Alameda Family Services, 2325 Clement Ave, Alameda, CA (2021)

10/13/2021

Last month was Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month, and the School-Based Health Center team along with their Youth Advisory Board spread awareness about this incredibly important campaign through a number of ways.

Highlights included the opening Chalking Event, classroom presentations, social media blasts, and culminated with a large lunchtime tabling event. Special shoutout to our therapist at Wood who worked alongside school administrators to host a similar campaign at the middle school. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

Pictured: “You Are Loved Health Fair” tabling event at Encinal High School

10/11/2021

Today is World Mental Health Day. We ALL have mental health, just like we all have physical health. When you take care of your mental health, you are just as equally taking care of your overall health and well being. Let us make a point to prioritize our mental health today and everyday.

Here are some ideas on how you can take care of your mental health today:
Rest
Drink water
Go outside
Read a book
Write a letter
Listen to music
Connect with a friend

#alamedafamilyservices #worldmentalhealthday

(Beautiful illustration by @blessthemessy)

10/06/2021

Alameda Family Services wants to affirm our commitment to racial equity, justice, diversity, and inclusion for all. We recognize the responsibility we hold in relation to the vulnerable members of our community and we promise our actions will be guided by these principles at all times in our service and support of you. #alamedafamilysevices

10/05/2021

Alameda Family Services wants to thank Transform Alameda for their support of our proposal for 24/7 crisis mental health services. Our shared commitment to reducing unnecessary 5150 holds and eliminating police involvement with mental health emergency calls is becoming a reality! #alamedafamilyservices

09/29/2021

A note from Katherine Schwartz, Executive Director of Alameda Family Services:

On September 21, 2021 Alameda City Council took a historic step forward on the City of Alameda's path towards finding a compassionate alternative to policing for Alamedans experiencing a mental health crisis.

By unanimously approving Alameda Family Services' proposal for crisis mental health services that would partner with the Alameda Fire Department for a 24/7 response to nonviolent and noncriminal emergency calls, the city cemented their commitment to wellbeing and right action.

Alameda Family Services is honored and humbled to receive this grant and will act with integrity and dedication in its ongoing efforts to support the community of Alameda.

I want to personally thank everyone who came out to support Alameda Family Services both via written correspondence and zoom participation. It was the community support that convinced the council. We could not have done it without you! Thank you.

09/28/2021

On September 23rd, Early Childhood & Family Support staff participated at the City of Alameda’s 7th Annual Autumn Job Fair that was held at @southshorecenter. We had lots of interest in our available positions for both Teachers and Family Advocates. #alamedafamilyservices

09/27/2021

5 phrases to repeat to yourself at the start of the week:

1. I will give energy to what I need to give energy to and I will rest where I need to rest.
2. I am allowed to ask for help (even for the things that I feel like I should be able to handle myself).
3. I may not know what lies ahead, but I know that I am still free to create. I am free to act on courage with the things I make.
4. I will have gratitude for the little things even while I wait for the bigger things to fall in place.
5. Years from now, I will look back and I will find that I was growing in ways I could not see at the time.

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

09/24/2021

You are loved and we hope you know that! Join the School-Based Health Centers next week for the annual lunchtime “You Are Loved Health Fair” events at both Encinal and Alameda High. Visit different stations, meet SBHC staff, participate in activities, and talk to other students to learn more about mental health and show support for Su***de Prevention Awareness.

Swipe through for event information. Have a great weekend! #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

I Love Alameda
Alameda Unified School District
City of Alameda

09/22/2021

Looking for a new career? Ready to return to the workforce? The 7th Annual Autumn Job Fair will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 2:00 - 4:30 pm at the South Shore Shopping Center.

The Job Fair has a record-number 40 employers signed up, Alameda Family Serviced included, seeking to fill 300+ temporary and permanent positions. Job seekers should come prepared with resumes and dressed in interview-appropriate attire.

Event is co-sponsored by the City of Alameda, Alameda Landing, South Shore Shopping Center, Alameda County Social Services Agency, and the Alameda Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, head to alameda.ca.gov/jobfair. See you there! #alamedafamilyservices

09/17/2021

For some families and students this school year brings both excitement and anxiety as the Delta variant surges and the vaccination remains unavailable for children under twelve.

Additionally, students may feel nervous about social interactions or worried about having fallen behind academically. It may take time for some students to feel comfortable and back in the swing of things while others will jump back in without any hesitation.

Anxiety in kids often looks like irritability or defiance. Giving kids an opportunity to talk about how they are feeling and to develop strategies for managing feelings can help with the transition.

If you need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help! Call us at (510)629-6210. #alamedafamilyservices

09/14/2021

The School Based Services Division excitedly returned to campus along with all the students of AUSD last month. In addition to welcoming new students to their services, they also introduced the schools to some friendly new hires and the 2021 internship cohort.

Please join the @sbhc_afs in welcoming Addie, Channah, Cici, Gabi, Hilary, Joe, Kass, Kimchi, Maia, and Phil. Reminder to follow the School-Based Health Center’s Instagram page (@sbhc_afs) to stay updated on all their services for the 2021-22 school year. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

09/10/2021

Did you know that asking someone directly if they are thinking about su***de will not make them suicidal and can actually help? Most will be relieved someone cares enough to start the conversation.

Swipe to learn more on how to check in on someone if you sense they’re thinking about su***de. Together we can help #stopsu***de.

In honor of Su***de Prevention Week and #WorldSu***dePreventionDay, @selfcareisforeveryone and @afspnational partnered together to create these conversation guides. Check out their accounts for more information and tips for having these challenging conversations around su***de.

09/08/2021

Get vaccinated this Friday at AUSD's pre-Island Bowl clinic at Encinal High School from 5-7pm. You can make an appointment at https://my.primary.health/l/wellspringpharmacy-mobile or scan the QR code in the flyer. Walk-ins are also welcome!

The CDC recommends that everyone 12 years and older get vaccinated to help protect against COVID-19. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. #tacklethevirus #stopthespread

09/07/2021

Why is September an important month? Because it’s Su***de Prevention Awareness Month! Every year, the School-Based Health Center dedicates this month to educate, bring awareness, and normalize talking about su***de. We never know what others may be going through, so let’s remind ourselves and each that we are loved.

Want to get involved with the #YouAreLoved2021 campaign? Send @sbhc_afs a DM, stop by the School-Based Health Centers, or send an email to @[email protected]. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

08/30/2021

Happy Monday! Here are some reminders for you all as we start a brand new week:

- It’s okay not to get it all done
- Small steps are still steps
- Tomorrow is always a fresh start
- You can always try again
- You are loved

We hope everyone has an amazing week! #alamedafamilyservices

(Beautiful illustration by @letterlingwithlo)

08/27/2021

The AFS Early Childhood & Family Support Services Division spent late July and early August getting child care centers and play yards ready for the start of our new program year.

Teachers and direct service staff participated in online trainings, organized their classrooms, created lesson plans, conducted parent orientations, and took a trip to the Lakeshore Learning Store where they were able to purchase toys, supplies, and materials at discounted prices. Looking forward to a great (and safe!) school year! #alamedafamilyservices

08/24/2021

Surround yourself with friends who support you. Pay attention to those who build you up, help you feel safe, make you feel heard, celebrate you instead of being jealous of you, respect your boundaries, communicate instead of manipulate. Be conscious of where and who you give your energy to knowing that it flows freely back to you. Thank you to @blessthemessy for the beautiful words and illustration.

And remember, we are here for you If you need someone to talk to. #alamedafamilyservices

08/21/2021

Vaccinating your children will help protect them against the COVID-19 virus and help keep other students, AUSD staff and families safe. It will also help keep schools open!

Today, August 21st, @alamedaunified is partnering with @wellspring_pharmacy_oakland and @Dare2BWell to provide Pfizer vaccinations to people ages 12+ starting at 10 am at Wood Middle School.

The Pfizer vaccine requires two shots; if you received your first shot on July 27, you can get your second shot today. You also can get your first shot today, and there will be a clinic for second shots three weeks later.

Appointments are available; walk-ins welcome.

You can make an appointment at https://my.primary.health/l/wellspringpharmacy-mobile or scan the QR code in the flyer.

More information is also available at www.alamedaunified.org/studentvax.

08/17/2021

Welcome back to school! As @alamedaunifed returns to in-person instruction this fall semester, there are lots of changes that we have to adjust to. You may feel overwhelmed, stressed or even lost…but have no fear, because the School-Based Health Center is here!

Check out this post for updates to our service hours, contact, and locations. Our @shbc_afs is here to help and support you through it all. #alamedafamilyservices #schoolbasedafs

08/12/2021

Stressed out? For #TakeCareThursday, here are a few strategies to unravel the mess when your mind gets a little too busy:

- Get it out of your head by writing it down.
- Take 10 minutes for a screen-free break.
- Create a to-do list and do one thing at a time, and then enjoy checking things off as you get them done!
- Whatever's on your mind, say it out loud instead of keeping it.

Original artwork by @doodles.by.ella from the @sbhc_afs! #alamedafamilyservices