FCC Calworks

Students, did you know that as a CalWORKs student you may also qualify for the CARE program at FCC? CARE is under the umbrella of EOPS, so all CARE students are also EOPS students. Some services the programs offer are: Mid-semester Connecting 4 Success self-evaluation online Tutorial Center - one-on-one tutoring assistance... End of Semester program evaluation and feedback for planning Transfer fee waiver End of Semester grant money Beginning semester grant Personal growth workshop and completion grant Monthly grants Health fee grant Auto service repair and maintenance referral (up to $1,000 per semester) Transfer grant Personal counseling, easy access to staff For more information, or in you're interested in apply, contact Jeanine Castle at [email protected]

Happy Friday-Eve Today's staff highlight is our wonderful academic counselor, Elizabeth. Elizabeth survived a war, lived in two different countries and several refugee camps before immigrating to the USA at the age of seven. Although she was a second language learner, Elizabeth persevered and now holds a PsyD in Organizational Psychology, is a licensed Marriage Family Thereapist and a published author ... When it comes to her role as a counselor, Elizabeth enjoys interacting with both students and staff in the CalWORKs department. She appreciates engaging with students and believes there is tremendous growth and learning in the power of reciprocity exchange. Having been a recipient of CalWORKs herself, she understands the challenges and rewards of life circumstances, this feels privileged to be given the opportunity to humbly serve. For students who are more comfortable in their native language, Elizabeth is fluent in Hmong. Let's show this amazing woman some love in our comments

Staff Highlight this week is our amazing counselor Amanda Velasquez. If you've met with Amanda in her office, then you know she's a Disney fanatic. Ask about her favorite Disney movies next time you meet with her. Amanda grew up in Lindsay and obtained her BS in Social Work and MS in Counseling from Fresno State... Like a few people in our office, Amanda worked for Fresno County DSS as a Job Specialist for 12 years before working as a CalWorks counselor. Brining a unique perspective and a wealth of resources with her. What Amanda enjoys most about working in the CalWORKs office is the opportunity to work with our CalWORKs students "They Rock!". - they really do Show Amanda some love in our comments

Priority Registration starts next week. If you're still in need of a class, check out our Counseling 249 class. Counseling 249 is a one (1) unit class that will start on October 5th. Students will have the opportunity to create a success portfolio which includes a resume, cover letter, general job application and more. Students will also go over job interview tips and participate in mock interviews. For more information or to register for the class, contact Susana Escobar at [email protected] or call our office at (559)442-8286

Please join Rising Scholars for their Zoom Talk about Community Resources. October 2nd @ 2pm.

Happy Wednesday! As a reminder, our office is open until 6pm today and EVERY Wednesday this semester. We have amazing counselors, such as Charles, who are here to help. Today's staff highlight is Charles Bailey, academic counselor for CalWORKs. Charles earned his degree in Liberal Studies and his Masters in Educational Counseling both from Fresno State What Chalres enjoys most working with CalWORKs is working with a population of students that are determined, resolute and fo...cused on obtaining their educational objectives inspite of the obstacles they face. We really do have the best students Aside from work, Charles enjoys reading (be sure to ask for some recommendations), watching cartoons and spending time with his loved ones. Be sure to show Charles some love in our comments

REMINDER: CalWORKs office is open until 6pm on Wednesdays this semester. Give us a call if you need to speak to a counselor or have any questions/concerns (559)442-8286

Happy Wednesday! Todays staff highlight is our Karen, an academic counselor and Life Skills facilitator for CalWORKs Karen was a full-time wife and mother for 20 years. At 42 she left a bad marriage and enrolled at Fresno City College where she earned her AS degree. She then transferred to CSU, Fresno where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. ... Karen worked for Fresno County DSS in the CalWORKs Program as a Job Specialist for 15 years and helped clients develop their WTW plans. She realizes how important education is in building a path out of poverty and bettering a person’s life. Karen earned her Master's in Counseling and Marriage Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix and has been an important part of our team since 2017. She currently teaches our Life Skills Workshops. Be sure to contact Karen to learn more! Karen loves to cook, trying new recipes on her family and friends. She enjoys spoiling her "fur babies" and spending time with her 9 grandchildren. Be sure to show Karen some love in our comments

Today, we're going to switch things up a bit as it is Laura's last day with CalWORKs. For the past 5 years, Laura has been an integral part of our department. She's brought creative ideas, passion and love to everything she does. As one of our beloved counselors she's enjoyed helping students achieve their career goals and feel welcomed in our office. ... Laura, you will be missed but we in CalWORKs wish you the best on your next adventure. They're lucky to have you. Thank you for all the smiles, laughter, hugs and friendship. Help us bid farewell to Laura by showing her some love below

Happy Wednesday!! It is with much love that I introduce Manjeet Singh, academic counselor for the CalWORKs office. Manjeet received her BS in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida. She later attended Fresno Pacific University were she earned her Master's in PPS in School Counseling and School Psychology. ... Manjeet enjoys working in CalWORKs because of the cohesive and pragmatic group we have. She also loves to inspire students with adverse circumstances to follow their dreams and pursue an education for a more fulfilling life. Manjeet loves Fat Boy ice cream and yoga . She is also fluent in Hindi and Punjabi! Show Manjeet some love in our comments

Looking for Job Search or Career Training Resources? Workforce Connection can help. Want to learn more? Start with orientation. 1. View orientation in the Workforce Connection Resource room during business hours (8am-5pm). Ask the staff what to do when you arrive 2. View it online from your own device at https://youtu.be/UxJho-IHDI8... AFTER you view the orientation, complete the worksheet: https://frwdb.net//Form_REG_104E-Interest-Worksheet-revise For questions or concerns, please contact Workforce Connection 3302 North Blackstone Ave, Suite 155 (559)230-3600

Happy Wednesday! How's your first week going? If you need to speak to a counselor give our office a call. We have amazing counselors, such as Susana, that are here to help you. Today's CalWORKs Staff Highlight is Susana Escobar, counselor and instructor for CalWORKs. Susana received her Bachelor's in Social Work from Fresno State and Master's in School Counseling from Fresno Pacific... In addition to being an amazing counselor and instructor (ask about COUN-43 &249), she's also an amazing mother to three beautiful children, who she loves spending time with. Susana enjoys being able to assist student in reaching their educational goal. "What I enjoy most about my job is having the opportunity to meet and connect with students from whom I've learned so much about" She is also fluent in Spanish. Si necesitas alguien que habla español, pida un asita con Susana. Show Susana some love in our comments

Welcome Back Students! We look forward to getting to know each of you. For now, we hope you enjoy getting to know our amazing staff. Kou Xiong is one of our academic counselors and has been with the program since October 2016. He loves working for the CalWORKs program and our students. ... As someone who grew up recieving CalWORKs, Kou has an appreciation for the program and the impact it has on the success of its recipients. Furthermore, Kou believes that the CalWORKs students are some of the most motivated and hard working students at FCC. Kou is married with four beautiful children. He is a huge sports fan and a life-long San Francisco 49er faithful. One of his life goals is to attend a Superbowl in which his team plays. Kou reads and writes fluently in Hmong. To make an appt with Kou, you can call or email our office. Be sure to show Kou some love in our comment.

Ready to serve our students #CalWORKs #EducationThatWorks #YourDreamsTheirFuture