In collaboration with the Alameda County Office of Education, the Alameda County Teachers Association (ACTA) gave back to the community at this year’s successful fall event on Nov. 17. The idea behind the event was to nourish the minds, bodies and souls of students and their families. Students and their families from the Quest Academy, Opportunity Academy and the parenting teen program were invited to attend.

“So many of our students, community members and their families are facing difficult and uncertain times. Many are experiencing food and housing insecurity, while others are struggling with stress and mental health concerns. We not only wanted to bring the community together and connect students with resources, such as job and post-secondary school options, but we also wanted to provide them with a sense of community. We wanted our students to feel cared for and provide some much-needed stress relief in a fun and safe space for their families.”

–ACTA President Christine Rominiecki

Over 90 students, their families and community members attended the event. The community partners that set up booths and provided information included the Youth Employment Partnership, Berkeley City College and Grand Canyon University. The Oakland Public Library was also on hand and provided a book giveaway and helped people sign up for library cards and explained the benefits of the public library. Safe Passages, another community partner, helped students sign up for programs, such as CalFresh and CalWORKs. Safe Passages was responsible for making sure each family received a bountiful Thanksgiving food basket to bring home.

Oakland Public Library

CTA member, Lori Thelen, set up a game room with a giant Tic-Tac-Toe and Connect Four to engage and entertain students and their families. “Students were engaged in the arts and crafts room, where students were busy designing t-shirts, canvas bags and picture frames. One of the highlights of the event was the petting zoo, complete with an alpaca, baby goats and geese,” said Thelen.