| | Showing Up For One Another Right now, many individuals and families in our community are navigating uncertainty. With sweeping federal policy changes, shifting legal landscapes, and increasing barriers to resources, many of our neighbors are turning to UpValley Family Centers for guidance, stability, and support. And whether it’s a student, a parent, or an older adult, we are here, just as we always have been, standing alongside them. But moments like this remind us that it takes all of us. The strength of our community is measured by how we show up for one another, how we advocate for justice, and how we ensure that no family has to face challenges alone. You can help by sharing about our programs and services with your contacts – inviting them to sign up for our newsletter, follow us Facebook or Instagram, and consider volunteering in one of our programs or making a donation to support our work. Because when we stand together, our whole community thrives. |
| | Immigration Program Update Federal Funding Freeze On February 4, we were notified that our Citizenship and Integration Grant from the Department of Homeland Security is frozen mid-cycle. This grant supports our work in helping legal permanent residents to apply for US Citizenship, and includes a partnership with Napa Valley Adult Education to provide free citizenship test preparation classes in St. Helena and Calistoga. Despite our funding being frozen with no timeline or details given, we have continued to provide these services for our community members. This leaves a gap of $107,000 in our current budget, which includes services invoiced but not paid for. Actions like this signal uncertainty for nonprofits and social service programs, and are harmful to our community. For 25 years, the UpValley Family Centers has partnered successfully with many entities to address local needs, including coordinating responses to wildfire and the pandemic. Our partnerships with dedicated civil servants at all levels of government have been impactful, and we are committed to collaborative action that strengthens and lifts up all families in our community. |
| | Know Your Rights Presentations and Legal Observers Trainings In the last 3 months, we've had 176 people attend one of our eight different Know Your Rights presentations in St. Helena, Calistoga, and Angwin. We have monthly presentations scheduled in St. Helena and Calistoga through June, including these two in March: - Wednesday, March 19 from 5:00 - 6:00pm at the Calistoga Community Center (1307 Washington St, Calistoga)
- Thursday, March 20 from 6:00 - 7:00pm at the Carnegie Building in St. Helena (1360 Oak Ave, St Helena)
In the past 2 weeks, we had 46 community volunteers participate in Legal Observers Trainings through the North Bay Rapid Response Network. Trained volunteer legal observers bear witness to immigration enforcement actions and provide data for the Rapid Response Network and the victim’s legal defense. Immigration Consultations and Citizenship Application Assistance Workshops In the last 2 months, our Immigration Team has faced increased demand for services. They have provided 65 individual immigration consultations, assisting community members with an array of immigration benefit applications. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (707) 965-5010. On February 13, our Citizenship Application Assistance Workshop was a full house with 17 participants. The workshop planned for next month in Napa is already full with 50 participants and the workshop scheduled for May in St. Helena is nearing capacity with 18 spots filled and 12 spots remaining. These workshops are planned in coordination with Napa Valley Together. |
| | | Roses are red, violets are blue, we had a great time making flower arrangements with you! One of our Senior Wellness Case Managers, Emma Diamond, co-hosted Valentine's gatherings at Rancho de Calistoga, Calistoga Senior Apartments, and Chateau Calistoga Mobile Homes, bringing beautiful flowers for the 25 attendees to make their own bouquet. It was a wonderful celebration of community, love, and friendship! |
| | Join Us: Logvy Park Ribbon Cutting March 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM The Adelante parent leadership group is excited to celebrate the opening of a long-awaited Logvy Park renovation project that will increase recreational opportunities for Calistoga kids. The dream project actually began in 2016 at a town hall convened by the Calistoga Community Schools Initiative, when a group of concerned parents identified the need to have more recreational spaces for families and children in the community. Thank you Adelante, for demonstrating the power of advocacy and collaborative action, and to the City of Calistoga for listening, partnering, and making this dream a reality! |
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| | New(er) Staff and Board Members |
|  | Emma Diamond Senior Wellness Case Manager Emma supports a sustainable network of care for UpValley older adults by providing guided referrals and organizing workshops specifically tailored to senior wellness. She has a deep passion for serving older adults. |
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 | Jose Hernandez Youth Program Coordinator Jose leads CLARO youth mentoring groups for boys at the middle and high schools in Calistoga and St. Helena, developing programs focused on mental health, conflict resolution, and social-emotional learning. |
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 | Melissa Devore Board Member Mellissa brings her experience as President of Amici Cellars in Napa Valley with a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing and International Business from George Washington University. |
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| | |  | | The Second Annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic is coming soon! Save the date: May 17 & 18, 2025. Stay tuned for more information... |
| | | UpValley Family Centers In The News |
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| UpValley Family Centers
1440 Spring Street | Saint Helena, California 94574
707-965-5010 | info@upvalleyfamilycenters.org |
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