May 2014
Celebrating a Welcoming & Diverse Community!
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.
It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. Fremont's rich diversity includes all dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, and religious and political beliefs.
Fremont strives to celebrate these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. Through civic engagement and interfaith action, strangers have become neighbors in our community. In our May newsletter, you will learn about some of the wonderful programs and services the Fremont's Human Services offers that embrace this diversity!
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Youth & Family Services (YFS)
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A Shared Experience
By Tamara Garnes, Family Partner
Youth & Family Services' Infant Toddler Program
"Your daughter will never walk, speak, or live independently. I suggest you keep your expectations low, because children like this are very limited." That was how my 18 month old daughter's diagnosis was presented. What did I do wrong? How do I help her? What are her needs? These were the questions that raced through my mind. I was scared, sad, angry and lonely. I felt every emotion and had no one to express them to. My journey has been filled with laughter, tears, anger and barriers. As a result my daughter's diagnosis and the experiences I've gone through, I've learned how to become my daughter's advocate, and, more importantly her voice. Now a college student, my daughter has surpassed all of the doctor's expectations and is pursuing a career in American Sign Language. Read more...
For more information, please contact Tamara Garnes at tgarnes@fremont.gov.
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Aging & Family Services (AFS)
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Fremont's Senior Peer
Counseling Program
Imagine you are senior and have moved to the US in the last few years. You are glad to be here but are reminded daily of the different values, customs and language. Now imagine that you recently lost your ability to walk without assistance and your spouse also died in these last years. How would you feel? What would you need?
Mrs. A is a 72 year old woman who moved to the US about 4 years ago. Mrs. A's daughter made the call to the Senior Help Line to ask for help for her mother. She realized that despite her own best efforts her mother had become isolated and frustrated since the stroke and her husband's death. Mrs. A is now seeing a Senior Peer Counselor weekly who is from her country, speaks her language and wants to hear her stories. Mrs. A. now looks forward to Tuesdays and has become much less frustrated. Read more...
For more information, contact Lis Cox at 510-574-2064 or lcox@fremont.gov.
Celebrating a Diverse City:
Community Ambassador Program for Seniors Receives 1st Place National Diversity Award
 | Pictured: Asha Chandra, CAPS Program Manager &
Suzanne Shenfil, Director Human Services |
We're proud to share that the Human Services Department was recently named a 1st place winner in the National League of Cities' "City Cultural Diversity Awards Program" for its' Community Ambassador Program for Seniors (CAPS). Fremont City staff and officials were honored in mid-March at the National League of Cities awards ceremony held in Washington DC. Based on four population categories, the awards were given to honor cities that encourage citizen involvement and develop creative and effective programs designed to improve and promote cultural diversity through a collaborative process with city officials, community leaders and residents.
NEW CAPS TRAINING OFFERED OCTOBER 2014
We are recruiting new volunteers for our upcoming CAPS Training! If you would like to become a City Certified Volunteer Ambassador, please contact Asha Chandra at achandra@fremont.gov.
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Family Resource Center (FRC)
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Volunteer Anthony Sapienza
90 Years and Still Going Strong!
At ninety years old, a walking encyclopedia of tax law and a numbers wiz with tax forms, Anthony gives Okinawa, Japan, renowned for its centenarian population, a run for its money when it comes to impressive seniors. For twenty years he has been preparing tax returns for families who can't afford a paid tax preparer, thus saving families anywhere from $50 to $200 or more. His impressive volunteer resume transcends multiple organizations, beginning with Tax Aide/TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) before his current volunteer trek at the Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site.Read more...
With Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a total of 2,711 low to moderate income families accessed free tax preparation services and learned about asset building programs. The total amount refunded to families exceeded $3.9 million dollars, which included a refundable Earned Income Tax Credit of $1.5 million dollars. Families utilizing VITA services at one of our many locations collectively saved over $500,000 dollars in paid tax preparation fees. SparkPoint FRC VITA services could not have been accomplished without the assistance of 131 dedicated and mulit-lingual VITA volunteers who donated 9,650 hours to help the community.
For more information, contact the VITA Coordinator, Carolyn Robertson at crobertson@fremont.gov or call (510) 574-2003.
We've Got You Covered!
 During California's first historic Open Enrollment season for Covered CA, the Human Services Department established the Fremont Family Resource Center as a "Go -To" site for health insurance enrollment. With 5 staff and 15 volunteer Certified Enrollment Counselors, speaking 14 languages, the FRC's team helped over 300 individuals/families with health enrollment.
Appointments for mid-year enrollments are still allowed if you have had a change in status, such as loss of a job, getting married or divorced, or adding a new family member. Call 510-574-2000 for an appointment, or go online to www.CoveredCA.com to enroll. Individuals and families eligible for Medi-Cal may enroll at any time, through the www.CoveredCA.com website, or by going to the local Social Services office Suite C330 at the Fremont Family Resource Center.
From Immigrant to American Citizen
A Dream Becomes a Reality
The Fremont Family Resource Center's (FRC) Citizenship Fair was a Big Success, on April 26, thanks to collaborative efforts with The International Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) and The East Bay Naturalization Collaborative and 50 dedicated volunteers. One hundred and twenty (120) lawful permanent residents, from many countries attended a workshop and were screened for eligibility, while 79 persons were able to complete their naturalization applications.
IIBA's office at the FRC, Suite D450, provides low-cost immigration legal services with drop-in office hours on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Legal consultations are also offered by appointment, call (510) 894-3639 to schedule one. In addition, every 4th Wednesday a month from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. IIBA holds a drop-in immigration legal clinic at the FRC's Millennium Room, A120 with a free presentation about general immigration law and low-cost individual consultations.
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Transportation & Mobility Services
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Travel Training Assists
Adults with Disabilities
Having a job, for Steven makes him feel more independent. "I'm doing something," he said, "It feels good." Steven's job, where he packages products before they are shipped out for a company in Fremont, is new for him. Previously he was attending a day program at Friends of Children with Special Needs, which serves adults with developmental disabilities. To be able to get to his new job, Steven received individual travel training sessions with the City of Fremont Mobility & Transportation Services.
Travel training consists of education about public transit and includes trip planning, safety and using Clipper Cards. Steven is now able to get from home to the bus stop, and take the bus to work 4 days a week. This training provided Steven with the opportunity to go to work and be active in the community and become more self-sufficient. Travel training taught me to "look at scenery and differences to understand where I am and where I am going," Steven said of learning how to recognize where his bus stop is. Steven also learned how to load money onto his Clipper Card, use his Clipper Card on the bus, locate his bus stop, and look up times in a bus schedule.
Individual Travel Training or group workshops are available for free to any seniors of people with disabilities in Fremont, Newark or Union City. Please contact City of Fremont Mobility and Transportation Services at 510-574-2053 for more information.
This program is funded through Alameda County Transportation Commission and Measure B sales tax.
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 Fremont Senior Center:
Get Ready for an Adventure!
Don your comfy clothes and come on down! The Senior Center members are healthier than ever before, participating in Zumba Gold, Tai Chi, and fitness classes. Put on those dancing shoes and spend your Thursday afternoon moving to live bands and meeting new friends. You can always take a break and join an activity in an adjacent rooms where people are singing, playing cards, and learning about computers. When you get hungry, you are welcome to enjoy a tasty, nutritious breakfast or lunch, cooked by our own Chefs.
Our center is a vibrant, international hub with participants and volunteers from all over the world including Lebanon, Korea, and Iran just to name a few. We also enjoy diversity in ages, since our members and volunteers range from 14 - 100 years old. Whether you work alongside us as a volunteer or participate in a class or special event, the positive environment is invaluable, as you stay healthy, learn life skills, and create friendships. This is a second home for volunteers and seniors alike.
Join us! We're open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (the office closes at 3 pm). Check us out at www.fremont.gov/seniorcenter, or on Facebook at Fremont Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Fremont. Get ready for your next life adventure!
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City of Fremont
Human Services Department
3300 Capitol Avenue
Fremont, CA 94537
(510) 574-2050
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May is Older
Americans Month!
Each May, the nation celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize older Americans for their contributions and provide information to help them stay healthy and active. This year, the focus is on injury prevention with the theme Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.
President Obama's 2014 proclamation states,
"During Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to our parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and every senior near to our hearts. We strive to build a bright future on the strong foundation they have laid."
Let's celebrate this month by thinking about all the older adults in our lives that have made this world a special place!
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Four Seasons of Health Expo Returns to Fremont!
 Come enjoy a day full of healthy fun, entertainment and learning! Join City of Fremont Human Services Department and the Tri-City Elder Coalition at the 5th Annual Four Seasons of Health Expo for Adults 50+ years, and veterans! The Expo will take place on Friday, June 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fremont Senior Center and Lake Elizabeth, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont. Meet over 100 vendors from public and non-profit organizations and private businesses. Health and dental screenings are featured. Medicare/Medi-Cal representatives will answer your questions. AC Transit, BART and other local transportation services will provide transportation and mobility options. Read more... Click here for the Flyer and Vendor Application Form.
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Thank You Niles Main Street Association for Your Support!
 On Saturday May 3, 2014, Fremont's Giving Hope Program in partnership with the Niles Main Street Association held a joint fundraiser to benefit both causes. Over 200 people attended, and guests enjoyed an evening of great food, music, and company! Thanks to all for your support!
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Fremont's Early Care & Education Programs Receives Bronze Medal
The City of Fremont's Early Care & Education Programs have been awarded a bronze medal in inter-agency collaboration by Let's Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties.
We're pleased to share that Discovery Cove, our affordable drop-in child care services at the Fremont Family Resource Center, is available to the general public and clients who are receiving services at the FRC. Services are limited to 12 hours per week. Check it out: www.fremont.gov/discoverycove
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Family Resource Center (FRC) Events:
39155 Liberty Street
Fremont, CA 94537
May 20. June 10 & 24, July 11 & 25:
CalFresh/Food Stamp Application Assistance
Low income and need money for groceries?
Call for an appt.
Contact: FRC
510-574-2000
FRC Caribbean Room
Tuesdays May 6, 13, 20 from 5-7 PM and Saturdays June 14, 21, and 28 from 9:30-11:30 AM
Raising Successful Youth: A Mandarin Parenting Workshop Series
Workshops are FREE, all in Mandarin, and parents can still join later if they miss the first session.
To register, contact Joan Zhang
(510) 574-2157
Offered through Youth and Family Services thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente.
May 15, June 19, July 18:
SparkPoint Financial Services
Free financial services for low-income individuals who wish to strengthen their finances
6-7 PM
Contact: SparkPoint
510-574-2020 Ext 1
FRC Millennium Room
June 12
Credit Repair Class
Take the mystery out of credit reports and how to fix your credit.
6-8 PM
FRC Millennium Room
May 23, June 27, July 25
Debtors' Rights Clinic
Are you being harassed or sued by creditors? Need info on bankruptcy or wage garnishment claim of exemption? Do you have a court date coming up? Has your bank account been levied? Struggling with the after effects of foreclosure? Free info from Bay Area Legal Aid.
10am - 1pm
Contact Jane O'Hollaren, SparkPoint
510-574-2026
FRC Millennium Room
Youth on the Move
This Teen Support Group is for teens aged 13-17 who are challenged by gangs, drugs or alcohol. The group meets Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:00pm in the Mediterranean Room at the FRC.
For questions or to sign up, call group leaders Julian or Leticia Moreno at 510-472-2498.
Fremont Senior Center Events:
Fremont Senior Center
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy
Fremont, CA 94537
May 12: Mother's Day Lunch
May 23: Assemblyman Quirk's Office,
Scam Stopper Seminar, 1 PM
June 6: Health Expo, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
June 16: Father's Day Lunch
July 3: 4th of July BBQ
SAVE THE DATE:
Friday October 3
Seniors Night Out
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 The Human Services Department is proud to become social media savvy! "LIKE" the Fremont Senior Center Facebook page to learn more about exercise classes, activities or the daily lunch being prepared at the Fremont Senior Center.
Also "LIKE" the official Fremont Family Resource Center to learn about the dozens of programs and services available for families in the Tri-City area!
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