"City Impact's Fall program updates..."

​​Some people die at twenty-five and then are buried at seventy-five.  
                                                            - Attributed to Benjamin Franklin

Dear   Friends,
 
Ben Franklin's words resonate in my heart and soul - Kevin and I said, we always want to be on the cutting edge of ministry. It is because of your continued support, City Impact adventures infinitely more daring, more profound and more innovative than I would have ever thought. This past May, I sent out a letter asking you to come alongside us during a crucial financial and organizational time.  I want to take this opportunity to update you on our status for this Fall’s programs:

• Student Support Groups - City Impact collaborates with the school districts to provide support groups on select campuses.  Small groups focus on topics such as; anger management, positive problem solving, and conflict resolution for peers or family, and are provided in English or Spanish.​
• Student and Family Empowerment (SAFE) - SAFE provides school-based social/emotional health services at elementary, middle and high schools.  Its purpose is to undergird students who face emotional and social challenges as well as disabilities that inhibit their academic success.  All too often these students fall through the cracks and drop out and/or get involved in juvenile criminal activity and suffer trauma because of their disabilities.  The students are identified by the schools during the process of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and referred to City Impact. 
  
• Counseling Services - City Impact offers the best quality mental health services at the lowest cost possible. Services are provided to the community at large utilizing our main office and church satellite offices.  
  
• Transformation Works - A collaboration with Ventura County Sheriff's Office and local agencies/organizations to work with gang involved youth who need one-on-one intervention to help navigate through the complex process of goal setting, becoming employable, gaining work experience, and obtaining a job.
  
• Street Outreach -City Impact provides violence education and intervention services for gang involved and gang affiliated youth.  The goal is to mediate and diffuse conflicts and tensions, reduce attachment of project youth to gangs and violent activities, and actively promote peace-building.
  
• Food Outreach - In collaboration with FOOD Share of Ventura County and USDA, a weekly outreach distributes food for low-income families of Cabrillo Village, El Rio and Nyeland Acres.  In addition, churches and local businesses and service organizations are invited to provide information and resources for families.  
  
• The Parent Project Classes - Teaches strategies/tools to help parents raise their difficult or out-of-control children.  Referrals for programs come from schools and probation.

 
City Impact has streamlined our programs, only providing the most effective and sought after services.  We paid off a significant part of our debt and work leaner and meaner to ensure our continued viability.  Today, we have a balanced budget and plan to provide the critical programs without significant cash flow requirements of the past.  For the last five weeks, we served over 300 children, youth and families in schools, homes, community centers and churches. This has been possible with your love and continued financial support.  Thank you for making a true impact in the lives of many.
 
With humble appreciation,
 Betty Alvarez Ham
President