Family Connections Work Site
	Text Content (Revised 11/19/00)

1.0 Our Programs

The programs at Family Connections came about because of repeated requests from families in the Portola neighborhood of San Francisco. We call our services participant-driven, because all of them have come from community requests. In 1992, parents and educators in the Portola neighborhood got together and decided that families needed and wanted more support and service.

We developed an extensive needs assessment regarding what kinds programs Family Connections should offer. Family Connections began providing services in the fall of 1993 with an adult English as a Second Language class and an exercise class. Our first child-centered service was an after school program that began in 1994.

Today, we offer services for children ranging from newborns through age 18. In addition, we offer activities and events for parents and the entire family.

1.1 For Kids
1.1.1 Parent/Child Drop-In

Sometimes parents and children need a little break from each other. The Parent/Child Drop-In program provides an on-site respite for children and their caregivers. Children aged newborn to four years are cared for in a nurturing and educational environment. Children play with toys and games, interact with other children, sing songs, and learn their ABC's.

While their children learn social skills and school readiness, parents can participate in a variety of enriching activities: relaxation, parenting groups, counseling, collecting resources and information, or taking a quiet moment to themselves to read a newspaper. Parents can use this time and space to connect with other parents and reduce their stress levels, as well as build peer support networks.

Small snacks are provided by donation. A new component of this program is taught in Chinese and focuses on adult recreation, nutrition and parenting skills. This service is staffed by a licensed family therapist who specializes in children and family issues, as well as two bilingual (Chinese and Spanish) outreach workers.

When: Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Year-round program.

Ages: Newborn to 4 years old.

Cost: $1 daily per child.

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1.1.2 Pre-Kindergarten

Family Connection's Pre-Kindergarten program eases children into the unfamiliar classroom environment by giving them the basic social, language and academic skills used to succeed in kindergarten. A licensed pre-K teacher engages children in structured lessons, songs, and activities. Children learn the alphabet, colors, and how to count. Our teacher reads books, sings songs and dances with the children, as well as designs and supervises art and crafts projects that stimulate students' imagination and creativity.

Children also have the chance to play freely with toys, games, and the dress-up corner. By interacting and working with other children, students acquire important social skills such as learning to listen and follow directions, and to cooperate with their playmates. Class size is limited to 15 students. Parents provide a snack on a rotating basis. Children must be 3-4 years old.

When: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. During the school year only.

Ages: 3 to 4 years old.

Cost: $45 per week.

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1.1.3 Homework Club

Homework Club forms an essential component of our multicultural family resource center. Its purpose is to provide safe and supervised after school care for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Through its many activities, Homework Club provides academic support as well as social interaction. Staff members will pick up students at E.R. Taylor Elementary School and walk them over to Family Connections.

The children in Homework Club are provided with snacks and assistance with their homework. Children are separated according to grade levels when doing homework. Computer, supplemental enrichment, and free time activities are available to students who have finished their homework. Much to the delight of the children, Homework Club also celebrates many holidays and cultural events. The program has a 12 to 1 student-teacher ratio. This ratio is even more favorable when our high school tutors are counted. All teachers are professionals who work at E. R. Taylor Elementary School. This program runs only during the school year.

When: Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM; 6:00 PM for an additional $20 per month. During the school year only.

Ages: 4 to 10 (Grades K through 5th).

Cost: $115 per month.

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1.1.4 Summer Recreation

Family Connection's all-day eight-week summer program offers elementary school children (ages 6 to 11 years) fun and meaningful engagement during their summer vacations. The program ensures that children in the community receive necessary supervision, educational enhancement, and recreation by qualified teachers.

The program consists of two components. The morning activities are academic in nature, and include language arts and math activities, as well as guest speakers, science experiments, and other exciting projects. The afternoon component focuses on recreational activities, allowing the children to take daily afternoon trips to exciting and enriching places. Students enjoy parks, local libraries, bookstores, museums, restaurants, and the zoo. There is also an all day excursion to Marine World in Vallejo. Weekly field trips build upon class lessons.

Lunch and snacks are provided. Program teachers are professionals who work at the E. R. Taylor Elementary School, assisted by teacher's aides who are high school students. This is a fee-based program. A free lunch program is available, including daily snacks. Early arrival and late pickup care is available.

When: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. June 14th through August 6th only.

Ages: 6 to 11.

Cost: For a two week session, $60 per half-day, $120 for full-day; extra fee for early/ late hours.

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1.1.5 Saturday Chinese Language School

Many of our children hear and speak Cantonese daily at home or in and around the community, but have not had the opportunity to become literate in their home language. Our Chinese Language School introduces children who are already bilingual to written Cantonese. Bilingual teachers emphasize reading and writing skills. There is no Mandarin instruction.

When: Every Saturday, times vary. Year-round program.

Cost: $75 for three months, plus book fees which average around $8 for six months of classes.

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1.1.6 Tutorials

The tutorials program is a free, drop-in service that allows children to get homework and academic help. We pair 6 to 13 year old students with trained adult volunteers, who meet the child at their skill level. Tutors assist students with solving problems and completing homework tasks. If students are not having difficulty with their homework, tutors will read with students or work through other enriching games and activities that reinforce school lessons. Children are asked to bring their own homework, or appropriate reading and academic material.

When: Tuesday evening, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. During the school year only.

Ages: 6 to 13.

Cost: Free.

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1.1.7 College Bound

Teenagers and their parents face a daunting task in attempting to untangle the mix of career choices, and vocational and educational options available today. Our free, yearlong support network helps teenagers and their parents explore, establish and plan future education and career goals.

Semimonthly meetings focus on goal setting, career options, and college opportunities. We also introduce families to community and government resources that will aid in this decision-making process. Parents can meet in a separate support group to discuss among themselves effective communication, limit-setting, discipline, and other family issues.

The College Bound program culminates in a College Career Fair. Field trips, college application assistance, financial aid discussion, guest speakers, and other topics are also offered.

When: Twice a month, Thursday nights, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Year-round program.

Ages: 13 to 18.

Cost: Free.

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1.2 For Parents
1.2.1 Counseling

A licensed therapist is available to provide individual, family, and marriage counseling and will privately discuss issues with children, teens and/or their families. Short-term, long-term, or crisis appointments are available. Referrals are made to other community-based or government service agencies as needed.

When: Appointment necessary. Call Family Connections at 415-715-6742 and ask for Gina Mendicino.

Cost: Free for the first six sessions; sliding scale fee system available for additional sessions.

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1.2.2 Legal Clinic

Codes, restrictions, stipulations, and proceedings can confuse anyone dealing with personal legal matters, especially newcomers unfamiliar with the laws and culture of the United States. Our free legal clinic brings a trained lawyer onsite monthly to meet with individuals. This lawyer answers questions and offers free guidance and advice on a broad range of common legal issues and concerns. Issues addressed typically include housing questions, consumer fraud matters, divorce proceedings, child custody, and tenant issues.

When: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.

Cost: Free.

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1.2.3 ESL Classes

Nonnative English speakers need sound English language skills to function comfortably and successfully within their communities and at the workplace. However, it is often difficult for adult learners to find the time and money necessary for English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and a convenient, non-intimidating environment in which to practice and improve their language skills.

In partnership with the City College of San Francisco, we have developed a curriculum designed to help smooth out the difficult and frustrating linguistic transition faced by many individuals with limited or nonexistent English skills in their new surroundings. These non-credit, "community-level" drop-in classes are free of charge, and welcome speakers of all abilities. The instructor covers basic English skills, working specifically on pronunciation, writing, and conversation. All courses occur at our center, with early or later times designed to accommodate work and child schedules. Enrollment is open, and the instructor provides all books

When: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

Cost: Free.

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1.2.4 Computer Classes

Computer skills are becoming increasingly important, and members of our community recognize the advantages of becoming better acquainted with computers. An experienced teacher leads six-week sessions designed to introduce adults to beginning-level computer skills. Students learn the ins and outs of basic computing, including an introduction to word processing programs and the Internet. Our computers are PC platform, and all instruction is in English.

When: Six-week sessions, Tuesday nights, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.

Cost: $50 per session. Split the cost of the class and share the computer by bringing another adult.

Note: You must come in person to register, and you must make a deposit of $25 to hold your place.

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1.2.5 Madres Latinas

Madres Latinas is a support network offering Spanish-speaking mothers an opportunity to socialize and bond informally while building a solid peer support base. A Spanish-speaking facilitator helps the women with a variety of projects designed to introduce them to arts and crafts such as knitting or crocheting. The facilitator also leads informal discussions addressing key health issues, nutrition questions, healthy meditation and exercise habits, and other child-centered issues.

When: Every Tuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Cost: Free.

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1.2.6 Nutrition Classes

We have formed a partnership with the University of California Cooperative Extension to provide instruction on nutrition basics in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Their instructors come to our site and spend several hour per week demonstrating healthy cooking and teaching parents how to prepare delicious, low-fat meals inexpensively.

The Cooperative Extension teachers have also participated in our summer program teaching children the importance of eating healthy snacks. The children then have the opportunity to prepare and eat tasty and nutritious snacks. It's an enjoyable way for the children to learn to eat well while having fun.

When: Times vary; call for specifics.

Cost: Free.

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1.3 For Families
1.3.1 Referral Service

Families may drop in to find out about our services or to seek help in finding a resource to solve various family problems. If necessary, our licensed family therapist will meet with families to help the sort out their needs and inform them of the options available.

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1.3.2 Family Computer Class

The six-week computer class brings families together to learn basic computer skills. The instructor works with families of mixed-level computer skills to complete group projects and work with games that build computer literacy and skills. These projects emphasize cooperation and creativity by working towards a meaningful goal. All students get to take home the results of their computer learning, which in the past have included things like self-designed, imaged, T-shirts and calendars. Families are also introduced to the Internet. The class is limited to nine families. Children must be at least six years old and accompanied by an adult. Open to all families.

When: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - Noon. The last half-hour will be used as lab time.

Cost: $25 per family. Note: You must sign up in person and pay full class tuition in order to register for this class.

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1.3.3 Community Events

Celebrating holidays is a central event in any family. Family Connections offers four events and parties throughout the year, intended to provide a safe, fun space in which families can come together to share their traditions, and learn about those of their neighbors and community. Family Connections celebrates Halloween, Winter Holiday (December), Chinese New Year, and Cinco de Mayo. All events include arts and crafts, games, performances, food, and drink. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult caregiver.

When: Look for flyers in the neighborhood announcing exact dates and times.

Cost: Free, please bring food to share.

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1.4 Calendar
1.4.1 Week at a Glance

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