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Miel expands influence with new credential
Members of Miel, the worker-owned cooperative incubated by UpValley Family Centers, recently completed California's Community Health Worker (CHW) micro-credential training, expanding their influence and impact on community health. The intensive 10-week, 80-hour training, led by Touro University California, provided comprehensive instruction in health education, patient navigation, care coordination, and connecting individuals and families to health and social services. These Promotoras are trained and trusted leaders with deep linguistic and cultural connections to the communities they serve, and now six members of Miel have earned the CHW credential, adding new skills and resources to their already extensive community leadership.
The CHW credential also opens new opportunities for Miel to be compensated for its services, supporting the cooperative's economic security and growth. We are grateful to the Bay Area Jobs First Collaborative for providing Catalyst funding that has strengthened Miel's capacity to serve the community through opportunities like these. To learn more or contract with Miel, visit www.mielcoop.com or contact the cooperative at [email protected] or (707) 970-0243.
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Join the Back to School Community Celebration Our annual Back to School Community Celebration, co-hosted with Calistoga Joint Unified School District, is happening Friday, August 21, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Berry Field at Calistoga Elementary School. This year's rodeo-themed celebration will bring families together for a fun, free event with a free meal, live entertainment and musical performances, interactive games and activities, and a community resource fair featuring more than 40 local partner agencies dedicated to serving Calistoga families. All ages are welcome, so grab your boots, bring the whole family, and join us for a fun-filled evening of community, connection to resources, and back-to-school excitement! We're grateful for the support of our sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, The Doctors Company, E. Richard Jones Foundation, MCE Clean Energy, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Westamerica Bank, and Napa County Resource Conservation District. There's still time to become a sponsor and support this community event! Please email Cambria Kirby at [email protected] to become a sponsor today. |
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Citizenship Resources for Our Community Community members who would like to apply for U.S. citizenship are invited to attend our next Citizenship Application Assistance Workshop on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in St. Helena. We can provide free legal consultations and application assistance for green card holders. Registration is required, and multiple appointments are available at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or a reduced fee for the naturalization cost Important note: The Department of Homeland Security has proposed eliminating citizenship application fee waivers and raising the application fee by 75% — from the current $710–$830 range to $1,280–$1,475. If adopted, this proposed rule could take effect as soon as Fall 2026, making the path to citizenship significantly harder to afford for many in our community. Now is an important time to apply, while current fees and waivers are still in effect. You can submit public comments on the proposed rule through the Federal eRulemaking Portal until August 24, 2026. Separately, for those seeking support in studying for the citizenship interview and civics exam, we're also offering U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Exam Prep Classes. These classes build the speaking, writing, and civics skills second-language learners need for the exam. Classes will run Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., from August 13 to October 17, 2026, in St. Helena and are conducted in English. Free childcare is provided for children over 2 years old who are potty trained. For more details and to register for the Application Assistance Workshop or the Exam Prep Classes, please call Eva Tamayo, our Immigration Program Community Educator, at (707) 965-5010 ext. 505. |
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Niños Activos Learn & Play A moment from a recent Niños Activos (Active Children) playgroup session in St. Helena. This free, bilingual early learning playgroup is open to children ages 0-5 and their caregivers and occurs twice weekly in St. Helena and Calistoga, offering hands-on activities, songs, and play designed to build early social and learning skills. On the first Friday of the month through October, you can find Niños Activos at the St. Helena Farmers Market for Kids' Bilingual Story Time at 9:30 a.m. Join us there next Friday, August 7. |
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Older Adults Test Their Knowledge A determined group of Calistoga older adults tested their knowledge with a competitive round of trivia at this month's Lunch and Learn. Monthly meetings organized in partnership with Rianda House and Calistoga Parks & Rec typically include an educational activity, a healthy lunch, and information about resources for older adults. These gatherings help reduce isolation among older adults by offering connection, community, and a trusted space to stay informed about available resources. |
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Empowering Community to Know Your Rights Members of our Immigration Program team facilitated a Know Your Rights workshop at a local winery to empower workers with knowledge about their legal rights, what to expect during interactions with immigration officers, and the resources available for legal support. This workshop equips individuals to navigate high-stakes situations with confidence, knowing their rights and where to turn for trusted legal support. |
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Calistoga Wine Festival The inaugural Calistoga Wine Festival is coming up on Saturday, August 15, at the Brannan Center. Hosted by the Calistoga Wine Society, this unique event celebrates the exceptional wines, wineries, and hospitality of northern Napa Valley. Best of all, 10% of all proceeds will benefit UpValley Family Centers. Volunteers are still needed to assist with guest check-in, food and wine service, the silent auction, and event support. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the event organizer, Len Tolstunov, at [email protected] for more information. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, community supporter, or simply looking for a fun way to give back, we hope you'll join us for an unforgettable day celebrating Calistoga wine while supporting the work of UpValley Family Centers! |
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Get Involved! Are you interested in doing meaningful work that strengthens families and the community? Please visit our website to view current job openings. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website! Looking for a way to connect with us in person? Visit our events calendar to see what's coming up and join us at a workshop, playgroup, or community event. |
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