Fall 2023 Newsletter
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Community:
“The changes in season should remind us that we too can transition and grow” - Anonymous
We will all soon be entering a new season as summer activities draw to a close and we embrace all that fall has to offer. Transitions and change can be uncomfortable or even fill us with uncertainty, but they can also provide us with moments to reflect, realign, and re-engage.
Reflect on what we’ve accomplished, learned, or overcome
Realign our priorities and goals to take on whatever lies ahead, and
Re-engage with our community by getting involved and using our collective voices to advocate for transformative change.
Perhaps you’re taking on a new role in your professional or personal life - or maybe you need to support someone else as they start something new? Regardless of what’s going on, change is all around us and it’s helpful to be prepared and open to what’s ahead.
We have certainly been in a season of change as we’ve transitioned from Building Blocks for Kids (BBK) under a fiscal sponsor to serving our community as our own entity, now known as FIERCE Advocates. Our mission to amplify the voices of Black, Latinx and other parents and caregivers of color through healing-centered care, leadership development, and parent-led advocacy remains the same, but we are able to do this more effectively with new fire under our feet!
We’ve been embracing change head on - will you join us?
In Community,
Sheryl Lane
Executive Director
Let’s Prep for Back to School!
For many families, it is time to start preparing themselves and their children for the transition into a new school year. It can be difficult to get back into routines we left behind at the start of summer and we want to assure you that you aren’t alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
It’s not just about getting the kids ready - this is an adjustment for parents and caregivers too!
Here are some helpful tips that will help ease your way into the school year (and hopefully avoid the last minute scramble):
[1] Start preparing early & get organized: Talk about expectations both at home and at school (including grades and behavior).
Get organized by making a list of what you need before the school year begins (including clothes & other classroom supplies).
Use a calendar to help your family visualize what’s ahead or determine if anything needs to be scheduled (like doctors appointments).
[2] Set a Bedtime Routine: Many experts recommend easing into the routine two weeks before the school year begins. This includes switching out the late nights for early mornings and practicing the morning rituals.
Keep in mind, it is essential to a child’s health to get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can lead to difficulties with concentrating and learning. Easing in will help your family limit the First Day of School chaos and make everyone more comfortable with the transition.
[3] Build good homework & study habits: Children need a consistent and distraction-free work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet and promotes study. Establishing a routine together for when homework is done will set them up for success. You will eventually find what works best for you and your child!
[4] Prepare to build a relationship with you child’s teacher(s): It’s important for parents/caregivers and teachers to have two-way communication. Parents should regularly connect to teachers about how their student is learning and behaving and teachers should regularly communicate with parents about these things too. Communication between parents and teachers doesn’t have to wait until Back-to-School night or Open House or when a problematic situation occurs.
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We hope you find these tips helpful as you ease into the new routine. Transitions can be hard, but they can be a little easier by planning ahead, promoting open communication, and being open to figuring out what works best for your family.
For more tips and recommendations, here are some helpful resources:
What’s New with the CoCo Doulas?
FIERCE Advocates is excited to welcome new CoCo Doulas to our organization! They all graduated from our two-year community-based fellowship program in April 2023 and are committed to providing doula support to Black birthing mothers and families throughout Contra Costa County.
We asked them what they’re most excited about or looking forward to in this role and this is what they shared:
Julie Satterfield: “What I find most exciting about being a Doula is the opportunity of being a part of a collective group of like minded women who will strive at stopping the disparities Black & Brown mothers suffer during and after childbirth.”
Alexandra Grant: “I am looking forward to partnering with Coco Doulas to continue to foster a positive experience for families during this transformative time.”
Courtney Hooper: “I’m most excited about serving my community and providing services to my families with a touch of Boujee sauce!!”
Welcome to the team, Julie, Alexandra, and Courtney!
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We are also delighted to share some remarkable findings about our Doula program:
We are very close to a major milestone for our organization - 90 babies have been born to date!
91% of women surveyed felt their doula contributed positively to their birth experience.
90% of babies born in the program have been delivered full-term.
75% of babies born in the program have been vaginal births.
These findings are definitely worth celebrating!
To learn more about our CoCo Doula program, please visit this page: CoCo Doulas
Upcoming Health and Wellness Events and Activities
Get Involved!
Looking for ways to get involved this month? You’re invited to explore the following opportunities!
Back to School Jumpoff
You’re invited to participate in our celebratory event for students and families in WCCUSD. We will be providing food, entertainment, and hosting community organizations that provide quality programs and services.
Date: Saturday, August 19, 2023
Time: 1pm-4pm
Location: Bright Futures Growth and Development Center
Located at 1060 Manor Rd. Richmond, CA 94803
Have a question?
Contact Jannika Wagner at: blackvillagenetwork@edfundwest.org
Latino Sanctuary for Women (Previously known as Latina Sanctuary)
Knowing you is power. Tools to understand your emotions and reactions.
Join guest speakers Andrea Walle and Jenn Gonzalez from the RealOptions Organization.
Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Time: 10am-12pm
Virtual: Click Here to Join; Zoom Meeting ID: 811 5142 3398
Onsite Address: 310 9th St, Richmond CA 94801
For more information, contact Lupita at mortegadevillalobos@fierceadvocates.org or Irma at iurizar@fierceadvocates.org.
Black Woman’s Sanctuary
A peaceful and supportive space for Black Women seeking wellness in their lives.
This month’s topic is Building Legacy in our Young Kings: Tools for us as women to understand, celebrate, support and building our young men
Join guest panel speakers Dwight Taylor Sr, Marc Jackson, and LaVontae Hill.
Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Time: 6:30pm
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
For more information, contact Paula Taylor at paula@aboveadequate.com.
Holding Space for Men
Freeing environment helps men of all ages adopt a holistic (physical, mental, social) approach to health.
Date: Thursday, August 31, 2023
Time: 6:30pm
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
For more information, contact LeJon Fahim Reese at motivated2helpothers@gmail.com.
Let’s Stay Connected!