JULY 2017
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Bold Steps for Children Newsletter



College Day is coming quicker than you think. This year we will be celebrating College Day on October 20, 2017. Our theme this year is: got college? today decides tomorrow!
 
If you are a school or after-school program and want to get involved, please contact me at dbunnett@kidsincommon.org.

We also are hosting a fundraising campaign to buy pencils or wristbands for all the students at participating schools - almost 100,00 students! For as little as $15, you can provide 3 classrooms with College Day pencils or wristbands. It is simple and easy to participate - just go to https://www.roonga.com/collegedaydrive2017.
 
Thanks so much for helping out with this important event. Enjoy the rest of summer!

In community partnership,

Dana Bunnett, Director
Kids in Common 
In This Issue
Mission
Kids in Common wants every child safe, healthy, successful in learning,
and successful in life!
Kids in Common advocates for policies, partnerships, and investments that improve children's lives in Santa Clara County.
The cornerstone of our work is
the Children's Agenda, a county-wide initiative working to create measurable, positive changes for Santa Clara County children and families.

FEATURESfeature
Check Out the New OYP Blog!
Pathways for All

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Opportunity Youth Partnership (OYP) Blog, Pathways for All. Please read and share this first post written by Joe Herrity, OYP Associate Director: Pathways for All, On the cusp of systemic transformation.

We need a Comprehensive Second Chance System (C2CS). When youth and young adults fall off track (or were never offered a fair start), we need a reliable, repeatable, and measurable set of linked services and supports to help them get back on track. After 4+ years of work... Read More

Over the next 12 months, OYP's website will feature a series of blog posts from Santa Clara County leaders and OYP's many champions, highlighting the efforts, organizations, and systems that are doing the work on behalf of Opportunity Youth.


2017 KIDS COUNT Data Book
State Trends in Child Well-Being
 
Children Now partnered with the Annie E. Casey Foundation on the annual release of the KIDS COUNT Data Book. There was good news for California in kids' health: we moved up in rank from 11th to 9th in the nation. However, the state came in 46th out of 50 in kids' economic well-being and 37th in overall child well-being. Read the full report by clicking here.

Also you can check out the press clips in the Washington Post, California Health Line, East Bay Times, Inland News Today, The Vista Press.

For more information, send email to Brittany Brown, Development and Outreach Assistant, at bbrown@childrennow.org.    
 
       
 
COMMUNITY EVENTSevents 
The Kidpower Skills for Child Protection Advocates Institute 
This three-day training program provides an in-depth opportunity for educators, mental health professionals, health care providers, youth group leaders, and parents to learn and practice Kidpower's intervention, advocacy, and social safety skills to protect and empower children and teens, including those with disabilities.
Dates:
Monday, July 31, 2017 through Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Time:
9:00am - 5:00pm (PDT) each day
Location:
Albany, CA (near Berkeley and San Francisco)
For More Information:
You can get details by clicking here. You can register by clicking here.  

Silicon Valley Education Policy Summit
The annual Silicon Valley Education Policy Summit brings together nearly 400 industry executives, education advocates, and elected officials in order to work together to strengthen our education system and expand pathways into well-paying jobs.
Date: Thursday, August 10, 2017
Time: 7:30am - 1:00pm
Location: Microsoft, Silicon Valley Conference Center, 1065 La Avenida Street, Mountain View, CA
For More Information: You can register by clicking here

Community Health Partnership Legislative Brunch
Join us for brunch and hear this panel discussion by Federal, State, and County Legislators and Health Policy Experts on the status, implications, and challenges regarding health care policy and our healthcare safety net.
Date: Friday, August 11, 2017
Time: 8:30 - 11:00am (breakfast included)
Location: Mountain View, CA (location to be provided upon registration)
For More Information: Send email to Cathryn Hyde, Community Health Partnership, at cathryn@chpscc.org.

On the Table Silicon Valley
On the Table is a day of community building through conversations designed to strengthen and connect our community. It  will bring together thousands of local people to eat and talk about our region's housing crisis - and what we can do to solve it. Sign up to host a conversation!
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Time: All Day
Location: Conversations will occur throughout Silicon Valley, wherever a host chooses.
For More Information: Visit https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/onthetable.

NEWS, REPORTS, AND TRAININGnews
NEW! Stopping School Pushout for Girls Who Have Suffered Harassment and Sexual Violence 
This report from The National Women's Law Center delves into the data on girls who are victims of harassment and sexual violence, examines the impact it has on their education, and offers solutions to better serve and support them in schools. You can read the report by clicking here .

NEW! Chan-Zuckerberg to Push Ambitious New Vision for Personalized Learning 
Read this article on the Education Week website about the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and its leader, Jim Shelton (our keynote speaker at the 2017 Children's Summit) by clicking here.

NEW! California's Budget 
The recently approved state budget agreement includes $31 million for a comprehensive statewide program that provides emergency vouchers and support for foster families to access child care, addressing one of the top barriers to the recruitment and retention of caregivers/foster parents. The budget deal also includes a modest but hard fought increase of $25 million, which guarantees that families who are approved for subsidized childcare can have their child stay in care for that entire year. Finally, the budget deal also makes good on last year's promise and provides nearly $240 million in additional funding for state-funded childcare and preschool programs. More than 500 organizations, through The Children's Movement, urged California leaders to adopt these measures and ensure greater access to early learning programs. You can see a list of supporting organizations by clicking here

Webinar Recording and Slides: Childhood Adversity-Data to Help Advocate for Change
During this March 29 webinar sponsored by Kidsdata.org and the California Department of Public Health, panelists discussed how to describe the burden of childhood adversity in your community, how to frame your message most effectively, and how to engage and mobilize your community to address the roots and effects of childhood adversity. You can review the recording and presentation slides by clicking here; you can check out the responses to questions asked during the webinar by clicking here

Local Control Funding Formula and Advocating for Early Childhood Funding 
California's school funding law, the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), gives school districts flexibility-and an unprecedented opportunity -- to spend district dollars on early childhood education. It also provides parents, community members, and early childhood champions a chance to weigh in on how districts spend their resources. To help local advocates garner much needed funding for early childhood programming, Children Now created these helpful resources:
Step-by-Step Guide: You can review a step-by-step guide to help contact local district leaders and encourage them to fund early childhood programming in their local school districts by clicking here.
Sample Letter: You can read the sample letter that Children Now created for local advocates to use in encouraging their district board members to adopt a resolution that identifies your district as a preschool-12 district by clicking here.
Sample Resolution: You can review Children Now's sample resolution by clicking here
     
Second Harvest Food Bank: Food Connection Application Assistance Partners 
Did you know that households you serve may be missing out on needed benefits and free food? Increase the support you provide to your clients by becoming a Food Connection Application Assistance Partner. Help community members you serve to enroll in CalFresh and free grocery programs. We will train and support you! Together we can create the hunger-free community we all want to see. The 6-hour training is offered monthly and is held at Second Harvest Food Bank, 750 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA. The date and time are flexible. For more information, contact Jaime Rios by sending email to jrios@shfb.org, or calling (408) 266-8866 x 419.

Elevating Policies to Support Children and Families
 
At the first-ever Aspen Forum on Children and Families in January 2017, Ascend released Children and Families at the Center, a new report with recommendations and opportunities to move the needle for children and families. The report is a culmination of multiple strategy sessions and individual contributions from 200 diverse leaders and reflects the insights of a broad range of sectors. Central to the ideas and recommendations put forth is a set of guiding principles: set and track outcome goals for children and families, engage parents and families, embrace equity and inclusion, and leverage public-private partnerships. Accompanying the report are also three policy briefs on Career Pathways, Child Care and Early Childhood Development, and Family Health and Well-Being. You can review the report by clicking here.  
 
Starting Now Policy Vision
Despite mounting research in brain science, economics, and social science pointing to the importance of investing in the early years, California has yet to make significant investments in a comprehensive system for infants and toddlers in the state, leaving an alarming number of children behind. This lack of foresight puts our state's economic and civic future at risk. Children Now recently published a report,
Starting Now: A Policy Vision for Supporting the Healthy Growth and Development of Every California Baby, which provides California's leaders with a policy road map for supporting our youngest children from the very start. You can read the report by clicking here.

New Data on Children with Special Health Care Needs
Kidsdata.org has just released a wide-ranging dataset on children with special health care needs in California counties and cities. The new datasets include local estimates covering demographics, insurance coverage, impact on families, and quality of care. You can read the blog post by clicking here.

Children Now's 2016-2017 California County Scorecard of Children's Well-Being  
On November 15, 2016, Children Now released their County Scorecard, an interactive online data tool that provides snapshots of children's well-being in each of California's counties. The Scorecard, along with the accompanying informational videos, illuminates children's issues by region so that local leaders can prioritize - and work together to improve - children's health, education, welfare, and economic well-being. You can review the Scorecard and related resources by clicking here.  
 
Health4AllKids - Medi-Cal Enrollment Update 
The Health4AllKids law to expand health coverage to all income-eligible children in the state regardless of their immigration status took effect in May 2016. Since then, over 133,000 undocumented children have newly enrolled in comprehensive Medi-Cal health coverage. For more information, see Children Now's infographic by clicking here. You can also send email to Isabel French, Communications Manager, at ifrench@childrennow.org, and visit the Children Now website at www.childrennow.org.    
   
Poverty and Child Health in the United States
Almost half of young children in the United States live in poverty or near poverty. The American Academy of Pediatrics is committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating child poverty in the United States. Poverty and related social determinants of health can lead to adverse health outcomes in childhood and across the life course, negatively affecting physical health, socio-emotional development, and educational achievement. You can read this first ever AAP policy statement on poverty by clicking here.  
 
Kids Make Strides in Health Coverage But Over 1.5 Million Suffer Trauma  
The 2016 California Children's Report Card provides a close look at the status of California kids. It assigns a letter grade ("A" though "F") to each of 31 areas key to children's well-being, including early learning, health, and K-12 education, to help state leaders make informed policy choices and make kids our top priority. The Report Card shines a spotlight on areas where California is not doing enough for kids.  Unfortunately, in the area of childhood trauma the state received a Report Card grade of "D-", the report's lowest grade. California kids fared better in areas where lawmakers have focused attention and resources, such as preschool (B-) and health insurance (A-). In 2016, we want our state leaders to give kids all the support they need to grow up healthy and succeed! You can read the Report Card by clicking here
    
Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Resources 
There has been a lot of attention recently on the importance of developing healthy school climates and fostering social and emotional learning in schools. If you are interested in resources for strengthening relationships, increasing student engagement, improving school climate, integrating SEL into professional development, or bridging Restorative Practices and Trauma-Informed approaches within your schools or organizations, visit the Scoop.it! page by clicking here.   
 

Child Abuse Prevention Resources for Schools
Please share this important information with parents, teachers, and school administrators about Kidpower's abuse, bullying, abduction, and other violence prevention resources for schools. You can check out this resource by 
clicking here 

WEBINAR: Social and Emotional Learning 
Supported by music and videos, take-home activities, and stories kids relate to, the developmentally appropriate Second Step lessons have helped teachers instill social-emotional skills in their students for over 20 years. Interested in putting the Second Step program to work for your students? Attend one of the sessions from Committee for Children to hear directly from their experts. You can see a list of live webinars and register by clicking here.
 
School Discipline Consensus Report 
Released by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, this report presents a comprehensive set of consensus-based and field-driven recommendations to improve conditions for learning for all students and educators, better support students with behavioral needs, improve police-school partnerships, and keep students out of the juvenile justice system for minor offenses. You can read the report by clicking here .

Join The Children's Movement    
Children Now is the leading nonpartisan, umbrella research, policy development, and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting children's health, education, and child well-being in California and creating national policies that support child development. Children Now also leads The Children's Movement of California, a grassroots network of more than 1,300 business, education, parent, civil rights, and faith-based, community and multi-ethnic organizations, as well as thousands of individuals, working together to make children a priority in public policy-making. You can get details and join the movement by clicking here.  

FOR EDUCATORS: Embrace the Core Website and Communications Toolkit 
The Embrace the Core website and Communications Toolkit are designed to help educators cut through the noise and communicate to parents about California's Common Core State Standards in their classrooms. Teachers, principals, district leaders, after-school program administrators, and anyone else who regularly fields questions from parents can use the posters, sample letters to parents, talking points, and various other resources to drive those conversations. To get more details, visit the website at www.embracethecore.org. You can get to the toolkit by clicking here. If you have questions, send email to Neha Singh Gohil, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, at nsgohil@siliconvalleycf.org.     
 
Teacher Intern Credential Program: Education Preparation for Inclusive Classrooms  
In Fall 2014, the Inclusion Collaborative started an education specialist credential program focusing on inclusion: Preliminary Early Childhood Special Education, Preliminary Moderate/Severe Special Education, and a Clear Education Specialist Induction Program. Classes are held in the evenings and occasionally on Saturdays. These are alternative pathways to acquiring a teaching credential, allowing students to earn their credentials while interning with a school district. Education Preparation for Inclusive Classrooms (EPIC) accepts new students every two years, so if you are interested in one of the three programs, plan to apply for Fall 2018. To learn about the program, see the FAQ page by clicking here For additional professional development opportunities and resources,  visit the Inclusion Collaborative website by  clicking here . 
 
COMMUNITY RESOURCESresources 
NEW! Roosevelt Community Center Programs and Classes 
The Roosevelt Community Center at 901 E. Santa Clara Street in San Jose, offers fantastic programs for children and youth. Registration begins Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 10:00am at Roosevelt Community Center. Scholarship opportunities are available to individuals and families in need. The scholarship application is available to download at sanjoseca.gov/scholarships, or you can inquire at Roosevelt Community Center. Here are some of the programs: 
* San Jose Preschool Program for Ages 3 - 4 Years
Children will be introduced to socialization, positive self-esteem, following directions, and simple learning concepts. Held from August 22, 2017 through June 2, 2018; morning programs are from 9:00am - 12:00pm, and afternoon programs are from 1:00 - 4:00pm.
* San Jose Preschool Program for Ages 4 - 5 Years 
This class prepares your child for kindergarten with age appropriate activities, learning concepts, socialization skills, and fun. Held from August 22, 2017 through June 2, 2018; morning programs are from 9:00am - 12:00pm, and afternoon programs are from 1:00 - 4:00pm.
* Baby & Me Art Class for Ages 18 Months - 3 Years
Come and learn what your little one can create. Best of all you can do it together and make a different guided project each week. Held from 10:00 - 11:00am on Thursdays from September 21, 2017 through October 26, 2017.
* Busy Bees for Ages 2 - 3 Years 
This program is designed to meet the social, cognitive, and recreational needs of the youngest members of our community. Activities include social play, art, storytelling, singing, and group games. Parent must attend with registered child for the first class; then we will work on leaving your child for an hour. Held from 9:30 - 11:00am on Tuesdays from September 19, 2017 through November 21, 2017.
* Piano Beethoven for Ages 4 - 5 Years
Students will learn music theory and piano basics in a fun and positive environment. Parent or guardian must attend with child. Held from 9:15 - 10:00am on Saturdays from September 23, 2017 through November 4, 2017.
* Piano Keyboard for Beginners, Ages 6 - 14 Years
Studies show that children who are introduced to music have an IQ jump of 3 points in the first six months! Learning to play the piano is a great way to introduce a child to this world. Class starts with basic piano skills and music reading. Held from 10:15 - 11:00am for 6 - 8 year olds and 11:15am - 12:00pm for 9 - 14 year olds on Saturdays from September 23, 2017 through November 4, 2017,  or from 5:00 - 5:45pm on Mondays for 6 -14 year old from September 25, 2017 through November 6, 2017.  
* Piano Keyboard for Continuing Students, Ages 6 - 14 Years
A continuation class for students who have completed our beginners course. Student will be instructed on good practice skills, note reading, rhythm, theory, technique, and performance. Held from 6:00 - 6:45pm on Mondays from September 25, 2017 through November 6, 2017.
* Guitar for Beginners, Ages 6 - 14 Years
Beginner Guitar will primarily focus on learning the guitar basics. Material covered will include reading chord diagrams, chord charts, and playing scales and melodies. Held from 9:00 - 9:45am for 6 - 8 year olds and from 10:00 - 10:45am for 9 - 14 year olds on Saturdays from September 23, 2017 through November 4, 2017; or from 5:00 - 5:45pm on Wednesdays for 8 -14 year olds from September 27, 2017 through November 1, 2017. 

Let's All Go to the Park!
 
Explore 5 fabulous South Santa Clara County Parks, and participate in fun park activities. Exercising in your local parks helps reduce stress and prevent Type 2 Diabetes. All activities are FREE and open to all fitness levels. Prizes will be given to the first 100 people! Bring family and friends, and comfortable walking shoes. Strollers and wheelchairs welcome. No registration required!  
For More Information: You can check out the flyer in English by clicking here. You can check out the flyer in Spanish by clicking here. You can get more details from the online event page by clicking here

UnBEETable Quality at Your Local Farmers' Markets: CalFresh EBT Welcome!
Most Santa Clara County farmers' markets now accept CalFresh/EBT cards. You can swipe your EBT card at the info booth and get CalFresh tokens to spend at the market. For every CalFresh dollar you spend at participating farmers' markets, you will get a dollar-for-dollar match FREE up to $10 per day to spend on fruits and vegetables through the Market Match incentive program.
For More Information: Find a list of all farmers' markets in the County, along with those that accept CalFresh and participate in Market Match by clicking here

Stanford Pediatric Weight Control Program
Concerned about a child's weight? Based on almost 20 years of Stanford's research, the Pediatric Weight Control Program has a success rate of over 80% in helping children and teens achieve age-appropriate weight reduction. Parents lose weight too! Classes are held at 4100 Bohannon Drive, Menlo Park, CA. To hear more about the program from past participants, watch this video by clicking here
For More Information: Visit weightcontrol.stanfordchildrens.org , or call (650) 725-4424. We look forward to hearing from you!

Silicon Valley Medical-Legal Partnership Expands Hours, Locations, and Eligibility
The Silicon Valley Medical-Legal Partnership provides free legal services to children and youth up to age 21 to address legal issues that affect health. Legal issues that can be addressed include accessing special education services in school, guardianships, substandard housing, school expulsions or suspensions, emancipation, custody and paternity questions for teen parents, immigration questions for people up to age 21, and more. Children and youth are eligible for this program if they are patients of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, including all clinics.
Locations:
(1) VHC Bascom - 750 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 230, San Jose, CA; Mondays from 4:00 - 7:00pm.
(2) VHC Downtown - 777 E. Santa Clara Street, 2nd Floor, San Jose, CA; Wednesdays from 2:00 - 5:00pm. 
(3) VHC Gilroy - 7475 Camino Arroyo, 2nd Floor, Gilroy, CA; 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 2:00 - 4:00pm. 
For More Information: Families may call the intake coordinator at (408) 350-7260 to speak with the intake coordinator, who is bilingual in Spanish. Families may also ask their medical provider at SCVMC to make a referral to the program. Visit the legal assistance website by clicking here.   
   
FREE Workshops to Prepare for the DMV Driver License Written Exam!
The Licencias.us project provides culturally sensitive instruction in Spanish to motivate and prepare adult undocumented immigrants to secure a California Driver License as they continue on the road towards citizenship. The class is conducted in Spanish only, and participants must be 18 years of age or older to attend. A Social Security Card is not required to get a DMV license.  
For More Information:
Visit www.Licencias.US for the most current schedule of classes, which run September - November 2016. You can also register by sending a text message to 408-800-4458 with your name, cellphone number, and workshop dates that you will attend.
 
Freshest Cargo Mobile Farmers' Market
The Freshest Cargo Mobile Farmers' Market is a "farmers' market on wheels" that addresses issues related to lack of access to fresh, locally-grown produce in food desert communities in the Bay Area. We source produce directly from local farmers to sell at sites across the Bay Area. We keep prices low and offer the Market Match incentive, which matches CalFresh spending at our market up to $20 a day, to spend on fresh produce! You can get the updated route schedule by clicking here.
For More Information: Visit www.FreshApproach.org. 
   
Better Health Pharmacy 
Better Health Pharmacy offers free medications to any patient in need. The pharmacy targets patients who cannot afford their medications, including those who 1) have insurance but cannot afford the co-pays or deductibles, or 2) do not have insurance. The pharmacy is a new initiative of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, and is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4:00 - 8:00pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00am -1:00pm.  
Location: 725 East Santa Clara Street, Suite #202, San Jose, CA 
For More Information:  You can access the full inventory on the pharmacy website at BetterHealthRx.org, or by calling (408) 794-0564.

Catch Up on the Latest SJUSD News!   
San Jose Unified School District Trustee, Susan Ellenberg, publishes a quarterly newsletter to keep constituents and stakeholders abreast of important district news, as well as her thoughts on current issues related to education and equity.  
For More Information: You can read the most recent edition by clicking here.  
 
CalFresh Application Assistance: Same Day Service  
Community members now have faster access to CalFresh Benefits at 5 locations (listed below) around Santa Clara County! Eligibility workers are stationed at 6 Emergency Assistance Network Agencies (EANs) alongside Food Bank representatives to assist people with CalFresh. In 1-2 days, community members can be screened, apply for CalFresh and have their County interview. If approved, a client could pick up their EBT card on the same day at the Social Services Agency or the next business day at the EAN agency.  
Locations: 

(1) InnVision, Palo Alto - 33 Encina Avenue, Palo Alto, CA; Wednesdays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; drop-ins only.
(2) St. Joseph's Family Center - 7950 Church Street, Gilroy, CA; Mondays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; for an appointment, call (408) 842-6662.
(3) Sunnyvale Community Services - 725 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale, CA; Mondays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; for an appointment, call (408) 738- 4321.
(4) Community Services Agency of Mt. View & Los Altos - 204 Stierlin Road, Mountain View, CA; 1st and 4th Thursdays, 9:00am - 4:00pm; for an appointment, call (650) 968-0836.
(5) West Valley Community Services - 10104 Vista Drive, Cupertino, CA; 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 10:00am - 7:00pm; for more information, call (408) 255-8065.
(6) Salvation Army -
359 N. 4th Street, San Jose, CA; Thursdays, 8:00am - 3:00pm; for an appointment, call Food Connection at 1-800-984-3663.

English as a Second Language Classes 
These ESL classes are offered at no charge. If you are 18 years or older, you can join the classes to learn reading, spelling, and literacy. The classes are open entry, so you can start at anytime.
Dates and Times: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:30am and/or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 - 7:30pm
Location: 
749 Story Road, Suite 10, San Jose, CA
 
For More Information: Call (408) 213-0961.
 
Calling All Youth-Based Program Agencies
Pacific Housing, Inc. is looking for partnerships with youth-based program agencies to provide services for residents of affordable housing in East San Jose. 
For More Information:
 Visit www.pacifichousing.org . Send email to mmaldonado@pacifichousing.org or call (916) 638-5200, x205. 
 
10 Steps to a Healthier You! 
A FREE, three-class series for parents and caregivers about implementing a positive, healthy lifestyle into home environments. Classes are for residents of Santa Clara County, and are held at various dates, times, and locations throughout Santa Clara County year-round.
For More Information:
 To sign up for the free three-class series or to host the free classes at your site, call Healthier Kids Foundation at
(855) 344-6347. You can get more details about the program by  
clicking here 
 
Good. To Go. Is in San Jose!
Good. To Go. (G2G) is a community-based marketing campaign aimed at increasing San Jose residents' purchase of "fun, fast, and fresh" items such as fresh produce and kid-friendly 'grab n go' snacks at participating G2G outlets: Healthy Corner Stores, Fresh Cart mobile produce vendors, and PCFMA farmers' markets. To find G2G locations in San Jose, visit our online interactive map by  clicking here . To stay up to date on events, new products, and program updates, be sure to "Like" our  G2G Facebook page .
For More Information:
 To learn how to spread the word about G2G within your network and become a G2G brand ambassador, please contact Misha Taherbhai at  mishat@healthtrust.org or call (408) 513-8716.

FREE Kids' Vision and Dental Screenings
Healthier Kids Foundation FocusFirst and DentalFirst programs are conducting FREE (donor-funded) vision and dental screenings for children ages 6 months - 18 years old. Vision screenings are performed with a high-optic digital camera, and dental screenings are performed by a licensed dentist, Monday through Friday, at your school, church, daycare center, community center, after-school program, or community-based organization. For dental screenings, all children will receive a FREE toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Healthier Kids Foundation staff will help parents with any follow-up as needed.
For More Information: This program is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Schedule your screenings by calling Sunny Ochoa at (408) 564-5114, Ext. 206, or send email to  sunny@hkidsf.org.
 
GED Preparation Classes  
These classes target older youth, ages 17 - 24 years. An assessment of a student's basic skill level will determine placement. Classes include both lecture and computer-based learning. The GED program is open-entry/open-exit during the school year. 
Date: 
Monday through Friday 
Time: 
8:30am - 11:40pm
Location: 
749 Story Road, Suite 10, San Jose, CA
For More Information: 
Contact Mariah Artley at (408) 213-0961, Ext. 27, or Caroline Sailor at Ext. 30.
  
 
FutureArtsNow! 
This program hosts weekly Open Dance Sessions at the Edenvale Community Center for $3/session. Youth and young adults are invited to come and hone their Hip Hop dance skills during our weekly sessions inside the Edenvale Dance Studio/Gym.  
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday  
Time: 8:00 - 10:00pm 
Location: Edenvale Community Center, 330 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA  
For More Information:  Call Demone Carter, Program Director, at (408) 320-5022; send email to  futureartsnow@gmail.com ; or visit www.futureartsnow.org .
 
Youth Facing Expulsion 
If you know of youth facing expulsion, Legal Advocates for Children and Youth may be able to connect you with a free lawyer to represent your child in a school expulsion hearing.  
For More Information:  Call (408) 280-2416.

CalFresh (Food Stamps) Outreach and Application Assistance  
Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties can do pre-screening, answer questions, and help clients complete applications for CalFresh benefits. Application assistance can be arranged for weekdays, weekends, and evenings at community locations throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. 
For More Information: Call Second Harvest's Food Connection, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, at (800) 984-3663, or visit www.shfb.org/getfood.  
 
Free Food for Low-Income Families 
Free food resources are available to low-income families through Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Our region's Family Harvest, Produce Mobile, Pantries and Prepared Meal programs can accept more participants. Food distributions and meal programs are available weekdays and on weekends at community locations throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. 
For More Information: Call Second Harvest's Food Connection, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, at (800) 984-3663, or visit www.shfb.org/getfood .  

Kaiser Permanente Child Health Program
Did you know that Kaiser Permanente in California insures low-income children who are not eligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California through its Child Health Program? With all of the confusion surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many mixed status and immigrant families do not know that the program is an option for their child. The Child Health Program is pleased to offer a quality option in California that gives children the healthcare they need for just $0, $10, or $20 per child, per month, for up to three children, depending on the family's income. Additional children are covered at no extra premium. There are also no co-pays (no charge) for services at Kaiser Permanente facilities.
For More Information: Send email to Maury Rosas at  maurice.o.rosas@kp.org. You can also get additional details, including eligibility guidelines and how to apply, by  clicking here
 
PARENT PROJECT 
This 12-week program, which offers classes throughout Santa Clara County, is specifically designed for parents with difficult or out-of-control adolescents. Parents learn specific prevention and intervention strategies for destructive behaviors.
For More Information: Visit www.ParentProject.com; call (408) 808-3794; or send email to  parentproject@da.sccgov.org.

Silicon Valley Kids Climate Club 
This club offers children (and adults) important lessons about conserving energy and water, recycling trash, and finding new food sources.  Supervisor Dave Cortese started the Kids Climate Club to introduce children in 3rd through 12th grades to simple tips they can use to help protect the environment. 
For More Information: If you would like Supervisor Cortese to give a presentation to your school or youth group, call  (408) 299-3050, or send email to  dave.cortese@bos.sccgov.org.
   
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESvolunteer
Yes We Can...Read!
Become a reading mentor for two Kindergarten or 1st grade students today at Dorsa and San Antonio Elementary Schools in East San Jose. There are mentoring sessions available Monday through Friday, between 8:30am - 1:30pm. Your commitment of just one hour per week will improve their reading readiness, increase their confidence and self-esteem, and instill in them a love of learning.
For More Information: If you are interested in the program or would like to receive more information, email the Family Literacy Coordinator, Keishla Echevarría, at kechevarria@gfsfamilyservices.org or call (408) 347-7892, ext. 305.  
 
Be Part of the Santa Clara County Youth Task Force 
You can be a voice for the children and youth of Santa Clara County! Make a difference by applying for and joining the Santa Clara County Youth Task Force (YTF), which is composed of young people, ages 14 - 18, and is the official youth-led commission for the County of Santa Clara. The YTF strives to improve children's lives by reviewing and analyzing policies and programs that impact children and youth, providing informed advice to local policy-makers and supporting community service activities throughout the county. If you are a high school-aged youth who resides and goes to school in Santa Clara County, you can fill out an application and be appointed by your Board of Supervisors Representative. YTF members are non-paid volunteers, and the time commitment is approximately 15 - 20 hours per month.
For More Information: If you want to be an important voice to policymakers and decision-makers in Santa Clara County, apply for YTF by clicking here.
 
 
Make a Difference...BE A MENTOR 
There are two great mentoring programs in the East Side Union High School District. See how you can be part of these game-changing opportunities for our students, especially those who deal with some very challenging circumstances.

(1) Bright Futures' mentors support highly challenged freshmen at Yerba Buena High School and WC Overfelt High School to set and achieve meaningful goals for their future. Join them on a journey of self-discovery!  
For More Information: Call (408) 218-3963, or send email to mentor@BrightFuturesSJ.org. Visit   www.BrightFuturesSJ.org.

(2) iMentor pairs juniors and seniors at James Lick High School with college-graduate mentors to help them successfully make the leap from high school to college. The time commitment is just one email per week and one two-hour in-person meeting per month. If you have time for one Happy Hour a month, you have time to be a mentor! You can sign up for an orientation/training by clicking here.
For More Information: Send email to Nate at nfalkner@iMentor.org. Visit www.iMentor.org.
 

Be an Educational Surrogate for Foster Youth
 
Would you like to help students in foster placement, but are unsure how to help? The Santa Clara County Office of Education Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program is recruiting volunteer Educational Surrogates, and providing all necessary training.
For More Information: If interested, please contact Shannon McIntosh, SCCOE Foster Youth Services Liaison at (408) 453-6998, or send email to Shannon_McIntosh@sccoe.org.

The Beat Within Is Seeking Volunteer Facilitators  
Since 1996, The Beat Within has been committed to its mission to provide incarcerated youth in the juvenile justice system and beyond with a one-of-a-kind forum where they can write about the things that matter to them, explore how they have lost connection with those things they value, and consider how they might re-connect to positive situations in their lives through the power of the written word and visual art. Volunteer facilitators are needed to support this transformative work inside Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall every Thursday evening from 7:00 - 9:00pm.
For More Information: Send email to the Program Director, Lisa Lavaysse, at llava@thebeatwithin.org.
 
Be a Child Advocate!  
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is recruiting volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to work one-on-one with foster children and be a mentor and their voice as they navigate the dependency system. We train and support our CASAs as they work to support foster children.
For More Information: To learn more and sign up for an introductory session, visit www.bemyadvocate.org
 
Volunteer to Become a Certified Car Seat Technician 
In the Bay Area, 4 out of 5 car seats are installed incorrectly. ACCESS (a service of the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary) hosts free car seat fitting inspections. Join ACCESS in our efforts to ensure infants and children are safe in their vehicles. Training is provided at Good Samaritan Hospital, 2425 Samaritan Drive, San Jose, CA.
For More Information: Call Shannon Hickok at (408) 559-2395, or send email to shannon.hickok@hcahealthcare.com. You can also visit the ACCESS website by  clicking here.
 
Join the LPC Council of Santa Clara County 
The Local Early Education Planning Council (LPC) of Santa Clara County is seeking individuals who are interested in applying for membership to the Council. Funded by the California Department of Education and housed at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, the mission of the LPC is to assess, represent, and promote the early care and education needs of children and families in the community. Applicants must work or live in Santa Clara County, and exhibit a strong commitment to advocating for increased quality childcare services; an ability to make information-based decisions; and excellent leadership skills.
For More Information:  If you are interested in submitting an application, send email to Michael Garcia at  michael_garcia@sccoe.org , or call  (408) 453-6649.
 
Volunteer with Junior Achievement 
Inspire students at local elementary schools with Junior Achievement! Junior Achievement prepares youth for economic success through a short series of age-appropriate lessons about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. You can volunteer to work in schools and teach these lessons (the teacher will be in the classroom to provide support.) The dates, times, and locations are flexible, including any school or after-school program (i.e. public, private, charter, etc.) There is a one-hour mandatory training.
For More Information: Send email to Amanda Lopez, District Manager, Silicon Valley, at alopez@janorcal.org , or call (408) 217-7906.

Be a Mentor for Elementary School Children  
Collaborative Community Program (CCP) is seeking mentors for children at Washington Elementary School in downtown San Jose. Mentors meet with children in Kindergarten through 5th grade on Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:00pm at the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library.
For More Information: Send email to Rochelle at CCPSantaClara@gmail.com , or call 
(408) 634-2125. You can also visit the 
Collaborative Community Program  Facebook page. 
 
COLUMN: THE BEAT WITHINthebeatwithin 
The Beat Within is a San Francisco-based non-profit that has been committed since 1996 to providing incarcerated youth inside Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall with a weekly writing and conversation workshop every Thursday evening. Below is another piece written by an incarcerated youth that was featured in their award-winning publication, The Beat Within.  
 
Life Lessons from Guatemala to America
   When I used to hear someone mentioning the word immigrant or immigration, I used to always wonder what it was or what it meant.
   When I was fifteen years old I told my parents that I had a dream. My mother asked me what it was and I told her my dream was to migrate. My mother asked, to your room or where? And I told her I seriously wanted to go to the USA. So my dad asked me if I thought it was easy, and I said maybe not, but I want to cross the border and experience the United States.
   My mother said not to do it. What would she do without me? What if something bad happens to me on the road? My dad told me I was young, only fifteen years old, and I should think about the consequences on the road. Once you leave the house to go to your destination, there is no turning back. The destination that you are looking for is not always easy to locate. You suffer much and it's very hard to get there.
   My answer to them was easy. And at that moment I said, "I don't care. What I want is to leave." Now I think I'm an idiot for doing what I did, because I never thought about the consequences, and now everything my parents said makes sense. Now I understand the advice they gave me was right.
   So now that I am far-away from home, I think about how my parents love me and how I should have listened instead of turning my back on their love for me. They only wanted the best for me.
Leaving my family was the hardest thing to do. After I left, I missed them so much I wanted to hug them, but the distance would not let me.
   To be an immigrant in another country is very hard because everything is very different: the law, the language, the city, the street, stores, food, and especially the people. All this makes you feel like a newborn baby starting fresh.
   Among the residents of this country you will find many who care, but also those who insult you and make you feel you are not worth it. All that shows you need to come out on top, fight for yourself and for the people who care for you the most. I am the only one who can keep moving forward and making decisions. I need to keep going and not let anyone stop me or make me give up.
   When you are in a different country far from your own, you have to fight for food day by day. You encounter many things that you have never seen and things you have never done. When there isn't anyone older than you and you don't even have your parents, it is easy to learn bad things, start to get involved in drugs, and do other things that will harm your life.
-Guerra, Santa Clara

To find out more about The Beat Within, please see  The Beat Within Facebook page, or visit www.thebeatwithin.org. To find out more about getting involved in their weekly workshops inside juvenile hall or to get a subscription to their magazine, send email to Lisa Lavaysse at llava@thebeatwithin.org.

Kids in Common
(408) 795-3771
info@kidsincommon.org
http://www.kidsincommon.org