Thought Leadership Archives

Mullin’s bill aims to raise poverty line, article by Alyse DiNapoli, Daily Journal

By Theresa Myers in Thought Leadership | Posted December 7, 2023

Peninsula Family Service CEO, Heather Cleary supports new bill to update the federal poverty line, introduced by US Rep Kevin Mullin. “U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin introduced a bill Wednesday, Dec. 6, to update the federal poverty line and incorporate regional cost-of-living differences, citing an antiquated formula that hasn’t seen substantive changes in more than five decades. The federal poverty line is used to establish eligibility for a wide swath of means-tested social programs — including…

Opinion: We Need Better Pathways for Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher

By Bryan Cohn in Early Learning, Thought Leadership | Posted August 17, 2023

Early childhood educator and PFS teaching aide Jay Lee, recently wrote an op-ed on EdSurge, a digital news and research magazine about education. Jay’s article, titled “We Need Better Pathways for Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher”, highlights the need for better ways to recruit and retain teachers such as increased compensation, easier pathways to certification, and combating staff shortages. Like many others interested in early childhood education, Lee struggles to overcome institutionalized barriers associated with…

Helping older adults help other older adults

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Older Adult Services, Spanish, Success Story, Thought Leadership, Volunteers | Posted September 22, 2022

This opinion piece was published in the Daily Journal on September 21, 2022: The U.S. population is growing older, and that is especially apparent in our local community. According to California Department of Finance population projections, San Mateo County will grow by more than 150,000 residents 65 and older by 2050. As the population increases, their needs increase as well, specifically those related to housing, transportation, social isolation, mental and physical health, and employment. Unfortunately,…

Heart of the Community, CEO Heather Cleary

By Theresa Myers in Thought Leadership | Posted July 1, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 1, 2021 Peninsula Family Service (PFS) CEO, Heather Cleary, is featured in the July 2021 edition of Punch Magazine. The interview, Heart of the Community, written by Eva Barrows and photographed by Irene Searles, follows Heather’s journey from the beginning of her career to her current work as the CEO of PFS. “I see my work here as an opportunity to give back to the community that I have lived in…

PFS Governing Board approves Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion anti-racist value statement

By Theresa Myers in Thought Leadership | Posted May 12, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2021 On May 12, 2021, the Governing Board of Peninsula Family Service (PFS) approved a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion anti-racist value statement for the organization. PFS has been working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Board level since February 2019. PFS recognizes the need to be equity-minded, and that making decisions that demonstrate race-consciousness, and an acknowledgement of past exclusionary practices will positively affect PFS, our participants, and our…

2021 Week of the Young Child

By Theresa Myers in Early Learning, Thought Leadership | Posted April 14, 2021

This week is the 50th anniversary of “The Week of the Young Child”, first celebrated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). During April 10-16, 2021, we celebrate children, families, and teachers. Most importantly, we celebrate our collective work to ensure that all young children, no matter their zip code, thrive and learn in a healthy and caring environment, helping each child reach their full potential. This year, the San Mateo…

A Note of Gratitude from CEO, Heather Cleary

By Theresa Myers in Thought Leadership | Posted March 4, 2021

At the one-year mark of our first shelter-in-place, I stop to think about all that has transpired. I am deeply moved by the hardships of the pandemic for so many in our community, and greatly appreciate the emergency assistance that has been made possible by our extended PFS family. In addition to our ongoing efforts, I am proud to announce that since March 2020, Peninsula Family Service has raised or facilitated the distribution of almost…

Volunteer Strong: COVID-19

By Theresa Myers in Thought Leadership, Uncategorized | Posted March 4, 2021

Individuals and group volunteers overcame COVID-19 challenges to continue support for PFS participants with a variety of caring projects. The response of volunteers to the increased level of food insecurity experienced by our neighbors continues to be outstanding. From March to December 2020, donations of meal and pantry boxes poured in with an impressive amount of more than 16,145 meal boxes. Donations of non-perishable, pre-cooked meals, and Thanksgiving dinners supplemented the food distribution from Second…

Individual Donors at the Heart of the Community

By Theresa Myers in Thought Leadership | Posted March 4, 2021

All of us at Peninsula Family Service (PFS) are awed and deeply grateful for the outpouring of support to our community during the pandemic. Assistance from individuals and family foundations are ensuring that our community’s most vulnerable families have the tools they need to weather the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19. Cash donations have bolstered PFS COVID-19 operations to supply the constant need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing materials for staff and…

Category: Thought Leadership