Alameda Family Services

06/09/2023

Alameda Family Services would like to express our gratitude to Assemblywoman Mia Bonta for the incredible honor of being selected as Nonprofit of the Year for California's 18th District. Alameda Family Services has been serving the community of Alameda for 50 years with a focus on wellbeing and compassionate care for all. How remarkable to have our work recognized in such a significant way and by someone with such deep connections in the community.

Katherine Schwartz, Executive Director, and Yunia Rentería, Family Resource Center Supervisor, had the privilege of joining Assemblywoman Bonta at the California Nonprofits Day Luncheon this week at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Thank you, Assemblywoman Bonta! This means so very much to everyone here at Alameda Family Services.

06/01/2023

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we’d like to acknowledge how hard our School-Based Services team worked on developing meaningful and informative outreach for hundreds of Alameda youth. The Mental Health Awareness campaign consisted of engaging students through workshops, informational handouts and social media posts, interactive fishbowl events with mental health staff, creative activities and interactive art projects focused on recognizing their own stressors and coping techniques to alleviate those stressors, and more.

A special thanks goes to the amazing students in the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and to our amazing School Based Health Center Manager, Valerie Nicolas.

05/30/2023

Last month our Early Child & Family Services Division celebrated the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) conducted in partnership with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our teachers created daily fun activities for our children, and the week ended with our First Annual WOYC Photo Contest.

Site Supervisor, Bing Zhang’s photo of children studying the behaviors of bugs at our Angela Aguilar Child Care Center won "Best of Show" for her "Work Together-Wednesday" submission.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week-long event and we are very much looking forward to hosting this event next year.

05/24/2023

Join this week for the annual Mental Health Awareness Fairs! Thursday 5/25 at Alameda High and Friday 5/26 at Encinal High. Learn about mental health and healthy coping tools through games and activities! The interns have been working hard to make this a fun closer to the school year.

05/18/2023

Did you know?
• 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime.
• Half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Members of the LGBTQ community are twice as likely to have a mental health condition.
• Because of the stigma, many people do not seek treatment for mental illness; only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental illness receive treatment.

(Beautiful artwork and words from )

If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, give us a call at 510-629-6210.

05/11/2023

SAVE THE DATE: SUNSET SIP

Share a summer evening at and support Alameda Family Services’ work delivering critical mental health assistance to those in need.

SUNSET SIP
Friday, August 17, 2023
5:00-8:00pm

Urban Legend Winery
1951 Monarch Street

More details and tickets to follow. Thank you in advance for your support!

05/08/2023

Alameda Family Services would like to recognize that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental wellness, Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the need for access to services and the elimination of stigma as a barrier to help.

Mental health plays a critical role in our overall well-being and should be treated with the same urgency as we treat other health problems that arise. Often unrealistic expectations around our ability to handle stress and trauma make us reluctant to seek help but studies show that speaking with a mental health professional can alleviate unnecessary suffering and reduce the likelihood that we will experience a mental health crisis.

If you are feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or are struggling for any reason, please call us at 510-629-6210. We can help.

04/28/2023

We are excited to join Alameda Free Library tomorrow, Saturday, April 29th from 1-5pm for a Día de los Niños Celebration! Play Lotería from 1-2:30pm for a chance to win some prizes, watch a performance by Cascada de Flores from 3-4pm, and enjoy free fresh churros from 4-5pm in the parking lot while supplies last.

Additionally, we will be providing Free Health and Development Screening Services for Children from 1-5pm, as well as school readiness materials at no cost for families while supplies last.

This free program is made possible through sponsorship from First 5 of Alameda County. Seating is first come, first served, and a full room is expected.

04/07/2023

Alameda Family Services would like to thank the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda for honoring our partnership in this video, and in this Alameda Post article: https://alamedapost.com/op-ed/afs-and-aha/

The opportunity to work with such a collaborative partner makes delivering effective and outcome driven services so much easier. It is through collaborations of this kind that we are able to see true healing take place.

Thank you, Alameda Housing Authority for everything you do!

03/30/2023

School-Based Services has been busy! Our incredible team recently wrapped up February’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). The campaign included weekly and daily activities in-person and on social media focused on supporting youth with education and meaningful experiences to explore healthy relationships. Some of the events included: Friendship Friday social media posts highlighting positive teen relationships, SBHC healthy relationships lunchtime fairs, safety in online relationships informational week, and youth fishbowl discussions with SBHC staff and therapists to bring in community support and engagement on these topics.

All of the events were also developed and supported in partnership with the amazing teens in our own Youth Advisory Boards at Alameda, Encinal, and Island High.

Photo credit:

03/20/2023

Parenting LGBTQIA+ Teenagers is a weekly online support group for parents, caregivers and guardians of adolescents (age 13-17) who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are questioning or exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Conversations may focus on:
What do gender and sexual orientation mean?
Sexuality, romance and “the talk”
How to strengthen the relationship with your teenager
Pronouns and misgendering

Starting Thursday, April 6th
Thursdays 5:00pm-6:00pm on Zoom
Weekly until May 25th

For information or to register call 510-629-6210 or email [email protected]

03/14/2023

The Early Childhood Division partnered with Kelly Lux and for National Fire Prevention Safety Month back in October.

The Alameda Fire Department visited our sites where our Toddlers, Pre-K and TK students learned about fire safety including drop, tuck & roll, 911, and other safety tips. The children also received a goodie bag with information to take home to their families. At the end the children got a tour of the trucks. The staff and children had a wonderful time; thank you to Kelly Lux and the Alameda Fire Department!

02/22/2023

Still OPEN to join! Parenting LGBTQIA+ Teenagers is a weekly online support group for parents, caregivers and guardians of adolescents (age 13-17) who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are questioning or exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Conversations may focus on:
What do gender and sexual orientation mean?
Sexuality, romance and “the talk”
How to strengthen the relationship with your teenager
Pronouns and misgendering

Thursdays 5:00pm-6:00pm on Zoom
Weekly until March 16th

For information call 510-629-6210 or email [email protected]

02/06/2023

Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS) welcomes six new members to the team! Dr. Peggy is a staff therapist supporting children, youth, family, and adults in the clinic. Zoe is a staff therapist supporting school-aged children and their families at the private and charter schools in Alameda as well as in the clinic. Charissa, Jummy, Nettie, and Sara are pursuing their doctoral degrees in psychology and join the clinical training cohort in providing support to the community. To inquire about counseling services which are offered in-person and on Zoom, please call the intake line at 510-629-6210.

01/24/2023

Starting this Thursday: Parenting LGBTQIA+ Teenagers

This is a weekly online support group for parents, caregivers and guardians of adolescents (age 13-17) who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are questioning or exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Conversations may focus on:
• What do gender and sexual orientation mean?
• Sexuality, romance and “the talk”
• How to strengthen the relationship with your teenager
• Pronouns and misgendering

Thursdays 5:00pm-6:00pm on Zoom
Weekly until March 16th

For information call 510-629-6210 or email [email protected]

01/18/2023

It’s okay if you’re not ready. Remember that it’s not a race, it’s a new year. There are still 348 days left to set those goals, choose your word of the year, create your steps for success and move with intention towards your dreams.

Some days are for action, but maybe these days right now are for rest. For processing the year just gone, for tending to and healing our wounds, for letting go, for moving on. Maybe 2023 is not a year for hustle but a year for ease. And that’s okay.

Beautiful words and illustration by

12/29/2022

Twin Daughters Face Deaths of Mom & Dad, organized by Tara Mellor

Maria Lourdes Leano, our former Enrollment Manager, passed away at the age of 67 on December 27, 2002, just two days after Christmas. She had been fighting ALS for the past 6 years and was hospitalized with sepsis. She was a close friend to many of us and a dedicated employee who worked tirelessly to ensure that children and families received quality care and support.

After losing their mother, twins Margaret and Gail are now facing the tragic death of their father, who is currently in the ICU needing end-of-life care due to complications with his kidney failure. Margaret and Gail have no family or financial support during this difficult time, and their only source of income is their employment at Walgreens.

Can you help support the Leano family through his tragic time? We know Maria would be grateful for any thoughts, prayers and support for her daughters from those of whom she worked with and those of you who now work to support the children and families in her community of Alameda.

GoFundMe is linked here. Please donate and share if you can!

Margaret and Gail Leano are 29-year-old twin sisters living in Alameda, Californi… Tara Mellor needs your support for Twin Daughters Face Deaths of Mom & Dad

12/22/2022

We loved seeing all your smiling faces along Christmas Tree Lane during our recent Early Learning Community Network “Winter Break” Book & Activity Distribution Day!

If you missed out, we have one opportunity for you TODAY at from 3pm-5pm! Enjoy hot cocoa and candy canes with your children in the mural room where will be distributing more gift bags filled with activities and materials for your family to do over winter break. Each bag includes a hard copy of the Caldecott Award winning book “Extra Yarn” written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Happy Holidays!

12/15/2022

Don’t miss our upcoming Alameda Early Learning Community Network’s “Winter Break” Book & Activity Distribution Day! It will be held next Monday, December 19th from 3:00pm-7:30pm.

Enjoy a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane with your children and look for us in the median strip where will be distributing bags filled with activities and materials for your family to do over winter break. Each bag includes a hard copy of the Caldecott Award winning book “Extra Yarn” written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Activity bags will be distributed first come-first served while supplies last.

12/15/2022

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The is available to help 24/7/365. You can also reach out to by texting MHA to 741741. You matter, your life matters.

12/09/2022

The holidays can be a challenging time of year for many. While everything we read and see in the media focuses on celebration,
for those of us that are alone or have lost loved ones or are struggling with depression or another mental health issue, the holidays can work to emphasize these hardships.

AFS would like to pause and remember how critical it is to reach out to those that might be struggling and also to invite those that need support to reach out to us. We want to let everyone know that if you need help be it in mental health or with resources, AFS is here to help. There is no shame in needing help and we are always here if you need us.

Beautiful illustration and tips by , including:
- Write about how you’re feeling
- Take time for yourself
- Check in on your friends
- Plan something fun for the new year
- Make time for rest

11/29/2022

Did you know that today is Giving Tuesday?

Every year, Alameda Family Services helps thousands of adults, children, youth and families get the help they need to not only survive, but thrive beyond circumstance. With the support of Alameda Family Services, individuals and families receive desperately needed mental health, early childhood, and family support services.

In these difficult economic times, the support from community members becomes more important than ever to keep safety nets in place. Alameda Family Services relies on donations to make up the difference between the cost of a service and the funding that is available. We need your help in the continuing struggle to support our families. Please join our efforts. Help us help Alameda!

Follow the link in profile to make a donation via PayPal, or consider signing up for AmazonSmile and selecting AFS as your preferred charity. Thank you!

11/22/2022

Our Head Start staff traveled to Kona, HI in October to participate in the Region 9 Head Start Association's Family Engagement and Cultural Effectiveness Conference. The theme this year was Thriving Together With You! Our Program Director Lynne Moore-Kerr, Belkis Gowhary, Davina Cade, Yolanda Duarte, & Yunia Renteria had the opportunity and privilege to also present at the conference.

The Family Engagement and Cultural Effectiveness Conference is designed to celebrate the different cultures, traditions, and practices that are reflected in the modern family. In doing so, participants learn how to use the strengths and attributes of culture to aid a child’s own successful walk through the world.

This was a huge honor for our team and Alameda Family Services!

11/08/2022

The adult anger management group at Alameda Family Services is taking new referrals. This is a fee-based group based on a sliding scale and takes place on Zoom Tuesdays from 7-8pm. For more information or to make a referral, please call the group facilitator at 510-928-2510. Please see the flyer for additional information.

10/24/2022

Last month was Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month, and our SBHC team along with the Youth Advisory Board focused on Education and Stigma Reduction, promoting the new 988 lifeline, and learning how to help a friend. Follow to find highlights of the events such as the Chalk & Talk that kicked off our campaign, or the “You Are Loved” Fishbowl & Forum that was co-hosted with Alameda High’s Student Wellness Committee.

The month long campaign ended with Health Fairs at both Alameda and Encinal High during lunch. The Health Fairs engaged the student community with different interactive stations led by YAB Interns, based on the su***de prevention and crisis intervention action steps from bethe1.org. Activities included: sorting games and Jeopardy boards to learn about destigmatization, warning signs, risk factors, protective factors, plus trivia game with information about 988, CARE Team, the SBHC, teen friendly warmlines, and more!

Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month may be over, but these important conversations had in September need to happen year round. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to call us at 510-629-6210 if you need support in anyway. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the su***de and crisis lifeline at 988.

Photo credit:

10/10/2022

This , we’re thinking of everyone who has ever needed us or will in the future. Remember to be kind to your mind, and know that you’re not alone.

If you need support in any way, please call us at 510-629-6210. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the su***de and crisis lifeline at 988.

Beautiful illustration by x

10/07/2022

Our Early Childhood & Family Support Division kicked off the new 2022-2023 year with a two week preservice training, where we were joined by staff who were with us last year, as well as new staff members that joined our wonderful program. Several of our staffing completed our PSTA Internship program and will now be joining new site based teaching teams. During the time we had online training as well as in person team building activities. At the end of our training we gathered at Marina Park for some time together and finished the day with a delicious lunch. Here’s to a wonderful year!

09/28/2022

A big welcome to the new Behavioral Health Care Services clinical training cohort: Briana, Daniel, Jacob, Karen Ann, Luis, Madeleine, Riley, and Sugey. These eight clinical interns and trainees are pursuing their doctoral degrees in psychology, and they provide family, individual, couples, as well as group therapy through BHCS. Therapy is offered in English, Spanish, and Farsi. To inquire about counseling services which are offered in-person and on Zoom, please call the intake line at 510-629-6210. 

09/14/2022

Who needs a midweek pick-me-up? Here are some mindful ways we can all fill up our wellbeing cups ESPECIALLY after stressful days.

- slow down
- guided meditation
- go outside & just breathe
- lie on your back & look at the sky
- make a list of all the things you are grateful for today
- go for a walk
- write in your journal
- put 1 hand on your heart & 1 on your belly & breathe



(Beautiful artwork and tips by )