The California Elder Economic Security Initiative program, partially funded by TCWF through UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, has published a report on the economic needs of California's elders. The report indicates that the Federal Poverty Line–used to determine eligibility for public assistance programs–underestimates the financial needs of seniors by more than half of the basic cost. The analysis factors in medical expenses, adequate nutrition and housing. The publication also details statewide efforts to help vulnerable older adults remain independent and gain economic security by directing available funds to the appropriate programs. read more
Youth Are "Taking Action"
California Coalition for Youth, a TCWF grantee, will hold its annual “Taking Action” conference March 30-April 1, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza in Sacramento. This year’s theme is “Youth Creating Change,” a response to California’s young people who are at-risk for becoming systemically disconnected. The conference will include workshops on youth empowerment and advocacy, as well as a youth forum at the State Capitol that is open to conference attendees. read more
Violence Prevention Panels at Criminal Justice Conference
TCWF funded panels at USC Annenberg Institute for Justice and Journalism’s Criminal Justice Conference that addressed, among other issues, preventing violence against youth. TCWF former California Peace Prize honorees Connie Rice and Bo Taylor were both featured speakers. The conference, “A 21st Century Criminal Justice System for Los Angeles: A Look at the Present, a Model for the Future and a Blueprint for Media Coverage,” brought providers, policymakers, law enforcement and other opinion leaders together on January 22-24 at USC. The Institute’s webpage provides print, video and media coverage. read more
Venice Family Clinic Featured In PBS Broadcast
PBS’ "Nightly Business Report" featured a story on California’s health care on January 30. The report examined the issue from many perspectives and featured a TCWF grantee, Venice Family Clinic—"the largest free clinic in the nation." The Report’s Washington Bureau Chief, Darren Gersh, interviewed the Clinic's CEO, Elizabeth Forer. read more
APEN Featured in "Unnatural Causes"
TCWF grantee, the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), is featured in the upcoming PBS documentary series, “Unnatural Causes.” The series examines how race and socio-economic factors impact health and is scheduled for national broadcast in four parts beginning on March 27. APEN and the work it does to organize residents around combating the prevalence of hazardous levels of environmental pollutants in the community of Richmond is featured in the segment “Place Matters” which airs on Thursday, April 10. More information on the series is available, including local listings on the "Unnatural Causes" website. read more
Clinic Association Launches Employment Resource
The California Primary Care Association is launching Clinic Careers, a new online resource designed to help community clinics recruit a qualified healthcare workforce. Clinic Careers, an information resource about careers in community clinics and health centers, has sections for both job seekers and employers. The site also provides links to resources such as salary surveys, data on health professional shortage areas and the National Health Service Corps. The online job center seeks to streamline the job search for those interested in working within California’s health care “safety net.” read more
High Desert Nonprofits Study
TCWF grantee, High Desert Resource Network, has published a report titled “A Case for Capacity Building.” It details the fragile social services infrastructure in San Bernardino County’s High Desert region and provides recommendations to address the challenges facing the nonprofit sector in this region. While the region is experiencing huge population growth, the report points to the need to make investments in: job training, counseling, health care, senior and youth services, housing assistance, and emergency services. The Network is an association of community benefit organizations serving the High Desert region. read more
Cultural Lens Used To Cultivate Teen Leaders
The latest edition of Portfolio describes efforts by Khmer Girls in Action’s to develop teenage health leaders. The organization brings together Southeast Asian young women, ages 14 to 21, for monthly forums in which they may freely discuss sex and partner issues — topics often too culturally taboo to discuss with their parents. The peer-to-peer open discussions and accompanying mentoring provide opportunities for the young women to become health education leaders as they learn to dispel common myths that can lead to risky sexual behavior. read more
