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Candice Bun
In

April Newsletter 2022

Fifteen years ago, I was on this corner ministering to a family whose father was murdered at the location that Generations United occupies (there were 3 men killed). I had forgotten about this until a volunteer reminded me that I had shared the story with them last summer – while pointing towards this location.
Who would have known that we would be in this spot providing love and ministry to children, families, and a community in need? Now, six months later we have converted the bar into an expansion to provide more services for more people. Wow! We are grateful for God’s redemption.
Thank you to the amazing volunteers who helped us put the finishing touches on this expansion. The joy of seeing so many come together to paint, clean, plant, spackle, drive nails, assemble desks and set up office space has been so encouraging. We still have work to do, but we are truly grateful. Our precious staff has been hard at work, and we encourage you to come out and see the transformation!
As people are asking lots of questions about how to be about God’s work, our center is a perfect place to do a mini-mission trip – to minister to others – and you don’t need to pack a suitcase, buy a ticket, or have a passport!
On Sunday, April 3, I was the guest speaker at Sequoia Christian Church here in Redwood City. We will also be holding a special service on Easter Sunday for families who do not attend church regularly, if ever! We are so grateful to partner with a Spanish-speaking pastor! Thank you for your continued support; I hope to see you soon.

Beautiful Day

Welcome to our new space!

What was once a bar steeped in darkness has been made LIGHT by the love and care of our staff and volunteers!
We invite you to join us as we continue to beautify this new classroom/office. We are still welcoming volunteers to serve or you can click the cart icon to donate items on our Amazon wishlist.
A HUGE THANK YOU for the generous donations that have been given so far! A 70″ TV, a basketball hoop, and so much more! Click below to support our new space.

This expansion has been a step of faith and has cost $7500 so far. We welcome your financial support and encourage donations via Facebook or Zelle (no fees!). We also accept ACH, Venmo, and PayPal. Details here.

SHOP THE LISTDONATE

Welcome to the team!

Gabriel Vargas Program Manager

 

Gabriel Vargas

Gabe Vargas joins the team to provide leadership and strategy for our existing and future program offerings. Growing up in the Bay Area with immigrant parents, he is excited to be a part of our organization. After receiving his BA and MA from USF, we are thrilled that he is sharing his gifts and heart with our community.
Click for more

Holly Stewart Volunteer Coordinator/AEC Support

Holly, a Redwood City native, has joined us in a temporary role assisting with volunteers and in our AEC. We are grateful for her experience and her heart to serve the youth and families of North Fair Oaks.

Edwin Galicia Program Associate

Edwin Galicia has been connected to Generations United for over 5 years and we are fortunate to have him part-time as he completes his degree at SJSU. As a program associate, he will provide administrative support as well as assist with student programs.

We have been so blessed to have Sheena Wilton of Laurel Street Arts join us in art projects throughout the year and our amazing staff member, Monse has taken on this beautiful artistic expression outside of our building. We are so thankful to have such talented people serving with us. for a special mural in our new space. Our students are entering the mural into a contest to be featured by the City of Redwood City!

Join us any time!

We would love to have you at our location as a reading buddy or to help us put the finishing touches on our beautification projects. There is also still a need for Food Distribution volunteers on Friday afternoons. Click the button below for more information.

Click to Sign Up
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In

Work Days Spring 2022

Generations United’s Mi Hacienda – Community Outreach Center

An Opportunity to Invest in Families in North Fair Oaks & Redwood City, CA

Join us for additional work days!

We’ve acquired additional space at 895 2nd Avenue, Redwood City and have already seen a tremendous transformation of the space. As we continue to make the place our own, we need help!

Details for volunteer options are below. To make a donation, please visit the donation page AND fill out the form so we can keep track of the campaign and send updates!

Help transform our new classroom. Lots of opportunities to serve in the following capacity.

We have some shifts available throughout the week or you can join us during Spring Break the week of 3/28! When you sign up, please let us know what time(s) you are available.

  • Painting classroom
  • Carpet tile
  • Sheetrock
  • Planter boxes
  • Decorate new classroom
  • Hang pictures/TV/Smart board
  • Map of the US & Latin America

Please click the button below to let us know when to expect you

Work Day (3/31 & 4/1) 12pm-4pm

Prayer Meeting (4/1) 9:30 am

Food Distribution (4/1) 2pm-4pm

Click here to help!

Amazon Wish list

We still need lots of help to fill our space and decorate it for our students. You can be a part of making a difference right from your computer!
For a list of items needed, see our Amazon Wish List or check the list on our donation page.
DONATE
SHOP THE LIST
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In Volunteer Stories

Volunteer Workshops 2022

Join us on a journey of becoming proximate with our neighbors!

THESE WORKSHOPS WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE…STAY TUNED!

You may already be aware of what’s happening in the news, of systemic issues that impact marginalized communities, and of the greater historical context which affects our current events today. If you are not aware, we encourage you to start learning in those areas. But part of this journey towards proximate living also involves listening to people’s stories, engaging with people you may not normally talk to, and getting to know them personally. Begin to push beyond the familiar into a new way of seeing the world and asking how we as Christians are to engage it, and our hope is that this discussion time will help you to do so.

In order to seek awareness, embrace proximity, and lean into the life of justice, we must constantly be paying attention to who we are, what we bring, why we react the way we do, and what our history is. If we can cultivate this self-awareness and humility it will allow us to further embrace others’ stories and see our own role in the road to justice.

Angie has previously shared some thoughts on the Power of Proximity, but we have included an updated video below.

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In Upcoming Events

S.T.E.A.M. Summer Camp 2022

Scroll to the bottom for information on sponsoring a student

Information for Families/Información para familias

Registration is open now. Click the button below

La inscripción está abierta. Presione el boton abajo.

Sign up today

Summer Camp 2022 (Sponsorship)

 

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART & MATH

Thank you so much for your heart to help a student participate in our annual summer camp in July. We so appreciate your interest in sponsorship!
It will be 4 weeks of fun, music, VBS, fellowship, and more! We are hoping to raise support for 50 children. It’s been a challenging few years for our community so this is indeed a highlight!
Most summer camps in Redwood City are $250+ weekly. Generations United raises $350 per child for a month-long program.
Last year due to covid we hired staff to manage the daily program, food, and transportation. The financial help you provide is a huge blessing and bridges the financial gap as we increase to longer hours versus after-school programming. Feel free to pass the word on to friends, family, and coworkers! We also welcome more volunteers to join us! Click for more information

Sponsor a student by clicking on the photo above or the button below. Remember that there are ZERO fees to donate through Facebook or Zelle.

Sponsor a Student today

Locations: TBD in Redwood City

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In

Food Distribution Update January 2022

Dearest Food Distribution team,

Thank you so much for your faithful service to the community.

We appreciate your willingness to labor with us through 2 very difficult years of uncertainty for many of our families.

As we head into 2022 we are thrilled to continue this work and grateful for your support and labor of love. Great news! Facebook boxes return on the 18th!

We appreciate your responses to the survey. So many of you indicated you want to continue to provide this vital service. Some of you indicated that you wanted to engage more with families and we will provide this opportunity! This is great input! It has been GU’s sweet spot for over a decade – proximity to the poor by forging relationships.

It’s a new season for our food distribution work and we will be making the following changes effective FRIDAY 1/28:

We are forever grateful for the partnership with Peninsula Covenant Church for over a decade. Tuesday, 1/18 will be our LAST DAY serving from PCC’s parking lot, though our partnership with them as we serve our community is one we value and will continue in other ways. We started offering programming to schools and have only grown from there! A very special shout out to our dear friend Sharon Seeberger for over a decade of support and encouragement of the mission of GU. We still have much to do together!
Be on the lookout for our review of 2021 and the amazing results from this past year. As well we launch volunteer learning groups to include resources that will equip us all to be better neighbors. Our first topic on 1/28 is The Power of Proximity!

Don’t forget: TUESDAY JAN 18 is our last day hosting Food Distribution from the PCC Parking lot. We move to the Salvation Army on FRIDAY, 1/28.

See you soon!

Candice Bun
In

December News

Sponsor-A-Family

We are so grateful to all of our volunteers and partners for being a part of spreading good cheer at the end of this unique year. Last year, you gave and served and blessed 75 families. Please consider sharing this message with a friend so we can reach more people in our community.

Gift wrapping

Fri 12/17 2 – 4 pm
Sat 12/18 8 am – 12 pm
On Sat 12/18 We will have a wonderful time with families from 12p-3p for pick up and drop off to families

We received a message from one of our families this week that they will be moving to Fresno in the new year due to rising costs in the Bay Area. Your support helps families like Sayra’s to pay the rent or a utility bill at a critical time.
“I wanted to come by to give you the infinite thanks and the great affection that we have for you. ♥ We could not be more grateful to you for all your support and for thinking of us at all times!
My daughters and I have very special gratitude to you!”

$50,000 Match Campaign

Our end of year match campaign has been met and we are able to provide rent support, educational services, food, bill payments and more! We are still accepting donations to help bring lasting change to the communities that we serve! 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 donation page.
DONATE
NOW

A big thank you to all who joined us for our Thanksgiving meal. Special thanks to Kairos Church and the many who served our families. A special thanks to
Betty Rodriguez, Sarah Conneely, Janet Hallock, and Keith Miller for providing 8.5 turkeys with all the fixings.

Family Spotlight:

Maria Leyva and her 2 daughters are special ladies to us! Maria helps weekly to keep our AEC clean for the many children who join us. She is always willing to help. Even as a single mother, she finds the time to get involved in her children’s education and activities. The girls are part of Danza Colibri and were featured as a part of our Thanksgiving entertainment. The Leyvas continue to be an important and beautiful part of the community we have built. Join us!
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In

Sponsor A Family 2022

‘TIS THE SEASON

There are so many opportunities to be a part of  Sponsor-A-Family 2022 and bring Christmas cheer to our neighbors in Redwood City. Last year, we partnered with caring neighbors to bring holiday blessings to 75 families. We have many more families still facing the ongoing challenges and effects post-pandemic and every little bit helps during this season. See how you can be a part of spreading the joy of this season to our community. In addition to shopping for gifts and making a financial contribution, you can also choose to provide a homemade holiday meal. There are many ways to partner with us as a volunteer or donor. Please review the options below and then click to complete the form. We will be in touch regarding scheduling and more details. We invite you to share with friends and invite others to join you! Use the hashtag #GUChristmas22 to spread the word!

Take a look at the video below for highlights from last year

Details for volunteer options are below. To make a donation, please visit the donation page AND fill out the form so we can keep track of the campaign and send updates!

Gift Wrapping

Friday 12/9 & Saturday 12/10

Delivering gifts to families (and assisting families picking up)

Saturday 12/10

Make or donate baked goods, hot chocolate, or coffee for the gift wrappers

Drop off at Generations United prior to 12/9

Click the button below to indicate your participation.

Click here to help!
“It’s very clear that there are so many needs in our community. My family and I desire to have a part in meeting some of those needs in a way that makes sense. Sharing our Thanksgiving meal traditions with a family was just a small way we could meet one of those needs. We wanted to partner with Generations United to support the multi-faceted way Angie and her team are caring for those most vulnerable among us. It was our joy to serve in that way and we welcome any future partnership with GU in whatever ways our community needs.”
– Anne Gaddini, volunteer
DONATE

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday (11/29) is an opportunity everyone can participate in! Click here to give a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation. Inquire with your employer about matching giving opportunities!
For a list of items needed, see our Amazon Wish List or check the list on our donation page.
DONATE
NOW
Candice Bun
In

November News 2021

We have so much to be thankful for!

On Monday, November 1, we honored our loved ones who’ve passed with a Day of the Dead celebration.

 

It was a beautiful time of remembrance and we are especially thankful to our friends at Cake4Kids for the lovely and delicious treats!

Choose one (or more) of the ways to participate: Join us, bring a dish to share, donate a main course (turkey, ham, etc), or make a financial contribution towards the event. We need everyone’s help to make this event one to remember! Click below to donate OR to let us know how else you can participate.

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In Community Happenings, Upcoming Events

Cultural and Community Opportunities

Explore the culture around our city and find ways to get and stay connected to our neighbors in Redwood City.

A decorated guitar with a label of La Musica
picture of a taco stand
group of dancers in traditional Mexican dress

We’ve added a map below for some of the suggested locations. Have fun exploring!

2. EL PAVO– Join us in our Community Thanksgiving Dinner (11/13 @ 4 pm) Sign up HERE

3. LA IGLESIA– Attend a Spanish-speaking church (Kairos Church or Verbo)
Kairos Church, Familia Cristiana Verbo, Templo La Luz

7. LA MÚSICA– Listen to Spanish worship music or attend a concert in Spanish

10. EL PAN DULCE– Try a warm concha or a Mexican snack (Panaderia Michoacán)

11. LOS TACOS– Try a new restaurant/food (pupusas, tamales, caldo, birria, etc) or from a region you’ve never tried (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Peruvian)

15. EL MERCADO– Visit a Hispanic Market (Mi Rancho, El Mercadito Latino, Chavez, etc.)

16. LA CALAVERA– Join us at the AEC for a Día de los Muertos celebration on 11/1 @ 4 pm.

Attend Redwood City’s Día De Los Muertos Festival on November 6th (click on the icon above for details)

24. LA DANZA– Go to a cultural presentation (Danza Colibrí), an art exhibit, or join us for our Danza & Music classes on Fridays (4:45pm-5:45pm) or Mariachi lessons on Sundays (9:00am-1:00pm)

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In

October News 2021

New Academic Enrichment Center OPEN!
After many years of operating our academic support services and literacy program out of schools and local community partner locations, we have a location to call our own! We are overjoyed to have a dedicated space to serve our community with Redwood City Reads and additional programs. We are thankful to the faithful donors and dedicated volunteers who have helped to make this possible. Our phenomenal staff has been working hard to open this space and we have some highlights from our Grand Opening (Ribbon Cutting).
Sign up hereSign up here
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