December 2015

 

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

- Human Services Department Staff

 

 Fremont Emergency Warming Center 

For the Homeless Community

The Fremont Warming Center is located at:

 

 Fremont Senior Center

40086 Paseo Padre Parkway

Fremont, CA 94538

Call hotline daily to see when the center is open (weather under 40 degrees and/or raining)

HOTLINE # (510) 574-2222

 

Drop-In Hours are between 6:30-8:00 pm. 
If staying the night, no in's & out's between 8 pm - 7 am. 


Hot food and coffee will be served in a warm friendly environment!

 

To make a donation to the Warming Center, click below:

City of Fremont Human Services Donations

 
Fremont Senior Center
SENIOR CENTER
TRANSITIONS
Linda Olla, Fremont's Senior Center Manager, will be retiring at the end of the year after more than 20 years of service. Linda is known for her contagious smile and charismatic personality. Her care and concern for everyone has been evident daily at the Senior Center. The Senior Center is one of the most diverse, active and vibrant in the area, and she has been instrumental in supporting and growing the programs and services over the years. 

"It's never one person...it's the collaboration of our wonderful staff, volunteers, and our community, and I'm lucky to have been a part of it," Linda stated at her farewell celebration last week. She looks forward to spending more time with family and volunteering in her local community. She will be missed by everyone. Best wishes always, Linda!

  
Welcome Aisha! 

We are excited to welcome Aisha Jasper as our new Fremont Senior Center Manager! Aisha brings
with her a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development with an option in Gerontology and over 13 years of experience working with the senior population. Aisha has worked for On Lok, Asera Care Hospice and was a Senior Center manager for the City of Albany. 

She lives in San Lorenzo where she has been married for 7 years and has two small boys. Aisha looks forward to continuing to provide services and classes to the senior community, so that senior center patrons can live their best life! 
 
Youth & Family Services (YFS)
Substance Use Disorder Program

Fact: Those who begin drinking before age 14 are 7 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence. Youth substance abusers are also at-risk of becoming delinquent and becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. In 2013, in response to community needs and with support from the Alameda County Juvenile Probation Department and the City of Fremont, the Human Services Department's Youth & Family Services Division founded the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program.  

The program, which has served over 200 youth ages 12-18 and their families, addresses the impact of alcohol and drugs on school performance, social health, and family health. Youth gain insight into how drugs and alcohol abuse can cause failing grades, risk-taking behaviors, family disruptions, and long term addiction. Youth and their parents participate in weekly groups, and individual sessions as well as monthly family support groups.

Youth referred to the program through probation, mental health counselors, families, or self-referred attend an intake assessment session with one or both parents (when appropriate) conducted by a drug addiction specialist. During that assessment the specialist counselor explores the needs of the client, gathers information about the youth and family history, and identifies areas in need of further intervention. The youth and the family understand that treatment is usually a minimum of 12 weeks and involves weekly group sessions with individual and family sessions when needed.  

For more information about the SUD program or other services at YFS, please contact Kathleen Brown, LMFT, Sr. Program Coordinator at 510-790-6940.
 
Family Resource Center (FRC)
Legends of the Bay
 
Fremont will celebrate innovation in business and community, on February 5th, when the City and the Fremont Family Resource Center host Legends of the Bay. The event will highlight the City's new Innovation District in southern Fremont while serving as a promotional and fundraising opportunity for the Fremont Family Resource Center an innovative "best practice" model for delivering services that strengthen families and children in the Tri-Cities Community. 

The evening will include dinner, entertainment and legendary Bay Area athletes like Football Hall of Fame inductee and 5 time Super Bowl winner Charles Haley, and 4 time Super Bowl winner, Eric Wright. The gala occurs the Friday night before Super Bowl Sunday and is a fabulous opportunity to mingle with football greats and other illustrious Bay Area athletes who support the FRC and its mission. 
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The event will be held at Delta Corporation's new headquarters in Fremont's Innovation District in Warm Springs and features opportunities for business sponsors to showcase their products and informally network. 

The Fremont FRC is an award-winning approach to public service that embodies Fremont's collaborative, customer-driven culture. Social service agencies are traditionally sprawled throughout a community making it difficult for individuals and families in crisis to easily access resources and for agencies to collaborate with one another.  As a hub for innovative thinking and problem solving, Fremont knew this system could be improved and in 1999 created the Fremont FRC; a unique community asset connecting people to the services they need. Centrally located, the FRC brings together 24 state, county, city and non-profit organizations for a "one-stop" center that serves Fremont and the surrounding region. The FRC is a place you can confidently refer a friend, neighbor, employee or family member.

The Fremont FRC is the intersection of innovation, efficiency, compassion and service.  With your support, the FRC can continue to strengthen families and help provide a high quality of life for those who live and work here.  

Legends of the Bay Video
Legends of the Bay Video
 
Companies wishing to sponsor the event or individuals wishing to purchase a ticket can do so at: Fremont.gov/FRCdonate



FRC VITA Trains
New Volunteer Tax Preparers


The Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC) VITA will begin its 14th year with the 2015 Tax Season offering tax preparation services for low to moderate income individuals and families with an annual household income of $54,000 or less.  In the San Francisco Bay Area, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is sponsored by the United Way of the Bay Area, "Earn It! Keep It! Save It!" Coalition and the IRS.  VITA uses volunteers to prepare and electronically file federal and state returns for free. According to the IRS, nearly 96,000 volunteers prepared over 3.6 million federal income tax returns during the 2014 filing season.

Nicole, VITA Tax Preparer
Recently 45 new VITA volunteers completed 36 hours of training and are now ready to complete their IRS-certification. VITA volunteers go through a structured training and certification program that teaches them not only how to prepare tax returns but how to interact with customers. 

The classes are taught by our passionate and highly experienced VITA IRS-certified tax coaches, many of whom are CPAs, former IRS employees, have paid tax preparer experience, and have served as VITA tax preparers for many years. 

Joining our tax preparers are many dedicated VITA volunteers who serve as greeters, screeners, quality reviewers, translators, and VITA tax coaches.  Last tax season, 136 VITA volunteers contributed 9,594 hours of their time helping families in the Tri-City and Bay Area.
 
In addition to tax preparation services, the FRC VITA site connects customers to additional services, such as financial coaching, financial education, asset building and credit repair that help individuals and families improve their financial condition.   Since 2002, FRC VITA has served over 19,000 taxpayers and have returned over $29 million in refunds. 

VITA services will begin January 2016.  Our main site is located at the Fremont Family Resource Center and we have satellite sites in Newark and Union City.  

For more information, please call SparkPoint Fremont FRC at (510) 574-2020, or visit www.Fremont.gov/frc and select SparkPoint Program under Additional Resources.




Fremont FRC Offers
Small Business Workshop


SparkPoint Fremont FRC knows that for some, starting a business can be intimidating and overwhelming so they partnered with Wells Fargo and the United Way of the Bay Area to offer a workshop on Starting a Small Business.
 
On October 22nd, 15 SparkPoint clients and community members, came and participated in an informative two-hour financial education class taught by Wells Fargo staff Alan Ong, Store Manager; Jose Penala, Business Banking Specialist, and Brianna Nunes, Personal Banker.  Workshop attendees were provided with an in-depth introduction to WellsFargoWorks.com website, an on-line tool which offers topics on how to start, run, and grow a business; how to write a sound business plan; effective cash flow strategies, how to build and access credit, keep track of competition, and how to manage day-to-day responsibilities.  The website provides a wealth of relevant and actionable information from business experts and business owners.  Class facilitators offered a guide on how to be successful business owners and one instructor shared his own personal experience of being a business owner.  When asked what was the most important information or insight they gained from the workshop, a majority of the attendees said they found the information about creating a business plan was the most helpful.  They were also excited to learn about the resources found in WellsFargoWorks.com.
 
SparkPoint Fremont FRC is a financial service center model developed by the United Way of the Bay Area to help families and individuals become financially self-sufficient by helping them increase their assets, decrease or manage their debt, and increase their credit score. For more information about SparkPoint Fremont FRC call 574-2020.  
 
Aging & Family Services (AFS)
  
A SOLD OUT EVENT!
 
Over 300 seniors, their escorts and sponsors enjoyed an evening of good food, entertainment and dancing at the sold out 22nd Annual Seniors' Night Out. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Friday September 25, 2015, the sounds of lively music kept the dance floor busy as everyone celebrated this unique City of Fremont and Tri-City Elder Coalition party. 
 
This event celebrates older adults and raises funds for a Personal Urgent Need Fund, which is designed to assist older adults in the Tri-City area in obtaining goods or services to improve their health, safety, and quality of life. One senior couple remarked, "We don't get out much anymore except for doctor's visits, this is really a special evening for us."  Another mentioned that this was the best evening she had had in over three years. Thank you to the hardworking event committee and all our sponsors who made this event so successful!
 
  

Thank you Community Ambassadors!
 
We are so thankful to our City-certified volunteer Community Ambassadors for their hard work and dedication this past year. They have served at community events such as Whole Foods Community Day, Fremont's Senior Health Fair, Union City Farmer's Markets, and the Fremont Main Library to name just a few. They have also served at their respective churches, temples, mosques, and community centers. 

In the past year alone, 60 active Ambassadors served 750+ seniors and collectively contributed 2500+volunteer hours. Among those served, most seniors needed support with health benefits (20%), health-related concerns (15%), social/emotional support (13%), housing (13%), and social security benefits (11%). We produced a video capturing some of this past year's event and client successes. 

2016 CAPS Video
2016 CAPS Video

For more information on this nationally-recognized program, please visit www.capseniors.org.

  
Cheryl Harmon
Compassion Network Volunteer Extraordinaire
By Julie Sakai, LCSW
Aging and Family Services Case Manager
 
Over the past 18 years in my work as a social worker case manager I have worked with many older adults struggling to live safely and independently in our community. I strive to do my utmost within the scope of my professional capacity to intervene and provide support but often there seems to be no workable solutions given my clients' progressive need for support and limited resources. I have had the privilege and honor to witness the extraordinary impact a volunteer can have to make a difference in the life of a person in need.

In May 2013, Cheryl Harmon responded to a Compassion Network email blast for a volunteer to help Pilar Ann Ford by taking out her trash.  Pilar, a 72 year old senior living in her mobile home in Union City, worked for many years as a nurse before two strokes left her semi-paralyzed on her left side and with some memory issues. She lived alone in her mobile home and had lost touch with her family and friends. 

Cheryl committed to going to help Pilar every Wednesday. Over the next two and a half years they gradually developed a close relationship  and Cheryl began taking on more responsibility to support Pilar.  She helped Pilar go through her mail and alerted me to any issues that needed follow up.  She began filling Pilar's medicine box weekly when it was evident that Pilar was forgetting to take her medications. When Pilar depleted her savings and was unable to meet her monthly expenses including her mortgage, Cheryl was instrumental in helping her to sell her car for a good price to a trusted buyer.

This past Halloween, Pilar fell and broke her hip. During this incredibly difficult time when it seems like "everything is being taken away ", Cheryl provided practical, emotional, and spiritual support to Pilar.  There were times when Cheryl felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the task but she persevered. It was so helpful for me to count on Cheryl as my eyes and ears and I hope Cheryl felt supported by me as well. 

I would like to express my deepest thanks to Cheryl for being a godsend to Pilar and enabling her to live this season of her life in safety and in a restored relationship with her family.  She truly exemplifies what it means to live a compassionate life.
 
City of Fremont
Human Services Department
3300 Capitol Avenue
Fremont, CA 94537
(510) 574-2050


Your support means a lot to our community!
 
 
BECOME A VOLUNTEER FOR LIFE ELDERCARE'S
VIP RIDES PROGRAM!

Some people in our neighborhood have a hard time using Paratransit - they need a little more help at their destination - and that's where VIP Rides comes in.  With support from people like you and the Fremont Human Services Department, we arrange trips for those who need things like: a steady arm, visual help, or someone to help push a grocery cart.

Bring more joy into your life; take an elder shopping twice a month. Everyone who does it says it's a great experience!  If you can volunteer a few hours a month, call us. It will make you happy! 

To find out more, call (510) 574-2096 or email:  [email protected]
 

FAMILY CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES OFFERED

The Family Caregiver Support Program is pleased to offer a series of eight workshops designed to provide training, education, support, and resources for those caring for elderly loved ones.  

Date: 
Every Monday beginning
January 25, 2016

Time: 10 AM - Noon 
(Registration and refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m.)

Location:
Fremont Senior Center 
40086 Paseo Padre Parkway
Fremont, CA, 94536

This program is available at no cost to all community members. Donations to City of Fremont are greatly appreciated.

For more information and registration please call Fremont Senior Center at 510-790-6600
 
 2016 
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
 
Family Resource Center (FRC) Events:
39155 Liberty Street
Fremont, CA 94537

***SPECIAL EVENT****
Feb 5
Legends of the Bay 

The City celebrates Fremont's Innovation District & benefits the FRC.  

Includes dinner, entertainment and an opportunity to meet Bay Area pro athletes like 49er greats Charles Haley and Eric Wright.  Kick off your Super Bowl weekend meeting legendary athletes!

5:30-9:00pm
Location:  Delta Products Corp

For details & tickets:  Fremont.gov/FRCdonate

If you or your corporation would like to sponsor a table, contact the City Manager's Office at 510-284-4000 or [email protected]


FRC CALENDAR:
 
Mondays
CalFresh/Food Stamp Application Assistance
Low income and need money for groceries?
Call FRC for an appt
510-574-2000
FRC Suite #A110 
 

Fridays
Back Tax Preparation Service
Free assistance with filing back taxes, plus IRS advocacy and resolution.
 
Call FRC for an appt
510-574-2020, Ext 2
FRC Suite #A110 
 

Now - January 15
Covered California Enrollment Assistance
Get help from a Certified Enrollment Counselor during Open Enrollment.  Call Tri-City Health Center for an appointment at four Fremont locations.
 
Contact:  Tri-City Health Center
510-252-6808
 
 

Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 17
SparkPoint Financial Services Info Session  
Free financial services for low-income individuals who wish to strengthen their finances.

6-7pm 

Contact: SparkPoint
510-574-2020 Ext 1

FRC Millennium Room
 
Jan 22, Feb 26,  Mar 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

To register contact Jane O'Hollaren, SparkPoint
510-574-2026

FRC Millennium Room


Jan 27 - April 15
Free Tax Preparation Service
Quality tax preparation from IRS-trained volunteers for households who made $54,000 or less last year.  
Drop-in service.  

***NOTE NEW DAYS:   
Wed, Thurs & Fri
 
Wed, Thur 4-8pm
Fridays 10am - 1pm

Questions, call FRC
510-574-2000

FRC Caribbean Room

 
Mar 2
Peer Lending Info Session in SPANISH
Program helps you establish credit or increase your credit score. 
 
5:30-7:30pm

Call to register:  
Oscar Gonzalez 574-2027

Location:  
Kids' Zone, Barnard White Middle School Campus, 725 Whipple Road, Union City, Multi-Purpose Room


Mar 16
Credit 101 Class in SPANISH
How to fix your credit report and increase your credit score.
 
5:30-7:30pm
Call to register:  Oscar Gonzalez 574-2027

Location:  
Kids' Zone, Barnard White Middle School Campus, 725 Whipple Road, Union City, Multi-Purpose Room 

 
Fremont Senior Center 2016 Events:
Fremont Senior Center
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy
Fremont, CA 94537
 
Jan 4  
New Year Lunch 
(purchase by Dec 23), 
12:00 PM

Jan 19
Martin Luther King Jr Lunch
12 PM

Jan 29
Sr Scam Stopper Event, 
1 - 3 PM

Feb 5 
Builders Fund General Mtg
12 - 3 PM

Feb 11
Chinese New Year Celebration
11:15 PM

Feb 12 
Valentine Day Lunch
12 PM (purchase ahead)

Feb 19 
Crab Feed at Elk's Lodge
6 PM 
Call Tanya Mendoza
(510) 790-6602 for reservations

March 10 
Transportation Presentation
10 AM 

March 17 
St Patrick's Day Lunch
12 PM

March 28 
Spring Lunch
12 noon 
 

Senior Helpline

 
  
"LIKE" Us on Facebook!

 

facebook like usThe 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 Fremont Family Resource Center to learn about the dozens of programs and services available for families in the Tri-City area! 

 
 
Additional City links:


You Are Not Alone (YANA)
 

[City of Fremont Human Services Department] | 3300 Capitol Avenue | P.O. Box 5006 | Fremont | CA | 94537