Alameda Family Services

07/07/2021

Alameda Family Services would like to draw attention to the incredible generosity and support we have received from the Alameda Education Foundation (AEF) and the Parent-Teacher Associations of AUSD.

The AEF partnered with the Alameda and Encinal High School PTAs to raise enough money to help AFS hire another full-time therapist to serve the high schools. This was made possible with additional financial assistance from Bay Farm, Lincoln, and Wood Middle Schools as well as the City of Alameda.

Expanding therapeutic services to students as they return to school next year will make an enormous difference in our efforts to meet the mental health needs of the student body and their families. All of us at AFS want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Alameda Education Foundation, the Alameda Unified School District PTAs, and the City of Alameda for helping us help Alameda! #alamedafamilyservices

07/01/2021

Yes, it’s the second full week of summer, and yes, mental health support is still available through our School-Based Health Center! Send an email to [email protected] or DM @sbhc_afs on Instagram with your non-urgent questions or requests for mental health support services. You can also call or leave a message Monday-Thursday from 9am-4pm. Recent grads and former students can continue to access services as well.

Please help spread the word and share widely to make sure that Alameda youth know about the School-Based Health Center resources available during the summer. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

06/29/2021

7 phrases to repeat to yourself at the start of the week - one that is transitioning into a new month and the second half of the year -

1. I have not missed out on what was meant for me.
2. I am so grateful for peace. I am so grateful some things don’t bother me like they used to.
3. I will do my best while also remembering my worth is not attached to what I accomplish.
4. I am free to pace myself.
5. I will choose courage. I will chose peace. I will choose to breathe deep in the wild of uncertainty.
6. More than I known for my accomplishments, I want to be known for the way I love.
7. I will keep taking deep breaths. I will keep trusting in the process.

Which number resonates with your the most for this week? Thank you to @morganharpernichols for the beautiful artwork and words. #alamedafamilyservices

06/25/2021

What does having community mean to you? To our SBHC Youth Advisory Board, community includes having a sense of belonging, connection, safety, support and collective action. These were some of the thoughts shared at the recent YAB lunch celebration. Our Youth Advisory Board is continuing with a summer internship of 10 students from Alameda High and Encinal.

Medical and mental health services at our SBHC will be continuing through the summer as well. Contact [email protected] for questions, more information or appointments. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

What does having community mean to you? To our SBHC Youth Advisory Board, community includes having a sense of belonging, connection, safety, support and collective action. These were some of the thoughts shared at the recent YAB lunch celebration. Our Youth Advisory Board is continuing with a summer internship of 10 students from Alameda High and Encinal.

Medical and mental health services at our SBHC will be continuing through the summer as well. Contact [email protected] for questions, more information or appointments. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

06/23/2021

Alameda Family Services stands with and supports everyone in the LGTBQ+ community. We also recognize that due to negative societal factors, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience shame, fear, discrimination and trauma, placing them at a greater risk for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and suicidality.

If you need support in any way, please call us at (510) 629-6210. Alameda Family Services is here for you. #alamedafamilyservices #pridemonth

06/21/2021

Are you shopping Amazon Prime Day deals today or tomorrow? Sign up for AmazonSmile and select Alameda Family Services as your preferred charity! Remember to shop for deals at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon app, and AmazonSmile will donate to us at no cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!

Are you shopping Amazon Prime Day deals today or tomorrow? Sign up for AmazonSmile and select Alameda Family Services as your preferred charity! Remember to shop for deals at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon app, and AmazonSmile will donate to us at no cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!

06/18/2021

Has your family been negatively impacted by COVID-19? Has your income changed due to loss or limited employment? Are you in need of child care so that you can return to work?

We are now accepting applications for our Early Head Start - Head Start program, which is provided at NO COST to eligible families with children 0-5 years of age. Apply today! #alamedafamilyservices

Has your family been negatively impacted by COVID-19? Has your income changed due to loss or limited employment? Are you in need of child care so that you can return to work?

We are now accepting applications for our Early Head Start - Head Start program, which is provided at NO COST to eligible families with children 0-5 years of age. Apply today! #alamedafamilyservices

06/15/2021

Check out these beautiful radishes! A few months ago, we provided families with vegetable seeds to start their own garden, as part of our “Growing Garden Soup” Activity Bag Distribution Day. Thank you @touristtoddlers for sharing your harvest!

Don’t miss our next and final Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network, focused on School Readiness! Stop by the College of Alameda Childcare Center TOMORROW, June 16th, between 10am-2pm to pick up your FREE activity bag.

Activity bags will be filled with books, activities, materials and school supplies designed to support early learning, summer fun, and school readiness for children ages 5 and under. 300 bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

Thank you for all your support! #alamedafamilyservices

Check out these beautiful radishes! A few months ago, we provided families with vegetable seeds to start their own garden, as part of our “Growing Garden Soup” Activity Bag Distribution Day. Thank you @touristtoddlers for sharing your harvest!

Don’t miss our next and final Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network, focused on School Readiness! Stop by the College of Alameda Childcare Center TOMORROW, June 16th, between 10am-2pm to pick up your FREE activity bag.

Activity bags will be filled with books, activities, materials and school supplies designed to support early learning, summer fun, and school readiness for children ages 5 and under. 300 bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

Thank you for all your support! #alamedafamilyservices

06/11/2021

Did you know that June 2021 marks the 51st celebrate of Pride Month? There are many ways to show support and celebrate. In this week’s #FeelGoodFriday created by our School-Based Health Center Team, learn more about the history and significance of #Pride, as well as how we can participate appropriately as allies. #alamedafamilyservices

06/10/2021

Wondering what to do with your little one over summer? Our next Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network, is focused on School Readiness and you won’t want to miss it! Stop by the College of Alameda Childcare Center next Wednesday, June 16th, between 10am-2pm to pick up your FREE activity bag.

Activity bags will be filled with books, activities, materials and school supplies designed to support early learning, summer fun, and school readiness for children ages 5 and under. 300 bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

The Early Learning Community Network partners include:
Supervisor Wilma Chan
City of Alameda - Local Government
Alameda Recreation and Park Department
Alameda Free Library
Alameda Unified School District
First 5 Alameda County
The Child Unique Montessori School
Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families (ACCYF)

Thank you for all your support! #alamedafamilyservices

Wondering what to do with your little one over summer? Our next Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network, is focused on School Readiness and you won’t want to miss it! Stop by the College of Alameda Childcare Center next Wednesday, June 16th, between 10am-2pm to pick up your FREE activity bag.

Activity bags will be filled with books, activities, materials and school supplies designed to support early learning, summer fun, and school readiness for children ages 5 and under. 300 bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

The Early Learning Community Network partners include:
Supervisor Wilma Chan
City of Alameda - Local Government
Alameda Recreation and Park Department
Alameda Free Library
Alameda Unified School District
First 5 Alameda County
The Child Unique Montessori School
Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families (ACCYF)

Thank you for all your support! #alamedafamilyservices

06/06/2021

As we get ready to enter a new week, how do you plan to protect your peace? Something like limiting mindless scrolling, moving your body or upholding personal boundaries can do wonders for your mental health. #alamedafamilyservices

(Beautiful illustration by @blessthemessy)

As we get ready to enter a new week, how do you plan to protect your peace? Something like limiting mindless scrolling, moving your body or upholding personal boundaries can do wonders for your mental health. #alamedafamilyservices

(Beautiful illustration by @blessthemessy)

06/01/2021

Summer is right around the corner and tomorrow’s Activity Bag Distribution Day is focused on water safety! Your FREE activity bag will include a copy of the book “Jabari Jumps” by @gaiacornwall and supplies to support in-home, parent-led activities for families with children ages 5 and under. 200 activity bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

Hope to see you TOMORROW June 2nd at our Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network! We will be outside the College of Alameda Child Care Center from 10am-2pm. #alamedafamilyservices

Summer is right around the corner and tomorrow’s Activity Bag Distribution Day is focused on water safety! Your FREE activity bag will include a copy of the book “Jabari Jumps” by @gaiacornwall and supplies to support in-home, parent-led activities for families with children ages 5 and under. 200 activity bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

Hope to see you TOMORROW June 2nd at our Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network! We will be outside the College of Alameda Child Care Center from 10am-2pm. #alamedafamilyservices

05/28/2021

Alameda Family Services is incredibly grateful for the success of our Chef’s Kitchen spring series. We first want to thank our amazing chefs, Beth Woulfe of Crispian Bakery, Rudy Duran of C'era Una Volta, and Saboor Zafari of Angelas. Participants learned how to make everything from decadent desserts including Madeleines and Whoopie Pies, to traditional Italian Risotto and Roasted Whole Fish, plus Mediterranean favorites such as an Afghan Rice Bowl and Lime Chicken. Delicious!

We would also like to say thank you to our truly wonderful sponsors: Kelly Lux - State Farm Agent, the Matarrese Brothers, Greg Canales from Studio Alchemy, and Kate McCaffrey #1 Real Estate Agent in Alameda Since 2014. It was only with their very generous support that these events were possible.

Lastly, we want to thank our wonderful participants! We received universally positive feedback and are so appreciative of everyone who chose to participate and support Alameda Family Services.

Through our Chef’s Kitchen events we were able to bring the community together while supporting our local restaurants and raising desperately needed funds for the agency. All dollars raised go to help cover the cost of mental health services provided to students enrolled in the Alameda Unified School District and to support families served through our Family Resource Center. #alamedafamilyservices

05/27/2021

Don’t miss our next Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network! It will be held next Wednesday, June 2nd, from 10am-2pm at the College of Alameda Childcare Center.

Activity bags will include materials and activities designed to support families in providing early learning activities for children ages 5 and under while sheltering due to COVID-19. A copy of the book “Jabari Jumps” will also be included. 200 activity bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

The Early Learning Community Network partners include:
Supervisor Wilma Chan
City of Alameda - Local Government
Alameda Recreation and Park Department
Alameda Free Library
Alameda Unified School District
First 5 Alameda County
The Child Unique Montessori School
Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families (ACCYF)

Thank you for all your support! #alamedafamilyservices

Don’t miss our next Activity Bag Distribution Day, in partnership with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network! It will be held next Wednesday, June 2nd, from 10am-2pm at the College of Alameda Childcare Center.

Activity bags will include materials and activities designed to support families in providing early learning activities for children ages 5 and under while sheltering due to COVID-19. A copy of the book “Jabari Jumps” will also be included. 200 activity bags will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

The Early Learning Community Network partners include:
Supervisor Wilma Chan
City of Alameda - Local Government
Alameda Recreation and Park Department
Alameda Free Library
Alameda Unified School District
First 5 Alameda County
The Child Unique Montessori School
Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families (ACCYF)

Thank you for all your support! #alamedafamilyservices

05/26/2021

FREE SELF-CARE KITS! In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and to help with stressful times, students are invited to come and make their own self-care kits with @sbhc_afs from 12pm-2pm either today 5/26 at Encinal High or tomorrow 5/27 at Alameda High.

Students will have options to fill their own gift bag with different stress management tools, snacks, study tools, helpful health information, and much more!

Please spread the word! This is open to any middle and high school student in Alameda. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

05/25/2021

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Alameda Family Services wants to acknowledge the challenges Americans face when living with a mental illness. During May, AFS joins the nation in bringing awareness to the reality that mental health impacts most of our lives in one way or another, either directly or indirectly. AFS is committed to ending the stigma associated with mental illness and offers support without judgement to individuals and families who are struggling with mental health. #alamedafamilyservices #mentalhealthmatters

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Alameda Family Services wants to acknowledge the challenges Americans face when living with a mental illness. During May, AFS joins the nation in bringing awareness to the reality that mental health impacts most of our lives in one way or another, either directly or indirectly. AFS is committed to ending the stigma associated with mental illness and offers support without judgement to individuals and families who are struggling with mental health. #alamedafamilyservices #mentalhealthmatters

05/24/2021

Last month, the youth of Alameda had their voices heard as they stood in solidarity against hate crimes and racism directed at the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. There were a number of youth driven events that spread awareness and highlighted the voices of the AAPI student population, which makes up 36% of Alameda Unified School District’s enrollment.

In addition to a Chalk Walk Event that took place along Park and Webster Streets, there was a banner raising at Alameda High, representing AUSD’s pledge to allyship with the AAPI community. The banner, which reads "Alameda Unified Stands with Our Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community," was installed in response to a request by a group of AAPI teachers who in late March asked the district to make a public statement in support of the AAPI community.

Thank you to AUSD staff and the Board of Education for creating the banner and organizing the small ceremony. And thank you to Brian Lin (SBHC Youth Advisory Board Member) & Valerie Nicolás (SBHC Supervisor) for representing Alameda Family Services and the School-Based Health Centers at this event. #aapiheritagemonth #alamedafamilyservices

Last month, the youth of Alameda had their voices heard as they stood in solidarity against hate crimes and racism directed at the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. There were a number of youth driven events that spread awareness and highlighted the voices of the AAPI student population, which makes up 36% of Alameda Unified School District’s enrollment.

In addition to a Chalk Walk Event that took place along Park and Webster Streets, there was a banner raising at Alameda High, representing AUSD’s pledge to allyship with the AAPI community. The banner, which reads "Alameda Unified Stands with Our Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community," was installed in response to a request by a group of AAPI teachers who in late March asked the district to make a public statement in support of the AAPI community.

Thank you to AUSD staff and the Board of Education for creating the banner and organizing the small ceremony. And thank you to Brian Lin (SBHC Youth Advisory Board Member) & Valerie Nicolás (SBHC Supervisor) for representing Alameda Family Services and the School-Based Health Centers at this event. #aapiheritagemonth #alamedafamilyservices