This Juneteenth, for the fourth time, our team members proudly participated in the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, celebrating freedom, history, and the ongoing journey towards equity and justice.

On Saturday, November 18th, staff from A Better Way’s Social Services had their 4th Annual Food Basket Giveaway in Hayward.

An Interview with Stella Sheldon, Director of Training

Stella, what is Mental Health First Aid?

Great question! Mental Health First Aid is a course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. Think CPR/First aid skills, but for mental wellbeing.

An interview with Michael Nobles, Social Services Program Manager at A Better Way

Michael, why is it important to support fathers?

Fathers are important in children’s lives, so by providing them with the support they need, helping them to learn about their children’s development, the goal is that their children have more stabilized lives, their home life is more stable – even if the father is out of the home. This leads to more success as they become adults.

“While working as a Family Support Specialist with the Another Road to Safety Program, I’ve had the privilege of helping families navigate their path to success. I want to share a case that is very near to my heart.”

We’re excited to announce that Sharon Brown has joined A Better Way as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO). We recently asked her a few questions about her new role.

An interview with Kimberly Murphy, Director of Social Services Programs, about A Better Way's new Parent Partner Program in Santa Cruz, CA

Can you tell us about A Better Way’s new program in Santa Cruz?
The new program is called the Parent Partner Program, operated in partnership with Santa Cruz County Family & Children's Services. The Program provides eligible child welfare involved parents with time-limited education, peer mentorship, and support with the goal of successfully reunifying, and/or reunifying sooner with their child/children, while decreasing subsequent changes in placement or custody.