Children & Youth
YMCA Head Start Program – Multiple locations in the East Bay
The City of Oakland Head Start/Early Head Start – Federally and state funded early childhood free education program serving low income Oakland families, promoting school readiness for children from birth to age five.
Contra Costa County Preschool and Head Start programs
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) bridges the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten years. It is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that has been implemented in California. TK does not replicate preschool or kindergarten and is free if your local school district offers it.
- Contra Costa County TK Programs – the right column indicates whether the school has a TK program (not all on the list do).
- Alameda County TK Programs
Bananas – Childcare referrals, payment assistance, and resources to families with young children and childcare professionals in the Northern Alameda County cities of Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Piedmont, Emeryville, and Alameda. They also provide financial assistance.
CocoKids – Serves the needs of children, families, early educators, businesses, and communities in Contra Costa County. With offices in Richmond, Concord and Antioch, CocoKids provides free childcare referrals for all families, parent education and resources, financial assistance to at-risk and low-income working families for childcare, parent education, and more.
First 5 – Centers offer free group classes, playgroups, school readiness activities, support groups, one-on-one assistance connecting to community services, and can also provide resources such as food and diapers.
Bay Area Crisis Nursery – Offers free Emergency Childcare Services to children ages birth through 5 daily from 7 am – 7 pm, 365 days a year. Families can receive up to 30 days of childcare within a 6-month period and 60 days in a year.
Contra Costa Parenting Resource Directory – Includes childcare, legal, housing, mental health, home visit programs, and more.
Hively – Provides resources and support including mental health counseling, support groups, childcare, workshops and trainings. They also have Family Resource Centers in Dublin and Oakland with free clothing, diapers, and non-perishable foods.
Sweet Beginnings – Concord
Bay Area Crisis Nursery – Concord
Help A Mother Out – Multiple locations across the Bay Area
Y Kids Enrichment Programs – Offers afterschool care at local schools for low cost, with financial aid available.
East Bay Agency for Children – Offers afterschool programs that involve academic enrichment and fun activities for elementary aged kids primarily in Oakland.
Oakland Leaf – Provides quality, culturally responsive, and free after-school programming for approximately 750 East Oakland students at six high-need elementary and middle schools.
Boys and Girls Club – Offers afterschool enrichment activities at designated BGC centers for elementary through high school students. They do not usually take place at the schools themselves.
West Contra Costa School District Expanded Learning Office – Partners with local youth serving community-based organizations to operate 36 school-based after school programs until 6 PM. Each program offers: homework support/literacy; a variety of enrichment activities including visual and performing arts, STEM, and leadership; structured physical activity; and supper.
Monument Crisis Center Youth Enrichment – Has an after-school tutoring program for children between the ages of 5 through 12. Youth Programs are held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon during the school year.
East Oakland Youth Development Center – The Summer Cultural Enrichment Program (SCEP) is a 6-week program for students ages 6-12 (SCEP Scholars), who engage in a daily schedule of educational and enrichment classes Monday-Thursday from 9am-3:30pm
Girls Inc. of Alameda County – Offers programming designed to empower girls at every stage of development, and provides a supportive, engaging environment for them to thrive. Summer programs are offered in Oakland & Hayward, for a variety of ages and are low-cost. They also offer a free 5 year summer program.
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation Summer Camps – Offers recreational day camps, specialized sports & activity camps, adventure camps, and teen leadership programs for kids of all ages. They also offer financial assistance for low-income families to apply for.
Community Youth Center Summer Camps – Concord summer camps for kids ages 4-14 years old with a variety of activities and sports. They offer financial assistance for low-income families to apply for.
Boys and Girls Club Alameda County – Offers general summer day camps as well as activity-based day camp like Sports Camp and Guitar Camp. There is a cost associated, but they offer financial assistance for low-income families.
Local Parks:
Local Libraries – Great places to find out about free & affordable local activities and many offer discounts or free passes to events, museums, and community spaces. Libraries also host many different activities, educational workshops and more.
Discover & Go – A museum pass program developed by Contra Costa County Library that provides California library cardholders with free and discounted tickets to local museums and cultural institutions.
510 Families – A website for parents in Alameda, Berkeley, and Oakland to find kid-friendly activities every day.
Free Museum Days – Most museums in the SF Bay Area offer free admission days once a month for residents.
Bay Area Kid Fun – A Bay Area resource for families
Refugee Immigrant Transitions (RIT) Family-Friendly Community Programming – Holds quarterly community events that welcome newcomer students and family members. They include communal cooking, arts and crafts, soccer, and giveaways. In addition, RIT offers regular field trips that build community and allow students to learn more about their new home
Center for Empowering Refugees & Immigrants (CERI) – Programs offer safe and supportive spaces to explore wellness, creative expression and art, set goals, develop community organizing and leadership skills, and advocate for social justice.
Monument Impact – Offers physical activity classes (Zumba, Dance, Tai Chi, and more) every week in the following Concord parks: Cambridge Park, Ellis Lake Park, Meadow Homes Park. This is a great space for community members to feel included, especially those who lack access to transportation or who have no family in the area. Participants share work opportunities and local resources.
Clothing
Dress Best For Less – $10/bag, last Sat of the month, Oakland
Hively Family Resource Centers (HFRC) – provides a one-stop shop for families to obtain all the basic necessities they need including free diapers and wipes (while supplies last) for qualified families, new and gently used children’s clothing, shoes, early literacy materials, and non-perishable foods. There are locations in Dublin and Oakland.
Dress for Success provides a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
BuyNothing – Offers people a way to give and receive, share and lend goods. Buy Nothing websites are often Facebook groups in which you can choose from free goods being offered or ask if someone is willing to give a specific item.
Nextdoor – A website for local neighborhoods where you can get local tips, buy and sell items, and more. On Nextdoor, there is a “Free and For Sale” section where low cost items are sold or given away for free.
Facebook Marketplace – An online marketplace for local items. You must have a Facebook account to access.
Cultural Orientation for Clients
Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE) – Supports refugee resettlement staff globally to deliver Cultural Orientation to refugees so they can achieve self-sufficiency in the United States.
Cultural Orientation Toolkit for Volunteers
Settle In – Videos, podcasts, and fact sheets about life in the US. Topics include cultural adjustment, employment, housing, U.S. laws, and more. Languages include Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Ukrainian. Settle In also has an App that newcomers can use with short videos, interactive lessons, and badges to reward and track learning progress
Education
Free or low-cost classes for adults that can be hobbies, language learning, and help with career development.
Community Colleges
Low-cost colleges in which students can take individual classes or work to earn an associate’s degree. There are often tuition waivers for low-income or other qualified students.
Alameda County colleges:
- College of Alameda (Alameda)
- Berkeley City College (Berkeley)
- Merrit College (Oakland)
- Laney College (Oakland)
- Chabot College (Hayward)
- Ohlone College (Fremont)
The colleges in Contra Costa County are:
- Contra Costa College (San Pablo)
- Los Medanos College (Pittsburg)
- Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill)
California State Universities:
- Cal Maritime (Vallejo)
- CSU East Bay (Hayward)
- San Francisco State (San Francisco)
- San Jose State (San Jose)
Universities of California:
Your school district is typically affiliated with the town you live in (for example, if you live in Berkeley, your school district would be the Berkeley Unified School District). Utilize your local school district for services like special education, speech-language pathology, counseling, and free lunches. For Special Education services, contact your local school district for help.
Emergency Resources
211
211 connects Bay Area residents with health & human service programs in their local community, like mental health resources, housing and food assistance, and natural disaster resources.
988
Suicide and crisis lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
911
For emergencies only. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance.
Hospitals
Any person, regardless of insurance, can be seen at an emergency room. Heath plans must cover emergency care, even if you do not go to a hospital in your plan’s network. Any emergency room must treat you until you are well enough to be moved to a hospital in your health plan’s network. Your plan must also cover emergency care when you travel outside of your plan’s service area.
Contra Costa County:
- Contra Costa Health – mental health services
- John Muir – Walnut Creek, trauma center with multiple locations in Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Orinda, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, Benicia, Fairfield, Vallejo and Napa.
Alameda County:
Employment
Training and Employment Programs:
Jewish Vocational Services – training pathways for healthcare, skilled trades, technology
1951 Coffee Company – non-profit specialty coffee organization that promotes the well-being of the refugee community in the United States by providing job training and employment to refugees, asylees, and special immigrant visa holders while educating the surrounding community about refugee life and issues.
Department of Labor: Employment and Training Administration
Registered Apprenticeship Program: Paid, on the job training for clients to receive nationally portable, industry-recognized credential
H-1B Skills Training Grants: Provide training and supportive services to help jobseekers gain the skills to obtain or upgrade employment in high-growth industries.
O*NET Online: Information on occupational skills, knowledge, and ability requirements, plus tasks and work activities.
MyNextMove: Career Exploration tool, with training and certification lists.
Job Corps: Free residential career training and education program for 16 to 24 years old.
YouthBuild: Community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth aged 16 to 24 years old.
Senior Community Service Employment Programs: Community service and work-based job training program for unemployed and older jobseekers aged at least 55
WorkforceGPS: Online technical assistance for workforce professional
EastBay Works – various certification offerings, drop in job support, career counseling
Alameda County Training & Education Center – provide resources and tools for career awareness, career exploration and career preparation.
Alameda County Workforce Development Board, through Metrix Online (SkillUp Alameda) – Free online training, earn certificates
CalWorks – Welfare to Work Employment & Training Program
Loaves and Fishes Culinary Program – Free 12-week program
Diversity in Health Training Institute (DHTI) – Connects immigrants to healthcare career pathways in the U.S.
West Oakland Job Resource Center (WOJRC) – Training & financial coaching to connect workers with local jobs in construction and Transportation Distribution and Logistics sector at the City and Port of Oakland.
Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services
Alameda County Training & Education Center– provide resources and tools for career awareness, career exploration and career preparation.
EDD – Employment Development Department – provide many resources for job seekers (including veterans, youth, dislocated workers, and people with disabilities), employees, employers, and more.
CalJOBS – Job seekers can create resumes that can be seen by employers, search the full-service employment center for job openings, look for training or educational programs, and much more.
Opportunity Junction – Contra Costa County. Provides training, support, work experience, and placement assistance. Provides free online ESL and computer classes as well
Tri Valley Career Center – Comprehensive employment resource center serving individual job seekers and regional businesses in the East Bay communities of Dublin, Livermoer, Pleasanton, and Sunol in Alameda County.
Monument Impact – Employment Readiness Program, Concord, Free Resume Coaching, Application Assistance, Interview Coaching. Call 925-682-8248 ext.2240 or email samira@monumentimpact.org to get more info
Church of Jesus Christ Employment Services – Located in Concord provides in person and online weekly skill webinars, workshops, and other resources available to build job skills. Do not provide translation services, all webinars in English.
San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) – career coaching online and in person workshops and events. Free and open to anyone.
American Job Center Finder – Careeronestop – help people search for jobs, find training and answer other employment-related questions
International Women’s Resource Center
San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) – career coaching online and in person workshops and events. Free and open to anyone.
World Education Services (WES) – low-cost credential evaluations for students and professionals entering the American job market or education system.
Alameda County Training & Education Center
Skills to Succeed – Courses include resume and cover letter writing, social media professionalism, networking techniques, internet safety, web-based email, mental health work readiness, and more. Free for refugees served by HIAS’ network. Reach out to JFCS East Bay Employment Specialist for access.
Welcome Employment Exchange – A website that lists more than 47,000 jobs, searchable by zip code.
Search in native language for local jobs
Join a Facebook group in the respective language, location, etc.. of where looking for a job (i.e. Ukrainian jobs, San Francisco Bay Area Group has 2.3K members)
American Job Center Finder – Careeronestop – help people search for jobs, find training and answer other employment-related questions
Workers.com – Temporary & temp to hire positions in the industrial industry
Express Employment Professionals – staffing agency with open job postings for job seekers
Skillab – Develops skills profiles for job seekers by using a database of over 13,000 skills that match to more than 2,500 jobs. It helps better understand skillsets and how they relate to career learning pathways. Contact JFCS East Bay Employment specialist for access.
Resume Building For First-Time Jobseekers: Tips For Service Providers
Microsoft Word Templates
Google Resume Templates
Canva Resume Templates
Department of Rehabilitation Work with people who have disabilities to help them get jobs, develop or promote in their current jobs, live on their own, and enjoy a life equal to others.
Contra Costa College – CalWorks Vocational Training and Employment
College of Alameda – Career and Employment Center
Alameda County Workforce Development Center – access to tools, resources, and services
ESL
Intercambio: Confidence and Connection – Intro to high intermediate curriculum specifically developed for volunteers.
First 3 Lessons of Each Level Workbook
Link to Sign up for Volunteer Training – Total 7 hours, 18 modules, self-paced; if asked for discount code, use code jfcs
Intercambio Remote Placement Packet – Reading and Speaking
In, On, Under, Between Fill-in
Pictures for Describing People
Parts of Speech – To Be
Part of Speech – Regular Verbs
-ing Verbs – Charades Game
Woodward English Courses – Basic to advanced free lessons
Books:
Books Unbound – Culturally sensitive learning materials for refugees, including children’s books, coloring books, and resources for trauma-healing.
English for Everyone: Illustrated English Dictionary (DK English for Everyone)
Youtube:
English Conversations – Listening practice. The third dialogue is immigrants talking about coming to the U.S.
Intermediate level lessons – Everyday topics
BBC Learning English – Beginner English for Afghan learners – lesson 02 – BBC Sounds
American Pronunciation !! The Oxford 3000 Words – English Words List – YouTube
ABC Learning English – YouTube
Dari (Persian/Farsi) to English Lesson 1 دری ده انگلیسی درس یک (youtube.com)
Intermediate Phrases in English
Generative AI Tools: consider introducing newcomers to some of the AI-powered language learning tools and resources below:
Introduce apps like Ankiweb and Quizlet for AI-assisted memorization and tutoring.
Keep updated notes of clients rolling off assisted WiFi programs—ensuring you extend access to writing assistance chatbots like Gpt4all for those without internet connection.
Connect clients with online writing communities, where they can share ideas and make social connections in unison, like the EnglishClub.
Recommend translation features for word processing software like Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
Include new elements in your digital literacy classes, like text-to-speech software (e.g., NaturalReaders and ElevenLabs) to assist with wording and tone.
Be aware of any costs associated with your recommendations. First offer free AI chat models, like Hugging Face, which can help generate and organize ideas in response to simple questions.
ChatGPT can help users practice and improve their language skills by engaging in conversation, curating relevant information, and providing feedback.
Grammarly focuses on optimizing users’ word choice, spelling, style, punctuation, and tone.
Alameda County
Northern Alameda Adult Education Collective
Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development– In partnership with various community colleges
Immigrant Hope (San Leandro)
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa Library-Adult English Language Learning Resources – All free
ESL Conversation Group in Walnut Creek
English as a second language (ESL) programs in Concord
International Women’s Resource Center
Project Second Chance – 1:1 Free Adult Literacy tutoring by volunteers through the library
Coursera – Some free self-paced courses and others paid.
Ello – English listening Library
Rosetta Stone – JFCS East Bay provides free memberships through HIAS
Lingo Kids – Ages 2-8, 3 free activities daily, monthly fee for unlimited and parental progress updates.
EnGen Career Pathways – all levels, Contact JFCS East Bay ESL coordinator enrollment eligibility
Career Technical Institute – online classes, introduction to advanced English classes
Finance
Banking Basics – A guide to understanding the basics of banking.
Checklist for Opening a Bank Account – This guide is part of the CFPB’s series on “A Newcomer’s Guide to Managing Money” and is offered in several different languages.
Financial Capabilities – Three part video series from the IRC covering credit, online banking, filing taxes, and offered in various languages.
My New Money Goal – Financial planning worksheet from the CFPB
MCC East Bay Zakat – Financial assistance for Bay Area Muslims who need financial assistance to get back on their feet.
Saving Rules to Live By – Tips and worksheet for saving funds from the CFPB
Seasons of Sharing – One time financial assistance to help people experiencing an unexpected housing crisis across all 9 bay area counties.
Credit Wise – Free credit monitoring service that provides users with a weekly credit summary.
IRC CEO – IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) is a national, non-profit financial institution that offers small-dollar consumer and business loans to New Americans and other credit-thin individuals. Offered at both IRC San Jose and IRC Oakland, they provide practical loans at affordable rates that promote the upward economic mobility of borrowers. Connect with either office to request a meeting with a financial coach to start a loan application.
Mission Asset Fund – A nonprofit based in San Francisco that helps immigrants and refugees build credit and boost their finances through loans, lending circles, workshops, and other resources.
Basics of Filing Taxes for Immigrants – Guide to filing taxes from Boundless, an immigration resource site.
How to File Taxes for New Immigrants – USAHello’s guide to filing taxes for new immigrants.
Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers – Free IRS resources for low income & limited English speakers.
Taxes: Understanding the Basics – CFPB’s handout for understanding taxes & responsibilities.
HIAS Financial Literacy Trainings – Offered online in multiple languages, including Dari, Pashto, and Spanish. Requires users to register with a phone number.
Food
Many local religious and community organizations have food pantries or soup kitchens with hot meals. Some limit services to people who live in the county or in the town of the food pantry, so it is smart to check requirements before going.
Afghan/Middle Eastern markets:
- Afghan Halal Market – 1500 Monument Blvd F12, Concord, CA 94520
- International Market and Grill – 4425 Treat Blvd suite m, Concord, CA 94521
- Zenith Food Mart – 4530 Clayton Rd Suite B, Concord, CA 94521
- Kabul Restaurant and Market – 2521 San Jose Dr, Antioch, CA 94509
- Naan and Kabob Bazaar – 5035 Lone Tree Wy D, Antioch, CA 94531
- Halal Food and Meat Market – 1964 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
- Middle East Market – 2054 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
- Taza Market – 2207 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602
- Middle East and Afghan Market – 1952 B St, Hayward, CA 94541
- Afghan Market – 1156 W Tennyson Rd, Hayward, CA 94544
- Kabul Halal Market – 218 A St, Hayward, CA 94541
- Maiwand Market – 37235 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
- Damavand Market – 37012 Towers Way, Fremont, CA 94536
- Khorasan Market – 38731 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
- Herat Market – 5694 Thornton Ave, Newark, CA 94560
Ukranian/Russian Markets:
- Russian Grocery Food – 2307 Concord Blvd, Concord, CA 94520
- Arbat Russian Grocery Store – 4375 Clayton Rd ste h, Concord, CA 94521
- European Food Market – 2307 Concord Blvd, Concord, CA 94520
- European Market, Deli and Café – 20912 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
- Babushka Market, Deli and Café – 1475 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
African Markets:
- African Caribbean Food Market Man Must Walk – 547 8th St, Oakland, CA 94607
- Yagerbet Market – 2412 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
- Abyssinia Market – 2525 Telegraph Ave Ste. A, Oakland, CA 94612
- Chi-EZuka Store – 15110 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA 94578
- Ge’ez Market – 159 Pelton Center Way, San Leandro, CA 94577
- African Carribian Market Grand Marchi – Sycamore Dr, Antioch, CA 94509
- Grace Africana Delight – 13350 San Pablo Ave Suite A1, San Pablo, CA 94806
Mexican/Latin American Markets:
Chain grocery stores:
- Supermercado Mi Tierra – 7 locations in Oakland (4), San Rafael, Modesto, San Leandro
- Las Montanas Supermarket – 4 locations in Concord (2), Hayward, San Pablo
- Cardenas Market – 5 locations in Hayward (2), Oakland, Pittsburg, and Vallejo
- Mi Ranchito Market – 3 locations in Oakland, Berkeley, San Pablo
Single stores:
- Chavez Supermarket – 24601 Mission Blvd and 1157 W Tennyson Rd, Hayward, CA 94544
- Mi Pueblito Market – 471 W A St, Hayward, CA 94541
- La Esparanza Tricolor – 340 A St, Hayward, CA 94541
- El Rancho Supermercado – 22291 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
- Supermercado La Raza – 16411 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA 94578
- La Raza Market – 5040 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
- El Charro Supermercado – 1502 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94601
- Supermercado los Pericos – 1527 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606
- Mercado del Valle – 1651 Monument Blvd, Concord, CA 94520
- La Morenita Market – 1120 Meadow Ln, Concord, CA 94520
- La Fortuna Latina Market – 2400 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
- Mercado La Hacienda – 2100 23rd St, San Pablo, CA 94806
- La Loma – 1313 Rd 20, San Pablo, CA 94806
Affordable Grocery Stores – Your money can go further at discount or bulk grocery stores. Some stores to try out include Costco (must purchase membership for $60 per year to shop here), FoodMaxx, Grocery Outlet, Walmart, and Smart & Final.
Farmers Markets – Clients who are a part of CalFresh are automatically a part of the Market Match program, which allows clients to use their food security benefits. Learn more about the Market Match program.
Food Finder – An app that allows you to search based on location and shows you a map of local food banks or other food options.
Lasagna Love – An organization in which families in need can receive a home-cooked lasagna or main dish from a local volunteer neighbor.
Meals on Wheels – An organization that deliver meals to homebound seniors and others in need. Eligibility requirements differ for each program.
CalFresh – For people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. Case managers will sign up their clients for Cal Fresh automatically. If they have questions about their benefits, clients can contact their case manager, call the CalFresh Benefits Helpline at 1-877-847-3663 or go to their local county social service agency.
WIC program – The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. Determine eligibility here.
Furniture & Household Items
Habitat for Humanity Restore – Oakland, Concord, Fairfield, San Jose
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR) – free, donated community items from pickup days. Client must accompany a representative from JFCS. Appointments can be made with Adrian Medina at adriana.medina@mdrr.com.
Buy Nothing – BuyNothing offers people a way to give and receive, share, lend with their local community for free. Find the local buy nothing group, you may need a Facebook account to join.
Next-door – Next-door can be used to send out an ask to the community for furniture or household items.
Freecycle – grassroots & nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. Membership is free!
Craigslist – a great option for finding free or affordable furniture in the community.
Facebook Marketplace – a great option for finding affordable furniture, but you will need a Facebook account to access this resource.
Health
Afghan Clinic – A health initiative dedicated to promoting the wellbeing and agency of Afghan people. Afghan Clinic creates online health education materials concordant to the needs of the Afghan people and conducts public health research that promotes health among Afghans.
Good RX – Prescription prices, coupons, and pharmacy information for those with or without insurance.
MyChart – Access personal medical information online. Check lab results, request appointments, message health care provider and refill prescriptions. Interpretation is available on their helpline if needed.
Clinics:
Asian Health Services – Serves and advocates for the medically underserved, including the immigrant and refugee Asian community, and ensures equal access to health care services regardless of income, insurance status, language, or culture.
Family Justice Center Immunization Clinic – Alameda County immunization clinic with free vaccinations.
La Clinica de la Raza – A multi-lingual, accessible full-scope health care services in the East Bay, for clients of all income levels or insurance statuses.
Hospitals:
Any person, regardless of insurance, can be seen at an emergency room. Heath plans must cover emergency care, even if you do not go to a hospital in your plan’s network. Any emergency room must treat you until you are well enough to be moved to a hospital in your health plan’s network. Your plan must also cover emergency care when you travel outside of your plan’s service area.
Contra Costa County:
Alameda County:
Disability and Aging Services:
Center for Independent Living – CIL provides independent living resources and support to youth, adults and seniors with disabilities and their families in Northern Alameda County (AC), including Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville, Piedmont and Albany.
Afghan Coalition –Mental health services and domestic violence support for Afghans of all ages in Dari, Pashto and English.
Ally Network – Connects newcomers to mental health providers at little-to-no cost and offers mental health information and resources in multiple languages.
Institute for Muslim Mental Health – Mental health resources for professionals, educators, community leaders, and families.
NAMI Contra Costa – Outreach, education, support and advocacy to families and individuals in need of help dealing with mental illness.
Partnerships for Trauma Recovery – Mental health care services for refugees, asylees, asylum seekers and human trafficking survivors.
Afghan Wellness Helpline – great resource for non-emergency mental health support. Helpful for clients who need mental health assistance but are not at imminent risk.
Community & County Dental Clinics – a resource page with local dental clinic options.
DVC Dental Hygiene Clinic – A low cost option for dental cleanings and preventative services to the community.
Medi-Cal Dental Provider Directory – Search the Medi-Cal directory to find dental service providers currently accepting clients.
Housing
Affordable Housing Workshop 2.23.24 – Client presentation on applying for Affordable Housing.
Affordable Housing Resources Guide – DOWNLOAD List of local Affordable Housing websites for clients
2-1-1 works in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties as the housing hotline. This will connect the caller to the local housing authorities. Click below to see emergency and affordable housing resources for each county.
Craigslist – Craigslist is a great resource for finding housing, but be aware of potential scams. If a housing deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Facebook housing groups – Facebook groups can be a great resource for finding housing. Join any local housing groups to see the listings available, but be wary of any potential scams.
LGBTQ+
Webinar from 2020 in which HIAS staff discuss the unique needs and vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ population, and how HIAS and our U.S. and international partners have stepped up to advocate for the human rights of our LGBTQ clients and provide lifesaving support.
Short video from 2013, featuring two first-person LGBTQ+ refugee stories
PDF manual for refugee resettlement agency staff resettling LGBTQ+ individuals
Two profiles (Profile 1, Profile 2) of LGBTQ refugees and they stories of resettlement with Rainbow Railroad, a nonprofit in Canada.
Rainbow Community Center – Contra Costa. Rainbow builds community, equity, and well-being among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQIA+) people & our allies.
AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP) – Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Solano and Sonoma counties. AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP) provides free and low-cost legal services to people with HIV/AIDS in the San Francisco Bay Area.
SF LGBT Center – San Francisco. The mission of the SF LGBT Center is to connect our diverse community to opportunities, resources and each other to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBT people and our allies.
Somos Familia – San Francisco. Somos Familia builds leadership in our Latinx families and communities to create a culture where people of diverse genders and sexual orientations can thrive.
Oakland LGBT Community Center – Alameda County. The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center is dedicated to enhancing and sustaining the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, our families and allies, by providing educational, social, and health related activities, programs and services.
Aguilas – San Francisco County. AGUILAS is dedicated to creating a supportive, culturally sensitive environment for gay/bisexual Latinos. We strive to foster knowledge and pride of the diversity of our language, culture, history and spirituality. AGUILAS is committed to developing programs that promote health, well-being and community building that foster positive self-identities, healthy relationships and leadership skills.
East Bay Getting to Zero – HIV related services and support for the East Bay.
Oakland Black Pride – Social growth and events focusing on the Black LGBTQ+ community in and around Oakland.
LGBTQ+ Immigrant’s Rights and Laws | USAHello – Overview of rights for LGBTQ immigrants in the US, available in multiple languages.
GALAP (Gender Affirmative Letter Access Project) – A group of transgender, nonbinary, and allied mental health and medical providers based in the U.S. who have come together to state our position on the requirement that transgender and nonbinary people and/or people seeking gender-affirming medical interventions acquire a letter of support from a mental health provider; make public our commitment to making letters, when required by medical systems who adhere to the WPATH SOC, accessible and free.
In Reach – a search tool to find LGBTQ+ providers in your local area
Social Services Agencies
Social Security Administration
Contra Costa County:
- 1111 Civic Drive Suite# 18 Walnut Creek, CA 94596, 877-319-6042
- 2508 Vern Robert circle Antioch, CA 94509, 866-331-2324
- 3164 Garrity Way Richmond, CA 94806, 877-772-1213
Alameda County:
- 24301 Southland Drive Oakland, 888-527-9329
- 2045 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, 800-772-1213
- 65+ 800-772-1213
- Antioch – 925-608-5980
- Pleasant Hill – 925-602-9379
EBT/CalFresh – 877-328-9677
US Citizenship and Immigration Services – change of address 800-375-5283
Technology
Access from AT&T – provides low-cost internet service for eligible households that are receiving SNAP, SSI, or other programs for $30/month.
HUMAN-I-T Low Cost Internet – High speed internet service for less than $30/month for households that are enrolled in an assistance program or whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty line.
National Digital Inclusion Alliance Resource List – To meet the needs of households with low-incomes, many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer discount broadband plans. This page is for anyone interested in learning about free and low-cost internet offers. Included on this resource page are plans that provide home internet service for $30 per month or less.
Xfinity Internet Essentials – provides affordable home Internet for qualifying households ($9.95/month for up to 50 Mbps, or $29.95/month for up to 100 Mbps) as well as low-cost computers, free WiFi hotspots, and free Internet training.
T-Mobile Project 10Million – Connects low income students to free wifi, free router, and discounted other devices for up to 5 years. Clients who receive SNAP or other government benefits are eligible.
BeConnected – Be Connected is an Australian government initiative committed to increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of seniors and aims to empower everyone to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in our digital world. Topics include how to use specific technology, getting started online, avoiding scams, and more!
CORE Supplemental Lesson Plan: Digital Awareness for Refugees – This lesson plan is a suggested guide and includes ways that refugees may encounter digital technology in the US as part of their resettlement process, including accessing public benefits, managing finances & banking, searching & applying for jobs, engaging with school, and submitting changes in address. It includes assessments, activities, and lesson plans that you can use when working with refugee clients.
DigitalUS Digital Navigator Resources – Digital Navigators help learners secure connectivity to reliable internet and access to low-cost devices, provide foundational digital skills instruction and tech support, provide upskilling, job training and employment support, and provide referrals to digital literacy or other services to help them meet their personal goals.
Digital Literacy for Life and Work – A series of digital literacy videos for newcomer families in a variety of languages, including Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Ukrainian, and more. Each video series includes 16 short videos, covering topics such as digital safety and scams, preventing viruses and malware, secure Wi-Fi networks, online learning opportunities and more.
Digital Skills Library – an open repository of free learning resources designed to help all adult learners develop the digital skills needed to achieve their personal, civic, educational, and career goals.
Everyone On – connects families in underserved communities to affordable internet service & computers and delivers digital skills trainings.
GFC Global – helps millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFGlobal.org offers more than 300 topics, including more than 6,000 lessons, more than 2,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free.
Google Applied Digital Skills – Teach and learn practical digital skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow with our video lessons that are free of charge.
HIAS Digital Literacy Toolkit – The first section is an overview of seven Digital Literacy topics. The following 3 sections are app-specific and review 3 digital learning pathways, including English Language Learning, Employment and Education. All 24 fact sheets are designed to increase digital skills and confidence to stay competitive in the digital economy. This resource is also available in Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Russian, Spanish Swahili, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian.
HIAS Digital Literacy Videos – This video series in English is designed for beginning literacy
IRC Digital Literacy Lessons – These digital literacy lessons, in Dari & English, were created to support the community and offer beginning, intermediate and advanced lessons for learners of varying abilities.
Microsoft Digital Skills Resources for Refugees – These free training and curriculum resources were created to help humanitarian organizations deliver training that will help refugees gain digital literacy and computer science skills.
Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments & Learning – Northstar offers online & self-guided assessments that measure basic digital literacy skills, educational materials for self-guided online learning, one-on-one digital navigation, and instructor-led classes.
OCCUR – provides free technology training for youth, adults, and seniors through the David E. Glover Emerging Technology Center in Oakland.
Success Centers– Offers free computer literacy classes for all members of the community to increase technical skills and receive certifications. With multiple locations in San Francisco and Oakland, Success Centers also offers programs on education, employment, and more. Free or Affordable Technology
Computers for Classrooms – provides low-cost computers statewide to low-income families, veterans, students on financial aid, and others via their location in Chico, California
eWaste Collective – refurbishes donated computers and offers them to low income adults in the community. eWaste has offices in Berkeley and Novato
Human-I-T – offers individuals and organizations low-cost, name-brand new & refurbished laptops, desktops, tablets, and more. Low-income individuals may also qualify for additional discounts on technology.
PCs for People – specializes in refurbished laptop and desktop computers, internet solutions, and tech accessories for qualifying low-income individuals.
Rapid Recycle – An E-waste, appliance, and metal recycling center in Pacheco that offers low-cost refurbished computers and technology.
Tech Exchange – provides affordable refurbished computers and digital literacy training to low-income families and supports schools and community centers with their technology needs.
Translation
Tarjimly – free and affordable remote interpretation and translation services available to non-profit organizations, humanitarian volunteers, social workers and direct to refugees and immigrants.
Google Translate – Free translation between English and over 100 other languages, both a website and an app.
Microsoft Translator – translate text, speech, images, and group conversations in over 100 languages for free, both a website and an app.
Respond Crisis Translation – Translation & interpretation for asylum, legal, medical, psychological support, education, social services, community meetings, conferences, and workshops, and more. Respond Crisis Translation’s work is always free of charge for individuals, families, and grassroots organizers.
Refugee Translation Project – Free professional translation support in 16 different languages to people seeking asylum and other immigration relief, translates information to help displaced persons access vital resources, and more.
LanguageLine – Professional translation and interpretation service for organizations and individuals. While this service isn’t free, it’s a great option when professional translation services are needed.
Transportation
DMV Resources
DMV Driver’s Manual in other languages
Drivers Ed & DMV Resources
A-Hero Driving School – based in the South Bay but offering lessons in some Alameda County cities, offer lessons in Pashto, Dari, and other languages.
Bay Pass Driving School – in both Alameda and Contra Costa County, payment plans available.
Professor Driving School – based in San Jose, offers lessons in Pashto and Dari, among other languages.
Car Donations Programs
JFCS East Bay Donation Program
IRC Auto Loans – The International Rescue Committee’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) is a unique non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Loan Fund that specializes in making flexible, affordable consumer and microenterprise loans to borrowers with little access to traditional financing. Their loans are made from within trusted local community organizations and are offered in tandem with training & services. They help borrowers build assets, capitalize on opportunities, and transition into the financial mainstream. Contact their Oakland and San Jose offices for more information.
Car Insurance
California Low Cost Car Insurance Program – State-wide program to help low income families find more affordable car insurance policies than what most private plans offer.
Same Day Car Insurance – Many insurance companies offer same day car insurance, where you do not have to wait weeks for a policy to begin. To do this, go online and request an instant quote. Companies like AAA, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, USAA, Progressive, and Erie Insurance all offer this and it is best to compare a couple of rates before purchasing.
BART Guides in Dari, Pashto, and Spanish
Clipper Start Program – This program offers 50% off all Bay Area Transit for low income individuals between 19-64 years old. Each family member must apply separately and use a different phone number or email address for each application.
Alameda Alliance Medical Transportation – Clients in Alameda County who receive Medi-Cal through Alameda Alliance are eligible for free transportation to medical appointments. Clients must reserve the transportation 3-5 days before appointments.
Contra Costa Health Transportation Line – Clients in Contra Costa County who receive Medi-Cal through Contra Costa Health are eligible for free transportation to medical appointments. Clients must reserve the transportation 5-10 days before appointments.
East Bay Paratransit – East Bay Paratransit is a public transit service for people who are unable to use regular buses or trains, like those operated by AC Transit and BART, because of a disability or a health-related condition. East Bay Paratransit transports riders from their origin to their destination in vans equipped with a wheelchair lift.
County Connection – Paratransit option for clients in Contra Costa County
Uhaul – JFCS East Bay secured a discount with Concord U-Haul with a rental fee of $19.95 for a 15-20′ truck for 24 hours with a $0.71 per mile charge. We can make the reservation online and make a note on the reservation to direct to manager Anthony Loggins to adjust the rate for JFCS East Bay or call directly. Please encourage your clients if licensed to use this!
Home Depot Truck Rental is an option for families who need to rent larger vehicles to move or pick up their furniture items.
Volunteer Education & Information
CORE supports refugee resettlement staff with delivering Cultural Orientation to refugees in the United States. While these resources are mainly designed for resettlement staff, volunteers can utilize these resources for teaching cultural orientation and better understanding the cultural backgrounds of refugees.
Recommended Reading
RWC offers training and resources to both refugee resettlement staff and volunteers working with refugees.
Recommended Courses & Webinars
Centering Newcomer Autonomy and Promoting Self Sufficiency
Cultural Sensitivity & Inclusivity
Navigating Self-Sufficiency Challenges in Refugee Support
Co-Sponsorship Boundaries & Burnout Prevention
Empowering Refugees: Addressing Power Dynamics in Refugee Assistance
Community Sponsorship to Community Advocacy
Navigating Sponsorship Challenges
Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience. While most Switchboard resources are created refugee resettlement staff, there are many resources available that can benefit volunteers too!
Recommended Courses & Webinars
Five Part Series: Cultural & Practical Considerations for Working with Afghan Clients
Cultural and Practical Considerations for Working with Ukrainian Clients
Supporting Afghan Newcomers with Professional Backgrounds: Barriers, Opportunities, & Resources
Educational Experiences of Afghans: Learning from Afghan Refugee Students & Families
JFCS East Bay Volunteer Manual – Our comprehensive guide to volunteering with JFCS East Bay
Do you know of a resource that isn’t listed here? Send it to volunteers@jfcs-eastbay.org so we can add it to the resource hub!
