Our Community Voices: Veronica's Story

Veronica and her family immigrated to the United States in 2010 when she was 9 years old. They settled in St. Helena, but with no friends or family in the area, they were searching for community connections and resources. Their new neighbor recommended they go to the St. Helena Family Center. That one recommendation led to years of turning to the family center for support, guidance, and resources. “We would call for the smallest thing," says Veronica, and the family center was always ready to help.

After working in the hospitality industry for many years and providing for tourists, Veronica wanted to make a change and use her skills to support her community. So again, she turned to the family center. Veronica joined the UpValley Family Centers Team in December of 2022 as a Community Liaison at our Calistoga office. She is proud of the difference she and UpValley Family Centers make in the community.

“Every morning, I go into work thinking, who will we help today? The community doesn’t need to feel like they are a bother for asking for help. We are here for the first step” and every step after that."

Positive Parenting Awareness Month

The Napa County Board of Supervisors and California State Legislature have proclaimed January 2024 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month! Triple P Positive Parenting Programs strengthen families through parenting education, supports, and interventions for families of young children, teenagers, and families of children with special needs. UpValley Family Centers is a member of the Napa County Triple P Collaborative, a dedicated group of partner agencies throughout Napa County that have come together to support parents learning ways to manage life’s stressors and parent in positive ways that reduce the risk for child abuse. Contact Lupe Maldonado at (707) 965-5010 ext. 403 or lmaldonado@upvalleyfamilycenters.org to learn more about the Triple P services our certified practitioners can offer. 

Free bilingual tax preparation services

Now through Saturday, April 13, the UpValley Family Centers will provide free tax preparation services through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA services are provided by UVFC’s Economic Success staff and a group of dedicated community volunteers. A long-time VITA volunteer, Ray (pictured left), says, “I know the VITA program is making a difference! We have folks who have not filed in four years, and we can help them get it sorted out."

The UpValley Family Centers VITA team members are IRS-certified to provide free expert tax preparation services for households earning less than $100,000 per year and help maximize refunds – including Earned Income and Child Care Tax Credit claims. Assistance will be offered in person at UpValley Family Centers offices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-9pm in Calistoga (1500 Cedar Street), Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9pm in St. Helena (1440 Spring Street), and Saturdays from 9am-2pm in both communities. Daytime assistance will also be available in St. Helena on Thursdays from 10am-3pm from February 18 through March 28.

Please call (707) 965-5010 to schedule an appointment. Bilingual assistance is available, as well as applications and renewals of Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) for residents without a social security number, who also file their taxes through the VITA program.

Save the Date for VIVA!

The UpValley Family Centers’ 10th annual online auction, VIVA! Napa Valley, will take place Friday, February 23 (8 am PST) through Monday, February 26 (8 pm PST). Featuring fine collectible wines, superb dining, exceptional hospitality experiences, and unique activities, VIVA! Napa Valley 2024 is sure to offer something for everyone. An exclusive preview of lots will begin on Monday, February 19. Visit viva2024.givesmart.com to learn more and register to bid!

VIVA! Napa Valley is the signature annual fundraiser for UpValley Family Centers and your participation helps ensure that all members of our community have access to the guidance, support, and resources they need to build on the strengths they already possess to create a future of opportunity. 

Special thanks to our sponsors Wealth Enhancement Group and 55 Degrees. 

1st Annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic

Calling all Pickleball Players & Enthusiasts! Get ready for the 1st Annual Napa Valley Pickleball Classic! If you are an intermediate or advanced player, register to play in a round-robin style doubles tournament. If you are a beginner or simply pickleball-curious, register to participate in a free introductory clinic, come out to watch the tournament, and enjoy an exhibition game. For more information and registration please visit: nvpc2024.givesmart.com.

The Napa Valley Pickleball Classic is organized by a committee of local volunteers in partnership with St. Helena Parks and Recreation and UpValley Family Centers. Special thanks to our Founding Sponsor, Boeschen Vineyards.