Blog

Stories from the front lines: Henry Velasquez, Youth Education Manager
Posted: August 12, 2021
When schools first went to remote teaching, Henry Velasquez, UP! Youth Education Manager, worked with a student who had no internet access and as a result, was completely disconnected from teachers, classes, and assignments. One year later, Henry reports that based on the persistence of the student, and with support from UP! staff, the student is on track.

Stories from the Front Lines: One Year Later
Posted: July 22, 2021
Laura Jiménez-Diecks, Supervising Case Manager, shared a client story that spoke to the severe impact of COVID-19 on immigrant families in Marin. Now, about a year later, Laura reflects on the response effort, a “metamorphosis over the course of the pandemic.”

Stories from the Front Lines: one year later
Posted: May 12, 2021
Regina Vindel, Workforce Supervisor supports students in construction, business, and tax classes as they apply for classes, carry out their learning, graduate, apply for jobs, and enter new workforce positions. She spoke to us about her experiences and conversations while communicating with clients during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis during the past year.

Stories from the Front Lines
Posted: June 4, 2020
Pricilla Melo, Canal Alliance Intake Specialist, talked to us about her experience since the COVID-19 crisis started and how her role supporting clients and community members has shifted during shelter in place.

Stories from the Front Lines
Posted: June 4, 2020
Cristina Sosa, Canal Alliance Intake Specialist, talked to us about her experience since the COVID-19 crisis started and how her role supporting clients and community members has shifted during shelter in place.

Stories from the Front Lines
Posted: May 12, 2020
Gloria Castillo, Canal Alliance Case Manager, shares an inspiring client story and describes the joys and challenges of assisting the immigrant community during the shelter in place order.

Stories from the Front Lines
Posted: May 6, 2020
Henry Velasquez, University Prep (UP!) Middle School Program Supervisor, shares a story about how he helped ensure equitable access to distance learning for Latino students in Marin during Shelter in Place.

Stories from the Front Lines
Posted: May 6, 2020
Michael Gomez, University Prep (UP!) High School Program Supervisor, shares an inspiring story about his colleague motivating others and taking action to help students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stories from the Front Lines
Posted: April 24, 2020
Melissa Potts, Canal Alliance ESL Senior Manager shares her perspective on communicating with and supporting ESL students and her personal struggles during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Stories from the Front Lines
Posted: April 22, 2020
Regina Vindel, Canal Alliance Workforce Development Career Navigator, spoke to us about her experiences and conversations while communicating with clients during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.