We Care Services for Children

Congratulations We Care Class of 2024! ❤️

Also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is an important observance for Americans, marking our country’s second Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with life-changing news: the end of slavery for over 250,000 Black individuals in the state. To learn more about the history and importance of Juneteenth please visit https://lnkd.in/e6Zyr8cf. Today, and every day, We Care proudly recognizes and honors the contributions of our Black clients, donors, volunteers, staff, and administration.

We Care was honored to be invited by the Greater Concord CA Chamber of Commerce to join last night’s Music & Market event in Todos Santos Plaza. This year was especially meaningful as we connected with so many of our neighbors and heard their unique stories about the struggles their young children, or children in their circle, are facing. We appreciated the time we had to talk about ways We Care can support them. We are also deeply grateful for the opportunity from the Chamber of Commerce to share our mission and engage with our wonderful community. Pictured: Erica Williamson, We Care’s Director of Community Engagement with Mayor, Edi Birsan (left photo), and Vice-Mayor Carlyn Obringer and Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister (right photo).

Throughout the year, we share with you snapshots of We Care’s challenges, and accomplishments – as well as stories of the families we have the honor to work with. We hope you will take a moment to view this past year’s Impact Report to see the big picture! As always, thank you for all the ways you support the children and families our programs support. ❤️ https://lnkd.in/gzzaqc-s

We Care had a fantastic time at the Concord Farmer’s Market, located directly across from our Mental Health Services offices at Todos Santos Plaza. Amanda Medrano, our Clinical Program Manager, and Shelly Kwak, our Program Manager, were honored to connect with the community and share about We Care’s services and impact. A big thank you to everyone who visited us!

The work We Care does with at-risk children (and their families) wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. Recently, We Care’s Executive Director, Pete Caldwell, and Director of Community Engagement, Erica Williamson, had the honor of attending philanthropic events hosted by the Alamo Women's Club and the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley At these events, Pete and Erica had the opportunity to talk about We Care’s services and impact with the members of these remarkable groups. Additionally, both groups honored We Care with generous donations, which directly impacts our ability to reach even more of our community’s most vulnerable members. We are profoundly thankful for the support of the Alamo Women’s Club and the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis!

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional team of therapists, clinicians, consultants, and specialists at We Care. Your unwavering commitment throughout the year to assist children and families struggling with mental health challenges is truly commendable. Your remarkable efforts and steadfast dedication are transforming lives for the better. Your empathetic and meaningful support makes a significant difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable members. Thank you for everything you do every day.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, and every day, We Care is committed to shining a light on the importance of children's mental health. It's easy to overlook how young minds, in trying to make sense of their experiences, might blame themselves for the challenges they face—a point Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris, CA’s first Surgeon General and ACES advocate, poignantly highlights: “Children are compelled to give meaning to what is happening to them. When there is no clear explanation, they make one up; the intersection of trauma and the developmentally appropriate egocentrism of childhood often leads a little kid to think, I made it happen.” Recognizing the subtleties of mental health issues in young children and the impact of early intervention, we are dedicated to providing support and raising awareness. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of at-risk children (and their families). We’re here to help.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the profound impact educators have on our lives. These caring individuals are more than just teachers; they are mentors, guides, and the architects of our future. At We Care, our extraordinary teachers dedicate themselves not just to academic excellence but to fostering environments where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. They extend their support beyond the classroom, ensuring that every family has the tools needed to continue the learning environment at home. To the remarkable teachers at We Care, thank you for being the heart and soul of our preschool—we are deeply grateful.❤️

As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of one particular AANHPI leader in We Care's focus areas—early childhood education, mental health, and development. That important figure is Dr. Chandra Ghosh Ippen, a Bay Area resident and a pivotal figure in early childhood mental health. As the Associate Director and Dissemination Director at the Child Trauma Research Program, UCSF, her research on trauma and resilience in children has significantly shaped practices in early intervention and culturally responsive care. Much of We Care’s work is influenced by her contributions, particularly in approaching the mental health and developmental support of children from all backgrounds. Her groundbreaking efforts ensure that children receive the care and support needed to thrive, perfectly aligning with our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for the children and families we serve. We are immensely grateful for Dr. Ghosh Ippen's contributions to advancing the potential of all children.