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June 2020 Newsletter: Neighbors Together – Mothers’ Day / Dia de las Madres

Neighbors Together – Mothers’ Day /
Dia de las Madres

We have been so blessed to partner with Mary Martinez for 6 years!

This year we joined the Sheriff’s Activity League to bring joy and love to the mamás/madres/moms of our community on Dia de las Madres in North Fair Oaks (NFO). We saw many smiles and emotional scenes as the patrol cars stopped at every corner to ensure we could drop off flowers. There was a mariachi serenading beautiful and familiar music and Generations United brought lovely beauty care gifts for the mamas. Tears flowed as so many have felt isolated and forgotten in the time of SIP. Many live in very close quarters so to step outside or open the door to flowers and gifts was so life-giving! Thank you Keith Miller for joining me in this journey. It was a joy to have your help with all of our packages!

To date, the Emergency Fund has given over

Thanks to your generous gifts, faithful dedication, and encouraging prayers and kind words, we have been able to come alongside our neighbors with love and provision. In May we gave over $50k to help over 30 families during this difficult time thanks to our partnerships with New Community Church, Menlo Church, Kiwanis and a very special financial outpouring from Peninsula Covenant Church and their benevolence fund. Dozens of individual donors and businesses have given and allowed us to write checks for rent, telephone bills, cable, utilities, gas cards, and groceries. It is truly more blessed to give than to receive!

Our goal is to give another $60,000 to support families in June. We have been meeting one on one with single moms and heads of households to get to know the challenges they face. This is difficult and exhausting work. Will you stand with us in this? 65% of our families lost their employment and had no reserves in place. How will they pay rent? Keep their phones turned on? Meet the daily needs of their families?

This is what we are using our Emergency Funds for!

Click here to see how your gifts can make an impact today!

Food Distribution and Generations United transition

Beginning March 15, GU pivoted our work to ensure we met the felt needs and essential needs of families. Our staff transitioned swiftly to create a beautiful model of love. We are in partnership with Facebook Market/Good Roots who have graciously provided fresh organic produce and food to make meals in boxes and bags. We have been serving 125 families directly every week. It feels like Christmas weekly as volunteers from our community deliver the food to the doorsteps of community members.
It’s such a beautiful time of love, joy, and encouragement. Families have fresh food and a sense that they have not been forgotten during this pandemic. Families also come and serve with us weekly to sort clothes, toys, diapers, wipes, oatmeal, bags of beans and rice, laundry detergent, and even quarters being donated so they can do laundry. We are not wasting one thing or gift as we pursue empowering families!
This week we are strategically moving to a new location at our longtime community partner and supporter – Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC), 3560 Farmhill Blvd. in the front parking lot.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Julia Dugan for allowing us to transform the American Academy of Dance into our emergency relief hub since March when we made this shift. We are forever grateful for this time and how quickly we could set things in motion! Our hard-working staff – Cynthia Nava, Andrew Cruz, Candice Bún, Benita Hopkins, and Crystal Tapelu have stepped up to serve and transition during this wild ride! We are so grateful for their hearts, their expertise and their love as they’ve done so much in these past few months and have not missed a beat!

Be a good neighbor – Become a pen pal or volunteer

We have hundreds of children who would love to hear from you! If you’d like to join us by writing a note of encouragement to children, we would be honored and have made it easy to get communication to children.

You can make a difference in the lives of families right here in Redwood City by delivering a food box, reading a story on video chat, or helping us sort through donations. Visit our website to see how you can join our team.

Click here to join us

Feet on the Street

Community members continue to make masks with Marilyn Lynch

Our food distribution is moving to PCC! Join us or give today!

Give today to make a difference now! We rely on the support of caring individuals and organizations to do the important work of supporting these families every day. Click here to give a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation. Inquire with your employer about match giving opportunities!
We are always accepting donations of fresh food, dry goods/non-perishables, toiletries, and more at our office location: 2555 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City. For a list of items needed, see our Amazon Wish List or check the list on our website.
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NOW
Candice Bun
In Community Happenings

Emergency Fund Spring Break Update

Neighbors Together

As we finished up “Spring Break” week and celebrated Easter last month, we were definitely not on a break! Generations United has been providing support to families for the last 8 weeks since the Shelter In Place order was issued. As an essential organization serving those who need food and financial assistance, we have taken to the streets! Volunteers have donated food, finances, and their time to supply our families with much needed resources.
We were even able to provide 200 children with an Easter basket to bring some joy and hope during this time.

Thank you for all you are doing to help us!

We are still in contact with our families and helping direct them to community resources and providing them with much needed essentials.
We are excited to share with you soon how our organization is strategically poised to impact the lives of our neighbors in Redwood City. YOU ARE KEY!
See below how you can help today.

Join us by partnering in any of these ways:
smile.amazon.com
(Search for “Generations United Inc.” in Redwood City, CA)
Amazon Wish List
(items can be shipped directly to us)
paypal.me/GenerationsUnited
650-352-3792 or info@generations–united.com
Donate

YOUR GIFT HELPS MEET URGENT NEEDS
FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Every donation helps us provide immediate, tangible support to families who have experienced job loss. We are also coming alongside those who are challenged to support children’s educational needs with limited resources and language skills.

Your gifts at the following levels help us to provide for families of various sizes in a number of ways, including:
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In Community Happenings

Lend A Hand – Emergency Fund

Friends of Generations United,

During this time, we will be collecting donations for an EMERGENCY FUND for the families we serve. Many of our students’ parents are out of work or have had hours drastically cut due to closures, lack of childcare, and lack of access to resources. This means an immediate threat to their housing as they will be unable to pay rent or utilities during this time. Additional difficulty getting basic items is also of great concern. We are communicating with them today to identify their needs and want to be able to spring into action as soon as possible.

In addition to monetary donations, we are accepting donations of

  • food (non-perishables like cereal, canned goods, oil, flour, etc, staples like bread, milk, eggs, and fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables)
  • personal hygiene items (feminine products, toothpaste, toiletries)
  • baby needs (diapers sizes 2-5, formula, wipes)
  • toilet paper, paper towels

Click here to make a donation and add a note “EMERGENCY” to mark your donation for these needs. 100% of donated funds will be used to support our families during this time. If you wish to make a cash or check donation, please mail to:
Generations United
PO Box 5131
Redwood City, CA 94063

For item donations, there are 2 options:

  • Scheduled drop off at: 2555 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City 94063.
  • Deliver a list of needed supplies directly to a family in need.

For either option, contact Mary Martinez (650)771-0013 mary@generations-united.com to coordinate a time.

Thank you for your continued support, kind words, and prayers. Please follow us on Facebook to stay updated with more ways to support our mission.

Angie Ibarra and the GU Team

“When we build relationships where we live, we discover the complexities of standing with the vulnerable and the commitment needed for long-term change.”

– Michelle Warren The Power of Proximity

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Empower Children and Families in Redwood City in 2020!

older man teaching a young girl
group of children with adult woman
3 children at a table
As we reflected last week on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. I spent most of the day listening to his words.

group of children

“For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.”

 

We are now at the end of the first month of the year with 4 days left to raise an additional $24K. Generations United has BIG goals for 2020 and we are so excited about them. In the coming months, we will have more to share about new initiatives, enhancing programs, and growing our team! Our match campaign is going amazingly well but there is still work to do! Thank you to all of our friends and supporters who have generously given so far. We set a HUGE goal this year to raise $100,000 which will be matched by 2 amazing donors. $200,000 will go a long way to serve the students and families that we reach.
Every gift makes an impact!
Tony gapastione and angie ibarra recording a podcastAngie on Holy Cannoli Podcast
I invite you to listen to a podcast recorded last year with my longtime friend and community partner, Tony Gapastione, that shares my heart around why I felt called to launch this organization and how we see this work impacting lives daily. The children and families in our city need to know that they are cared for and that they are not forgotten. In this conversation, I express how my life experiences contributed to my understanding of this pain of abandonment so well. I would love to hear what stood out to you in this episode and how it impacted you.
Click to Listen

 

There are many ways to partner with us:

  • Make a one-time tax-deductible donation before the end of the month and have it DOUBLED by our match campaign
  • Become a monthly giving partner with a recurring donation of $25, $50, or any amount you choose
  • Share this email with a friend to spread the word
  • Join us as a reading volunteer at one of our campuses in Redwood City
  • “Like” us on Facebook and share our content
  • Ask your employer about donation match opportunities

artistic quote from angie

 

Angie Ibarra
650-619-1300
Executive Director
Generations United, Inc.
http://generations-united.com

Volunteer during the school year:
Click to sign up

Donate:
http://generations-united.com/donate/

“One hundred years from now, it will not matter what your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove, but the world may be different because you were important in the life of a child.”

—Forest E. Witcraft

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In Community Happenings, Volunteer Stories

Year End Update 2019

Greetings,

An incredible 2019 for Generations United (GU) included twists and turns as well as divine surprises, sacrifices and a willingness to reach well beyond our comfort zone. Critical choices paid off in ways we never imagined as we partnered with more community members and organizations, got closer to new children and families as well as grew our staff and funding to new levels. Thank you to many who trusted in us as we met our changes and influx of families to reach into our community like never before.

January found us meeting with a new church partner: the Pastor of Redeemer Church in Redwood City joined me as I shared the challenging stories of the families in North Fair Oaks. Through tears we agreed that there was something we could do together. By March, we were dreaming of a summer camp for children displaced by the closures of four schools in Redwood City. So many of these precious families were heartbroken and there was only one thing we knew… we need to serve and honor them in a special way as they grieve the loss of their school community. Summer STEAM camp was already part of what we’ve offered over the years, but this was a newer (enhanced) model. Being on the beautiful Redeemer campus in June brought such dignity and joy to the families. We experienced community in a unique and special way with 120+ new volunteers from Redeemer, YMSL, and Street Code who served cross culturally with mothers in the kitchen preparing hot meals while offering whole family activities in a larger space. As we reminisce about this summer we are still brought to tears as we remember the lives that were impacted.

On the heels of a tremendous summer outreach, we headed right into the launch of a new school year. With the school closures we focused our efforts on developing new relationships while maintaining a presence where GU’s heartbeat lies, in North Fair Oaks. Formerly Fair Oaks school campus now has close to 1,000 students with 2 charter schools housed together. We began the school year with the intent of serving children on the campus, but found that in order for us to offer quality programming, while developing long term impact and relationships, we needed more space. Our surprise was when we took a risk and contacted a long time friend at a local church. Stewart Chapel AME Zion is the spot where our latest outreach center has been located since October 1st. It was no easy feat and we were thrust into planning and moving into a church we hoped would be blessed by some TLC with the smiles of 40 children. Just like Redeemer Church, a pastor opened his arms and church to a GU dream to serve children and families. This new location is just blocks from KIPP Excelencia and has brought such a confirmation of a dream to provide a safe place for those who live in fear, trauma, and pain. Please know that we’d love to have you come take a tour of any of our locations and see firsthand the beautiful families we serve.

The uneven wealth of the tech economy along with the spike in housing costs is causing systemic displacement. GU seeks to empower this community through our centers which provide academic and whole-family support. As we head into a new year and a new decade, I’m incredibly grateful for what is on the horizon. We are fortunate to have you consider joining the GU family as we remain committed to reach our city in love.

Our joy is to be on the forefront of serving the most vulnerable in our midst. May you find great joy in wrapping up 2019 and moving into a new decade. We hope you enjoy the holidays and will consider a generous investment in families. Our commitment remains to steward your finances well and see the lives of many transformed in Redwood City. We believe in the power of love. Please respond today with your generous and sacrificial financial support. Every year we have been fortunate to have generous donors who will allow for your gifts to be doubled! Our miracle challenge is for $100,000 that will be matched by 1/31/19. This is the biggest financial endeavor we have had, but know that we will accomplish this only with your help. As our work to serve women, children, and vulnerable and poor immigrants in our city is so important, we hope to be at the top of your year-end giving list.

This has sustained us and allowed us to witness first hand the beauty of a dream fulfilled by teaming with amazing people like yourselves. For this we are forever humbled and grateful. Thank you for standing with us and believing in us. Filled with gratitude and more determined than ever to launch full force into 2020 with a new vigor and focus.

– Angie Ibarra

“When we build relationships where we live, we discover the complexities of standing with the vulnerable and the commitment needed for long-term change.”

– Michelle Warren The Power of Proximity

Up to $100,000 match! Double your giving to reach more children & families!

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In Community Happenings, , Upcoming Events

November Calendar Items and Information

Greetings!
November is around the corner and we have been extremely blessed and active at GU! We are heading into 2020 with an incredible story of God’s continued grace upon our work. Be on the lookout for our end of year letter in the coming weeks. We have big goals for 2020 and a match campaign for further expansion is in place through January 31st! You can give here: http://generations-united.com/donate/
Did you like the movie Coco? Join us this Sunday, 11/3 for Redwood City’s annual Dia De Los Muertos event downtown. What a great way to learn of the deep and rich culture of the Mexican celebration that honors those who’ve gone before us! Music, food, dance, altars – see you there! https://www.casacirculocultural.org/dia-de-muertos
We want to be sure you know about additional calendar items for November:
We will be partnering with Menlo Church for Serve Your City. They will do some work with us on our new location at Centro Destino – Stewart Chapel AME Zion, 536 Hurlingame Avenue, Redwood City. We can always use additional help from our precious team members!
  • Contractor Needed!
    We are in need of a kitchen remodel at Centro Destino Stewart Chapel AME Zion
    Please refer any leads to:
    Angie Ibarra angie@generations-united.com
  • Saturday, 11/9 – Serve Your City
    25 to 30 volunteers – Invite staff, volunteers and families – 2 shifts.
    Register here: http://menloserves.online/register/#/projects/137
    Our NFO families will provide breakfast, snacks and lunch (pan dulce, pupusas, tacos)
  • Monday, 11/11 – Veterans Day Holiday
  • Tuesday, 11/12 – KIPP/Staff development day
  • Thursday 11/14 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
    GU annual Thanksgiving dinner!
    A time when the community comes together in
    a cross cultural community focused gathering.
    Join us!
    Centro Destino – Stewart Chapel AME Zion,
    536 Hurlingame Avenue, Redwood City.
    Click here to volunteer.
  • 11/25-11/28 – No school Thanksgiving holiday
We are celebrating the grand opening of our latest center in North Fair Oaks – Centro Destino. The photos to the right are from our recent event with CZI.
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In Community Happenings, , Upcoming Events

Miracles Are Happening in Redwood City

October is upon us and we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month with the best news: the fulfillment of God’s BIG dreams for our community in North Fair Oaks in Redwood City. June, July, and August were a whirlwind of hard work and success with 2 summer programs and backpack drive for 1,000 students in Redwood City! Personally, I successfully became a certified mentor, coach, speaker and trainer for John Maxwell and recorded a podcast telling the GU story. Listen here: Generations United Story
Summer 2019 will go down in the GU history books as one of the most productive and miraculous ever! School started with a bang on August 19th in 2 locations with 55 students. Within a month, we were furthering our discussions with a wonderful church partner to provide a location for our families to expand and enhance our reach into the community!
Effective Tuesday, October 1, we will serve 40 children Monday-Thursday after school at our new location! This is a dream come true after many years of believing for a community outreach center! There is a lot of work to do, but we believe that with everyone coming together, we can see the fulfillment of a community outreach center being fully functional in 2020! Sports, dance, ESL, immigration education, adult classes, music, and mental health services, cross-cultural learning groups are all part of this dream. Although we have a lot of work ahead of us, what hasn’t required that before? It’s going to be wonderful to begin our journey with our academic enrichment center launch on October 1. We are casting the net wide for you to come by this weekend and help us spruce up the space and bring your smiles and gloves! There are a lot of other activities planned in the days to come, including a very special afternoon on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 4p-6p when volunteers from the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative will join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month!
You are welcome to see our new facility and the wonderful space we are creating for our children and families of the community!
Saturday, 10am-4pm – Clean up & vision casting
Sunday, September 29 at 2:30pm
Take home fresh fruit and vegetables
donated by Facebook and meet our families!
 Stewart Chapel
536 Hurlingame Ave
Redwood City
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In Community Happenings,

New Church Partner!

Thank you for your continued support, prayers and love. The journey for GU has been nothing short of miraculous on so many levels. We have identified a partner church with Stewart Chapel AME, which is blocks from the former Fair Oaks campus.The story is incredible and the vision big, but we are so incredibly excited to see the fulfillment of a longstanding dream. In early 2000 I was working with another church reaching children and families through outreach events in NFO, this was the start of my love for this area in unincorporated Redwood City.

On 11/15/2007 GU was birthed with a vision to disciple nations, I joined PCC at the end of that year. In 2011 we began our work in RWC public schools and every year we have sensed God’s leading to move into closer proximity with children and families in the NFO community. The dream of transformational partnerships in collaboration with diverse churches is happening! The opportunity is great! Stewart Chapel is granting GU full access to this church which has about 20 congregants all African-American senior citizens who have a desire to reach out and engage with the families of the community. Children will bring this place to life in a glorious way and offer a local regional educational center that will empower children and families like never before! We are truly excited to see where God takes this partnership. It’s been amazing to share ideas with Grayelin Young the Pastor of the church. He is very excited about what we will do together!

You are cordially invited to pray with us this Sunday, September 15th @8am we’ve been invited to pray at the church. I’d love for you to join us! 536 Hurlingame Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063

Here are some pictures of the church. So much space and land for ministry activities! Believe with us!

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In Education

Holy Cannoli: Treasures in Darkness

Angie Ibarra Featured on the Holy Cannoli Podcast

Angie Ibarra shares her story of finding her purpose for empathy and compassion in the midst of pain.  Feeling alone and voiceless growing up in a large family—she longed for a mentor and a place she could dream and learn…but had a difficult time finding one.

Now, her story is one that gives voice to those who don’t—recognizing that every child deserves love, value and the ability to learn and imagine.  In 2007 she created her organization GENERATIONS UNITED, in the same year of the biggest devastation of her life. Take a listen to her story and see how you might relate.