— Community Kick-off Celebration Sept. 12 | Oak Grove High School, San Jose CA —
San Jose, CA — Unity Care, a non-profit youth and family service agency, is proud to launch its Imani Village School Linked Services program with a kick-off celebration on Thursday, September 25, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Oak Grove High School, Room X1 – 285 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA.
The collaboration stems from initiatives developed from the 2012 County-wide School-Linked Services (SLS) strategic plan. According to the strategic plan, “the overall adjusted, four-year derived drop-out rate for Santa Clara County students is 14.4 percent; 24.3 percent of Latino students and 20.5 percent of African American students drop-out, while only 8.3 percent White and 5.4 percent of Asian students drop out. The goal of the SLS Plan is to offer a well-designed model for delivery of coordinated and effective health and social services on school campuses and in their neighboring communities that will meet the needs of student and their families in order for children to achieve success in school and in life.”
Imani Village will serve up to 300 students at six school sites and two community centers in San Jose. Services will be provided by educational counselors, licensed clinicians and therapists. School personnel, parents, and community partners may refer any youth struggling at school. To refer a student, individuals may contact the Welcome Center at (408) 971-9822.
Wil Cason, Director of Education, stated, “Closing the achievement gaps is a critical issue. We know that the performance of blacks is systematically different from other racial and ethnic groups. Decreasing gaps in student achievement means that we must increase the learning gains of Blacks. Imani Village is an innovative approach that will give youth with challenges culturally sensitive support and resources that will not only make a difference for them at school, but will transform their future.”
About Unity Care
Unity Care is a strengths-based, family-focused, and culturally proficient youth and family development agency. Since 1993, our mission is to “provide quality youth and family programs for the purpose of creating healthier communities through lifelong partnerships.” For over 21 years, Unity Care offers innovative community-based, mental health and housing programs. For more information, visit www.unitycare.org or call (408) 510-3480.
PRESS CONTACT:
Linda Vu
Development Associate
Phone: (408) 510-3480
Cell: (408) 334-4279
LVu(at)UnityCare(dot)com
