which is a testament to the work and deep commitment of Unity Care’s Board of Directors, staff, donors and volunteers. The Supervisor’s recognition is a special affirmation for the often difficult life-changing work the agency has provided to thousands of youth and families over the past 17 years. Even in difficult economic times, we have continued to advocate for those in desperate need of safety-net services – our foster youth and families. We will continue to educate the community by shedding light on the struggles of our youth and families, and I encourage the community to join us in our efforts of changing lives one child at a time.”

In addition, André received special certificates of recognition from the following Silicon Valley elected officials:

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, 16th Congressional District, CA
Congressman Mike Honda, 15th Congressional District, CA
Assembly Member Joe Coto, 23rd Assembly District, CA
Assembly Member Ira Ruskin, 21st Assembly District, CA

2nd Annual Luncheon - May 25, 2010

Our second annual fundraising luncheon is just weeks away! Our goal is to raise funds to support Unity Care's youth and families. Guests will enjoy lunch among friends and a special presentation highlighting the challenges our most vulnerable youth and families face today.

The presentation will illustrate how Unity Care provides critical life-changing services and will feature a very special guest speaker - a former foster youth. She will talk about her personal struggles growing up in the foster care system and her path toward a brighter future.

Please join us and learn simple ways you and your friends can get involved today! Seating is limited so please R.S.V.P. by Monday, May 17, 2010.

"Giving Hope for a Brighter Future"

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Individual Ticket $20.00

Table for 6 $120.00

www.unitycare.org/events

Print the event flyer.

RSVP by Monday, May 17, 2010

Contact Linda Vu, Communications and Development Specialist at lvu@unitycare.org or (408) 510-34180 ext. 114.

Stay up-to-date on the latest Unity Care news!

www.twitter.com/UnityCare

Sharks Foundation Gives $20,000 Grant Award

Exciting news! The Sharks Foundation has generously granted Unity Care $20,000 towards our new Gang Prevention Mentoring Program (Project Connect) for high risk students in Santa Clara County.

The foundation recognized Unity Care and ten other grant recipients this past Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. during the second game of the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Placer County Open House a Success!

On Monday, April 26, 2010, Unity Care hosted a special Open House to celebrate the one year anniversary of our Placer County Independent Living Program (ILP) and to kick-off our Transition to Independence Process (TIP) program in the County.

Over 90 elected officials, community partners, volunteers and staff attended the event.

Guests were touched and inspired by Ashley Leo's (ILP participant) personal success story. She spoke about growing up in the foster care system and the challenges she faced as a homeless youth at the age 18. Through the support, mentoring and guidance she received from Tami Brodnik, ILP Program Manager, and through Unity Care's ILP program, she is no longer homeless and is currently attending Sierra Community College with a 3.6 G.P.A.

View photos from the event.

Special Thanks to our Partners

Antioch Baptist Church