Aspiranet Blog

Celebrating the Season: Aspiranet's Holiday Gift Drive

2011-11-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

Michelle is Aspiranet's Online Marketing Manager. Since last December, she's been the person behind our social media. In this post, she's sharing her thoughts on Aspiranet's Holiday Gift Drive with Starbucks Coffee Company.

It's that time of year again.

I don't know about you, but the big "C" (and by that, I mean consumerism) at this time of year makes me feel uncomfortable. It desensitizes me to the joys of the holidays, leaving me scrambling to buy gifts and forgetting the best parts of the season.

I forget messy kitchens, standing by my mother's side rolling out pie crust and creaming butter and sugar for the perfect holiday cookie.

I forget crisp winter walks with the newest additions to the family cozy in their strollers, the smells of wood-burning fireplaces in the air.

I forget laughing at my dad trying to trim the Christmas tree with his tiny Walmart saw.

I forget about family and the unique opportunity the holidays present to celebrate it.

Working at Aspiranet, I am constantly reminded that a healthy, happy family is not guaranteed. The holiday memories for nearly 60,000 children in foster care in California this season will be drastically different than my own. They may wake up Christmas morning apart from their siblings for the first time in their lives. Perhaps they'll celebrate with a wonderful foster family, all the time thinking of what their mom or dad is doing that day.

60,000 is an enormous number. It's the population of a small city. Just imagine for a week: every single person you come across at the grocery store, at the post office, at work, in the airport represents a foster youth in California. Every person is a life you can impact this holiday.

This year I challenged myself to step away from my computer and do something for Aspiranet foster youth through our Annual Holiday Gift drive with Starbucks Coffee Company.

What an experience!

I carefully selected my ornament (eggnog latte in hand).

I shuffled over to Target and agonized over the perfect gifts. Obviously, Thomas the Tank is the perfect train, but I wasn't sure if Eduardo wanted only a train or the tracks to accompany. In the end, the starter set won.

Learning toys? I wanted something that would keep Eduardo occupied longer than a few minutes. I remembered my love for coloring books as a child and continued my commercial vehicle theme with a Tonka activity book and twistable crayons.

A stop at checkout for some batteries and my experience was complete.

Back at the office, I struggled with writing a personal note to Eduardo. What could I say to a four-year-old to tell him how much I care about him? How should I say that I come to work every day so that children like him can create happy memories of the holidays?

I pause, think of my two-year-old nephew and his infatuation with trains. I know exactly what to say:

Purchasing a gift for Eduardo was just what I needed to refocus on what's important this season. I'd be willing to wager that it will do the same for you.

If you'd like to participate in Aspiranet's Gift Drive with Starbucks, please visit aspiranetheroes.org/giftdrive.

Meet an Aspiranet Foster Family: Robin and Robert

2011-05-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

Robin and Robert are currently fostering four children, ranging from 12 years to 16 years old. They have been a foster family with Aspiranet for over 25 years and have fostered more than 35 children with us.

Please read the Q&A below to learn more about their experience in foster care. It is very inspiring!

Why did you decide to become a foster family?

Robert’s sister-in-law was a foster child. She disclosed her life as a foster child to Robert and Robin, which was not good at the time. Robert and Robin decided that when they were able they would be foster children and make a better life for foster child(ren). When they started fostering they haven’t stopped. They felt that they couldn’t change the system but they could help a least in their own way by fostering a child at a time.

What’s your most memorable moment as a foster family?

There are a lot but the one that stands out in their minds is when a foster girl grew up and asked Robert to walk her down the aisle at her wedding and Robin made her wedding dress.

What is the best part of being a foster family?

The best part is the feeling that you made a difference in a child’s life.

How is your foster child a hero to you?

There have been many heroes in this home. One was a boy who came into the foster home very disconnected with people and his environment. He made no eye contact with anyone. He was very withdrawn and isolated. He spent a year and a half in their home. By the end of that time he would come home from school smiling, laughing, look people directly in the eye, and appeared happy to be alive. He became very sociable, open and connected to his environment. Robert and Robin have seen and experienced the work that this child went through to change. They saw the struggle he went through to reconnect with the world around him and it was amazing and unforgettable.

What would you tell another family who is considering becoming a foster family?

Robert and Robin would tell another family that it is the most challenging “job” anyone could get into but it is the most rewarding. Becoming a foster parent will teach you to become a better parent to your own children. A foster parent will learn to have a lot of patience, and force themselves to learn to laugh at the small things. Being a foster parent has been a very rewarding experience to Robert and Robin and this is why they continue to be foster parents.

Aspiranet Program Spotlight: Family Focused Support Network

2011-04-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know Aspiranet has more than 35 programs across California working toward our vision of taking collective action to support communities and families as they love and care for children? Our diverse programs range from foster care and afterschool programs to encore career opportunities for retiring professionals.

To introduce our supporters to the life-changing work of our Aspiranet programs, we have created the Aspiranet Program Spotlight. Today, we speak with Sheri Reynolds, Director of the Aspiranet Family Focused Support Network for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. April is National Autism Awareness Month and Sheri has been busy raising her voice as an autism expert. Read on to see what the Family Focused Support Network has in the works...

What does the Family Focused Support Network do?

Family Focused Support Network (FFSN) provides intensive case management and in home behavioral services to families and children challenged by developmental disabilities. Youth referred to the program have severe behavioral issues, such as aggression, hygiene issues, bolting, rigidity and communication issues.

What led you to begin the Family Focused Support Network?

We initially started FFSN to help keep families together and prevent out of home placement. While the program still works with families on this goal, we are now also helping family relationships from deteriorating. We are also focused on helping younger children to learn skills earlier in age that they can use throughout their life.

When you look back on your work, is there an individual story that stands out to you as embodying the success of your program?

I have so many stories that involve youth coming to us while living in their home, disconnected from their family. With our help, the family gains connection, learns skills and increases their relationship harmony. Often, the youth gain social skills that allow them to make friendships. Seeing these success stories time and again makes me a firm believer in the importance and need for our Family Focused Support Network.

What does the Family Focused Support Network have on the horizon?

We're working on many different projects right now! Soon, we'll be offering psychotherapy services to families and individuals. We're also getting ready to launch social skills groups in the Greater Bay Area. Lastly, I'm hosting a free public webinar titled "Decoding Autism" Saturday, April 23 at 10am in support of National Autism Awareness month. I'm going to discuss treatment strategies, including the use of the iPad as a component of a comprehensive treatment plan. To register or learn more, please visit the Aspiranet website.

How can we learn more about the Aspiranet Family Focused Support Network?

Visit us on the web or send me an email at, sreynolds@aspiranet.org. I'd be happy to speak with you about the work we do and discuss ways the Family Focused Support Network can help you.

Visit our website...

Aspiranet Program Spotlight: Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center

2011-04-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

In the coming months, we will introduce our readers to the life-changing work of our Aspiranet programs. For the first installment of the Aspiranet Program Spotlight, Michael Funk of the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center took a moment from his jam-packed schedule as the Director of Afterschool, Community, and Youth Development at Aspiranet to participate in a Q&A with us. Please enjoy and ask anything we missed in the comments!

What does the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center do?

SNBC’s mission is to provide support and opportunities to ensure the healthy development of children, youth, and adults in the Sunset District of San Francisco.

In response to a dearth of community-based services for Sunset families, I decided to start a grassroots effort to address issues facing the Sunset community, out of which SNBC was born. Now in its 15^th year of operation, SNBC is still one of the few family-focused agencies in the neighborhood. SNBC continues its focus on improving the life outcomes of local youth, families, and seniors.

SNBC's vision is to connect people to their passion, potential, and community here on San Francisco's West Side. Through our myriad programs, we support the healthy development of Sunset community members and families. Programs include: daily afterschool programs at five public schools and two community-based locations, serving more than 900 students daily with academic support and enrichment activities; technology classes in English and Cantonese for adults; digital arts and media programs for youth and young adults; case management services for at-risk youth; enrichment and skill-building evening classes for adults, and the Sunset Family Resource Collaborative, led by SNBC, which provides support services for families with young children. All programs and services offered by SNBC are known for their exceptional quality and are free of charge.

When you look back on your work, is there an individual story that stands out to you as embodying the success of SNBC?

This past fall, SNBC was selected as one of only 18 national finalists (out of more than 300 applicants!) for the prestigious MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award. Our afterschool programs at A.P. Giannini Middle School is a national model for afterschool programming—right here in the Sunset!

What does SNBC need to better serve families?

Like many nonprofits in this difficult economy, our needs are largely financial. To continue serving Sunset families, we need ongoing financial support for our programming. SNBC currently serves more Sunset community members than ever before -- each day of the school year, more than 900 youth attend our afterschool programs, and every week, more than 300 adults participate in our evening programs. While our efforts are supporting more youth and adults than ever, we still have waiting lists! Our programs are more popular than ever and we have grown to meet demand, but we must raise funds to support our future programs. In 2011, we must raise an additional $50,000. Every donation, no matter the size, will propel us towards our goal and is greatly appreciated!

What does SNBC have on the horizon?

On Saturday, April 9th, SNBC will host A Victorian Evening, a benefit and fundraiser. The event is also a celebration of SNBC's 15 years and 15,000 youth served. You can support SNBC by joining us at A Victorian Evening for beer and wine, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, door prizes, poker and blackjack, and a silent auction! Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here. You can learn more about SNBC's A Victorian Evening by visiting our website.

We're excited to welcome the following special guests: San Francisco Unified School District Deputy Superintendent Richard Carranza, Senator Leland Yee, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Speaker Pro Tempore, Phil Ting, San Francisco Assessor-Recorder, and Hydra Mendoza, San Francisco Board of Education President.

Wine and wine cocktails will be served, courtesy of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.

The menu for the evening includes:

Gourmet Sliders

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls

Shrimp Cocktail

Fruit Tartlets

The silent auction includes:
Russian River Getaway - vacation home rental
Private Sunset Flight for two over the San Francisco Bay
Round-trip flights on Southwest Airlines
Tickets to "Uncorked" Wine Events
San Francisco 49ers tickets plus parking pass
San Francisco Giants tickets
Lunch and Capitol Tour with Assemblywoman Fiona Ma
San Francisco Ballet tickets
Sunset Sail on the San Francisco Bay
Lunch for five with bestselling author John Lescroart
VIP Barrel Tasting for six at Peju Winery
Wine from Grieve Family Winery, Dutton-Goldfield Winery, Kermit Lynch Wines, and more!

If you cannot attend A Victorian Evening but still want to support Sunset children and families, you can make a gift to SNBC at www.snbc.org.

How can we learn more about SNBC?

Visit our website at www.snbc.org and follow SNBC on twitter and facebook. We update our twitter and facebook often. We're currently running giveaways on facebook for people purchasing and/or promoting our A Victorian Evening event tickets, so be sure to head over and show your support.

Thank you, Michael, for talking with us about the exciting activities over at SNBC. We're happy to feature the great work of SNBC in the first edition of the Aspiranet Program Spotlight.

Ventura Aspiranet in the News

2011-03-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

Do you want to learn more about foster care from the perspective of a current parent?

Check out the following links to interviews conducted with staff and families in our Aspiranet Ventura office:

KCLU Radio

Ventura Breeze - page 14

CapsTV - Episode 43

You can always contact us to speak with our recruitment team about becoming a foster parent. In just a few months, you could welcome a child into your home and help them find their inner hero. Take the first step today by contacting us or giving us a call at (877) 380-HERO. We look forward to hearing from you!

Your Advocacy Saves THP-Plus

2011-03-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

Throughout the month of February, we put out numerous calls to all of our followers on facebook, twitter, and email to raise their voices on behalf of THP-Plus programs. We asked you to call and write letters to your representatives in California Congress, including Governor Jerry Brown. The response we received was overwhelming. We had many people call us and email us to let us know that they were doing everything in their power to let California leadership know that THP-Plus programs work for former foster youth by giving them the opportunity to live a successful, independent life.

At Aspiranet, we wrote hundreds of letters and visited Sacramento alongside current and former THP-Plus youth to testify before the Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees on Health and Human Services against the proposed $19 million cuts to THP-Plus.

We are so excited to share that your advocacy saved THP-Plus from a $19 million dollar proposed budget cut.

On behalf of THP-Plus youth, we cannot thank you enough for your support throughout the month of February. We know you understand that THP-Plus is a proven program that provides a safe living environment while helping youth achieve self-sufficiency. Thank you for using your voice to communicate the importance of THP-Plus to California leadership.

Are you interested in joining Aspiranet's advocacy efforts? Please contact us to learn more. With 35 programs across the state, we are constantly working to raise awareness of our activities in support of communities and families as they love and care for children.

Aspiranet Advocacy in Action

2011-02-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

This week Aspiranet traveled to the State Capitol in Sacramento on behalf of a program near and dear to our hearts: Transitional Housing Program Plus. THP-Plus provides support and affordable housing to emancipated probation and foster youth who have aged out of foster care between ages of 18 to 24.

Lately you may have noticed our advocacy appeals on behalf of THP-Plus on our website, twitter, and facebook pages asking you to raise your voice in support of THP-Plus by calling and writing letters to legislators. Governor Jerry Brown proposed a $19 million reduction to THP-Plus and we are committed to advocating to preserve the funding to this program.

We arrived at the capitol Tuesday afternoon to an auditorium full of current and former foster youth, social workers, and legislative advocates ready to testify on behalf of THP-Plus to the Senate Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

The goal of the afternoon was to have California State Senators Mark DeSaulnier, Elaine K. Alquist, and Bill Emmerson put forth a recommendation to reject Governor Jerry Brown's proposed reduction to THP-Plus. More than 50 passionate individuals shared emotional stories of the success of the program, with the line to testify reaching the back of the crowded auditorium for close to an hour.

Much of the testimony returned to one simple point again and again: THP-Plus works by giving foster youth the opportunities and resources they need and deserve to be successful.

Aspiranet's own Caryn Romero, THP-Plus Program Manager in Stockton CA shared powerful stories of the success of THP-Plus in her office. Visit our youtube channel to view a live recording.

"I am here in support of THP-Plus funding and want to impress upon you that the former foster youth we are talking about are more than those three words depict. They are individuals with names, a history, goals, dreams and desires...just like my own teenagers.

You will receive a lot of information including statistics demonstrating how supporting these young people has positive outcomes. But I don't need to read those reports because I see those positive results in my office everyday:

Sheila came to us two years ago having dropped out of a four year state university during her freshman year, overwhelmed. She just left our THP-Plus program last week with a degree in audio engineering from Pinnacle college and got to work at the Carried Underwood concert in Stockton this past summer.

Carlos was living at the Salvation Army homeless shelter for men at the age of 19 when he applied to our program. He exited after close to two years working for a window installation company, making almost as much as the case managers that helped him get on his feet..."

The Senate Subcommittee on Health and Human Services decided to bring the issue of THP-Plus funding before the full Senate Budget Committee instead of rejecting Governor Jerry Brown's proposal to reduce funding to THP-Plus. We are confident that the testimony provided Tuesday will help inform our legislature's decision regarding the program in the coming months.

We thank all of Aspiranet's supporters for your advocacy efforts for THP-Plus. In the future, be sure to follow our blog, facebook, and twitter for opportunities to advocate with us. The California families, children, and communities we serve always need your voice.

The Lisa Project Comes to Kern County

2011-02-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for something to do this weekend?

Head over to The Lisa Project in Bakersfield!

The Lisa Project is an interactive multi-media exhibit allowing visitors to experience the life of an abused or neglected child. A powerful 20-minute audio tour narrated from a child's perspective guides visitors through a room-by-room open house depicting the reality of child abuse and neglect.

The Lisa Project is free and open to the public every weekend in February:

Thursday and Friday: 5pm to 9pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm

Location: Bakersfield Heart Hospital (link to map) at 3001 Sillect Avenue, Bakerfield CA 93308

Aspiranet staff, including our Chief Executive Officer, Vernon Brown previewed the exhibit last week. All attendees said that The Lisa Project is a sobering reminder of our collective responsibility to report abuse and do whatever we can to protect children and strengthen families.

We look forward to seeing you at The Lisa Project this month!

If you have any questions, leave us a comment on this post or call Jana Davis at (661) 859-2135.

The Lisa Project is sponsored by Aspiranet and collaborative partners in Kern County, including the Kern County Department of Human Services, Kern County Network for Children, First 5 of Kern, the Bakersfield Police Department and other community partners.

Third Annual Holiday Toy Drive Results

2011-02-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks, Aspiranet foster families, children, and social workers have shared touching stories with us about our 3rd annual Holiday Toy Drive in partnership with Starbucks. From November to December, 168 Starbucks stores throughout California collected 3,500 gifts for California children in foster care.

While the number itself is impressive, the stories behind that number inspire us to continue toward our vision of "taking collective action to support communities and families as they love and care for children":

In Bakersfield, one woman fulfilled the gift wishes of 19 foster children
In San Bernadino, a former foster child reached out and cheered on a child currently in foster care with the donation of a special toy horse
In Visalia, a man saw a wish ornament bearing the same first name as that of his late father and purchased a skateboard and carrying case for the young boy in his father's memory. The child had been wishing for a skateboard of his own for a long time
In San Bernadino, a man donated his own clarinet along with an offer to provide lessons to a child who wished for the opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument

Although we cannot adequately communicate in writing the heartfelt joy, smiles and tears that our foster children and families shared with their social workers upon receiving their Starbucks wish gifts, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank our individual donors and Starbucks partners for their outpouring of generous support.

Are you an organization or individual looking to use your unique voice and talents to benefit children and families in need of support? Please contact us. We'd love to have you join us in our service to the community.

Carrie Ontiveros named AdoptUsKids caseworker of the month

2011-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

Carrie Ontiveros of the Aspiranet Bakersfield office has been recognized as AdoptUsKids’ January caseworker of the month. We are proud to have her excellent work recognized by an organization raises public awareness of the need for foster and adoptive families on a national level.

“I had read the caseworker of the month stories on the AdoptUsKids website before but had never imagined that I would be nominated one day,” Aspiranet Adoption Supervising Social Worker Carrie Ontiveros said. “I am honored by my nomination by the Gills family and glad that I was able to help them successfully navigate the path toward adoption.”

Has an Aspiranet social worker positively influenced your life? We are currently planning our activities for National Social Work Month in March and would love to share your story! Please email our Online Marketing Manager, Michelle at mdiemer@aspiranet.org to learn more.

Aspiranet Invites You to Watch "A Home for the Holidays"

2010-12-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

Foster care adoption can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. During this holiday season we would like to celebrate all foster and adoptive parents by inviting you to watch “A Home for the Holidays,” presented by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, on Wednesday, December 22nd, at 8 pm on CBS.

Our hope is that through the inspirational stories about foster care adoption presented by popular celebrities, you will be inspired to begin the process of becoming a foster parent, or to refer a loving family who may be ready to begin the journey. Your commitment will make a lifelong connection with a child. By sharing your love, parenting skills and support, children can have a better life.

During this holiday season, we would like to thank our foster and adoptive families for sharing love, parenting skills and support so that children can have a lifelong connection through the power of family.

The need for foster families is great.

Nearly sixty thousand children from infants to teens are in foster care in California. Foster families help children reach for their dreams by providing a home, a family, love, laughter and a positive, stable role model. This holiday season, give a child, teen or sibling set the gift of finding their inner hero, and give them a place to call home by becoming a foster parent.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent or to refer a loving family
go to: www.aspiranetheroes.org, 1-877-380-HERO

Aspiranet wishes you and your family a happy holiday season.

Mt. Diablo Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.s) Annual Toy Drive for Foster Youth

2010-12-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Greater Bay Area District office of Aspiranet would like to announce The Mt. Diablo Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.s) Annual Toy Drive for our foster youth this holiday season. The "Hog Run" is coordinated by the Mt. Diablo HOG's Director Kevin Navin and Assistant Director Carrie Korinek. It is an opportunity to experience the exciting sights and sounds of Harley motorcycles and their riders as they drop off toys for our foster youth. The event is being held this Saturday December 11, 2010 at 3727 Sunset Lane, Antioch, CA 94509 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

All the staff of our Greater Bay Area District office would like to sincerely thank the Mt. Diable H.O.G.s and all their Harley owners/riders for their generosity and assistance in helping us bring smiles to our foster children this holiday season.

Gift Drive at the Pointe Cafe in South San Francisco

2010-12-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

The Greater Bay Area District office of Aspiranet would like to announce that David Araj, owner of The Pointe Cafe located inside 400 Oyster Point Blvd, S. SF, CA 94080 is sponsoring a Christmas toy drive for our foster youth this holiday season.

The toy drive will run from 12/1/10 to 12/17/10. Patrons of The Pointe Cafe can obtain a christmas decoration from a display which has a child's name, age, and gift request on it. The unwrapped gift purchase is then returned to the Pointe Cafe Christmas Toy Drive display container. The gifts will be wrapped and presented to each foster child in our Greater Bay Area district before the Christmas holiday.

All the staff of our Greater Bay Area District office would like to sincerely thank owner David Araj and his staff at the Pointe Cafe for their generosity and assistance in helping us bring smiles to our foster children this holiday season.

Experience Corps Fundraiser a Success

2010-11-30T11:50:00.001-08:00

Guests Arriving

This past Saturday, November 20th, Experience Corps Bay Area held its first-ever fundraising event. Held in a private home on a steep hill in Mill Valley, up a harrowing one-lane road, the event was sponsored by Savory Thymes, an organization formed to support arts, cultural and other non-profits through hosting fundraising and networking events.

With an Honorary Committee consisting of the Superintendents of Schools of Oakland, San Francisco and San Rafael, and a Host Committee of community leaders from throughout Northern California, the event was key to both raising funds and furthering awareness of our program and the impact it has on both seniors and children. The organizing committee of David Moren, Michael Lynch, Susan Kraemer, Eunice Nichols and Paul Olsen did the heavy lifting required for such a successful event.

Almost 80 supporters of Experience Corps Bay Area – volunteers, staff, teachers, principals, donors and friends – braved the weather for a tasty locally produced lunch and a program featuring volunteers from Marin and Oakland, Principal Wendi Caporucci from Emerson Elementary School in Oakland, and Eunice Nichols, the former Experience Corps Bay Area Director who presided over its expansion from San Francisco to the 3 cities it serves today.

Paul Olsen

Highlights included the acknowledgement of Aspiranet CEO Vernon Brown, who had raced from a speaking engagement on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento in order to participate; his counterpart Barbara Hood, the CEO of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services, the organization that sponsors the Marin operation; Roy Earnest, who runs the Northern California field office of the Corporation for National and Community Service; and School Board members from the cities in which we serve. Other dignitaries at the event included Michael Funk, who brought Experience Corps to California, and remains actively engaged in its success.

Ali Ghiorse of Savory Thymes welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support of Experience Corps. Paul Olsen, Director of Experience Corps Bay Area, acted as emcee, seamlessly weaving together the speakers and their remarks with observations over the short but intensive time he has been with the organization. Susan Kraemer concluded the program by holding the free raffle for the Hawaiian vacation, along with Marin Experience Corps member Ron Benjamin, who donated the raffle prize.

Elsa Kessler

The heart of the program, in many ways, was hearing from the speakers and the stories they told about how Experience Corps has changed their lives, and the lives of the children in the schools where we serve. Elsa Kessler, from Marin, kicked off the speakers with a touching story about the effect her student had on her, and wondering if she had had an effect as great on him, stating, “While it can be difficult to measure the impact of my presence on Daniel, I can say that Daniel has definitely impacted my life.”

She was followed by Principal Caporicci, who made it clear that Experience Corps members have a huge impact on the children they work with, pointing out that her school has gone from a score of 500 to a score of 737, and attributing the partnership of Experience Corps members and a caring staff to that growth.

Susann Calkins

Susann Calkins of Oakland followed up by describing her search to find a program that would support her in doing the work she wanted to after retiring. Susann noted that “It was more difficult than I thought to find a volunteer literacy program with the components I felt helped struggling readers learn best:

Training
Team support- coordinators who served as trouble shooters and liaisons with school leaders, fellow volunteers who continued to learn
Time – ongoing relationship with individual students (in my mind at least 2 sessions/week) and a program that continually evaluated its effectiveness” and urging those in the audience to help get out the word about Experience Corps.

Eunice Nichols

Finally, Eunice Nichols linked each of the stories to the research data proving our impact, to the dozens of people in the room whose lives have been changed by their involvement in Experience Corps Bay Area, and to the real need the program has for sustainable funding.

Eunice noted that through the underwriting of the event by Savory Thymes, and individual donations from friends and family, the event had raised almost $15,000 and a private donor had contributed an additional $15,000 to underwrite some program expenses as well. Eunice challenged those attending to offer further financial support to the program with a call for supporters of Experience Corps Bay Area to match the previous gifts with an additional $15,000 as part of the year-end campaign.

This is the perfect time of year to offer thanks to all who participated in making this event a success, and to all who continue to make the work of Experience Corps Bay Area successful. I am thankful for the opportunity to be, along with you, a part of such an inspiring organization.

Paul Olsen, Director
Experience Corps Bay Area

Learn more about Experience Corps >

Reintroducing Aspiranet.org

2010-11-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

Check out the newly redesigned Aspiranet website!
www.aspiranet.org

We have made it easier for our communities to access the different areas of Aspiranet. Some of the newest features include:

Stories of how we change lives in our day-to-day work
How people can get involved through volunteering, parenting, careers, donations or partnerships
Overview of the counties, corporations, foundations and community-based organizations whose support allows us to work toward our vision
Ongoing updates on Aspiranet news and events
Agency background information and leadership profiles
Ability to explore our network of diverse, statewide services by category, name and location

www.aspiranet.org

New Adoption for Monterey County Parents

2010-11-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to KION Central Coast News for raising awareness of the need for foster and adoptive families at last night's Question Center. Check out last night's story of adoption in Monterey County

Aspiranet featured on KION46 News

2010-11-17T09:55:00.001-08:00

Aspiranet will be featured on the evening news on KION46 TV tonight speaking about National Adoption Month and answering adoption questions from callers. If you are in the area tune in to the 5:00 and 6:00 Central Coast news in Monterey, Salinas and Santa Cruz to watch live.

http://www.kionrightnow.com/

Help a teen find her inner [Hero]

2010-11-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

Over the next month look for Aspiranet ads online at:

Listen for ads on the radio at:

KSOF 98.9 in Fresno
KUZZ 107.9 in Bakersfield
KTIP 1450 in Visalia
KSTT 101.3 and KSLY 96.1 in San Louis Obispo and Santa Maria
KWAV 96.9 and KYZZ 97.9 in Monterey and Salinas
KLVE 107.3 Spanish radio in Los Angeles
KHAY 100.7 in Ventura

Look for Aspiranet newspaper ads in:

La Watts Times
Hoy La Edition and Fin De Semana in Los Angeles
Acorn in Ventura

If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child through foster care visit http://www.aspiranetheroes.org/ or call 877-380-HERO.

National Adoption Day at State Capitol

2010-11-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

National Adoption Day will culminate the month-long effort to promote awareness of foster children and youth in search of permanent families. Join AspiraNet, EMQ FamiliesFirst, Lilliput Children’s Services and Sierra Forever Families for a dawn to dusk event featuring a candlelight vigil, community adoption information fair, pancake breakfast, foster child awareness walk around the Capitol, adoptive family of the year presentations, fun children's activities and calling out of names.

View Flyer (PDF) >

Date: Saturday, November 20th

Time: 6am-6pm

Location: California State Capitol West Steps, 10th Street, Sacramento

Website: www.cacfs.org/adoptionmonth.html

Feet for Families Fun Run Walk this Sunday in Oxnard, CA

2010-10-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Bring out your inner hero: Aspiranet invites the Ventura community, families, friends, athletes in training, students, and seniors to celebrate our 35 years of service to children and families at Aspiranet Feet For Families Ventura Run.

Benefitting local Aspiranet programs that serve siblings in foster care, youth in/or emancipating from foster care, and various other programs that promote safety, stability, and permanency for children in communities across Ventura County.

Featuring: A fast and flat 5k course that will be out and back through the Mandalay Colony and Hollywood Beach neighborhoods along Sunset Lane. The turnaround will be near Channel Islands Harbor.

Where: Oxnard Beach Park, 1601 So. Harbor Blvd.

When:
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Day of event registration begins at 7:00am
Race starts at 8:00 am

Registration Fee: $ 25.00 per participant includes t-shirt, and gift bag. Children under 12 are free.

Awards: Overall awards for the top 3 male and female finishers
For more information, please call Aspiranet at 805.289.0120.

Can't attend but would like to contribute? Click here for our donation form.

For sponsorship information or to volunteer, please call 805.289.0120 or 714.788.3507.

Register

Adult/Family Online Registration Form

Under 12 Online Registration Form

Paws for Families Fun Run Walk this Saturday in Turlock, CA

2010-10-19T11:22:00.001-07:00

Aspiranet’s Feet for Families and Paws for Families invite you to bring your family and friends to a Family Fun Dog Event! Help Aspiranet celebrate our 35 years of service to children and families throughout California at Aspiranet Paws for Families! Adults, kids and dogs all welcome! With over 25 years serving Stanislaus County and the community of Turlock, we are looking forward to your joining us for this special event.

Enjoy beautiful fun family- and pet-friendly events as well as lunch, vendor booths and demonstrations from local community agencies. Fun for everyone!

Benefitting three signature programs of Aspiranet’s Central Valley location: the newly created service dog program at the Excell Center, emergency needs for local families in crisis at the Turlock Family Resource Center, and scholarships for foster youth through the Turlock Aspiranet office.

Featuring:	Fun walk around the park, dog agility event, doggy costume contest and much more.
Where:	Donnelly Park, Turlock
When:	Saturday, October 23, 2010 10am - 2pm
Registration Fee:	$15-$40 (see registration form for details); includes event t-shirt and lunch

For more information please call Aspiranet at 209.669.2582, ext. 2312.
Can't attend but would like to contribute? Click here for our donation form.

Download Event Flyer or Postcard

Register

Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center to host ‘Lights On Afterschool’

2010-10-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Congresswoman Jackie Speier, D-San Francisco, to join celebration of afterschool program’s recognition as national finalist for the MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) The Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center (SNBC), which offers a safe and educational place to go afterschool for more than 700 elementary, middle and high school students each day, was recently recognized as one of the country’s best afterschool programs by the Afterschool Alliance and MetLife Foundation.

SNBC is a program of Aspiranet, which offers a statewide network of services through a variety of creative community partnerships. SNBC, one of just a few MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award finalists from across the country, provides daily afterschool programming at five middle and elementary schools and a recreation clubhouse in the Sunset District of San Francisco.

The MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award recognizes afterschool programs that provide students with multiple benefits, promote health and wellness, and prepare students for college and careers. SNBC offers children and teens a variety of educational and enrichment-based afterschool programming that includes the MOUSE Squad, a program providing youth access to technology education, Urban Dance, Cartoon and Anime Art, Peer Resources, and much more.

SNBC will celebrate their recognition on October 21 by hosting a Lights On Afterschool event. Launched in October 2000 by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is celebrated nationwide to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs for America’s children, families, and communities. Congresswoman Jackie Speier, D-San Francisco, will announce SNBC’s recognition as a finalist for the MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award. SNBC’s Lights On Afterschool celebration will also include a demonstrations and highlights of SNBC afterschool clubs and programs, as well as live music provided by the SNBC Urban Music Program, youth performances, raffle prizes, and refreshments.

The Lights On Afterschool event will take place from 6:30 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 21, at A.P. Giannini Middle School, 3151 Ortega Street at 38th Avenue, San Francisco, California.

For more information about SNBC and the Light On Afterschool Celebration, visit www.snbc.org.

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families, and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services through 44 satellite centers within California.

Founded more than 30 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, California, Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet has touched the lives of over 10,000 families and children since its founding.

Aspiranet’s vision of bringing families together and helping foster children, siblings, and parents thrive is realized through six areas of expertise – Family Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Afterschool Programs, and Community Partnerships. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.

About Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center

SNBC was established in 1996 in an effort to provide community-based services for youth and families in the Sunset District of San Francisco.

SNBC is committed to providing supports and opportunities to ensure the healthy development of children, youth, and adults in the Sunset community. SNBC’s purpose is to connect people to their passion, potential, and community.

Feet for Families Kicks Off Saturday

2010-10-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow kicks off our October Feet for Families events in San Jose. Assemblyman Beall will be on hand to talk about foster care reform and AB12 whihch was signed by the Governor this week. This morning's Mercury News mentioned the event and his attendance:

http://www.mercurynews.com/sal-pizarro

Enjoy beautiful run/walk courses, live music featuring HIGH Risk, healthy snacks and drinks, door prizes, and arts and crafts. Fun for everyone!

All participants eligible for free gifts drawing on Oct 2. Restaurant gift certificates, ipod accessories, mp3 players, theater tickets and more.

Benefitting Aspiranet South Bay programs: Children with Developmental Disabilities, Foster Families and MOUSE Squad CA student tech.

Featuring:	5K, 2.5K, and 1 mile courses

Where:	Almaden Lake Park, Arroyo Picnic Area, San Jose Download Course Map >

When:	Saturday, October 2, 2010 9:00 am - 1:00 pm; day of event registration begins at 8:00 a.m. View Schedule >

Registration Fee:	$15-$25 (see registration form for details); includes event t-shirt and gift at course completion.

For more information please call Aspiranet at 408.229.0775.

Can't attend but would like to contribute? Click here for our donation form.

COMING SOON: Register today for a Feet for Families Family Fun Event!

2010-09-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Aspiranet invites you to help us celebrate 35 years of service to children and families by participating in our October Feet For Families and Paws for Families Fun Walk/Run events. Join us for a family-fun events hosted in San Jose, Fresno, Ventura and Turlock and designed to raise awareness of and funding for area foster children, teens and families. To register and/or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.aspiranet.org/feetforfamilies.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Super Hero Sponsors:Cupertino Electric - http://www.cei.com/

Xilinx - http://www.xilinx.com/
Los Angeles Family Magazine - http://www.familymagazinegroup.com/

Medalist Sponsors:
MoGoBBQ - http://www.mogobbq.com/
Ian Moore

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS:
* Hobee's California Restaurants - http://www.hobees.com/
* San Jose Improv - http://www.improv.com/
* Balloonatics - http://www.balloonaticsevents.com/
* Photography by Wehaveus - http://www.wehaveus.com/
* High Risk - band

Aspiranet is seeking more sponsors as well as community support in the form of donors, volunteers and participants. For more information, contact Aspiranet at 408.229.0775 or go to: http://www.aspiranet.org/feetforfamilies/supporters.aspx

Volunteer Outreach Council/page/MOUSE Squad to the Rescue

2010-09-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

By Susan Fisher and Doug DeFrees, members of the IBM Volunteer Outreach Council (IVOC)

Picked up from IBM's Volunteer Outreach Council Site

When Doug DeFrees, Research Software Engineer at IBM Research-Almaden, became a MOUSE Squad volunteer at Los Arboles Elementary School and Sylvandale Middle School, both in San Jose’s Franklin-McKinley School District, he knew he had the skills to share his technical knowledge to help teach youngsters how to use, repair, and troubleshoot computers. There were unexpected rewards to come. “It’s a great feeling when students and teachers share with me the good effect that our MOUSE Squad has had on them,” says DeFrees, a father of two and an enthusiastic pilot. He and his wife have worked with children in various volunteer capacities for more than 20 years. “The positive feedback makes it all worthwhile,” says DeFrees, who feels that MOUSE Squad is a win-win for all involved – students, teachers, schools…and volunteers.

A bevy of MOUSE Squad students at Los Arboles receive instruction from teacher and Mouse Squad Advisor Ian McCray on the value of technology

Gary Waters, math and science teacher at Sylvandale, agrees with DeFrees. “MOUSE Squad has been operative at Sylvandale for only one year, but I can see an impact on the students who have participated that will go far beyond their years in middle school,” says Waters, who is the school’s MOUSE Squad Advisor. “The students have gained many new skills that will aid them in their future lives both professionally and socially. They have learned how to take on more responsibility and to communicate more effectively with adults. They have been inspired to learn more about technology, math and science.”

Leslie and Selene, 5th graders in the Los Arboles MOUSE Squad, told DeFrees about the time they took action to prevent a real showstopper. While waiting for the start of the fundraiser "Movie Night," a glitch stopped the whole show and 150 kids were getting restless in the school cafeteria. The teacher in charge called for help from MOUSE Squad.
Fortunately, Leslie and Serene were working in the school lab helping with the evening class for parents. The two girls ran quickly to the cafeteria. A few minutes later after they initiated a reboot, the movie started and the whole room cheered. Selene said, "We felt like celebrities." “Yeah,” Leslie agreed. "That was cool!" One might even say Oscarworthy – Best Performance for Can-Do Spirit and Technical Skills by 5th Graders!

With MOUSE Squads generating effective results like these, no wonder Ira Dearing, an IBM retiree who worked for Storage Device Division and Software Group for 35 years and now runs her own successful clothing design business, was eager to volunteer and help set up a new MOUSE Squad group at East Palo Alto Boys and Girls Club. “I enjoy working with these young people and sharing the skills I’ve learned over my years with IBM,” says Dearing. “It’s a very positive experience to help students understand and successfully use technology as they develop leadership skills.”

What is a MOUSE Squad?

So what are MOUSE Squads all about? MOUSE Squad of California (MSCA) is the Student Tech Leadership program of Aspiranet, a nonprofit human services agency providing school-based and after school programs, community technology centers and children and family services throughout California. MOUSE Squad, helps schools and other groups teach kids how computers and software work. MOUSE Squad members then provide tech support to end users who need more help than the ‘help key’ provides. The kids learn technical skills they can use in real life, not only immediately but as a springboard to technical careers. They learn the value of math and science, provide a great service to their organizations by keeping systems up and running, and are recognized as ‘subject matter experts’ not only by their peers but by teachers, administrators, and most importantly, their families.

“Today there are more than 80 MOUSE Squad programs in California, almost half of them in Silicon Valley,” comments Program Director Jan Half. More than 1,600 students are enrolled and the number grows every month. Learn more from Jan about MOUSE Squads by viewing a video and view the full list of MOUSE Squad schools and organizations.

MOUSE Squads are up and running in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools and at organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs in East Palo Alto where Dearing volunteers and in San Jose where Merilee Germano, retired from Storage and Technology Group after 34 years with IBM, is a MOUSE Squad volunteer. “Working with the MOUSE Squad is a great way to give back some of the skills I learned at IBM,” says Germano. “It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm for learning and sharing knowledge that takes place among the kids in my group. The kids are very engaged and excited to learn and then to apply what they have learned."

Dustin Chan, Levin Technology Director at Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley in San Jose, says that the MOUSE Squad curriculum, which MSCA licenses in partnership with MOUSE (Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools & Education), a New York City-based nonprofit organization, has taken his program to a new level. “The program results can be seen in our everyday operations, where the MOUSE Squad youth have become the leaders in the computer lab,” comments Chan. “Being a non-profit, we cannot afford many luxuries. Training staff to run labs is out of the question. However, MOUSE Squad has made it possible for us to train our youth to step up to that challenge. Our computers are outdated and run into many issues. But the youth are always eager to find a fix. I have made this program like a job and every member of the squad has set goals to pursue an education for a career in the computer industry. We appreciate IBM’s investment in our future, our youth, through MOUSE Squad.”

MOUSE Squads: a winning combination for students, teachers, volunteers, and technology through IBM funding

To get a MOUSE Squad in place takes a little time from a willing volunteer working with an enthusiastic teacher or staff member, and a bit of funding. That’s where the IBM Volunteer Outreach Council (IVOC) plays a role. IVOC, a group of IBM employees and retirees that includes DeFrees and Dearing in its membership, reviews grant proposals received from IBM volunteers working at local schools and nonprofit organizations in Silicon Valley and ecommends the proposals to IBM for funding.

“Supporting MOUSE Squads is an important initiative for IBM,” says Jennifer Hernandez, Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs manager for Silicon Valley and also an IVOC member. “The Silicon Valley Community Action Council (SVCAC) as well as IVOC feels that this organization mirrors IBM’s values in training young people in technical and leadership skills.” Over the past three years, IBM has contributed more than $14,000 to the growth of MOUSE Squads at several schools and nonprofit organizations in Silicon Valley. In addition, the Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs organization provided a $15,000 sponsorship to help extend the MOUSE Squad program across California. The payback comes in many ways: kids learn the value of helping others by sharing their technical skills; they provide great value to schools without the budget for in-house tech support and ‘just in time’ troubleshooting; they have a new path to higher education and career opportunities.

Best of all, says Los Arboles principal Carla Haakma, “are the rewards we get when children receive that little extra help from outside the community that encourages them to succeed. Opportunities like the ones IBM and MOUSE Squad have helped them to experience enable our dream of building upon our school’s focus on Technology and Communication in Society.” At a time when Los Arboles is facing budget reductions in both personnel and programs, Haakma adds that “contributions such as this one (from IBM IVOC) make it possible for us to continue to support technology programs that benefit our students, staff and community.”

There are many schools in Silicon Valley that could benefit from having a MOUSE Squad on board or need assistance with a Squad already in place. If you are interested in becoming a MOUSE Squad volunteer and would like to know how to get started at a school in your area, contact Kathleen Lynn, MSCA Corporate Connections/Volunteer Coordinator, for more information.

The IBM Volunteer Outreach Council (IVOC) invites you to learn how you can become involved in the council’s activities. Visit the IVOC website for more information and to find out how to submit a grant proposal for an organization at which you currently volunteer. Also see all the organizations that have received IBM grants through IVOC that were facilitated by IBM volunteers.

For more information concerning this article, please contact Doug DeFrees at REMOVEdefrees@almaden.ibm.com.

Read the article on IBM's site.