Welcome to our special podcast in honor of June Family Reunification Month. Today, we are joined by two inspiring guests from Clinica Sierra Vista — Kandi Smith, Supervisor for East Kern Adolescent & Family Services, and Shannon Stephens, Parent Educator for the East Kern Parents as Teachers Program.

Kandi and Shannon will bravely share their personal journeys of overcoming addiction and the powerful role that social workers and community resources played in helping them reunite with their families. Through resilience and support, they not only rebuilt their lives but also found a new purpose — dedicating themselves to helping other families heal and thrive.

Their stories are a testament to hope, transformation, and the enduring strength of family. Let's listen in as they reflect on their paths to recovery and the work they now do to uplift others.

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, we want to highlight the vital role of Family Resource Centers (FRC). These centers serve as a lifeline for families, providing essential resources, programs, and services that uplift and empower. From parenting classes to mental health support, FRCs help families navigate challenges and build a foundation for lasting success and well-being.

Join Paola Hernandez for an interview with Dr. Mario Venegas, Director of the Arvin Family Resource Center; Melissa Vittoria, Director of the Kernville River Valley Family Resource Center in Lake Isabella; and Isabel Gutierrez, Coordinator of Student and Family Support Services for the Richland School District as they share their firsthand experiences of growth, healing, and transformation in the families they have served. 💙

For more information please visit:

• Arvin FRC: https://www.arvinschools.com/family-resource-center
• Lake Isabella / Kernville River Valley FRC: https://kernvilleusd.org/65501_2
• Shafter Family Resource Center: https://www.facebook.com/rsdhealthystart/

#ChildAbusePrevention #ItTakesAVillage

kcdhs.org/cap kern.org/kern-county-network-children/child-abuse-prevention

By joining forces, the Kern County Department of Human Services and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools have made it possible to bring the empowering and reliable transportation services of HopSkipDrive to the Bakersfield Metro area for youth in foster care. This collaboration ensures that foster youth can seamlessly access transportation to attend their classes, providing them with the support they need to pursue their education and future. Tune in as Curt Willliams, Director of Homeless and Foster Youth Services of KCSOS and DHS Program Director, Monica Goodell-Thatcher as they provide helpful information about HopSkipDrive.

For resource parents, please visit www.kern.org/foster-youth-services/, or email [email protected] or 661-636-4900 for more information

Article: https://news.kern.org/2024/08/hopskipdrive-provides-transportation-services-for-bakersfields-most-vulnerable-students/

We are back with another interview featuring Sherry Willard of the Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). Sherry will be answering questions from our staff about terms like "3% at 60" or "1.62% at 65," discussing whether Social Security affects our pension, explaining how members can find out when they're eligible to retire, and much more. Make sure to tune in to the second part of our podcast! If you are a county employee and would like to learn more about retirement, please visit www.kcera.org, call 661-381-7700 or Toll Free 877-733-6831, or email [email protected]

Preparing for retirement can be an exciting yet daunting milestone for county employees or anyone. Today, Jana will interview Sherry Willard, the Deputy Chief Member Services Officer at the Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). Sherry will explain retirement plan terminology, frequently asked questions, additional assistance available for extra-help employees, and much more. Don't miss the first part of our latest podcast today! If you are a county employee and would like to learn more about retirement, please visit https://www.kcera.org/, call 661-381-7700 or Toll Free 877-733-6831, or email [email protected]

Family Reunification is an incredibly significant and emotional milestone for parents who have been through tough situations. It marks the successful reunification of families, often after periods of separation or hardship. Today, we are honored to welcome Adriana Tello, a dedicated social worker at KCDHS, who will share how she supports families during challenging times and how social work helps guide families by empowering them to overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives.

To learn more about family reunification please visit: kcdhs.org/FamilyReunification

Interested in becoming a social worker? Visit kchds.org/BecomeASocialWorker to learn more.