Community Announcements November 2009
A collaboration between Canal Alliance and the Canal School Readiness Project

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunity Centers in San Rafael and Novato: If you need information about work, health, trainings, or resources for your family, come to the Novato and San Rafael Opportunity Centers. The Centers provide  ▪ information  ▪ trainings and English classes  ▪ access to computers  ▪ places to meet and discuss topics of community interest  ▪ support for community projects  ▪ and more.  San Rafael:
25 Bellam Blvd., Suite 101 -- in the "Marin Square" shopping Center; the office is in the building right on the corner of Bellam Blvd. and Anderson Drive. Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 12:30. For more information call 485-6258.   Novato: 789 Hamilton Parkway (in the Marin Power Squadron building). Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 524-6656.

Join the 'Marin Helpers" job network: This new system takes calls from household employers offering temporary work and matches them (by telephone) to workers with the skills required. There is no charge to list a job, nor for a worker to sign up. Workers who want
to register in the network should go to Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street, San Rafael) or at the new Opportunity Center in San Rafael (25 Bellam Blvd., suite 101) or in Novato (789 Hamilton Parkway). The system is only for short-term work. Currently, they are seeking both (1) workers and (2) Marin households who want to hire someone for a short-term job. ▪ If you want to hire someone, call 721-7777.  ▪ If you are worker and have questions, you can call 306-0441 or 306-0416.

Is it your dream to start or grow your own business? Come to Women’s Initiative for business management training classes for low-income women. You’ll gain essential management skills, strengthen your confidence, and develop a strategic plan for your company. There are classes in Spanish. Before beginning, you need to go to a free orientation session. For more information, call Mariane van Duijn at 878-2100 or 310-0182.

Savings program -- Receive financial education and financial help (in English or Spanish): Individual Development Accounts are savings accounts where for every dollar you save, you receive an extra dollar from the program. Participants also receive training in how to manage their family's finances. If you are interested, come to the orientation on Tuesday, November 3 at 555 Northgate Drive, in the upstairs north meeting room. (555 Northgate Drive is across the street from Northgate Mall, opposite Sears.) ▪ English orientation -- 6:00-7:00 p.m.  ▪ Spanish orientation -- 7:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, call Olivia Beltran-Pacheco at 492-3360 or Adriana Acosta at 306-0439.

 Financial education classes in Spanish: These classes are offered by Canal Alliance.

Financial education -- course in Spanish -- Learn financial planning, budgeting, credit, home buying, etc. Mondays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Pickleweed Park (50 Canal Street). Free. For information or to register, call 306-0439.

Small business training -- course in Spanish -- If you have a small business, or would like to start one, these trainings can help you get the skills you need to make your business succeed. Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street). Registration is $40. For more information or to register, call 306-0439.

Financial literacy trainings (in Spanish): Tuesdays November 10, 17 and 24 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at 555 Northgate Drive (across from Northgate mall), suite 275. For information and registration, call 306-0439.

Trainings for people who work (or want to work) caring for elderly/disabled people: Orientation sessions include information on how to apply for a job. All trainings are free and are located at the Health and Wellness Center (3240 Kerner Blvd., cross street Bellam), room 109.  
▪  Working with people in wheelchairs-- Wednesday, November 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. In English and Spanish. 
▪ All IHSS providers are now required to attend an orientation in order to continue working with IHSS. There will be orientations on November 9 8:00-11:30 a.m.; November 19 1:30-5:00 p.m.; November 30 4:00-7:00 p.m.;  and December 28 8:00 a.m.-12:00.
▪ There are also several other trainings in English, plus bilingual training videos, at the offices of Public Authority of Marin (10 North San Pedro Road #1016). In addition, there will be other trainings in Marin City and Point Reyes.
    For more information or to sign up for a training, call 499-1024.

Coffee Talk at Bahia Vista School: This month's topic is "Parents and kids together against violence." In the cafeteria. Wednesday, November 4 from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Open to the public.

Day of the Dead celebration: The event includes entertainment, a procession, art, family time, storytelling, dancing, food, and a display of over two dozen altars. Saturday, November 7 from 4:00 to 9:00 at Pickleweed Park Community Center, 50 Canal Street. If you want to be in the procession, volunteer at the event, or create an altar, or if you simply want more information, call 526-2486 or visit www.canalwelcomecenter.org .

Guatemalan mobile consulate: Coming to San Rafael on Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 to 5:00. At the "Marin Square" shopping center (55 Bellam Blvd, suite 75A -- the shopping center where Ross Dress for Less is located, across from the Mi Familia taqueria). No appointment is necessary; people will be served in the order they arrive. For more information call 896-9186 or 526-2486.

Family dance fundraiser for Bahia Vista School: All money collected goes to support the school. Saturday, November 28 from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Pickleweed Community Center, 50 Canal Street. Presenting Grupo Quetzal (from the Canal) and the Trio Guebara con su Fandango Guanajuatense (from Guanajuato, now living in San Diego). Entrance $15. For more information, call 485-2415 or 485-2229.

Free breakfast program: Free breakfasts will be served Monday to Friday, 7:00-9:00 a.m. at the San Rafael Opportunity Center (25 Bellam Blvd, on the corner of Andersen Drive). For more information, call 485-6258. This "Coffee and Bread" program is a collaboration of the Canal Welcome Center, St. Raphael's church, the St. Vincent de Paul dining room, and Canal Alliance.

Grocery vouchers for San Rafael residents: Receive vouchers that allow you to get groceries from Mi Tierra and Safeway. A limited number of vouchers are available, distributed on Fridays. To sign up, call 454-8141 ext. 10.

Free groceries: At the Canal Welcome Center (141 Alto Street), Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. You must bring proof of residence in Marin. The program is designed especially for people who have lost their work or had their hours cut, although anyone can come. For more information call 526-2486.

Computer classes in Spanish: Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street) offers four-week classes (one session per week) introduce the basics of using a computer. Classes are offered on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. For information and registration, call 306-0493.

Computer lab -- free and open to the public: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the San Rafael Opportunity Center (25 Bellam Blvd, on the corner of Andersen Drive). For more information, call 485-6258.

"Grupo Mariposa" -- discussions in Spanish to empower Latina women: Meetings are the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00. All are welcome. Call Alexandra at 320-5931 for more information.

Free dance and exercise class for adult women: The class is for women of all ages. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Canal Welcome Center (141 Alto Street). There is no advance registration; simply come to the class. Free of charge. For more information call 526-2486.

PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

Spanish-speaking group for pregnant women and women with small children: This group gives women the chance to share their experiences with other mothers and to learn tools for dealing with this new stage in life. Topics include “caring for yourself,” “how to ask for help,” “healthy relationships,” etc. These tools are especially effective at learning to deal with any traumatic experience you may have had in life. The group meets Wednesdays 9:30-11:00 a.m., from November 18 to January 6, in the Connection Center (3240 Kerner Blvd., cross street Bellam), room 107. Advance registration is required; to sign up call Maria Jose Perry at 473-4025 or speak with your case worker at the women’s clinic.

Young mothers' group: Young mothers, pregnant and with children, meet to share their experiences, receive information about opportunities and resources, explore options for school and employment, and enjoy themselves. Children and babies are welcome. The group is in English, but Spanish-speaking mothers can participate. Fridays, 3:00-5:00 at the Marin Health and Wellness Center, 3240 Kerner Blvd (cross street Bellam), rooms 105 and 107. For more information, call Terasa Ashby at 491-4003.

Free informational kit for new parents (and any parents of young children): First 5 Marin is giving out free kits containing a DVD and printed material with information, advice and useful tips on parenting. The kits, valued at $75, are available in seven languages. To get a free kit, call 1-800-543-7025 (English) or 1-800-506-4667 (Spanish).

Bilingual storytimes at the Pickleweed library: At 50 Canal Street.  ▪ Tuesdays 7 p.m. -- Family storytime, all ages.  ▪ Thursdays 11:30 a.m. -- Toddler storytime, 18 months-3 years.  ▪ Fridays 11:30 a.m. -- Preschool storytime, 3-5 years.  For more information, call 485-3483.

Radio shows on raising children: These call-in programs are designed to provide information and inspiration, and to share resources with parents, educators, and providers about all aspects of raising children. ▪ In Spanish: “Nuestros Niños” airs Sundays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on 89.1 FM, 100.7 FM, and 105.7 FM. Call 866-99-NINOS (866-996-4667) with your questions and comments. ▪ In English: “Childhood Matters” airs Sundays from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. on 89.1 FM and (once again) 98.1 FM. Call 877-372-KIDS (877-372-5437) with your questions and comments.

IMMIGRATION

Citizenship class: The next session begins on Tuesday, November 10 and will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. To register, come to Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street) on Thursday, November 5 at 5:00 p.m. and bring $40. (Checks accepted.) The class is in English. For more information, call Gabby Aragon at 306-0427.

HEALTH

Flu shots: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For ages 4 and up. Cost $10. At the county health clinic at 3260 Kerner Blvd. (cross street Bellam) in San Rafael. For information on the flu and flu shots (including locations in Novato, San Anselmo and other places) call 473-6823 or see www.marinflu.org .

Marin Community Clinic -- medical and dental services: To make a dental appointment call 526-8555; for medical appointments call 448-1500. At 3110 Kerner Blvd. (past Bellam,near Irene Street).

Nutrition and physical activity workshop for Latino parents: Learn to buy and cook healthy food. We meet the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the “Connection Center,” 3240 Kerner Blvd. (cross street Bellam), room 110. To sign up, call 473-6958 and leave a message with your name, phone and the number of people attending. Prizes are available for those who attend.

Health classes in the Health and Wellness Campus: The campus is at 3240 Kerner Blvd. (cross street Bellam). For more information, visit the “Connection Center” on the campus or call 473-4300.

    Diabetes basics class (in Spanish): The second Tuesday of each month, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in room 110.

    Heart health basics (in Spanish): The fourth Monday of each month, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in room 110.