EOPS / CARE / CALWORKS program hosts holiday celebration

In addition to receiving gifts, the children were treated to multiple craft table activities and a holiday story-telling, courtesy of CHC Dean of Career and Technical Education Donna Ferracone. There were many laughing children and grateful parents present.

"I'd like to thank everyone at EOPS for their help and guidance, especially for this gathering," said thirty-two-year old CHC student Glory Garcia. The mother of three is currently in her first semester at CHC.

"Today's an opportunity to meet other parents and make new friends," said 30-year-old CHC student Keisha Ford-Miller. "Its great to see a smile on my kids' faces and make sure they have a good Christmas."

During the festive luncheon, families enjoyed pizza, chicken, and other goodies, donated by both Stater Brothers Markets in Yucaipa, Church's Chicken, Dominoes Pizza and multiple personal donations from CHC staff. Also, the parents received gift certificates from Stater Brothers.

At the end of the afternoon, there was a random drawing of prizes for EOPS, CARE, and CALWORK students. A $100 gift certificate, an air hockey table, and various gift certificates to local restaurants were given away.

"EOPS serves students who are educationally or economically disadvantaged," said EOPS Director Rejoice Chavira. "They don't have the financial means to provide a big holiday celebration for their children. It is so nice to provide something like this for them. I had one student who told me that she wasn't having a Christmas this year at all, so this meant a lot to her. That's why we do it."

The EOPS program is a state-funded program designed to assist in the admission and matriculation process of historically disadvantaged, low-income students. The aim of the program is provide the necessary encouragement, support, and assistance to develop or redirect the abilities of these students to the fullest so they can undertake and complete the challenges of a higher education.

Support services include tutoring, academic counseling, financial aid assistance, and other related expenses. Check the EOPS Office for the latest criteria.

CalWORKs is part of California's plan to implement the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program that focuses on economic self sufficiency and a "work -firsts" philosophy. CalWORKs students are on TANF and committed to becoming self-sufficient.

The college assists CalWORKs students in successfully completing approved certificate/occupational programs in order to obtain employment. CalWORKs offers help with assessment counseling, childcare, tutoring and job placement services.

The CARE Program is an affiliate of the EOPS Program. The CARE Program is designed to provide educational support services to meet the needs of the single parent who is 18 years of age or older, head of a household, with at least one child under the age of 14, and is a recipient of TANF/CalWORKs. Services include financial assistance with child care, workshops, and on and off campus referrals.