MANDELA FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Family Resource Centers influence that safety, well-being, and economic mobility of all families in a community —- not just those receiving supports.

What we do

Lincoln Families’ West Oakland Mandela Family Resource Center (MFRC) is a community hub where children, youth, and families receive individualized and responsive services and supports. It is a place for community members to gather, lift up empowerment efforts, and act to power improvements in family and neighborhood life. Our staff work together to ensure the delivery of programs and services that reflect the needs of the community and impact root causes of poverty and trauma. Services include:

Early Childhood - Building on parents’ strengths to support their children’s development, and providing access to supports to ensure their children are ready for kindergarten and academic success, including family literacy activities, play groups, and coaching;

Parent Leadership - Centering the agency of the caregiver by offering a myriad of workshops, skill development and career exploration spaces to assist caregivers in identifying tangible and self-affirming life goals;

Health & Wellness - Providing access to case management services as well as workshops/classes to build skills for healthy living and self care;

Resource Navigation - Linking families to health care and other needed community resources; 

Community Action - Building capacity for engaging in community service and advocacy about issues that affect West Oakland families, including employment, neighborhood safety, and housing/tenant rights.

Our Why

West Oakland has a rich history, and has seen changes in cultural and economic conditions that have taken a toll on its residents. In spite of these changes, West Oakland has enormous assets in its longstanding resident families, small businesses, and service providers. As some neighborhoods become affected by gentrification, others maintain a sense of protectiveness in an effort to fight the forces of housing instability and homelessness. West Oakland residents are strong advocates and leaders in equity, have influential political connections, and demonstrate a unique tenacity. Deeply rooted in community and partnership, we are proud to call West Oakland home.

Outcomes

2,543 West Oakland families provided with food, diapers, & other essentials in collaboration with 9 community partners.

Contact

Dynell Garron
Director of Community-Based Programs
dynellgarron@lincolnfamilies.org
510.421.0476

Chris Nguon
Associate Director of Grant-Funded Programs
chrisnguon@lincolnfamilies.org
510.882.5882

 

“I’ve been in a couple support groups within Lincoln, and it’s good to just hear where someone else is coming from, getting to know different cultures of women involved in these groups...hearing their stories mentally helps you and lets you know you’re not in that boat alone, there’s going to be light at the end of the tunnel.”

— Legacy Family Member