Canal Alliance

Job opportunities / Financial education

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, call 306-0441 or 306-0416.

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. 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. Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street). Registration is $40. For more information or to register, call 306-0436.

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.

Trainings for people who work (or want to work) caring for elderly/disabled people: Orientation sessions are free and include information on how to apply for a job. Some are located at the Health and Wellness Center (3240 Kerner Blvd., cross street Bellam) and others are in Civic Center, Marin City and Point Reyes. For more information or to sign up for a training, call 499-1024.

Events, classes, resources, and support groups

Mexican mobile consulate: Coming to San Rafael on Saturday, January 23, location to be announced. For information and appointments, call the Canal Welcome Center at 526-2486. To be seen, an appointment is required.

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. 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 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.

Need help reducing stress? Attend a free support group and learn techniques for managing stress and feeling better. There are Spanish-speaking groups for men and women; each group meets for 8 weeks. If interested, go to Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street) to sign up, or call Kathy Page at 306-0411.

"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.

Reduce, reuse, recycle: The “Green Promoters” of Marin invite you to join the global warning awareness campaign. For information on how you can help to save the planet, call 720-0142 or 342-2511 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Programs for parents and kids

Do you have a child who will enter kindergarten in 2010? Registration is coming soon! Children qualify if they turn 5 years old by December 2, 2010. ▪ Coleman, January 13 ▪ Glenwood, January 20 ▪ San Pedro, January 27 ▪ Laurel Dell, January 28 ▪ Sun Valley, February 3 ▪ Bahia Vista, February 10 ▪ Venetia Valley, February 24. If you do not make the registration date, you can also register in the district office after March 1. Questions? Call 492-3236 or visit www.srcs.org .

For parents whose children will attend kindergarten at San Pedro school: On Friday, January 22 there will be an orientation at 9:30 a.m. to help parents complete paperwork for registering their children in school. At 10:30 there will be a discussion introducing parents to the local school system and answering their questions. In the music room at San Pedro school. Free transportation will be provided at the following locations: ▪ Corner of Woodland y DuBois -- 9:00 ▪ C Street between 1st Street y 2nd Street -- 9:10 ▪ 400 Canal Street -- 9:15. If you have any questions, call 460-2191.

Forum – Universities and scholarships: Thursday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street), room 86C (across the parking lot from the main office, on the second floor). Free food and child care will be provided. For more information, call 342-2511.

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. 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 Teresa 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 and Fridays at 11:00 a.m. on 89.7 FM and 90.5 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 98.1 FM. Call 877-372-KIDS (877-372-5437) with your questions and comments.

Health

Flu shots: Tuesdays in the mornings and Thursdays all day at the county health clinic, 3260 Kerner Blvd. (cross street Bellam) in San Rafael. To get a shot, you must first make an appointment by calling 473-6007. For information on the flu and flu shots, call 473-6823 or visit 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.