COMMUNITY
CENTERS
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"Our mission is to lead in
the creation and delivery of services that improve the quality of
life for our community." |
For over twenty-five years, the San Joaquin
County Community Centers have been providing a wide range of direct and
referral services to the individuals and families through a network of
seven (7) community centers and one satellite center located in the town of
Thornton. Services include but are not limited:
Food and Nutrition Services
Emergency Food Assistance: Each community center has a food closet in
which food assistance is provided to needy individuals and families on an
emergency basis on a walk-in basis or by appointment. Individuals in
need of food assistance are encouraged to contact the community center
nearest to their place of residence.
Commodity Food Distribution: USDA and donated foods are distributed to
low-income families the third Thursday of every month at each community
center. Residents must provide proof of identification, proof of
income and proof of residency to determine eligibility. Interested
individuals should contact the community center nearest their place of
residence for more information.
Donated Foods: These foodstuffs are free to low-income residents on a
daily basis. Individuals self-certify that they are low-income in
order to receive donated foods.
Congregate Meals: Nutritionally certified meals are provided to
individuals age 55 and older. A small donation is requested.
Summer Food Services Program: Youth participating in the Summer Youth
Enrichment Program (SYEP) is provided nutritionally balanced meals several
times per week. Eligibility is income based.
Holiday Food Baskets: These distributed to low-income individuals and
families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
SHARE Food Program: Interested individuals pool their money and buy a box
of groceries at a discounted rate. Interested individuals should
contact their nearest community center for more information on fees, food
products and distribution times.
Brown Bag Program: Bags of groceries are made available to low-income
seniors. Eligibility is based on income. A yearly fee is
required to maintain membership.
Health Services
Blood Pressure and Wellness Clinics: In cooperation with local
hospitals, blood pressure and wellness clinics are provided on a monthly
basis to local residents.
Health Access Van: The San Joaquin County Health Access Van or mobile
clinic visits each community center once a month. A physician is
available to do check ups and other types of medical exams.
Interested residents should contact the nearest community center for more
information on time and dates the Health Access Van will visit their
neighborhood.
Information and Referral
Center staff provides linkage and referrals to agencies to assist
individuals and families in the areas of human services, employment,
health, nutrition, housing assistance and education services.
Fitness and Recreation Programs
Community centers offer adults and youth many opportunities for
fitness and recreation programs. These include but are not limited to
Youth Intramural Sports, Adult Tai Chi, Adult Line Dancing Classes, Summer
Aquatics Programs with swim lessons for youth and adults, and Summer
Evening Basketball Programs for teens.
Youth Programs
Youth are offered a variety of activities such as computer labs,
homework and tutoring clubs during the school year, art classes, karaoke
and talent shows, and teen dances. During the summer months, kids
ages 8-14 may enroll in the Summer Youth Enrichment Program, a
program that offers six weeks of fun-filled activities for youth.
Depending on funding availability, youth may participate in the High Sierra
Silver Lake Camp that offers a 3-night, 4-day camping experiences for
youth.
Senior Programs
Senior citizens may participate in variety of activities ranging from
the senior lunch program to bingo, dominoes, crafts, exercise classes,
health clinics and volunteer opportunities.
Adult Programs
Some of the programs available to adults include but are not limited
to Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Home Owners and Renters
Assistance, ESL and GED classes, Internet Access for Job Search, Resume
and Job Application Assistance, Family Development Case Management,
and Volunteer Opportunities.
Other Services and Special Events
Many individuals and families receive assistance in
completing forms and applications for a variety of services.
Emergency clothing is also provided to low-income individuals and families
throughout the year. Residents may also provide input on center
services through local advisory boards.
Special events such as Black History Month, Cinco de Mayo
Celebration, Juneteenth Celebration and Eastside Celebration are sponsored
throughout the year.
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