Human Services News Index
Sonoma County launches pilot program to provide guaranteed income to 305 families
The County of Sonoma is teaming up with Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Healdsburg and a coalition of community groups to launch a two-year pilot program that will provide a guaranteed minimum income of $500 a month to 305 low-income families while studying the program’s impacts on reducing poverty and promoting economic stability and mobility. Read full story
Kindergarten readiness continues to decline in Sonoma County, opportunity gap persists
Fewer than one in three Sonoma County children were ready for kindergarten when they entered school last fall, according to a new report released by the county Department of Human Services that found persistent and troubling disparities along ethnic, racial and economic lines. Read full story
Immigration status no longer limits scope of Medi-Cal benefits for adults 50 and older
California residents aged 50 and older who qualify for Medi-Cal are now eligible for full benefits, regardless of immigration status, under an expansion of the state health insurance program for low-income residents, the Sonoma County Department of Human Services announced today. Read full story
Sonoma County expands efforts to recruit local foster parents and adoptive families
Facing an urgent need for foster parents and adoptive families willing to open their homes to local children, Sonoma County is expanding its partnership with a national nonprofit, RaiseAChild, to recruit families willing to take in foster children and give them a place where they can feel safe, wanted and loved. Read full story
Explore Foster Parenting at Online Talks in English or Spanish
Learn how to make a difference in a foster child’s life at and explore Foster Parenting through an introductory talk, held each month online in English or, new this year, in Spanish. The first monthly talk will be on January 25 for English speakers and February 8 for Spanish speakers, starting at 6 p.m. Read full story
Job Seekers: Hear about Sutter Health Employment at Online Talk
Recruiters from Sutter Health will advise job seekers about employment opportunities and provideapplication and interview tips on Tuesday, January 19, 2-3 p.m. Hosted by Sonoma County Job Link on Zoom. Santa Rosa, California. Read full story
Unemployed or Looking for a Career Boost? Sonoma County Job Link Can Help
Residents who are unemployed or want to upgrade their skills and build careers can find current job listings and vocational training through Sonoma County Job Link. Job Link is the one-stop career center for job seekers and youth ages 14-24 and the workforce solution for employers looking for qualified job applicants. Read full story
Local Study Shows Persistent Kindergarten Readiness Gap between Latinx and White Children
Attendance at preschool, parental income and early learning opportunities affect Sonoma County children’s readiness for kindergarten, according to a four-year report by the Road to Early Achievement and Development for Youth (READY) program. Read full story
SupervisorShirlee Zane Honored as Exceptional Advocate for Sonoma County Older Adults
The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) honoredThird District Supervisor Shirlee Zane on December 16, 2020, with its annual Marge Ling LeadershipAward to recognize her dedication to improving the quality of life for olderadults in Sonoma County. Santa Rosa, California Read full story
Personas Mayores Pueden Mantenerse Conectados Durante los Días Festivos al (707) 565-INFO
Aunque el coronavirus puede evitar que las familias viajen para ver a sus seres queridos durante los días festivos, los adultos mayores de 60 años pueden seguir conectados a servicios útiles, comidas y controles de bienestar, llamando a la Línea de Información y Asistencia de la Agencia del Área del Condado de Sonoma para el Envejecimiento al (707) 565-INFO (4636). Read full story