We are grateful for everyone that was able to join and share their thoughts, reflections, and recommendations in regards to the findings. Lincoln is excited to continue growing partnerships and building relationships with community stakeholders across sectors in Pittsburg and throughout Contra Costa County.
This month marks 140 years that Lincoln Families has worked to disrupt cycles of poverty and trauma in Bay Area communities. As the oldest operating nonprofit founded in Oakland, we have grown to offer critical mental health, family resources, and literacy programming throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We are proud to be a part of a legacy that has supported children and families since 1883.
The past two years have shed a light on what we at Lincoln have always known --- that a strong ecosystem of supports surrounding a child is critical to their success. We know that learning is social, emotional, and academic. Perhaps most importantly, we know that children and youth thrive when they feel emotionally and physically safe at school, at home, and in their community…and when they feel connected, engaged, and challenged.
It’s no surprise that many parents and children felt anxious about returning to school in the fall. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant additional stress, fear, and worry for many families. The start of a new school year can mean going back to school after a long break, or for our youngest scholars, attending school for the first time.
Dear Friends,
Recently, Lincoln Families Oakland Freedom School parents have raised concerns regarding the quality of food that is being served to participating student scholars. We at Lincoln have reached out to families to share that we are not taking this matter lightly, have put an action plan in place, and are working diligently to provide quality nutritional meals to scholars daily.
Freedom Schools has always been about empowering student scholars to use their voices to make change. We truly appreciate our families for bringing this issue to the forefront with the hopes of creating greater change within the school district.
We are committed to working with our OUSD Nutrition Services partner to improve the quality of food for our scholars. In the meanwhile, Lincoln is supplementing the meals with organizational funding. Unfortunately, due to COVID and program protocols, we cannot accept food donations.
If you have any follow-up questions, please contact OUSD Nutritional Services at nutrition@ousd.org, 510-879-1700, or John Sasaki, OUSD Director of Communications, John.sasaki@ousd.org.
In Community,
Allison
