Alternative Family Services

Be a holiday hero for foster youth! Even a small donation can mean the world to a child in need. Join us in spreading cheer and making this season unforgettable.

https://bit.ly/3rSHlNL

Celebrating National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month, a time to honor and recognize the power of adoption in providing children and youth with stable, loving, and permanent homes. At AFS, we are deeply grateful for the commitment and compassion of our staff, foster parents, and community partners who make these life-changing connections possible. Every adoption story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that every child deserves a forever family.

This month, we celebrate the families who have opened their hearts and homes and acknowledge the vital role that each of you plays in supporting this journey. Thank you for being an essential part of this mission and helping to build brighter futures for children and youth in our care.

Did you know? There are thousands of foster youth who may not receive a holiday gift this year. With your help, we can change that! Donate today to make a difference: https://bit.ly/3rSHlNL

Transgender Awareness Week and Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance

This week, we recognize Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19) and its culmination in Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), a time to reflect, honor, and stand in solidarity with the transgender community. This week invites us to celebrate the vibrancy, resilience, and diversity of trans lives while also acknowledging the harsh realities of discrimination and violence many transgender individuals face.

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor the memory of those lost to anti-transgender violence. It is a solemn call to action—to work toward a future free of prejudice, where everyone can live in safety and dignity.

Respect and Empathy in Action
Let us uphold respect and empathy by using preferred pronouns and names, fostering open dialogue, and cultivating a workplace that welcomes all. Small actions of respect and inclusivity create a foundation for a supportive and understanding community. As we observe this week, let’s commit to unity, compassion, and allyship. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels valued, heard, and safe.

🎉 Calling All Volunteers! 🎉

The AFS HEART Society is now recruiting! If you’re passionate about foster care, adoption, and mental health, we invite you to become a part of our mission. As a member, you'll help organize fundraising events, advocate for vulnerable children, and support programs that uplift foster youth and families. Every hour you give brings hope to a child in need.

💼 Sign up and start your volunteer journey today!

https://www.afs4kids.org/get-involved/

Not everyone gets to experience the magic of the holidays. Help us bring the holiday spirit to foster youth by donating a gift or contributing to our gift fund! 🎁

https://bit.ly/3rSHlNL

Get Involved in Northern California | AFS Get involved in making an impact and change the lives of children and youth under foster care and be a part of the growing Alternative Family Services Network.

Becoming a foster parent is more than providing a home; it’s providing hope. Learn about the many benefits of fostering at an AFS Info Session: https://www.afs4kids.org/sf-kids/

This holiday season, help bring joy to foster youth! Every donation goes toward providing gifts to children who need them the most.

Give the gift of joy today!

https://bit.ly/3rSHlNL

🔊 AFS HEART Society Needs You! 🔊

Are you driven to make a difference for foster youth and families? The AFS HEART Society is building a community of volunteers dedicated to fundraising, advocacy, and outreach for Alternative Family Services. As a member, you’ll help raise awareness, plan events, and advocate for change. Whether you're a professional, retiree, or passionate community member, your involvement can transform lives.

🖋️ Join us today and be a voice for foster youth!

https://www.afs4kids.org/get-involved/

The 2024 AFS campaign begins today!

Foster Joy is our annual holiday drive to support vulnerable youth and families.

For more information, head here: https://www.afs4kids.org/get-involved/

Foster parents are superheroes who provide stability and love to teens in need. Want to learn more? Join a free Info Session to see how you can become a foster parent: https://www.afs4kids.org/sf-kids/

Averie Ramirez, MSW, became the Assistant Program Director for East Bay Foster Care in September 2024. Get to know Averie and her work at AFS: https://www.afs4kids.org/blog/afs-staff-in-action-averie-ramirez/

Enhanced Intensive Services Foster Care is a specialized form of foster care aimed at supporting children and youth with complex emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.

Learn more by heading to the AFS blog: https://www.afs4kids.org/blog/transform-lives-with-our-enhanced-intensive-services-foster-care-program/

Many AFS staff members are also foster parents! Join our supportive community and learn from experienced foster parents at a free Info Session: https://www.afs4kids.org/sf-kids/

GERMAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH reflects on the rich cultural contributions and deep heritage that German Americans have brought to our country. From the arts and sciences to social reform, German Americans have long influenced the values of family, community, and resilience, which resonate strongly with our work at AFS. As an organization committed to family preservation, foster care, and mental health, we recognize the importance of understanding and appreciating diverse cultural backgrounds.

ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE & CULTURE MONTH honors the remarkable contributions and vibrant culture that Italian Americans have brought to our nation.

From the arts and sciences to politics and philanthropy, Italian Americans' influence is woven into the fabric of our country’s history. Their stories are often of perseverance, migration, and unity—narratives enriched by traditions passed down through generations and infused with a deep sense of family and community. Whether by exploring their rich cultural legacy in music, cuisine, and literature or by sharing stories with colleagues and the families we serve, we can celebrate the Italian American community's beauty, resilience, and enduring impact.

💖 Help Shape the Future of Foster Care with AFS HEART Society! 💖

We're looking for compassionate individuals to join the AFS HEART Society, a community-driven group committed to supporting foster youth and families. Whether it’s planning fundraising events, advocating for better policies, or volunteering in our programs, your contribution will make a lasting impact. Dedicate just 3-5 hours a month and help change lives.

Ready to make a difference?

🔗 Join us now!

https://www.afs4kids.org/get-involved/

At AFS, we proudly embrace diversity. No matter your background, your compassion can make a difference in a foster teen's life. Learn more at https://www.afs4kids.org/sf-kids/