On August 3rd, SoCalGas donated $150,000 to Family Service Association (FSA) as part of the company’s $4 million dollar “Fueling Our Communities” initiative. A check presentation ceremony was held at the Eddie Dee Smith Senior Center in the City of Jurupa Valley to celebrate!
On March 28, 2023, a special flag raising ceremony was held at the Riverside County Administrative Center, featuring speakers Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, Deputy District Attorney John Aki, Undersheriff Donald Sharp, County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen, Riverside County Department of Social Services Assistant Director, Charity Douglas, and Dr. Carla Lidner Baum, Chair of the HOPE Collaborative Board of Directors. The event honored children impacted by violence, abuse, and neglect, while also increasing awareness through a unified message that stood firmly against all forms of child abuse.
On March 3rd, 2023, Family Service Association was presented with a $35,000 award for the launch of its workforce development program designed to increase the number of low-income children that can be served in its child development centers, while providing meaningful opportunities for local residents to build careers in early education. This pilot initiative is funded by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation which presented a check of $25,000 to support the cost of fees and tuition for students to receive their licenses in early childhood education. In addition to the $25,000 investment, Bolton awarded FSA $10,000 to support its critical services provided for families and children.
The HOPE Collaborative protects children and strengthens families through awareness, education, and community-driven programs delivered with compassion. This year, HOPE piloted a new initiative to support graduating high-school students that have been cared for in the foster system and are pursuing a post-secondary degree.
The end of June marks an exciting time for families with young children enrolled in FSA’s Child Development Centers! Our team held an end-of-the-year ceremony for the preschoolers who are moving onto the next step in their educational journey: kindergarten.
These ceremonies are a time for celebration and reflection. Each child is presented with an award as their parents and guardians proudly take in the moment. Many of the families shared how grateful they are for Family Service Association's child care services. The centers have helped them pursue their educational goals and continue working with confidence, knowing that their children are being nurtured and cared. The teachers are an important part of the children’s lives and a valuable resource for the family. They form close bonds with the family and it’s not uncommon for the children to visit our centers years later as teenagers and adults to thank their teachers for making their childhood special.
Our ceremonies highlighted key milestones and skills that the children gained during their time with us. The children learned how to interact with one another, follow directions, and resolve conflicts peacefully. They also learned how to tie their shoes, count, and build early literacy skills.
“Our dedicated team members provide more than childcare,” said FSA’s CEO, Dr. Cheryl-Marie Hansberger. "They nurture kindness, curiosity, and resiliency in our children and cultivate deep, trusting relationships with families. In many ways, our centers are resource hubs that support the whole needs of family, including childcare, housing, healthcare, and food security.”
Research shows that children who participate in early education programs have better education, earnings, and health outcomes as compared to those who do not. A report by The Heckman Foundation explored the influence of early childhood services in the lives of both children and their families, especially for economically disadvantaged families. Not only did the study find that children were more prepared for school by participating in quality early education programs, but families also experienced significant economic and health benefits.
The role that early education providers play in impacting health outcomes for families in vulnerable communities cannot be overstated. Family Service Association is committed to reducing health disparities and creating more equitable communities throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. As seen during the graduation ceremonies this month, our investment in early childhood education is an investment in the future for young children and their families.
We are grateful to all of our donors, stakeholders, and supporters who make it possible for us provide high-quality childcare services. Thank you for helping us break intergenerational cycles of poverty and improve individual, family, and community health. And, a special thanks to Family Service Association’s valued funder and partner: First 5 Riverside County. Their ongoing support has been critical in making early education and child care services accessible for thousands of families in the region.
On March 28, 2023, a special flag raising ceremony was held at the Riverside County Administrative Center, featuring speakers Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, Deputy District Attorney John Aki, Undersheriff Donald Sharp, County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen, Riverside County Department of Social Services Assistant Director, Charity Douglas, and Dr. Carla Lidner Baum, Chair of the HOPE Collaborative Board of Directors. The event honored children impacted by violence, abuse, and neglect, while also increasing awareness through a unified message that stood firmly against all forms of child abuse.
Araceli Martinez
Join us in congratulating Araceli Martinez for serving our community with FSA’s Child Development Centers for 20 years! Araceli shared with us how FSA has greatly impacted her and her family and spoke with a glow on her journey with FSA and how the relationships she had made with the families and her colleagues have made her proud to stay. Her and many others are here forming relationships and bonds that last through generations!
Leslie Cox
Congratulations to Leslie Cox for 20 years of teaching, coaching, and being part of our FSA family! She has loved being a teacher and coach because she has been able to see the positive impact that all our Child Development Centers offer to the children and families. As a native to the community she serves, she understands the needs, and counts the people FSA serves, and its employees as part of her family.
On March 3rd, 2023, Family Service Association was presented with a $35,000 award for the launch of its workforce development program designed to increase the number of low-income children that can be served in its child development centers, while providing meaningful opportunities for local residents to build careers in early education. This pilot initiative is funded by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation which presented a check of $25,000 to support the cost of fees and tuition for students to receive their licenses in early childhood education. In addition to the $25,000 investment, Bolton awarded FSA $10,000 to support its critical services provided for families and children.
This March, Family Service Association is celebrating its Senior Nutrition Program and its impact throughout Riverside and San Bernardino County. FSA serves nearly one million meals each year across the region, and that number continues to grow. In addition to the nutritious food provided, we also foster community. For most older adults, the program helps build friendships, connections, and even a second chance at love. This month, we are sharing our participants’ stories and their motive for attending a senior center.
The HOPE Collaborative protects children and strengthens families through awareness, education, and community-driven programs delivered with compassion. This year, HOPE piloted a new initiative to support graduating high-school students that have been cared for in the foster system and are pursuing a post-secondary degree.
