Feb is devoted to honoring the important roles African-Americans have played in the history of the US. That's why Lincoln is proud to celebrate African American individuals and groups throughout Black History Month.

These lesser known facts were compiled by Lincoln's Afrikan Self-Care Committee. Our hope is to shine a light on the cultural pride and societal contributions of people of African descent in the US and beyond as a celebration of the Black community many Lincoln staff are a part of, and ALL Lincoln staff serve.

From the perspective of a former foster kid, I’ve seen too many young people like I used to be, who had the potential for success, but who languished in their brokenness because no one expected them to do any better.

“How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.”  That piece of advice has been showing up in many different parts of my life lately, including at a recent youth mental health forum in Oakland, hosted by Lincoln on January 6th.  The event featured a wide range of presenters, including child advocates, legislative staff, young people with lived experiences, clinicians, policy experts, and educators.  Panelists discussed common barriers to quality mental health care for kids and young people and proposed solutions that we all can pursue in 2017 to ensure that every child is valued and receives appropriate mental health services when needed.

In today's uncertain times, many are asking what personal actions can be taken to impact community change. As 2016 comes to a close, take time to reflect, appreciate, and remember community members who need safe, supportive, and welcoming places like Lincoln.

Addiction is a very real issue that affects several families at Lincoln. For the first time ever, a sitting U.S. surgeon general has declared substance abuse a public-health crisis. “It’s time to change how we view addiction,” Vivek Murthy said in a statement last week, which was accompanied by a lengthy report on the issue. “Not as a moral failing, but as a chronic illness that must be treated with skill, urgency and compassion. The way we address this crisis is a test for America.”

Murthy’s statement is a major victory for those advocates who have long hoped addiction would be viewed through a physical- and mental-health lens. 

Bring your talent to Lincoln! Lincoln is building new programs in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties that will allow us to serve many more children, youth and families in need. 

Every year, thousands of children are suspended from preschool. Take a second to let that sink in.

On Friday, Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark A. Peterson announced a major expansion of Contra Costa County’s ongoing efforts to combat school truancy. The Thomas J. Long Foundation has awarded a $625,000 grant to the Lincoln to allow Lincoln to collaborate with the county in the effort to reduce chronic absenteeism.  

We have a great team at Lincoln! Our employees are mission-driven, passionate individuals who have come together from all walks of life and experiences to serve children, youth and families. In order to try to acknowledge these outstanding employees, we will be highlighting several of them over the course of the next few months. 

There have been numerous articles flagging the over suspension of black male students in schools. What is not said is how this trend likely reflects a systemic pattern of discrimination by race and gender.

Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Education Partner with Lincoln to reduce truancy.

Children living in poverty often are exposed to high levels of constant stress that can be debilitating, not only in terms of their physical health but also their ability to learn. So what are schools to do?

When Kelsey Sisavath enrolled as a freshman at Lincoln Alternative High School in Walla Walla, Washington, in the fall of 2012, her mother was struggling with drug addiction. Kelsey herself was using meth. The multiple traumas in her life included a sexual assault by a stranger at age 12. She was angry, depressed, and suicidal. Her traumatized brain had little room to focus on school.