DFCS Prevention Bureau Community Forums
Unifying Community — A platform for engaging community voice and inspiring change
Generations United to Empower our Community
Tennie Reynolds, Margaret Jackson, Renee Sagon, Margarita Arroyo & Juliana Garber
March 26, 2021
A diverse panel representing a span of five generations have a vision to build and maintain brave spaces for our marginalized community. Panelists shared life stories that empower our community by listening and learning from each other.
Unity: Celebrating our Diversity and Similarities
Reverend Jethroe Moore II, Juliana Van Meter and Anthony Pineda
December 18, 2020
Reverend Moore, President of the San Jose Chapter of the NAACP, Ms. Van Meter and Mr. Pineda spoke on the importance of valuing our diversity, celebrating what we have in common, and allowing love to be the guiding force in how we treat each other.
The Impact of the Current Climate on Immigrants …Voices from the Community
Ana Morante, Quyen Vuong, and Jacqueline Mora
December 4, 2020
Panelists included Ana Morante, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Founder of Resilient Families Program in Gilroy; Quyen Vuong, Executive Director, International Children Assistance Network (ICAN); and Jacqueline Mora, Sacred Heart Community Service Early Childhood Education Coordinator, San Jose. The panelists spoke about the unique needs of immigrant communities and what we can do to support them. Participants received resources about ethnic specific services.
The Role of Faith in Our Current Culture
Rabbi Melanie Aron, Pastor Teresa Tate, and Father Michael Hendrickson
November 6, 2020
Rabbi Aron, Congregation Shir Hadesh, Los Gatos, Pastor Tate, Kingdom Worship Center International, San Jose, CA and Father Hendrickson, St. Mary’s Parish, Gilroy shared the importance of faith as a resource to manage challenges in our community, i.e. racial unrest, COVID, etc.
Gentrification and Poverty in Communities of Color — Session II
Forrest Williams & Tamika Ellsworth
September 2, 2020
Mr. Williams and Ms. Ellsworth raised awareness about redlining laws that promote segregation and inequities in wealth acquisition within communities. Following discussions of financial empowerment, resources were shared for housing and home buying as well is information on gentrification.
Mr. Williams, former City Council member, along with Ms. Ellsworth, Realtor and Financial Educator, addressed the generational impact of poverty and gentrification within the African Ancestry Community.
Reinforcing the Identity of Foster Youth of Color During this Time of Racial Unrest
Aleta Smith, Dontae Lartigue, Beatrice Trotter, and Tracey Bowers
July 21, 2020
Panelist included Aleta Smith, 2018 Graduate of UC San Diego, Pursuing Masters at Pepperdine University, Former Foster Youth; Dontae Lartigue, Director of Raizing the Bar, A Non-profit supporting Foster Youth and Former Foster Youth; Beatrice Trotter, Resource Parent, Probation Staff; and Tracy Bowers, Program Manager II, CANC Center. The panelist spoke regarding youths’ trauma experienced while in foster care and the importance of reinforcing their identity as African Ancestry Foster Youth. Resources were provided for families and service providers caring for youth of color.
A Virtual Opportunity with Reverend Jethroe Moore II on Taking Action to End Racism and Disproportionality — Session II
Reverend Jethroe Moore II, President of the San Jose Chapter of the NAACP
July 1, 2020
A follow up to the first forum, this virtual session created an opportunity for dialogue regarding the needs of the African Ancestry Community and families of color, with the expectation that action towards eliminating racism and disproportionality led by community.
A Virtual Opportunity with Reverend Jethroe Moore II on Racism and Disproportionality — Session I
Reverend Jethroe Moore, President of the San Jose Chapter of the NAACP
June 19, 2020
With the hope to take action that will eliminate racism and disproportionality in our community, Reverend Moore created a safe space for the African Ancestry community’s voice. The session helped gain understanding about the community’s needs. Resources that provide support and information regarding racism were shared.