———–Early Learning before COVID————- STEM from the Start During FY19-20, a priority program in early learning had been to perfect our STEM from the Start pilot program so that over the next three years we can expand SteM to all of the children we serve. STEM awakens interest in science, technology, engineering, and math for all of our students; in fact studies show that learning math in the earliest years is as important as literacy…
Read MoreThanks to the very generous investment by donors and partners, we continue our work as a pillar of community support. During the challenges of COVID-19, contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, our three Auxiliaries, and other community partners, are more vital than ever to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors have the tools and support they need to thrive. As soon as our community began COVID-19 shelter-in- place, PFS pivoted our activities by providing remote services…
Read MoreTo help low- and moderate-income residents buy a new or used EV, the City of San José has partnered with Peninsula Family Service to launch the DriveForward EV Financial Assistance Program. The agencies will host three FREE 90-minute virtual workshops, accessible online and by phone on Saturday, August 29 (hosted in English) from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., Saturday, September 26 (hosted in Spanish) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Saturday, October 10 (hosted in…
Read MorePeninsula Family Service (PFS) is committed to speaking against racism, social injustice, and to support the most vulnerable members of the community we serve. Under the leadership of Heather Cleary, CEO, the Executive staff, and Governing Board, PFS pledges to speak to leaders in every sector: police departments, government at all levels, educational systems, financial institutions and more. PFS will expand the work of developing an anti-racist culture both at PFS and in our larger…
Read MoreVolunteers are writing thoughtful note cards to our aging neighbors who usually visit Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center and our Senior Peer Counseling participants. More than 100 note cards were written and donated by National Charity League Crystal Springs Chapter. Many more cards are being written and distributed every week by new volunteers. Several volunteers have hand-sewn face masks that will be given out to our teachers and students when they go back into the…
Read MoreOur Older Adult Services Senior Peer Counselors are working hard during shelter-in-place. Instead of weekly face-to-face visits, volunteers are on the phone and using technology to provide wellness checks with adults age 55+, either in a one-to-one setting or in virtual groups. It is more important than ever to reach out to our neighbors who feel isolated and need additional services. There has been a surge of need for wellness checks among older adults, according…
Read MoreOur Financial Empowerment program staff have been busy shifting to remote services. In-person financial education workshops have moved online, and our staff are working by phone to meet the needs of our participants. Each current participant with a loan has been contacted to find out how we can help. Many of our loan holders have been able to obtain loan deferrals. Other participants who are in need of groceries and essential needs have been given…
Read MoreOur Early Learning teachers and administrators have been a lifeline to the families we support. In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley, every Friday families are able to pick up boxes of food at our Midway Child Development Center in Daly City. Over 180 boxes are delivered and handed out by staff and volunteers. Our teachers have also gathered backpacks and school supplies for the children we support, as well as gift…
Read MoreThanks to the investment by PFS donors and partners, we continue our work as a pillar of community support, and ensure that our community’s most vulnerable families have the tools they need to weather the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. As soon as our community began to shelter-in-place, PFS pivoted our activities by providing remote services to participants in all three program areas. As staff spoke with individuals and families, PFS realized…
Read MoreAn Open Letter to Our Community, I’m devastated by the obvious racism in policing and loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery’s lives. I also see the more subtle version of racism seen in the COVID-19 illness and death rates. We all need to work together to create the systemic change that is needed. For example, I have been talking to local elected officials, and discussing with them what can be…
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