Dear Friend of Lao Family,
There's lots of news to share. We hope you'll take a moment out of your day to catch up on what's happening in our community.
In this issue:
- New Health and Wellness Program in Contra Costa County
- Ask lawmakers to reverse Cuts to Childcare and Public Transportation that make it harder for low-income families to work
- Your Vote Counts!
- Welcome to our new board members
- Upcoming events
- We're seeking tax prep volunteers to help low-income families keep their hard-earned money
- Thanks for your Support
1) New Health and Wellness Program in Contra Costa County
Lao Family is pleased to announce the launch of our new Health and Well-Being Program for Asian Families in our San Pablo Office. This program will help prevent mental health problems in diverse Asian communities by strengthening families and community networds, reducing the stigma of mental health disorders, reducing stress and isolation and increasing wellness of at-risk individuals facing potential mental health issues. We are using a scientifically proven curriculum, the Strengthening Families Program, will provide comprehensive one-on-one case management, peer support groups, cultural outreach events, and educational workshops.
In September we welcomed two new case managers to our team to work on the project. Mr. Ishwar Sitaula speaks English, Russian, Nepali, Bhutani, Hindi, and some Spanish and Ms. Muey Chiam Saefong speaks Mien. You can reach either of them, or the program's director, Amy Lieu, at 510-215-1220.
See Article 5, below, for announcements of our first two events on 10/24/2010!
This program is funded through Contra Costa County's Mental Health Department's Prevention and Early Intervention Planning component.
2) Cuts to transportation, childcare make it more expensive, dangerous for low-income families to work
Economists are saying that the recession officially ended sometime last year, but for the tens of thousands of low-income families across the Bay Area, times are still getting harder at every turn.
 On October 8, the Governor vetoed funding that would continue subsidized childcare for participants in the CalWORKs welfare to work program. Lao Family operates two CalWORKs programs which provide important job training and unpaid work experience for parents of young children who are trying to get off of welfare by building their resume at local non-profits. We see that few have the education and job skills to find employment much above $9.00 an hour. If they have to pay for private childcare while they are building that education and experience, there would be nothing left for rent, transportation or food for their families.
Read more about the cuts and how to ask the Governor to restore them on our blog.
 AC Transit also announced that starting October 30th, they will make the second of three cuts to the East Bay's bus system, cutting some lines, and reducing the hours for early morning, late night, and weekend hours. Many of our clients can only secure hard-to-staff late shifts, and without bus services, they face a dangerous walk home. We have learned of several attacked on our clients on their way home from work. You can find out what the changes are here.
Contact AC Transit and let them know you hope they'll restore services to the East Bay's lowest income communities.
Please join us in letting our elected officals know that we want them to make funding decisions that help, not hurt, families trying to transition to financial independence.
3) Your Vote Counts!
4) Welcome to four new LFCD Board Members!
On October 16th, 2010, Lao Family's Board of Directors voted to welcome four new board members to our Family. These talented individuals bring new and diverse skills, perspectives, and leadership to serve Lao Family's community. Please join us in welcoming them and thanking them for their service:
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Dr. Paul Bajwa, MD, Kaiser Permanente
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Mr. Maurice Brenyah-Addow, City of Oakland CEDA
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Mr. Trevin Chan, New York Life
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Ms. Kim Diamond, EV8 Real Estate Development Services
For a full list of Lao Family's board, please click here.
5) Upcoming Events
You are invited to upcoming events hosted by Lao Family:
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10/24, 1-5pm- Halloween Event, Free, part of our Health and Well-Being Program for Asian Families
- 11/6, 10am-4pm- Career Fair- The first of a monthly series of weekend employment events to be held at Lao Family's office. Come meet employers and learn about income supports you might be eligible for during your job search.
6) We Can Only Succeed with Volunteers Like You!
 As a volunteer tax preparer you will be part of a tremendous effort that brings money into the homes of low income families. This income helps families pay bills and even reduce debt.
Make a Real Difference in the Life of a Family:
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Each tax return completed by a volunteer can raise a working family’s income by up to $4,800!
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No Professional Experience Needed- If you can do your own taxes, you can learn to do someone else’s taxes!
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All volunteers receive free IRS training and certification.
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Flexible Hours
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You can volunteer daytime, evenings and/or weekends.
Click here to learn more on how you can volunteer!
7) Thanks for your Support
We appreciate your support in all its forms: Time, Talent, and Treasure.
Please consider volunteering or donating today!
Sincerely,
Lao Family Staff and Board
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We want to remind you that voting is both a right and a responsability. Please make your voice heard on November 2nd.