|  | Introducing Miel We're proud to celebrate the launch of Miel, a worker-owned cooperative specializing in reaching people in rural areas, migrant communities, and where the language barrier is a challenge. Following a 15-year history as volunteer community health educators working alongside UpValley Family Centers, the Promotoras have taken flight and launched Miel (Motivation, Information, Education, Leadership) community health and information services. Thanks to partnership and investments from the Bay Area Jobs First Collaborative and the Latino Community Foundation, UpValley Family Centers serves as the incubator organization for the cooperative. This endeavor is providing the Promotoras with the necessary tools and structure to improve their economic security, access new career-building options, and increase the power of their voice and impact in the community. Cooperative members are developing business management expertise, accessing benefits, and receiving equitable compensation for their work, skills, and experience. At Miel's launch celebration last week, Julián Castro, Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Community Foundation, emphasized, "The work they are doing is so essential, and they were doing it as volunteers, but we feel like they should be able to make a living off of doing that. Our promotoras and their families also deserve the opportunity of wellbeing and economic mobility and stability that they are helping to provide to others." Miel is officially open for business as an LLC and can be hired to provide community health education and outreach, disaster and emergency services, community-based research and advocacy, and community support services. If you are interested in contracting with Miel for one of their services, please email mielcooperativa@gmail.com or call (707) 970-0243. |
| | | Support Immigrant Families In the last six months, we’ve seen a sharp rise in fear and uncertainty within our local immigrant community. News about increased ICE activity and shifting federal policies has left many families who have lived, worked and raised children in our region for years - deeply concerned for their safety, stability, and future. In response, a generous donor initiated the Family Safety Fund with a lead gift of $10,000. This fund provides emergency support to local immigrant families in crisis — helping them cover basic needs like housing, food, health care, and child support, and access essential legal or professional services. It is especially focused on lessening the harm to children who are impacted by the trauma of family separation or household instability. Our goal is to raise an additional $40,000 to help address urgent emerging needs facing upvalley immigrant families. If you would like to stand in solidarity with immigrant families during this critical time, you can make a gift online by selecting "Family Safety Fund" under "Designate my donation for..." on the donation form or mail a check to UpValley Family Centers at 1440 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574 with "Family Safety Fund" written in the memo. Together, we can ensure that families get support where they need it most. |
| | | Celebrating 20 years with UVFC This month marks 20 years of employment at UpValley Family Centers for Program Director, Indira Lopez-Jones. Originally an early childhood teacher in San Francisco, Indira moved to Calistoga in 2000 with her parents who recently immigrated from Mexico. She was an independent contractor for the family center, teaching Positive Discipline and other classes. She soon became a family center employee, playing a vital role in starting programs like Niños Activos, Plaza Communitaria, and Economic Success. In 2008, she became a Program Director. Currently, Indira oversees our Education and Community Engagement Programs, and has been instrumental in the expansion of services. Although community needs and conditions have changed over two decades, Indira’s focus has remained steadfast to help families and provide resources. When she found social services, she knew she wasn’t going to go back to the classroom; it became her passion. "I’m so grateful for all these years, for the opportunities, for this great organization, for the people I work with, for the leadership, and I wouldn’t change anything about it.” Please join us in celebrating Indira and this milestone in her career! |
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| | | Older Adults Estate Planning Workshop - Monday, August 18, from 10:00-10:45 AM at 913 Washington Street, Calistoga. Hear from Evvy Archibald Shulman, a Staff Attorney from Legal Services of Northern California. Workshop topics will include how to set up wills, advance healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and more. Registration is required; please contact Emma Diamond, Senior Services Case Manager at (707) 965-5010 ext. 307. |
| Community Event Back to School Community Celebration - Friday, August 22, from 4-7 PM at Calistoga Elementary School on Berry Field. In collaboration with Calisotga Joint Unified School District, all are welcome as we mark the start of the academic year with live music, special performances, children’s activities, free dinner, and a resource fair. This event is made possible by our sponsors: The Doctors Company, Jones Family Vineyards, MCE Clean Energy, PG&E, and Westamerica Bank. If you'd like to become a sponsor, please email Cambria Kirby at ckirby@upvalleyfamilycenters.org. |
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Immigration Support US Citizenship & Naturalization Exam Preparation Class - Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 PM, August 26 through October 30 in Calisotga.This course is designed to help prepare students to pass the U.S. Immigration Citizenship and Naturalization Interview and Exam. Speaking, reading, writing, and civics practice will assist second language learners to reach their goal of becoming United States citizens. To register, please call Eva Tamayo, Immigration Program Community Educator at UpValley Family Centers, at (707) 965-5010. Citizenship Application Assistance Workshop - Thursday, September 25 in St. Helena, multiple appointments available at 10 AM and 12 PM. Open to community members who are Lawful Permanent Residents and would like to apply for U.S. citizenship. We can help with free legal representation and application assistance. Applicants may also be eligible for a fee waiver for the naturalization fee ($760). Registration is required; please call Eva Tamayo, Immigration Program Community Educator at UpValley Family Centers, at (707) 965-5010. |
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| | Wildfire preparedness starts with you! Wildfires are a year-round threat in California, making preparation essential. Defensible space is the buffer between your home and the vegetation (trees, grass, shrubs, and wildland) that surrounds it. The first 5 feet around your home is also your first line of defense against wildfires. Creating defensible space improves your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and gives firefighters a safe area to work in to defend your home. Helpful Tips: - Clear: Clear vegetation, debris, and flammable materials from at least 100 feet around structures.
- Landscape: Choose well-maintained and appropriately spaced fire-resistant plants and materials.
- Access and escape routes: Ensure that emergency vehicles can access your property and that residents have clear paths for evacuation.
For more information about how to create defensable space, visit: firefightersonyourside.org/on-your-side-blog/is-your-home-protected |
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