Guide to Diversifying California’s Rural Health Workforce Now Available
“The Rural Kaleidoscope: A Guide on Promising Practices to Diversify California’s Rural Healthcare Workforce,” a new report from the California State Rural Health Association, provides strategies that have been successfully used by rural health care providers throughout the state to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Developed from a project funded by TCWF, the guide includes statistics, case studies and testimonials, as well as contact information for every case study. read more
Homeboy Industries' Businesses Train Former Gang Members and At-Risk Youth
Established in 1992 by Father Gregory J. Boyle as a response to the civil unrest in Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries offers training and work experience to help at-risk and formerly gang-involved youth to become contributing members of the community. Beginning with Homeboy Bakery, the organization has also launched successful nonprofit silk-screening, merchandising, graffiti removal, maintenance and landscaping businesses. The newest enterprise, Homegirl Café, trains young women for careers in the restaurant industry. For more information, visit: www.homeboy-industries.org/
New Book Explains How Organizations Benefit From Workforce Diversity
Effective Philanthropy: Organizational Success through Deep Diversity and Gender Equality, a new book from MIT Press, offers strategies for strengthening organizations through commitment to a diverse workforce. Using demographics, case studies, strategic funding initiatives, theoretical analyses and original research, authors Mary Ellen S. Capek and Molly Mead describe models for building effective foundations that can be applied to all kinds of institutions. TCWF is among the case studies highlighted in the book. For more information, visit: mitpress.mit.edu/
TCWF Grantee Co-Sponsors 'Taking Action 2006' Conference in March
California Coalition for Youth, a TCWF grantee, and the Western States Youth Services Network will host a conference on March 26-28 in Sacramento to discuss youth-adult partnerships. "Taking Action 2006: Empowering Youth Through Partnerships" will feature six workshop topics, including positive youth development and youth advocacy. Otilio "O.T." Quintero, assistant director of Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos and a 2005 TCWF California Peace Prize honoree, will be the adult keynote speaker. For more information, visit: www.calyouth.org/index.asp?pid=21
National Public Health Week is April 3-9
Organizations across the county are gearing up for the 11th annual National Public Health Week, April 3-9. The American Public Health Association (APHA) leads the weeklong observance to educate the public, policymakers and health care practitioners about issues related to the theme, “Designing Healthy Communities: Raising Healthy Kids.” Visit APHA’s website to access resources, tools and information about events in California. Organizations are encouraged to partner with APHA by hosting an event or health fair in their local communities. read more
Beltrán-del Olmo Named to Blue-Ribbon Legislative Commission on Autism
Magdalena Beltrán-del Olmo, TCWF vice president of communications, has been appointed to the California Legislative Commission on Autism. The 16-member blue-ribbon commission, established in 2005 by Senate President pro tem Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, will examine issues related to the early identification and intervention of autism spectrum disorders and identify gaps in programs, services, funding, education and treatment. read more
Application Deadline Nears for TCWF's 2006 Sabbatical Program
Applications are now available for The California Wellness Foundation Sabbatical Program. The program offers $30,000 grants to nonprofit health organizations, to provide their executive directors with a paid leave of up to six months. The organizations will also receive up to $5,000 each for the professional development of managers and staff who will assume extra responsibilities in the absence of the sabbatical awardees. Deadline for applications is March 24. read more
New Report Examines Higher Education Obstacles for Foster Youth
“Higher Education Opportunities for Foster Youth,” a new publication from the Institute for Higher Education Policy, examines the low level of college enrollment among foster youth. Barriers to college attendance and success include low educational expectations, frequent disruptions and changes in school placements, underdeveloped independent living skills, and lack of access to mental health care and treatment. The report presents short- and long-term policy recommendations to address these issues. read more
Publications on Engaging in Policy Work and Children's Access to Care Available
Two new Grantmakers in Health "Issue Dialogue Briefs" are available online in PDF format. "More Coverage, Better Care: Improving Children's Access to Health Services" reviews the state of current health care coverage and delivery, and provides lessons learned for more effective grantmaking. "The Path to Policy Change: Practical Steps and Lessons from Health Funders" describes the role of the public policy funder and offer tips on coalition-building, communications, community organizing, data development and analysis, and evaluation. To download these briefs, visit: www.gih.org
