News
From Silence to Connection
Healing and Friendship through Mentorship
11-year-old Janey* mostly kept to herself last year when she was matched with her Wonder mentor, Martha*. Martha would ask Janey about school, her interest in animals, or whichever Harry Potter book she was reading at the time. But Janey’s answers were often short and rarely invited follow-ups. During Wonder group events, Janey would watch instead of joining in. At the ice-skating rink, she sat on a bench rather than skating with the others.
A Journey of Growth and Friendship
Celebrating a Remarkable Match
We are thrilled to highlight an inspiring match that has been together for five and a half years. This journey began when the Guide met the Explorer at the tender age of 13. Throughout her teenage years, the Explorer has had the unwavering support of the Guide. Initially, the Explorer was in foster care, but since then, she has been adopted by the same caregiver, providing her with stability and permanency alongside a consistent mentor.
Empowering Youth
SSYAF & Sutter Health's School Based Mental Health Partnership
In Sacramento and Yolo County, where the need for comprehensive mental health support is undeniable, Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Through a transformative partnership with Sutter Health, SSYAF has extended its reach to provide vital School Based Mental Health Services, directly addressing the urgent needs of students in Sacramento City Unified School and Washington Unified School District.
Celebrating Foster Care Awareness Month
A Heartfelt Thank You to Dignity Health for Sponsoring Our 2024 Family Picnic
We are thrilled to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dignity Health for sponsoring our 2024 Family Picnic! This event is more than just a day of fun—it is a vital celebration of our incredible resource families and a cornerstone of Foster Care Awareness Month. This May, we came together to champion a vision where all children thrive in committed, permanent, and nurturing families, supported by their communities and enhanced by trauma-informed services.
Nurturing Homes for Older Youth in Foster Care
Comstock's Magazine Capital Region Cares 2024
During May, which is National Foster Care Month, we want to bring awareness to the need for safe and nurturing homes for youth in care over the age of 10. These young people never outgrow the need for a loving family.
An Interview with ESPN 1320
Shedding Light on an Increased Need for Male Mentors
ESPN 1320 hosted our Wonder Mentoring Program on the D-Lo & KC Show! We enjoyed the time on air and getting to share with your viewers the urgent need for male mentors in Sacramento and Placer County.
“One Day I Want to do Your Job!”
A Ten-Year Retrospective
Dive into a heartfelt journey of transformation from one of our very own Family Partners, igniting a ten-year retrospective and leading to a career dedicated to empowering families. Follow Jean’s inspiring path from receiving Wraparound services to becoming a Family Partner herself, shedding light on the enduring impact of compassion and support. Join her as she navigates challenges, finds strength in shared experiences, and shapes a brighter future for families in need.
Prevention Through Empowering Communities
Family and Youth Partners as Natural Supports
Discover the powerful personal journey of youth advocates, who share insights on navigating crises, the limitations of traditional therapy, the transformative impact of natural support systems and the urgent call to invest in community tools for resilience. Join the conversation on reshaping support structures before crises strike, fostering empathy, compassion, and proactive well-being for all.
Book of Dreams
Volunteers Bring Guidance and ‘Wonder’ to Foster Kids
Cheryl was drawn to the Wonder program after her daughter moved away from home. “I found myself with a lot of time on my hands,” she said. She noted she longed to help young people. One of her passions is a love of nature and she wanted to be able to share that with a young person. Read more about Book of Dreams here.
Delivering Christmas with Audacy
A Partnership with 98 Rock, 96.9 The Eagle, 106.5 The End, ESPN 1320, 102.5 KSFM, Alt 94.7
Our Community Engagement Manager, Karla Zaragoza, had the pleasure of speaking with Doug Thomas about our programs and the impact we can make to help local youth in foster care through Audacy’s Annual Delivering Christmas Toy Drive. Thank you Audacy for having us on the Sacramento Public File and partnering with us to bring holiday joy to local children! Listen to the full episode here.
SMART Initiative
Combating Structural Racism & Advancing DEI Efforts
We are proud to partner with Sacramento County’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) and the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions (CIBHS), as we embark on an imperative initiative—the Self-Assessment for Modification of Anti-Racism Tool (SMART) project. The objective is to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of our organization’s practices, focusing on behavioral health domains that are impacted by structural racism.
Career Pathways Continues to Help Students Enter the Workforce
DHCS Announces MIP, Round 2, Awards
We’re excited to receive this grant award for our Career Pathways program! Our internship program continues to build behavioral health champions at the educational partner institutions we serve, and builds a pipeline for students to enter the field with knowledge, skills, and employment offers after their internship.
Ebony Chambers McClinton, Chief Officer of Equity and Partnership
Sacramento Business Journal's 2023 DEI Awards honorees
Join us in congratulating this year’s Champions for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Now in its second year, the Business Journal’s DEI Awards program honors the individuals and organizations in the region that have demonstrated a commitment to promoting a more diverse and equitable community.
A Strategic Partnership that Supports Local Youth and Families
Sacramento State University
Sacramento State University and Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (Stanford Sierra) have formed a strategic partnership for over five years. Both entities have a common vision of improving the well-being and quality of life for vulnerable youth and their families in the community. Stanford Sierra supports the entire family with professional treatment and compassionate care, so every youth has the opportunity to thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
Capital Region Cares Community Spotlight
Comstock’s Magazine
During May, which is National Foster Care Month, we want to bring awareness to the need for safe and nurturing homes for youth in care over the age of 10. These young people never outgrow the need for a loving family. Through our Pathway to Permanency program, older children are connected to a family that can provide a sense of stability, lasting connections, and guidance.
Congratulations to our very own Chief Equity & Partnership Officer, Ebony Chambers McClinton!
2023 Innovative Program Award
Ebony Chambers McClinton was selected to receive the 2023 Innovative Program Award in recognition of outstanding Family and Youth Partnership programs committed to supporting those in need of service from the California Mental Health Advocates for Children and Youth (CMHACY).
National Shortage of Mental Health Therapists
CBS 13 News - Sacramento
Our hope is to replicate the goal of empowering youth and ensuring that families have voice and choice in service delivery across the nation.
Striving for Permanency and Empowerment of Families
As Seen In Forbes, Fortune & Entrepreneur Magazine
SSYAF serves over 6,000 youth and families annually throughout 17 counties. The ultimate goal is that every child thrives. How that happens is empowerment, a sense of belonging, and skill building. Family permanency is woven into all of our work. Read the article here.
A History and Commitment to Permanency and Development
Comstock's Magazine Capitol Region Cares
Over the span of SSYAF’s 120-plus-year history, the organization has transitioned from an orphanage to a community-based organization focused on ensuring every young person has a family and the tools to overcome their challenges and become healthy, happy and successful. Read the article here.
Kars 4 Kids Grant: Healing Families for the Sake of the Children
We too, believe that helping children needs to be a holistic effort that strengthens and supports the whole family. That is why we felt so good about having a small part in the critical work of this organization by way of our small grant program. We share the mission of giving kids a feeling that they belong, and helping families to learn how to heal, moving forward.
Click here for the full interview with SSYAF Director of Development, Christie Shorrock.