Don English, Chaffey Joint Union board member, has known Mikki for more than 15 years. He said, “Mikki cares about what’s best for all her students. She knows what it takes and knows what to do to make things better.”
“She knows the ins and outs of the system from the student’s perspective and has clear and sensible ideas about what to do to make things better,” said Upland Unified School District board member Sherman Garnett.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.—Three highly regarded Inland Valley school board members representing three local school districts are all throwing their support behind Mikki Cichocki for the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board.
“I am honored and excited to receive the endorsement of Sherman Garnett with Upland Unified, Don English with Chaffey Joint Union and Don Bridge with Chino Valley for the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board,” said Mikki Cichocki.
All announced their endorsement of Mikki Cichocki for the SBCUSD Board short term seat. Their support comes from their personal experience of watching her in action as a classroom teacher, program specialist and as the Secretary-Treasurer for the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
“I support Mikki because she not only knows her students and what they need, she also knows finance thanks to her tenure as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association and she has been able to create productive relationships with members of the California legislature. That combination means she can actually get things done to make things better for her district,” said Chino Valley Unified School District board member Don Bridge.
“I support Mikki because she not only knows her students and what they need, she also knows finance thanks to her tenure as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association and she has been able to create productive relationships with members of the California legislature. That combination means she can actually get things done to make things better for her district,” said Chino Valley Unified School District board member Don Bridge.
“Mikki has been very active in the administration of child welfare for the California Teachers Association and is truly passionate about seeing that every student gets a chance to succeed,” said Upland Unified board member Sherman Garnett.
“Mikki has been very active in the administration of child welfare for the San Bernardino School District and is truly passionate about seeing that every student gets a chance to succeed. She knows the ins and outs of the system from the student’s perspective and has clear and sensible ideas about what to do to make things better,” said Upland Unified board member Sherman Garnett.
Don English, Chaffey Joint Union board member, has known Mikki for more than 5 years. He said, “Mikki cares about what’s best for all her students. I’ve seen her go to bat for youngsters that come to her Youth Court and keep them out of the criminal justice system, helping them to turn themselves around and get on the right track. She knows what it takes and knows what to do to make things better.”
Cichocki is convinced that all members of the SBCUSD must have their voices heard and that certainly includes parents. Decisions about funding and setting priorities need to be aired and discussed openly with a view to reaching a consensus on actions to take.
“Together with the board, parents, teachers, and classified employees we will give every child the chance to succeed,” said Cichocki.
The SBCUSD is the seventh largest school district in the state with an annual budget of $824.7 million and spends $16,492 per student each year. The district has more than 54,000 students and 11,000 adult education students, in 73schools.
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1987. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she led the effort to work with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serves on the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
Garner Holt Productions, Inc. is the gateway to realms of incredible imagination, artistry, technical wizardry, experienced industry experts, and unmatched, proven quality.
Redlands, Calif. Garner Holt Productions of Redlands will host a fun & fund-raiser party at his 120,000 SF warehouse innovation facility on Saturday, November 5th to help the mission of The Unforgettables Foundation.
Holt, who is world renowned for his global leadership in the animatronics industry in working with Disney, Knott’s, Universal and other corporate entities, and locally for working with school systems on STEAM training, is a longtime supporter of TUF. He and TUF immediate past co-chair, LeAnne Chavez, are collaborating on leading the effort.
Tours of the collectors’ items and rare TV-related collectables will highlight, along with secret special appearances and photo opportunities for the guests. Garner Holt Productions is a hometown hero business helping a hometown based 22-year-old charity based in Redlands, that has extension chapters in other states and provinces across North America, is an Inland Empire collaboration for kids and families.
Garner Holt Productions, Inc.’s (GHP) expressive emotions animatronic figure is the most advanced humanoid robotic head ever created. The figure utilizes theme park quality construction to accomplish incredible special effects movement in a robotic or animatronic human platform. Find out more at http://micechat.com/168204-blurring-m…
The Unforgettables Foundation is a 22-year-old, 501 (c)(3), that helps about 200 at risk, grief stricken, and cash-strapped families struggling with their kids’ funeral costs. To purchase tickets, visit www.unforgettables.org.
Up Coming Unforgettables Foundation Fundraisers
From October 8th until November 5th, The Unforgettables Foundation, in a year of inflation, increasing child death requests and operation costs will try to catch-up budgetarily with the Highland Chamber’s 5k/10k on October 8th.
A two day Children & Families in Crisis Education Conference, which is a free teleconference/training symposium via Zoom on October 13th and 14th.
the BDA/IE golf tournament on Friday, October 21st.
the Garner Holt event on November 5th, and throughout all of this timeframe.
the Drs. David & Randy’s Unforgettable Global (bike) ride, involving past long trip rider, Dr. Randy Schell, M.D., formerly of Loma Linda, who with physician colleague.
Dr. David Moliterno, both of Lexington, KY, doing a pledge per mile international bicycle trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Pledge opportunities are available through our website at www.unforgettables.org.
Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891. started the Red Kettle.
Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.
REDLANDS, CALIF.— “I have been asked many times, how and why did The Salvation Army start ringing those silver bells during the Christmas season to encourage donations,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “Well, this is how it all began…
Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.
As a sailor in Liverpool, England, Captain McFee saw people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California too.
Captain McFee set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying, “Keep the Pot Boiling” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.
His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the 20th Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which was formed in 1887.
Tom Brickely invites people to donate to The Salvation Army outside of Walmart in Highland. Tom is long time The Salvation Army advisory board member and former president of Brickely Environmental. Please donate to help the children have a great Christmas.
Lynn Valbuena, Chair of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Red Kettle Kick-Off event for The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle 2022 Christmas campaign on Thursday, November 17th at 5:30 PM.
For nearly 50 years, Chairwoman Valbuena has held numerous elected and appointed positions within San Manuel tribal government.
Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. For local information call (909) 792-6868. Donors may drop off turkeys, hams other food, cash or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands California 92373
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals of all. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world.
The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino since 1887, and Redlands since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. They serve the cities of: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, and the mountain communities.
San Bernardino City Unified School District board candidate Mikki Cichocki
“Every student deserves a chance to succeed,” says San Bernardino City Unified School District board candidate Mikki Cichocki.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. When Mikki Cichocki was leaving Starbucks recently, one of her former sixth-grade students called out to say, “Hello.” Cichocki was happy to learn that her former youth court student is now studying to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at Crafton Hills College.
“I have always been drawn to help students in need,” said Cichocki. “There is not much that can compare to seeing ayoungster turn their life around and get on the road to graduation and a rewarding career. “
And that sums up why she is now running for the open Board position with the San Bernardino City Unified School District. “We really need to invest in every child because all children have potential, for some that potential is untapped. I want to make sure all children can grow and succeed.
“It is essential that we increase the resources devoted to providing student support. We need additional counseling services to meet the increased post-pandemic demand. We need to invest in expanding curriculum offerings like vocational, visual, and performing arts. You never know which student might turn out to be the next Steve Jobs, Awkwafina or Banksy, the next Denzel Washington or Jennifer Lopez. We just cannot predict that, so we must nurture each child to unlock their possible futures.”
Cichocki started Cal Poly Pomona as a business major and never expected to teach. But she soon changed her major to liberal arts, although still envisioning a business-related career. After graduation, she went to work for Xerox but then took a position as an instructional aide and substitute teacher. She loved it.
“When the district opened up a full-time teaching position, I applied and was selected to teach first-graders at Arrowhead Elementary,” said Cichocki. “I was hooked, I knew I had found my calling.”
The long list of those who have endorsed Mikki Cichocki for school board includes such notables as former San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Herb Fischer, current Superintendent Theodore “Ted” Alejandre and former SBCUSD Board Member Lynda Savage, as well as the San Bernardino Teachers Association and the Inland Empire Labor Council.
Mikki Cichocki believes that all stakeholders need to have their voices heard. As a former active PTA member, she believes that certainly includes parents. Decisions about funding and setting priorities need to be aired and discussed openly with a view to reaching a consensus.
Mikki Cichocki’s campaign manager is Patty Taylor, her treasurer is Don Taylor, and Dameron Communications provides advertising and public relations services. For more information on Mikki Cichocki’s campaign, visit her campaign’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mikki4SBCUSD
-30-
About Mikki Cichocki
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1988. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she led the effort to work with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serves on the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
DSC06662 Photo Caption: A parents signs her daughter up for Girl Scouting in San Bernadino. The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
(SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.) Families—complete with fathers, mothers, grandparents, and lots of daughters—attended the first American Girl Doll Tea Party in three years at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in San Bernadino. The Girl Scouts were there, and they signed up enough girls to start a new troop.
“Another great success of the American Girl Tea Party included Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio obtaining enough interest to start a new Girl Scout Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio.
DSC06659 Photo Caption: Girl Scout leaders were attended the American Girl Doll Tea Party scouting for new members. Left to right: Linda Scroggins, Knea Hawley, Concetta Miller and Debra Donnell. The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
“Girl Scouts is a great way to help girls learn new skills and make friends, but the pandemic has made it difficult for some troops to meet,” says Hawley. “I am thrilled to see the outpouring of support for girls and scouting. We’re grateful to have Girl Scout alumna Ivana Wright, who led a troop before the pandemic, and will lead this new one.
“I am really excited to work with a new group of girls and help them gain life skills, develop their interest in community and champion girls who will make the world a better place,” said Ivana Wright, Girl Scout of the Year 2017.
Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr. says, “The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact. The joining of local girls with The Girl Scouts at a Foundation-sponsored event, is a fine example of how the Library Foundation helps our community do just that.”
Photo Caption: Girls and Boys of all ethnicities attended the recent American Girl Tea Party. The Girl Scouts enough interest to start a new Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
The doll collection and the multi-generational American Girl Doll Tea Party are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
“The San Bernardino City Library allows children to check out an American Girl Doll kit. It includes ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll and a journal. Children checking out the dolls are encouraged to write about their playing with the dolls in a journal,” said Angela Encinas, Children’s Librarian.
For more information on how to join the new San Bernardino Troop or to start a new Girl Scout troop contact Concetta Miller cmiller@gssgc.org.
For more information on the San Bernardino City Library Foundation go to SBCLF.com
The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact.
Since 1995, the San Bernardino City Library Foundation has provided the San Bernardino Public Library system with the financial support it needs to provide new books for patrons, offer free tutoring for all academic levels, provide patrons with access to e-books and audiobooks, and provide innovative programs like a Makerspace and the American Girl Doll program. To join the Foundation or donate go to SBCLF.com.
Board members include Arlington C. Rodgers, Jr., President; Cheryl R. Brown, Vice President, Community Relations; Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Vice President, Operations; Debra A. Fields, Secretary, Dr. Chris Tickell, Evy Morales and Timothy Prince, Directors.
About The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio
Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio serves more than 10,000 girls in Riverside and San Bernardino counties with the dedicated support of 3,000 adult volunteers. GSSGC believes that in order to be a leader within your community, you have to truly become a part of that community. Girl Scouts offers girls the unique opportunity to identify and support issues that are important to them, form partnerships with other people, businesses, and organizations and create sustainable projects that change the world around them. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit gssgc.org.
Photo Caption:Girls and Boys of all ethnicities attended the recent American Girl Tea Party. The Girl Scouts enough interest to start a new Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
DSC06659 Photo Caption: Girl Scout leaders were attended the American Girl Doll Tea Party scouting for new members. Left to right: Linda Scroggins, Knea Hawley, Concetta Miller and Debra Donnell. The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
DSC06662 Photo Caption: A parents signs her daughter up for Girl Scouting in San Bernadino
Photo caption: After a two-year Covid hiatus, families indulged in canapés, tea, cake, free plants, a book signing and new dolls with the American Girl Doll collection thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation. The young ladies are ready to cut into the special cake for the American Girl Doll Tea Party.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) More than 110, daughters, sons, granddaughters, parents, and grandparents from throughout the Inland Empire enjoyed canapés, tea, and cake at the first American Girl Doll “Tea Party” in two years, thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
The multi-generational American Girl Doll Tea Party took place recently at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, complete with a book signing from the school’s namesake and author Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry herself.
In opening his school to host the Tea Party, Dr. Christopher Tickell, Principal said he plans to make this a signature event of his school for the foreseeable future. “ I was so excited to be a part of such an amazing event. To see so many people working so hard together to make something special for our community. I look forward to hosting this tea again and again and again.”
San Bernadino City Library Director Ed Erjavek, and Library Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr., welcomed the families to the celebration. San Bernardino City Council member Kimberley Calvin, and School Board member Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers joined the festivities.
Families—complete with fathers, mothers, and grandparents—came from San Bernardino, Riverside, Rialto, Hesperia, Redlands, and Rancho Cucamonga to attend the American Girl Tea Party in San Bernadino. Four children won American Girl Dolls and books in the event’s free raffle.
Cheryl Brown former Assemblymember (retired) and San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member and committee chairperson and President Arlington Rodgers, Jr., served as emcees and led the afternoon with information, food, and fun.
Canapés and tea were served by youth and adult volunteers including Black Voice newspaper publisher Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, Jordan and Peyton Brown, Isabell and Olivia Lee ,San Bernardino City Library Foundation board members Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Vice President, Operations, Debra A. Fields, Secretary, and Arlington Rodgers, Jr., President. The annual event attracts children and their parents from the Greater San Bernardino Area.
Lynn Summers presented the University of California’s local Master Gardener/Master Food Preserver program members who taught the children the oldest secrets on food preservation, making seed paper, pickled vegetables and gave all participants free milkweed plants.
Milkweed plants are the favorite food of Monarch butterflies. The children were asked to plant them to draw butterflies to their yards and help renew the butterfly population.
Angela Encinas , Children’s Librarian described how The San Bernardino City Library allows children to check out an American Girl Doll kit. It includes ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll and a journal. Children checking out the dolls are encouraged to write about their playing with the dolls in a journal. She included a reading of one of the journal pages and the author was in the audience, imagine the surprise on her face after hearing her words two years after she wrote them.
“Another great success of the day included The Girls Scouts obtaining enough sign-ups to start a new Girl Scout Troop in the Mt. Vernon area, the first new one in many years,” said Knea Hawley, Girl Scout executive.
The doll collection and the annual tea are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino that take delight in giving children entertaining educational experiences.
Foundation President Arlington Rodgers says, “Our deepest gratitude to our generous Foundation Partners who made the afternoon tea possible: Dr. Christopher Tickell, the Irvine Foundation, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, the University of California Cooperative, Extension Master Food Preservers and Master Gardeners of San Bernardino, the Westside Action Group, Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Debra Fields, Edison International, Amazon, the Inland Empire Community Foundation, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Friends of the Library, Johnnie Ralph, Shelby Obershaw, Dameron Communications and Evy Morales.
Planning for next year’s American Girl Tea Party begins next week. If you are interested in joining the planning, please call Stacy at (909) 381-8211.
The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact.
Since 1995, the San Bernardino City Library Foundation has provided the San Bernardino Public Library system with the financial support it needs to provide new books for patrons, offer free tutoring for all academic levels, provide patrons with access to e-books and audiobooks, and provide innovative programs like a Makerspace and the American Girl Doll program.
Board members include Arlington Rodgers, Jr., President; Cheryl R. Brown, Vice President, Community Relations; Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Vice President, Operations; Debra A. Fields, Secretary, Dr. Chris Tickell, Treasurer Evy Morales and Timothy Prince, Directors.
Photo caption: Riverside’s Kirsten Snyder, brought her daughter Addison Snyder and mother Norma Nelson to enjoy free afternoon tea, canapés, cake, plants, a book signing and new Dolls with Addison’s American Girl Doll.
Photo caption: “Thank you for the party,” said Yvonne Reed. She brought her granddaughter DaVyne McCrumb.
Photo caption: (From left) San Bernadino City Library Director Ed Erjavek, Assemblymember (retired) and San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member Cheryl Brown and Library Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr., welcomed families to the American Girl Doll “Tea Party.”
San Bernardino Residents Esgar, and Paloma Rodriguez brought their daughter Everly to the American Girl Doll Tea Party.
Photo caption: Angela Encinas, San Bernardino Children’s Librarian reading from a page from a child’s journal imagine the girl’s surprise and her surprise that the girl and her mother were in the audience.
Photo caption: University of California local Master Gardener/Master Preserver program members taught the children how to make seed paper.
Photo caption: Amelie and Noé both brought their dolls and mom Ruth Soto was happy to bring them. “We are having so much fun. Thank you for having this,” said Ruth.
Photo caption: Blanca Lopez from San Bernardino brought her daughters Kailey and Allison Becerril, who are excited about their new milkweed plant. “We are going to have lots of butterflies at our house,” said Allison.
DSC06632 Photo caption: Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry spoke of resilience and held a book signing.
DSC06611 Photo Caption: Principal Dr. Christopher Tickell, said he plans to make this a signature event of his school for the foreseeable future. “ I was so excited to be a part of such an amazing event. To see so many people working so hard together to make something special for our community. I look forward to hosting this tea again and again and again.”
Photo caption: Riverside’s James Chung came with his wife Seonhye Chung.
Photo caption: Robert, Cynthia, Ace, and Aviana Love, came from Hesperia. Ace won a book in the raffle. Cynthia found the event online and “my daughter loves her doll, so we had to come, and we had a great time at the American Girl Doll ‘Tea Party.”
Photo caption: Library Foundation Board Secretary Debra A. Fields presents books to Serinitee-Love Taylor, Samauri-James Thompson, and Trinity-Rose Thompson at the American Girl Doll “Tea Party.”
Photo Caption: Lynn Summers presented the University of California’s local Master Gardener/Master Food Preserver program, and served as MC. Here Summers describes the American Girl Dolls. Also introduced was Corrine Tan the 2022 Doll of the Year who is from Vietnam.
Photo caption: San Bernardino City School Board member, Dr. Gwen Rodgers, and San Bernardino 6th Ward City Council member Kimberley Calvin.
Photo caption: Girls with plants! Angela Encinas, San Bernardino Children’s Librarian said, “The library’s American Girl Doll collection reflects the ethnic diversity of our community and youngsters can check out dolls that look like them. They can even customize them using the accessories that come with each doll.”
Kathy Chao Rothberg, CEO surrounded by members of its board and staff at the East Bay EDA before the award ceremony.
Oakland, Ca. — Lao Family Community Development earns runner-up position in the Community Impact Category at the 10th Annual East Bay Innovation Awards ceremony, held Thursday evening. August 4th, at the Fox Theater in Oakland. The program is designed to recognize extraordinary companies who embrace the use and implementation of innovation in their manufacturing, products, services, design, and information; it is sponsored by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance.
“We are proud to earn the runner-up placement in this category. The pool of finalist was very impressive! It acknowledges the positive impact that Lao Family programs are having on the diverse disadvantaged populations we serve,” said Kathy Chao Rothberg, LFCD’s Chief Executive Officer. “It further acknowledges our continuous commitment to a culture of high-quality and innovative programming and partnerships for the last four decades.”
Lao Family Community Development, headquartered in Oakland with satellite locations in San Pablo and Sacramento, delivers a carefully-designed holistic Integrated Service Delivery Model that combines a roadmap with individualized case plans, interventions, and best practices resulting in rapid financial self-sufficiency and permanent housing attainment among the diverse and unique populations it serves in the East Bay and the Sacramento region. Its innovative housing and workforce programs continue to dramatically transform the way families are able to earn livable income and exit out of homelessness into permanent housing that is affordable in less than six months.
The Lao Family assisted nearly 4,000 individuals, including 880 households, to stabilize, earn and secure income, save, bank, improve their credit and move into existing permanent housing in the marketplace between January 2017 to July 2022. From 2006 to 2022, Lao Family’s team grew from 22 to more than 132 and its revenue growth from $2M to $31M.
The Lao Family was formed as a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 1980. Today the organization serves individuals from 40 nationalities, delivers case management service in 35 languages, offers7 days a week service in some locations and impacts the lives of nearly 31,000 annually in three northern California counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, and Sacramento). Its mission to advance the wellbeing of diverse communities through culturally-informed employment, housing, and education has served over 400,000 Californians. LFCD concentrates on five core service areas: 1) adult education and vocational training, 2) youth education, leadership, and career exploration, 3) financial coaching/asset development, 4) work supports and health access, and 5) affordable housing, home ownership and economic development activities.
# # # #
For more information, visit lfcd.org, follow us on Facebook, and contact: Kathy Chao Rothberg, CEO | KRothberg@lfcd.org | (510) 334-4826.
American Girl Doll Tea Party this Saturday August 6th at noon
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, youngsters will again indulge in Afternoon Tea and snacks with the American Girl Doll collection thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
The tea starts at 12:00 noon on the sixth of August at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, 1250 W. 14th Street, San Bernardino. Refreshments and an educational program will be delivered by the University of California’s local Master Gardner/Master Preserver program.
This Saturday, youngsters will indulge in tea and snacks being served by dutiful adults who stand ready to ensure that the children have a delightful time. The annual event attracts children and their parents from the Greater San Bernardino Area.
Cheryl R. Brown, Board Member, American Girl Doll Tea Chairperson
“American Girl dolls represent the cultures of San Bernardino. Each one is unique, and the variety always finds favor with attendees—both kids and adults,” said Cheryl Brown, San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member.
Brown adds, “The library’s American Girl Doll collection reflects the ethnic diversity of our community and youngsters can check out dolls that look like them. They can even customize them using the accessories that come with each doll.”
All year round, children can check out an American Girl Doll kit, at San Bernardino City Library’s that includes one of several ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll, and a journal.
The program provides an engaging learning experience that provides a glimpse into different time periods in American history through each doll’s story and a chance for children to write about their own adventures.
The doll collection and the annual tea are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino that take delight in giving children entertaining educational experiences.
San Bernardino City Library Foundation partners include Edison International, the Irvine Foundation, the Inland Empire Community Foundation, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
San Bernardino City Foundation Board President Arlington Rodgers
“We had to suspend our in-person tea event during the Covid pandemic, but now that things have calmed down, we are eager to again welcome the public to our version of ‘afternoon tea’,” says Foundation President Arlington Rodgers.
A reservation is required to attend. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, August 3rd, BUT people who want to register up to the 5th are encouraged to try and sign up anyway, as if there are spaces still available, they will be accommodated.
To make your reservation call (909) 381-8211, by August 1, 2022, leave contact information and how many reservations. Participants are requested to call early.
The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact.
Since 1995, the San Bernardino City Library Foundation has provided the San Bernardino Public Library system with the financial support it needs to provide new books for patrons, offer free tutoring for all academic levels, provide patrons with access to e-books and audio books, and provide innovative programs like a Makerspace and the American Girl Doll program.
Board members include Arlington C. Rodgers, Jr. President, Cheryl R. Brown, Vice President— Community Relations, Mary Kay De Crescenzo, Vice President-Operations, Debra A. Fields, Secretary, Timothy Prince, Director.
The Salvation Army Hospitality House Program Manager Naomi Goforth
“All of us who are part of the Hospitality House team love being able to help single women in need, and men or women with children, get back in control of their lives.”
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Hospitality House stands ready to house homeless families and single women who need temporary, stable shelter. Their target population also includes multi-generational families, and single men with children as well.
“The Salvation Army Hospitality House serves as a safe refuge that provides residents with a supportive, caring environment and all the resources they need to deal with a wide variety of personal and/or family problems. It all starts with emergency shelter that can keep participants safely housed for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on their circumstances,” says Program Manager Naomi Goforth.
At intake, each new arrival is assessed by trained Salvation Army intake staff. Once the scope of a client’s needs has been determined, each family is given a detailed individualized case plan and assigned to a case manager who will maintain close contact during their entire stay.
Each family’s case plan includes a comprehensive goals and objectives that cover their intake, transition to permanent housing, help finding a steady job, legal advocacy, child welfare aid, and education. Every resident is treated as an individual with individual needs and every case is different and gets a customized case plan.
“People who come to Hospitality House may have been sleeping in their cars or were recently released from a hospital. At intake, each new resident gets clothing, bed linens, hygiene products, and a chance to take a breath after whatever ordeal they have just gone through,” says Goforth.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” says one recent Hospitality House graduate.
“I’m a single mom and I lost my job during the pandemic. Thank goodness, at least my 15-year-old car was paid off and when we were no longer able to pay rent, that’s where we slept. I heard about Hospitality House from a friend and the people there have helped me find a new job, secure a place to live, and even got me enrolled in a course that’s going to add to my skill set so I can advance in my new-found career.”
Goforth says, “Our residents don’t just sit around and spin their wheels. They actively work their case plan. Our case managers are good at finding each individual’s motivation to resolve their homelessness and get back on their feet.”
“Sometimes, that may include a referral to one of our partner agencies for things like mental health services, substance use, and legal aid. Whatever they need, we can either provide help in-house or get them connected to the right providers,” says Goforth.
As current resident K.L. notes, “I had a pretty bad rent history and I knew not many landlords would want to take a chance on me, even though I now have a decent job. But the Salvation Army has helped me reestablish a better tenant history and now I have a place lined up to move to when my stay here ends next week.”
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. To donate, call 1-800 SATRUCK.
American Girl Doll Collection. Many are available for check out at the San Bernardino City libraries.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, youngsters will again indulge in Afternoon Tea and snacks with the American Girl Doll collection thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The British may have invented the “afternoon tea,” but on August 6, the Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School will host a much more diverse variation on this old English tradition, with the American Girl Doll collection, thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
The tea starts at 12:00 noon on the sixth of August at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, 1250 W. 14th Street, San Bernardino. Refreshments and an educational program will be delivered by the University of California’s local Master Gardner/Master Preserver program.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, youngsters will indulge in tea and snacks being served by dutiful adults who stand ready to ensure that the children have a delightful time. The annual event attracts children and their parents from the Greater San Bernardino Area.
Cheryl R. Brown, Board Member
“American Girl dolls represent the cultures of San Bernardino. Each one is unique, and the variety always finds favor with attendees—both kids and adults,” said Cheryl Brown, San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member.
Brown adds, “The library’s American Girl Doll collection reflects the ethnic diversity of our community and youngsters can check out dolls that look like them. They can even customize them using the accessories that come with each doll.”
All year round, children can check out an American Girl Doll kit, at San Bernardino City Library’s that includes one of several ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll, and a journal.
The program provides an engaging learning experience that provides a glimpse into different time periods in American history through each doll’s story and a chance for children to write about their own adventures.
The doll collection and the annual tea are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino that take delight in giving children entertaining educational experiences.
San Bernardino City Library Foundation partners include Edison International, the Irvine Foundation, the Inland Empire Community Foundation, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
San Bernardino City Foundation Board President Arlington Rodgers
“We had to suspend our in-person tea event during the Covid pandemic, but now that things have calmed down, we are eager to again welcome the public to our version of ‘afternoon tea’,” says Foundation President Arlington Rodgers.
A reservation is required to attend. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, August 3rd, BUT people who want to register up to the 5th are encouraged to try and sign up anyway, as if there are spaces still available, they will be accommodated.
To make your reservation call (909) 381-8211, by August 1, 2022, leave contact information and how many reservations. Participants are requested to call early.
The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact.
Since 1995, the San Bernardino City Library Foundation has provided the San Bernardino Public Library system with the financial support it needs to provide new books for patrons, offer free tutoring for all academic levels, provide patrons with access to e-books and audio books, and provide innovative programs like a Makerspace and the American Girl Doll program.
Board members include Arlington C. Rodgers, Jr. President, Cheryl R. Brown, Vice President— Community Relations, Mary Kay De Crescenzo, Vice President-Operations, Debra A. Fields, Secretary, Timothy Prince, Director.
