“Decide to End Sexual Violence,” is the theme of the eighth annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month, sponsored by the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA). The organization’s website offers tips and tools to increase public awareness of sexual violence as a health and justice issue, including theme-based event suggestions, statistics, media and public advocacy guides, and action steps for activists, organizations and community members. read more
Mental Health to be Examined at UC Berkeley Symposium
A panel discussion exploring the impact of the Mental Health Services Act of 2004 on California’s mental health system will be part of the 2006 Petris Symposium, “Toward a Health Policy Agenda for All Californians.” The April 21 event, presented by the Nicholas C. Petris Center on Health Care Markets & Consumer Welfare of the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley, will be held at the Berkeley City Club. read more
Federal Court Mandates Mental Health Services for Thousands of California Foster Children
On March 14, 2006, the Federal District Court in Los Angeles ordered the State of California to provide mental health services to foster children in lieu of institutional care. More than 50,000 foster children may be affected by the decision, which requires state officials to begin therapeutic foster care and family-based services within six months. The class-action suit was filed by a consortium of state and national public-interest groups, including two TCWF grantees, the National Center for Youth Law and Western Center on Law and Poverty. read more
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
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
Pacoima Beautiful Featured in Grist ‘Poverty and the Environment’ Series
Marlene Grossman, executive director of Pacoima Beautiful, leads a virtual walking tour of the predominantly Latino Los Angeles neighborhood in Grist, an online environmental news magazine. Part of the magazine’s “Poverty & the Environment” series, the segment describes how the organization, a TCWF grantee, is helping residents of the northeast San Fernando Valley community clean up an environment contaminated by lead paint and by air pollution from freeway traffic, landfills, chemical and power plants, and heavy industry. read more
PBS Television Program on Medicare
Part D Sheds Light on New Coverage Plan
“Medicare Forum: Making Sense of Part D,” a half-hour television program broadcasting on PBS stations throughout the state, addresses essential and commonly asked questions about this new and complex drug benefit. Made possible by a grant from the California HealthCare Foundation, the program features Medicare experts from the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program of the California Department of Aging, and California Health Advocates, a TCWF grantee. For more information and local broadcast times, click here.
Greenlining Institute Honors Gary L. Yates
Gary L. Yates, TCWF president and CEO, will receive the Big Foot Award of the Greenlining Institute at its 13th Annual Economic Development Summit, to be held April 20 in Los Angeles. The annual award of the multi-ethnic public policy, research and advocacy institute is given to an individual who demonstrates a commitment to supporting the needs of underserved communities. read more
TCWF Wins Award for Outstanding Communications
TCWF has received a Bronze award for its website from the 2006 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards Program for Excellence in Communications. Sponsored by the Council on Foundations, the awards program recognizes communications by foundations and corporate giving programs that highlight the importance of foundation accountability and provide models of excellence. The award will be presented at the Council's annual conference in Pittsburgh on May 7, 2006. 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
