South of Market Child Care Family Services

Family Resource Center:
Involving the whole family has been the hallmark of many of South of Market Child Care Centers' programs that over the years have included parent education, referrals to social services, health and community services, family field trips, one-on-one support of those in transitions, and much, much more. As SOMACC has expanded its services to the Yerba Buena Garden site, there is now a dedicated room to do many more family support programs. Through a generous contribution of the Junior League of San Francisco, the Family Resource Center has been created. In this family center, parents from the entire community have the opportunity to come together and meet with staff and consultants and learn about child development and community resources. Parenting books, videos and other information are also available in different languages.

Some of the programs that have already been offered are enrollment in public and private schools, discipline workshops (English/Spanish), "Bedlam at Bedtime", and infant/child CPR. Beginning in the spring of 2000, Junior League volunteers will also offer their assistance in setting up regular respite Saturdays where parents can bring children in for activities while they shop, catch up on errands, sleep, etc. They will also assist in holiday parties, workshops for parents and the community, and a possible food pantry.

SOMACC´s family support programs are based on the Parent Services Project (PSP) model. Programs that embrace PSP build on strengths found in all families, engage parents as decision-makers, respect the cultures of all families, acknowledge that social support is important for all families, and recognize that joy, hope, and fun are essential for family and community well-being.

Counseling Services:
We have a part time social worker at the Natoma Street site who is available to assist families with housing, employment, school, immigration issues and to provide counseling. We have a mental health consultant who can observe children and meet with parents and staff to discuss individual children. We can also refer children to the assessment unit of the San Francisco School District for evaluation for eligibility for special education services.

Pilipino Services:
Parenting education, support groups, and parent involvement in the center has been a high priority for the South Of Market Child Care Centers. In addition to the children's program, the Judith Baker Center also houses the Asian Pacific Islander Family Resource Network (APIFRN), which offers special services to Pilipino families in the area.

The APIFRN is a project funded by the San Francisco Department of Human Services providing services to families with children 0 to 5 throughout San Francisco. South of Market Child Care, Inc. is a network partner and Asian Perinatal Advocates is the fiscal/lead agency. Through this partnership SOMACC receives funding to provide Pilipino parenting classes and support groups, information and referral, intake and assessment, and cultural celebrations

Cooking Camp
Campers will learn the divine pleasures of cultural cooking from the fabulous Mama Laudate, who will feature a different country each week in cuisine preparation. Campers will prepare their lunches Monday through Thursday. Fridays will include a field trip to places like the Jelly Belly Factory, Dreyers Ice Cream Factory, and the Hershey Factory. This camp will also include outdoor activities at local parks, swimming, crafts, and games.

Low-income South of Market families can apply for scholarships for these programs. For more information call 615-1309.

Please contact Noushin Mofakham, Executive Director, at (415) 820-3500 or by email for any additional information or questions. For maps and directions, please see our Contact Us section.

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