You can get involved in a variety of causes and organizations in Northern California. Here are a few. Partnership for the Bay's Future (PBF), KIPP Northern California, COMTO NorCal, and La Leche League of Northern California. All are worthy causes that support the communities they serve. They have events that are open to the public. Read on to learn more. And consider becoming a member. Whether you're a parent or an employee, there's a group for you!

Partnership for the Bay's Future (PBF)

The Partnership for the Bay's Future (PBP) was created in 2019 to provide affordable housing and protect the interests of the most vulnerable residents in the Bay Area. The PBF's goal is to invest $500 million over the next 10 years and ensure that all Bay Area families can afford a good, safe home. The PBF's partners include elected officials, faith-based leaders, and housing experts.

To apply for a PBF fellowship, visit norcal.org/pbf. PBF fellows will live in a Bay Area agency for the duration of their tenure. During this time, they will receive mentorship, professional development, and ongoing training from PBF staff. Applications are due on March 9, 2022. Those selected will be placed in programs from June 2022 to May 2024. Applicants can also attend an information session on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at noon PT.

KIPP Northern California

KIPP Public Schools Northern California is an independent network of charter schools for elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP NorCal currently operates 15 schools and is committed to providing a positive learning environment and guidance to students. The school's graduation rate stands at 94%, with 83% of graduates matriculating to college. KIPP teachers are responsible for the success of the school's educational program and work under the direction of a principal.

KIPP Northern California Public Schools are open enrollment, high-quality public schools. Students who attend these schools attend a diverse array of classes, including advanced placement and college preparation. KIPP students are largely low-income, and most are students of color. KIPP schools consistently achieve college and career-readiness rates well above the state and national average. In fact, 84% of KIPP students have attended college, compared to an average of 40% for students from low-income communities.

COMTO NorCal

Michele Brown, president of COMTO NorCal, has been an active member of the chapter for several years. She has served on several committees and chaired the Annual Scholarship Awards event. She has organized a joint COMTO/WTS event and sat on a panel at EOYDC's career night. In her new role, she will focus on social justice and diversity issues. She is one of the COMTO NorCal 2020 Member of the Year honorees.

COMTO NorCal's 16th Annual Holiday Dinner and Scholarship Awards ceremony was held in downtown Oakland. The event featured a VIP reception and dinner that brought together community leaders and individuals making significant contributions to transportation. Many transportation agencies and senior executives attended and networked with members. COMTO NorCal provides scholarship opportunities to minority students, who are underrepresented in transportation fields. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event also celebrates the outstanding contributions of minority transportation professionals.

La Leche League of Northern California

Joining La Leche League of Northern California is easy. It's a non-profit organization that supports breastfeeding mothers and their children. Volunteer leaders are responsible for training and education. Meetings are free and open to the public, so expectant mothers can attend and learn more about breastfeeding. Besides free childcare, La Leche League leaders get continuing education to help them provide quality care to families in their area. Meetings also provide opportunities for community outreach.

The organization offers a variety of programs and services for breastfeeding mothers. They host virtual and outdoor meetings, and are committed to providing information and support to new mothers and their babies. La Leche League Leaders are trained and accredited by the La Leche League International. They are available to answer any questions about breastfeeding. You can join the organization online for a nominal membership fee. If you're interested in joining a local La Leche League group, make sure to visit their website.

COMTO

COMTO of Norcal is an organization of marketing and communications professionals who are passionate about diversity and inclusion. Members come from diverse industries, including advertising, marketing, construction, and technology. The association offers a variety of events for all members, including a quarterly member-only holiday dinner, member-only programs, and forums. The organization recently welcomed two new chapter presidents, Sheila and Damarius. Damarius will focus on social justice, while Sheila will focus on membership engagement.

COMTO of Norcal is committed to helping minority transportation professionals advance their careers. The organization also supports youth transportation programs, including scholarships and internships. In addition, the organization is committed to helping minority-owned businesses succeed. For more information, visit comtoofnorcal.org. Here's a brief summary of the organization's main objectives:

Covered California

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, has created a state health insurance marketplace. Under this program, individuals can enroll in health insurance and receive sliding scale financial assistance. By shopping around, consumers can find the best plan for their needs and budget. They can also qualify for Medi-Cal, the state's low-cost health insurance program. For those who don't qualify for Medi-Cal, they can get financial assistance through Covered California.

Open enrollment for Covered California began Nov. 1. Many Californians will be able to afford coverage thanks to federal financial assistance. Additional subsidies are available through the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion post-pandemic stimulus package. The state's Covered California marketplace will receive an estimated $3 billion through 2022. Additionally, California's government is making health insurance more affordable for families making over $100,000 a year.

There are a variety of ways to enroll in Medi-Cal. Some of these include enrolling online, visiting a certified enrollment counselor, or signing up with a qualified health insurance company. Covered California can be a lifeline in an emergency. No matter what life circumstances you may have encountered, it is not too late to apply. In fact, enrollment is open all year round. A certified enrollment counselor from the United Ways of California can help you get started. Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing your existing plan, you'll need income information to help you determine whether you're eligible for the program. Applicants for Medi-Cal will need proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S., as well as a Social Security number.

Medi-Cal

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has changed Medi-Cal eligibility for low-income adults and children. Individuals with higher incomes are now eligible for Medi-Cal, without regard to their family status, disability, or financial resources. Since May 1, 2016, undocumented children living in poverty can access full Medi-Cal coverage. Adults who do not meet the income requirements are still eligible for some Medi-Cal coverage, such as during emergency situations and pregnancy.

California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers Medi-Cal. Their website has a wealth of information about Medi-Cal benefits and resources for older immigrants. Additionally, the site includes a series of frequently asked questions that are written in multiple languages. While the DHCS is the state's governing body, it isn't the only agency that handles Medi-Cal. Consumer advocates are also available to answer questions.

For the most recent information about Medi-Cal, subscribe to the Medi-Cal Subscription Service. This service is free and you can sign up for updates. Subscribers will receive email messages on specific topics shortly after the Medi-Cal website posts them. In addition to receiving updates, Medi-Cal Subscription Service subscribers can use automated provider services such as eligibility inquiries and more. Once you register, you'll need to use a Secure User ID and Password to access the service.

Alcoholics Anonymous

The Northern California Intergroup is a regional association of Alcoholics Anonymous groups in four counties. It was created to support the common mission of carrying the A.A. message throughout the four counties. The Intergroup performs several vital functions for the AA program. Some of these services include a 24 hour hotline and professional answering service, meeting schedules, an Active Website, and professional community outreach. Visiting other AA groups is possible with the assistance of the Intergroup.

The CNCA Area serves over 60,000 AA members in 23 districts, 153 subdistricts, and 2,100 registered groups. The Area is also responsible for communicating with Central Offices/Intergroups within its borders. The CNCA Area is based in Redding, California, and coordinates services for alcoholics in Northern California hospitals and institutions. Alcoholics Anonymous NorCal is dedicated to improving the lives of those suffering from alcoholism.