Ceres Unified School District hosted its third town hall meeting of the academic year last week to focus on foster parenting and supporting foster youth.
More than 200 people attended the event, which included dinner in the Argus/Endeavor multi-purpose room on Feb. 1. CUSD invited all 50-plus of its foster students along with their guardians to the 90-minute event.
“It was a very motivational night,” said Edith Narayan, coordinator of Student Services for CUSD.
Each foster student took home a duffel bag with a lock and key and hygiene products courtesy of Persephone Guild of Ceres. Blankets and Squishmallow pillows were also donated through fundraisers.
“We felt there was a need to recognize this group for their perseverance and strength, and educate our community in what they can do to support them,” said Narayan. “They go through a lot of hardships. We try to support them with any trauma-related concerns they might have, along with academics.”
“We contacted all of our foster families and group homes in the district,” Narayan said. “We wanted them to be there.”
“These groups of students go through so many trials and adversities,” she added. “So many of them have wonderful hearts. They’re very caring. It was really important to let them know they matter.”
Keynote speakers Zenia Zuniga, Nancy Griggs and Rodney Bradshaw addressed the large gathering.
Zuniga told of how she grew up as a foster youth and how her experiences led to becoming chapter president of the Pajama Program, which provides students in need with pajamas and emphasizes the importance of sleep.
Griggs is a licensed social worker with Stanislaus County Child Protective Services.
Bradshaw raised and adopted foster children.
Three organizations set up informational tables at the event, including Sierra Vista Child & Family Services, Golden Valley Health Center and We “R” La Raza Parent Advocacy Group.
“There were adults there that were interested in becoming foster parents,” said Narayan. “It’s a tough job but it’s rewarding as well.”
Ceres Unified created its own Family Resource Center this school year to address the needs of its stakeholders.
“We have community liaisons at every site in the district. Their main role is to be that bridge between our schools and families. That’s in addition to the mental health support we have in place already.”
The district’s fourth Town Hall meeting will be staged on April 25 to focus on drug abuse awareness. Based on parent surveys, previous meetings focused on the dangers of social media and bullying and suicide awareness.
“Heartfelt thanks to all of the families who attended, our community partners who provided important information and resources, and everyone involved in coordinating this event,” stated CUSD Communications Specialist Beth Jimenez in a post shared on the district’s Facebook page.
