2012
Issue No. 4
Together Rising
In this photo: Site of Fathers & Families of San Joaquin’s new office on 338 East Market Street.
In this issue: Welcome new Staff Loud and Proud Year in Review Youth Programs Family Strengthening Upcoming Events Thank you Photo Credits: FFSJ staff
www.ffsj.org P.O. Box 30674 Stockton, CA | 95213 Ph: 209.941.0701 F: 209.941.0784
Greetings Friends and Relatives, We are excited to report that FFSJ is on the move! On February 1st, we moved into our new center located at 338 East Market Street in downtown Stockton. Our center is committed to creating a space for family support, community healing and lifting up youth voices while creating pathways for meaningful participation in the process of rehabilitating the landscape and human spirit of downtown Stockton! This launch marks the beginning of multiple collaborations in Downtown Stockton that we expect will cultivate stronger families, a thriving and safer downtown and a new generation of youth leaders. This downtown transformation will require patience, humbleness and persistence. But we can’t do this without you. We believe that we can Rise Together and make valuable contributions that address and eventually lead to a cessation of the magnitude of the problems impacting our community. Thank you for taking time to read this issue, and if you’re ever in the neighborhood please stop by and pay us a visit!
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Welcome New Youth Staff Angela was born on October 4, 1992 in Stockton’s Conway homes – a low-income housing project. Growing up she didn’t care about others looking down on her because of where her family lived. She has both parents and 1 brother and sister. She is the oldest and loves her family. “FFSJ made me look at Stockton and the people who live here differently; there are good people and I get to work with some of them ”
Irene is a big time animal lover. She’s raised animals all her life, loves sports and having fun. Since being here at FFSJ, “I’ve learned how to socialize and be comfortable around others. Being here is a blast; there’s so much to do and see. Everyone here is very nice and welcoming. They are like family to me now.”
Marco was born on November 23, 1996 in Stockton, CA. He graduated from Fillmore Elementary School 3 years ago and now attends Cesar Chavez High School as a junior. From being here at FFSJ, “I learned that every little thing can make a change. I would like streets to be safe so any kid can go play outside without getting hurt.”
Rajeanne was born and raised in Stockton. She is a Youth Organizer for FFSJ, working to make our community a better place. She is a senior and attends Venture Academy. At FFSJ, she’s learned how to “better myself and my community, loving it all each and everyday ”
Diego is 12 years old and the second oldest in his family. Marco is his 15 year old brother who is a junior attending Cesar Chavez High School. He attends Fillmore Elementary School. At FFSJ “we help our community do lots of positive stuff. I learned to respect people from being here.”
Luis was born on January 2, 1995. He is full blooded Mexican and was born and raised in Stockton. His mother’s name is Elvia Zavala and his father’s name is Jaime Ferreira. He has 2 brothers, Gerardo and Jaime and 4 sisters, Jessica, Viri, Viviana and Rocio. I come from a divorced household since I was 4. Growing up, I loved playing soccer, hanging out with friends and just having fun. “Working at FFSJ, I learned to be more organized, improve my communication skills and help people.”
Naleena was born and raised in Stockton on May 1, 1995. She has 3 sisters and 3 brothers. Since she was little, she always had ambitions on becoming a Registered Nurse. She plans on attending college five years straight to achieve her goals. “I learned to always be respectful even when others are not to me and to never give up on my life. It’s helped me with my personal experiences.”
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Loud and Proud On February 15th, FFSJ Executive Director, Sammy Nunez, presented the California Student/Youth Bill of Rights Resolution at the annual Know Justice Conference at the San Francisco Library. On February 22nd, we kicked off our first Family Literacy Circle at Cesar Chavez library, celebrating Black History Month. On March 24th FFSJ staff presented a workshop titled, “Healing the Hood” at the 3rd Annual Equity Summit to address the school to jail pipeline, held at University of California, Davis. Top Left: FFSJ participates in ArtSplash; FFSJ youth participates in Boys & Men of Color working group at The California Endowment; FFSJ Staff at our Open House; FFSJ Staff and Los Manos de los Jovenes at the Stockton Asparagus Festival; FFSJ Family celebrating literacy at the Stockton Public Library.
On April 13th, FFSJ Staff, Gabriel Alfaro was featured on the front cover in the Bilingual Weekly segment, “I Have a Voice.” On June 3rd FFSJ staff celebrated Young Families Day in San Francisco, an annual event by the Center for Young Women’s Development. On June 20th, FFSJ staff and community members represented at the California Student and Youth Bill of Rights Resolution.
Departure letter from chanda chhin, Youth Program Coordinator Dear Friends of FFSJ: After four and a half rewarding years at Fathers & Families of San Joaquin, at the end of this month I will transition from being Youth Program Coordinator to pursue graduate studies. It was a full circle moment for me since January 2008 to be a part of community empowerment, but now to support it in a new way. There are countless people to thank as I exit this position in the field, among my colleagues in youth development and community based educators. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve youth in this capacity. My heart is with this work and with you, the community that has made this work meaningful and possible. I look forward to finding new ways to support the long road to justice. Gentle breezes, chanda
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Year in Review On April 19th & 20th, FFSJ, the National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute (NLFFI), along with the California Fatherhood Initiative organized the Elder’s Gathering and Boys & Men of Color Summit. The Elders’ Gathering was held at FFSJ. The gathering consisted of community elders who came together to create a space for inter-generational healing and community transformation. The gathering provided the opportunity to connect with those who share the same goal of helping our community with the struggle it faces. Around 60 community members showed up and together in a circle shared their wisdom and claimed their intentions for the community. The second day of the event was held at the University of the Pacific and attracted over 200 students, teachers, practitioners, advocates, and parents. The goal of this youth oriented event was to develop a stronger movement among young men of color who live on the margins of our community and in which have a hard time connecting in a positive way in their community. Youth learned how to organize around community issues, promote higher education and career planning. The stage was created for young people who when invested in and given the opportunity and the platform, make valuable contributions to the community building effort. Guest speakers included Jerry Tello, Hector Sanchez Flores and Dr. Sal Nunez. Saturday April 21, 2012 G.R.A.S.S.R.O.O.T.S and Fathers & Families of San Joaquin hosted the local Peace & Dignity Tributary Run 2012 to promote the efforts to bring peace to Stockton. Around 30 local runners met with 4 experience runners who stopped in Stockton on their way to Alaska to participate in the Peace& Dignity Journey of 2012 that will have its final gathering in Guatemala. The journey promotes peace and the sacredness of water. The runners met at 5:00 A.M. at the Plea for Peace Center. The day started off with a sunrise ceremony and the10 mile course began shortly. The runners ran along the Stockton streets promoting peace and healing by carrying sacred staffs that symbolized prayers, hopes and dreams. Click here for link to article.
On June 20th, Fathers & Families of San Joaquin along with of our community, over 200 youth and other youth organizers from throughout the state celebrated the introduction of ACR 162 (California Student and Youth Bill of Rights) at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Click here for link to article.
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YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Untitled
To our children
Our city is rough don’t you see.
We must support our children in every way we can. We must allow our children freedom to express themselves creatively. We must praise our children and thank them for their gift of inspiration. We must motivate our children spiritually. We must challenge our children to a higher level of achievement. We must increase our children’s selfconfidence and improve their overall quality of life. So we say to our children, draw, paint, write, act, sing, dance, think, express, and be free to dream always. -Afeni Shakur, Nikki Giovanni & Leila Steinberg, Youth Empowerment Summer Academy Over the past summer, we have worked to provide programming to San Joaquin area youth. Over 10 youth undertook the 10 week long program which provided services around healthy, cultural and creative selfexpression and healing. Our youth achieved a deeper understanding and meaning of themselves, their peers as a collective, and their roles in transforming themselves. By doing so, they begin to positively transform their peers and their community by critically thinking, and developing citizen leadership potentials. They have written and performed critical and reflective poetry, theater and art. Through the express interests of our youth, we were able to cover these topics: art, poetry, theatre, health, history, culture, current issues, and leadership.
Our youth organizers after a scavenger hunt at the University of the Pacific.
There are people with riches, there’s a person like me. There’s shooting and killing, with guns all around I’m tired of waking up hearing one of my folks are down Life here in Stockton is rough as could be. If I had the choice, we all would be free. -Vincent P., age 19
Young Women’s Ceremony A Women’s Healing Retreat and Rite of Passage Ceremony was held on May 19 th and July 13th for our young women. The ceremony including various activities focused on women’s healing and empowerment. We celebrated together by sharing our creativity, stories, and meals. Youth Justice Circle (Sacramento, CA) This year, we welcomed three stellar community educators to work with youth in Sacramento County Juvenile Probation. Together, Chuy Ocelotl, Grandma Betty and Maggie Steele have made positive transformations in the lives of the youth they come into contact with. The youth have created art, poetry and storytelling through the cultural and creative approaches of our educators.
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FAMILY STRENGTHENING Crossroads for Dads The Crossroads for Dads: Father Involvement Program, offered at the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center and at Juvenile Probation Camp program, provides curriculum - based Fatherhood Development workshops, “Fathers mentoring Fathers” seminars, peer and mentor support to fathers. The program currently serves 25 dads from new fathers to grandfathers at the Salvation Army and 11 young fathers from the Camp program. The men appreciate the opportunity to learn, share and grow with other fathers and young dads.
2012 Recipients of the Father of the Year Award ceremony presented by Supervisor Larry Rhustaller.
The A Father’s Love Award Ceremony was held on June 15th and is dedicated to honoring family values, while specifically paying tribute to the role of fathers and men in our community. Fathers & Families of San Joaquin’s annual event recognizes the following individuals who have made a difference in our community by making a difference in children’s lives. The following nominations have been awarded:
Upcoming Events in 2012 Parent & Student Education Equity Forum Elders’ Gathering
Mr. Anthony Knapp, Father of the Year Mr. David Lario III, Father of the Year Mr. Mark Wheaton, Father Figure of the Year Mr. Isaac McClendon, Grandfather of the Year Mr. Joe Villanueva, Step-Father of the Year Mr. Ares Robison, Young Father of the Year
Haunted House Dia de los Muertos
It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. :Johann Schiller
Statewide Youth Conference
Thank you to all of our sponsors, partners, and volunteers… Aspiranet Stockton California Fund for Youth Organizing California Family Health Council, Inc. California Human Development Corp. California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. Charterhouse for Families Coalition of Mexican Americans First 5 of San Joaquin Health Plan of San Joaquin Health Education Council Human Services Project, Inc. Latino Community Foundation National Compadres Network Peace & Justice Network of SJ PolicyLink
Sac Co. Juvenile Probation Salvation Army Sierra Health Foundation SJ Data Co-op SJC Juvenile Probation SJC Worknet Social Policy Research Associates Solidago Foundation The California Endowment The California Wellness Foundation Tides Foundation United Way of Pennsylvania United Way of San Joaquin County W.K. Kellogg Foundation
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ACLU of Northern California Amanda Estep Angela Robinson Angelann Flores Anthony Lopez April Basinger Arthur Wilson Azjah Juarez Ballet Folklorico de St. Mary’s Betty N. Ramirez Brandie Spencer Brenda Garibay Brian Muhammad Buena Vista/Miwuk Reservation Cam Bullock Carlos Nadal Clarissa Valdez Claudia Danielson Christie Kelley Christina Giordani Churon Taylor Chuy Ocelotl Daisy Rodriguez Deane Savage Devin Camel Desiree Lucero Desmond de la Rosa Diana Sanchez Diego Cardona Dorothy Beattie Dr. Arturo Ocampo Dr. Gracie Madrid Dr. Ines Ruiz-Huston Dr. Stacey Rilea Dr. Steve Jacobson Dr. Vajra Watson Elias Gonzalez Ellen Powell Enrique Velazquez Eugene Ferrell Felix Gomez Father Dean McFalls
Grandma Betty G.R.A.S.S.R.O.O.T.S. Irene Gomez Irene Perez Israel Valdez Javier Diaz Jeni Bodilla Jerry Tello John Morearty John X Juan Gomez Juanita Rivera Julia Mendoza Julian Gutierrez Karina Jimenez Katherine Borba Kaye Mooney Ken Times Ken Vogel Kurt Arita Larry Rhustaller Linda Medina Linda Mora Luis Ferreira Maggie Steele Marcela Ruiz Marcia Savage Marco Cardona Maria Elena Serna Maria Montes Marty Natividad Megan Rangel Mexican Heritage Center Michael Busby Michael Villanueva Michelle Ruiz-Esparza Mick Davis Mirna Juarez Nalea Demi Alfaro Naleena Benton Nancy Rodriguez Nation of Islam
Nellie Zavala Obdulia Cardona
Patricia de Soto Pedro L. Ramirez Pete Pijl PolicyLink Ralph Womack Rajenne Bolden Raul Mora “Razzle Dazzle” Rebecca Acosta Renay Jenkins Rhonda Morningstar Pope Ria de Groot Rick Crowley Robert Johnston Robin DeLugan Rosalinda Galaviz Rosemary Provencio Scott Hurban Serafin Cardona Steve Streeter Steve Jacobson Steven Boroquez The Center for Regional Change The Robinson & Bolden Family Tommie Muhammad Tony Davis University of the Pacific Victims of Violent Crime Victor Lopez Vince Kotecki Vincent Patterson Wanda Wright With Our Words Yadira Perez Youth United for Community Action
Please celebrate Fathers & Families of San Joaquin by making a financial contribution. Our goal this year is to raise $30,000 by September 31, 2012. Please consider one of the following levels of sponsorship:
$1 - $49 Community Leader $50 – $99 Justice Seeker $100 - $249 Movement Builder
$250+ Equity Advocate Other amount _____________
Please make checks out to: Fathers & Families of San Joaquin Our mailing address is: Fathers & Families of San Joaquin P.O. Box 30674 Stockton, CA 95213
Fathers & Families of San Joaquin P.O. Box 30674 Stockton, CA 95213
The vision of FFSJ is to have strong and healthy families and communities where children and youth are nurtured and fathers are engaged. DONATE TODAY! Visit www.ffsj.org
P.O. Box 30674 Stockton, Ca 95213
phone: 209.941.0701 fax: 209.941.0784
BOARD MEMBERS
FFSJ STAFF
Arsenio Mataka Javier Gardea Jim Walsh Malinda Nuñez Sammy Nuñez
Angela Robinson
www.ffsj.org
Youth Organizer
Gabriel Alfaro Outreach Educator
Gauri Sanchez
Office Administrator
Luis Ferreira
Youth Organizer
Megan Rangel Intern (Spring ‘12)
Samuel (Sammy) Nuñez Executive Director