Family Resource Center

Normalize the fear of parenting: How one social worker is making a difference

Normalize the fear of parenting: How one social worker is making a difference

As a Social Worker for Napa Valley Unified School District, Christie Johnson sees firsthand the ways that family and community struggles impact Napa’s children. Working with students at Phillips and Shearer Elementary Schools, Christie has the vital job of supporting students through these challenges so that they can thrive in the classroom: “School social workers work hard to address issues that get in the way of learning. For many students, that includes challenges like mental health, insecure housing and family issues.”

"I'm glad I'm here”: Antonio Reaches for Help

"I'm glad I'm here”: Antonio Reaches for Help

Antonio says that a friend suggested he try Cope, but he ignored the idea.  Sergio, his 8-year-old son, is what got Antonio through Cope’s door.  One of his sisters paid him a visit. She said, “You can do what you want, but think about your son.”  And that’s when he realized, “I need somebody to help me get through this. I’m going to do whatever it takes.”

Big Support from One Devoted Grandma

Big Support from One Devoted Grandma

When Iren first learned of Cope from friends, she was interested in learning more and, at some point, getting involved. Her commitment to our mission was cemented about a year later when three year old Kayleigh Slusher died at the hands of her mother and her boyfriend. “The heartbreaking story impacted me so much that I couldn’t sleep at night,” Iren said. “I thought about my children, my grandchildren and my nieces and nephews. I couldn’t fathom how one child could be so privileged and another child so vulnerable that she could be killed by the people who were supposed to protect her”.

A Desperate Dad and a Last-Minute Rescue

A Desperate Dad and a Last-Minute Rescue

We met Amadu and his family when they came to Cope Family Center seeking help after the devastating Napa Complex Fires. Amadu, a single dad, was at work when the evacuation advisory for his neighborhood was issued on October 11. Despite the dire situation, his employer wouldn’t permit him to leave to get his three children. Due to past trauma, the stress triggered Amadu’s PTSD which resulted in his employer putting him on unpaid leave. Though he had applied for state disability benefits, he hadn’t yet received payments by the time he came to Cope. Desperate for assistance paying his rent so he could keep a roof over his family’s head, Amadu applied for an Emergency Financial Assistance grant, a disaster relief fund distributed by Cope and funded by the Napa Valley Community Foundation.

Volunteering with an Eye to the Future

Volunteering with an Eye to the Future

Rosanna has been volunteering at Cope since August. “When I was researching organizations to get involved with, I was really impressed with how Cope focuses on prevention,” Rosanna said. “Their work creates a ripple effect through generations. Helping parents today impacts their children and their children’s children. That really inspired me and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Staff Spotlight: Magali

Staff Spotlight: Magali

Working at our Family Resource Center (FRC) front desk, Magali is often the first person people meet when they come through Cope’s doors. As our Resource Specialist, she helps identify families’ needs and connect them with the appropriate resources. Sometimes it’s as simple as distributing diapers or a gift card. But often, parents don’t know what resources are available.

The Gift of a Second Chance

The Gift of a Second Chance

Gretchen started coming to Cope about 30 years ago, at a time in her life when she struggled to care for her young children. “I was an addict for many years,” Gretchen explained. “When my kids were younger, Cope helped me out with diapers and formula. Eventually I lost custody of my children because I couldn’t be the parent they needed.”