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Greetings Friends and Relatives, Thank you for taking time to enjoy the latest Together Rising newsletter summarizing our work in 2011. We hope you enjoy it. As we prepare for next the year, we reflect on how challenging this year has been for just about everyone - throughout the nation and locally in Stockton with very serious challenges still looming ahead. Yet, we have great hope to meet those challenges by applying the lessons we have learned through this difficult year and committing ourselves to the work of the “great turning” that is culminating in Stockton. We look forward to continuing our mission to strengthen families, build community and rise together - making Stockton the opportunity-rich community that other cities will look at and say, “I wonder how Stockton did it?” We will send you updates on our progress and ways you can get involved to continue to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families. Stay tuned! Peace and blessings on you, your families and community!

In this issue: Welcome new Staff Loud and Proud Year in Review Youth Programs Family Strengthening Upcoming Events Thank you Photo Credits: FFSJ staff www.ffsj.org P.O. Box 30674 Stockton, CA | 95213 Ph: 209.941.0701 F: 209.941.0784

In this photo: Grandma Betty and baby Mateo; photo by Marcela Ruiz

Welcome The New Team:

Alixandria “Xan” Henley My name is Alixandria Henley. I grew up in Alamo, California, but I am currently attending the University of the Pacific, majoring in Psychology. I have been interning with Fathers and Families since August and ultimately would like to pursue a career in counseling.

Angela White-Williams The youth are our future. In a few short years, our generation will pass on the baton and there will be a changing of the guard, just as in every preceding generation. The youth will lead us into the future, and how they lead will depend on how we have mentored them. Value creates value - that’s what I think! I have a strong history of activism and volunteerism and people are important to me. My cup is always full and the world is full of wonderful people. I have a background in Computer Science, Nursing, Family Consumer Science and Wellness. I had fun and there was so much joy and excitement working in Silicon Valley for over 20 years. I raised three successful children and have two wonderful grandchildren that I adore. My motto is good friends, good food, plenty of fun and laughter.

Gabriel Alfaro My name is Gabriel Alfaro. I am a twenty year old young man born and raised in Stockton, California. I am the youngest of five children. At nineteen, I became a father to a beautiful daughter named, Nalea Demi. She is now one year old. I attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School and I am continuing my education at Stockton School for Adults. While attending Stagg High School, I was in a program called, El Joven

Noble whose main focus was helping troubled youth. Through this program, I met Sammy Nunez. Being a troubled teen myself, I have been able to relate to the struggles of other youth. This is one of the reasons why I look for and I’ve had the opportunity to mentor my peers who came from a troubled background similar to mine. I focus on encouraging them to continue moving forward with their lives despite setbacks. Recently, I have had the great opportunity to work with Fathers & Families of San Joaquin. I’ve attended many conferences regarding gang violence and have been able to work with the community. I feel very blessed to have Sammy Nunez as one of my mentors. The mentors in my life have given me the strength and guidance I have needed to make positive changes in my life and made me see that I too, can impact other youth in our community. Because of their encouragement, I want to pursue a career in youth counseling. I want to bring this same hope and encouragement to others.

Gauri Sanchez My name is Gauri Sanchez and I was born in Guatemala City. At the age of seven, my family and I migrated to Stockton, California where I have lived for the past 15 years. I graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 2006. After high school, I attended San Joaquin Delta College and received my A.A in liberal arts, natural science, and mathematics. In 2009, I transferred to California State University, Sacramento and I’m very proud to say that I’m an alumnus from Sac State! I received my B.A in psychology in May of 2011. My next step is to pursue my M.S in Counseling; specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. I began my internship with Fathers & Family of San Joaquin in the beginning of this year. The work that is done by FFSJ is amazing and has taught me that collectively we can do incredible, positive work to help the community.

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Loud and Proud

On April 30th FFSJ staff presented a workshop titled, “Healing the Hood” at the 2nd Annual Equity Summit to address the school to jail pipeline, held at University of California, Davis. On May 16th youth leaders, Sokha Lek and Felix Aguilar-Saavedra were invited to give a speech to students at the 8th grade promotion at Pittman and Hazelton School. In September, chanda was awarded residency to the Windcall Institute and spent three-weeks in the Olympic Peninsula, Washington to reflect, rejuvenate and to help sustain her work in social justice.

On November 5th, Sammy presented a workshop at the 2nd annual "Turn it Up a Notch: Prepare to Reach Your Next Level of Success" conference targeted at young men of color at Kimball High School in Tracy, CA, sponsored by Sow A Seed Community Foundation. From November 8-11th, FFSJ staff were invited delegates to the 4th annual Equity Summit sponsored by PolicyLink in Detroit, Michigan where Sammy served on the “Gateway to Success: Improving the Odds for Boys and Men of Color” panel. On November 17th, Sammy presented at The California Wellness Foundation’s Conference on Violence Prevention in San Francisco, CA.

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Jim Dinh

Top Left: FFSJ Staff at Khmer New Years at Wat Dhammaram; Right: FFSJ participates in Cinco de Mayo Parade; Panelist at the Boys & Men of Color Summit; community members celebrate FatherFEST 2011 with Aztec Dancers; Drum circle at Dia de los Muertos.

My name is Jim Dinh and I am forty seven years old. I have a family of four and we are expecting our third child. My wife, Truc Ly is thirty one years old. My daughter, Cathy is 9 years old. And my son, Tony is 7 years old. Cathy is in the fourth grade and Tony is in the second grade. They are attending Peyton Elementary school. I am originally from Vietnam and came to America when I was 16 years old where I attended Stagg High School and graduated in 1984. I was trained in office technology and I am a part time security guard. My interests are to learn more office skills because English is my second language. It is hard for me, but I keep trying and keep on learning. I have been with Fathers & Families of San Joaquin for the past three months doing mainly clerical and data entry work

On June 17, 2011 FFSJ along with its partners organize the Honorable Fatherhood: Father of the Year Award Ceremony at the Mexican Heritage Center. This event was dedicated to honor family values, while specifically paying tribute to the role of fathers and men in our community. FFSJ also recognize the individuals who have made a difference in our community by making a difference in children’s lives. Each recipient received a beautiful plaque and certificate of recognition from Senator Lois Wolk, and Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani. Awards were given to the Father of the Year, Grandfather of the Year, Single Father of the Year and Foster Father of the Year. Each individual was selected because of their commitment to not only their family, but also to being involved and engaged stakeholders in improving the well being of the children and families in the broader community.

On April 21st & 22nd, FFSJ, the National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute (NLFFI), along with the California Fatherhood Initiative organized the California Fatherhood Initiative Conference and Boys & Men of Color Summit. FFSJ and its statewide and national partners convened this two-day event for organizations, government entities, service providers, law enforcement, legislators, and community advocates. The event tied opportunities and successes through positive fatherhood involvement and youth mentorship. The event included personal stories and statistics that compel action. The first day of the summit consisted of youth participants, community leaders, nationally recognized practitioners and policy-makers. Assembly member Victor Manuel Perez (D-Coachella), a former youth organizer, educator and founder of the ESPINO Coalition, opened the event and focused on the need for collective action and implementation. The Youth Bill of Rights would act as a vehicle for social change and which support the investments in young people of California. The heart and spirit portion of the conference consisted of community elders and youth, and a panelist of fathers and young men from Stockton who all shared thoughts and perspectives. They focused on community driven solutions from the ground up and the need to connect young people to community elders who have walked the walk. The goal is to better understand how to create the conditions that help young people prosper and promote more protective factors for our children to grow strong and resilient. The second day of the event was held at San Joaquin Delta College and attracted over 200 students, teachers, practitioners, advocates, and parents. The goal of this youth oriented event was to develop a stronger movement among young men of color who live on the margins of our community and in which have a hard time connecting in a positive way in their community. Youth learned how to organize around community issues, promote higher education and career planning. The stage was created for young people who when invested in and given the opportunity and the platform, make valuable contributions to the community building effort. Guest speakers included Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade, Jerry Tello and Dr. Tony Iton.

Click here for additional resources from the BMOC Summit or here and here for article.

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Year in Review

Mr. Rogelio Fernandez, Father of the Year Marvin Pina, Grandfather of the Year Mr. Victor Torrice, Single Father of the Year Mr. Harold Mitchell, Foster Father of the Year Click here for link to articles or here

In July, we had a beautiful exchange with the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center and Leadership Institute of Oakland and Youth United for Community Action of east Palo Alto. We had an exchange of very deep and meaningful presentations and discussion. We appreciate the care and depth of each organizations to better understanding the local situation in Stockton and the Bay Area. They have just completed one leg of the journey and are giving presentations about our youth exchanges!

On November 2nd, FFSJ and our community partners planned Dia de Los Muertos : Healing from Violence cultural event and community healing in the wake of the homicides and violence that is devastating our community. The event began with a blessing at the Mausoleum in the Catholic Cemetery, followed by a procession and silent candlelight vigil to Oak Park where a creation of a community alter took place. Click here for link to article and here for videos.

On June 18th, FatherFEST: Real Men Can Cook was held along with Victory In Praise church. Close to 500 fathers, children and families were in attendance. This free community event celebrated father’s day and national Men’s Health with inspirational speakers on the importance of father engagement, men’s resource fair, positive youth development and community building. The importance of civic participation and parent involvement were central messages throughout the event. Families celebrated the diversity of the region by enjoying the entertainment provided by cultural dancers and entertainers.

FFSJ organized the ESPINO, Escuelas Si, Pintas No! (Schools Yes, Prisons No!) Coalition Strategic Planning Session August 15-16. The retreat focused on strengthening the coalition and creating an action plan for the next phase of the campaign focused on educational equity and juvenile justice. Attendees included California Rural Legal Assistance, Sacramento Youth Justice Circle, G.R.A.S.S.R.O.O.T.S., ACLU of Northern Ca, and FFSJ.

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The goals of the event were to: • Honor and recognize those who have lost their lives to violence. • Create a space for healing and recovery from violence. • Take a community wide stand for peace. Over 200 community members attended the event the free event, including cultural dancers, Native American drummers and ballet folklorico dancers.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING

To our children We must support our children in every way we can. We must allow our children freedom to express themselves creatively. We must praise our children and thank them for their gift of inspiration. We must motivate our children spiritually. We must challenge our children to a higher level of achievement. We must increase out children’s self-confidence and improve their overall quality of life. So we say to our children, draw, paint, write, act, sing, dance, think, express, and be free to dream always. -Afeni Shakur, Nikki Giovanni & Leila Steinberg, Growing Roses

Over the past year, we have worked to provide programming in the San Joaquin County Juvenile Probation’s Camp program. Over 60 young men participated in the 22 session program which provided services around healthy, cultural and creative self-expression and healing. Our youth achieved a deeper understanding and meaning of themselves, their peers as a collective, and their roles in transforming themselves. By doing so, they begin to positively transform their peers and their community by critically thinking, and developing citizen leadership potentials. They have written and performed critical and reflective poetry, theater and art. Through the express interests of our youth, we were able to cover these topics: art, poetry, theatre, health, history, culture, current issues, and leadership.

Dream Catcher’s: Women’s Ceremony A Women’s Healing Retreat and Rite of Passage Ceremony was held on June 24-25 at the Buena Vista/Miwuk Reservation for our young women. The ceremony including various activities focused on women’s healing and empowerment. We celebrated together by sharing our creativity, stories, and meals. Youth Justice Circle (Sacramento, CA) This year, we welcomed three stellar community educators to work with youth in Sacramento County Juvenile Probation. Together, Chuy Ocelotl, Grandma Betty and Maggie Steele have made positive transformations in the lives of the youth they come into contact with. The youth have created art, poetry and storytelling through the cultural and creative approaches of our educators.

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Living in this life It sometimes don’t feel right

That’s why I write Sensitive emotions

To a real life commotion Taking extra doses Trying to feel right

So I hit like Mike Don’t call me Tyson

Trying to feel right again So there is no more fightin’

Sometimes I feel frightened And start bite n’

Like you know who Call me the next dude

Don’t come at me rude This is a memory of a lost

man That fell in a pit of sand

-Youth Participant in Camp

FAMILY STRENGTHENING Crossroads for Dads The Crossroads for Dads: Father Involvement Program, offered at the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center and at Juvenile Probation Camp program, provides curriculum - based Fatherhood Development workshops, “Fathers mentoring Fathers” seminars, peer and mentor support to fathers. The program currently serves 25 dads from new fathers to grandfathers at the Salvation Army and 11 young fathers from the Camp program. The men appreciate the opportunity to learn, share and grow with the other fathers and young dads.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, partners, and volunteers…

California Fund for Youth Organizing California Human Development Corp. California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. Coalition of Mexican Americans Friends Outside Health Plan of San Joaquin Macy’s National Compadres Network Peace & Justice Network of SJ Pepsi Co. Quetzal Soccer/Leftside Printing Sac Co. Juvenile Probation Safeway

Sierra Health Foundation S-Mart #91 S-Mart #334 SJ Data Co-op SJ Delta College, ASBG SJC Public Health SJC Juvenile Probation SJC Worknet Solidago Foundation The California Endowment The California Wellness Foundation Tides Foundation United Way of Pennsylvania

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Latino Parent Conference

The Coalition of Mexican Americans are made up of various community based organizations, businesses and educational partners. COMA and including FFSJ organized the event on October 9th at King School. We strategically focused on: (1) Civic Engagement – Educating families about their educational rights & responsibilities; (2) School Engagement – Ways communities can better support schools; and (3) Parent Network – resources available and avenues for parent involvement and support.

Upcoming Events in 2012

Boys & Men of Color Summit Peace & Dignity Tributary Run and Unity Fest Youth Empowerment Summer (YES)! Academy FatherFEST

Face painting during Dia de los Muertos

ACLU of Northern California Alexis Villa Amanda Estep Ana Estrada Angelann Flores Associate Student Body Gov. Azjah Juarez Ballet Folklorico de St. Mary’s Betty N. Ramirez Bobby Verdugo Brandie Spencer Brian Muhammad Buena Vista/Miwuk Reservation California Service Employee Assoc. Cam Bullock Claudia Danielson Chuy Ocelotl Cody Rommel De Vinci’s Restaurant Devin Camel Desiree Lucero Dillon Delvo Dr. Arturo Ocampo Dr. Dari Sylvester Dr. Gracie Madrid Dr. Ines Ruiz-Huston Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade Dr. Robert Benedetti Dr. Roy Childs Dr. Stacey Rilea Dr. Steve Jacobson Dr. Tony Iton Dr. Vajra Watson Emmanuel Prieto ESPINO Coalition Eugene Ferrell Father Alvaro

Father Dean McFalls Felix Aguilar-Saavedra Grandma Betty G.R.A.S.S.R.O.O.T.S. Hacienda Sahuayo Jacoby Center Jerry Tello John Solis Jose Jesus de Santiago Juan Prieto Juanita Rivera Kaye Mooney Kheanrathanak Kim LaMont Hunter Lecletus Griffin Leticia de Santiago Linda Medina Maggie Steele Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center & Institute Marty Natividad Mexican Heritage Center Michael Villanueva Michelle Ruiz-Esparza Michelle Oliver Minnie Hernandez Miracle Mile Improvement District Mirna Juarez Nation of Islam Native American Student Assoc. Patricia de Soto Paul Banks Pedro L. Ramirez PolicyLink Razul Muhammad “Razzle Dazzle” Rebecca Abellana Rhonda Morningstar Pope

Richard Oliver Richard Rios Robert Johnston Rosalinda Galaviz Salvation Army Sahuayo Meat Market S.C. Ramirez SJ Delta College SJC Juvenile Probation Sokha “Kaz” Lek Sow A Seed Community Foundation Subway Restaurant Susana Domingues St. Gertrude Church Stephanie Sanchez Steve Gutierrez The Center for Regional Change The Robinson & Bolden Family The Quaker Center Tommie Muhammad United Cambodian Family Univ. of the Pacific Victims of Violent Crime Victor Lopez Victoria’s Restaurant Victory In Praise Church Vince Kotecki With Our Words Yolanda Tejada Youth United for Community Action

Please celebrate Fathers & Families of San Joaquin by making a financial contribution. Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 by January 31, 2012.

Please consider one of the following levels of sponsorship:

$1 - $49 Community Leader $50 – $99 Justice Seeker $100 - $249 Movement Builder $250+ Equity Advocate Other amount _____________

Please make checks payable to: Fathers & Families of San Joaquin or donate online by visiting our website at: www.ffsj.org Our mailing address is:

Fathers & Families of San Joaquin P.O. Box 30674 Stockton, CA 95213

All contributions, large or small make a difference in our community!

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Fathers & Families of San Joaquin P.O. Box 30674 Stockton, Ca 95213

The vision of FFSJ is to have strong and healthy families and communities where children and youth are nurtured and fathers are engaged. DONATE TODAY! Visit www.ffsj.org

BOARD MEMBERS FFSJ STAFF

Arsenio Mataka Alixandria (Xan) Henley Javier Gardea intern Jim Walsh Angela White-Williams Malinda Nunez intern Richard Soto chanda chhin Sammy Nunez Youth Program Coordinator

Gabriel Alfaro Intern Gauri Sanchez Intern Jim Dinh intern Samuel (Sammy) Nuñez Executive Director

P.O. Box 30674 phone: 209.941.0701 www.ffsj.org Stockton, Ca 95213 fax: 209.941.0784