Published as a service for the 162,000 Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

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Congratulations to Bernadette Attletweed!
Recipient for the City of Hayward Pearls Award Honoring Volunteers

award from the City of Hayward. She was recognized for her long-time, outstanding volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Center for the Deaf. She has contributed her faithful service and time to SJCD for many years.

Bernadette Attletweed is a valiant woman who has made an outstanding contribution to SJCD and the Deaf Community for over 30 years. Bernadette has been a member of the SJCD Deaf Community and our Catholic Deaf Church since approximately 1975. She is a long-term and current Advisory Board Member and has assisted SJCD over the years in Strategic Planning, keeping our mission and vision in focus and helping to direct our sails. She has also been a big help with fundraising and many volunteer tasks that keep our agency wheels moving, such as:

• Teaching Religious Education and Faith Formation classes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth
• Planning and leading retreats for our Youth
• Assisting with Sacrament Preparation and Education, including her appearance on Religious Education and Faith Formation Videotapes guiding the Catholic Deaf Community
• Donating her time, energy, and monetary contributions to our agency fundraisers
• Gathering in-kind donations, materials, supplies and food to support our fundraisers, programs and services
• Assisting with agency events
• Attending almost every SJCD fundraiser or event and represents SJCD in a positive way
• Sending personal greeting cards to people in the SJCD Deaf Community expressing her sympathy, congratulations, or welcome, and honors the transitions and milestones in the lives of our community.

Bernadette is recognized for her long-term devotion, dependability, commitment and humility. She is not one to toot her own horn. She stays behind the scenes and is one of the most valued volunteers our agency has ever had the pleasure of working with. She continues to support SJCD in ways she can in spite of any obstacles. Her outlook is positive and her faith and willingness to help is extraordinary! She is the “ear” of our Deaf Community. She listens to the temperament of our people, sharing their needs and requests with the board and staff. She takes time to listen, talk, share, advise, and understand others. She is a caring, loving, and deeply encouraging individual – the kind of volunteer with a heart of gold! The Deaf Community holds her in great esteem.

Berna’s generous spirit for volunteer work is an inspiration to us all. She shows us that when you volunteer in the Deaf Community, you give part of yourself - your time, energy, skills and heart.

All of us at SJCD applaud Bernadette for her heartfelt support toward St. Joseph’s Center for the Deaf and all facets of the Deaf community

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The Work of SJCD Continues through Generous Grant Awards from Bay Area Funders

It is due to the large support SJCD receives from Individuals, Foundations, Corporations and Government entities that continue to make SJCD’s Psychological Services and Educational Programs available to deaf people in the Bay Area.

Community Development Block Grants have been awarded by the City of Union City ($5,000), and the City of Hayward ($15,000) as well as the City of Concord ($5,000) and the City of Pittsburg ($5,000). Kaiser Permanente and Cisco Systems awarded SJCD with $15,000. Alameda First Five: Every Child Counts awarded $32,259.00 for computer upgrades as well as Web site design. The Catholic Community of Pleasanton awarded SJCD $1,000.00. The contributions of individuals make a huge impact donating during 2007 to date $25,247. Thank you, one and all, for making our work and our ministry possible.

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Here’s an Idea!

Looking for an easy way to make a donation?

Take a look at www.sjcd.org. You can make a fast, easy, safe and secure donation directly to SJCD on-line. You can make it part of your monthly to do’s, bills and regular charity donations. Every $25.00 makes available faith services, counseling, parent education and anger management education to a needy family. Stop by our web site today! You can always make a donation by mail as well. Send to our offices at 25580 Campus Drive, Hayward, CA 94542.

Volunteer – The Heart and Spirit of all non-profits!

Whether it is important to you to advocate for equal access, solve a community problem, advance a worthy deaf cause, practice American Sign Language skills, or to develop as a person, volunteering with a nonprofit organization such as St. Joseph's Center for the Deaf, offers many benefits in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. Won’t you call us today and discover a renewed heart and spirit by simply giving your time and talents.

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In Focus: Targeting Depression

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful “merry” time of fun, family and community. However, holidays can be stressful, difficult or lonely. Depression is a real concern for many who might feel left out or alone. The signs that you or a loved one might be suffering from depression are:

• Feeling sad nearly every day
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feeling worthless
• Having trouble making decisions
• Lack of energy or restlessness
• Trouble concentrating
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Thoughts of suicide or death

If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, encourage them to seek professional help. We at SJCD have trained counselors fluent in ASL who provide counseling for individuals who are struggling with depression. Thoughts about suicide and death are common in depression and it’s important to take such comments seriously. If you feel like giving up or think you might hurt yourself, get help immediately.

• Call your doctor
• Go to the emergency room
• Call 911
• Call the national suicide prevention hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433 voice)

For more information, contact:

Lorraine Wilson, LMFT, Coordinator of Counseling Services
LWilson@sjcd.org * 510-881-2247 TTY * 510-881-225O VP

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What’s New: Deaf Seniors Seminar

In collaboration with DCARA, LaRonda Zupp, from SJCD, will provide 2 Seminars for Deaf Seniors during the month of February with topics that focus on The Heart.

1. Feb. 6th, from 10:00 – 11:30 at the Civic Park
   Community Center
   1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA
   
   
2. Feb. 21st, from 10:30 – 12:00 at DCARA’s Deaf
   Community Center (DCC)
   1550 San Leandro Blvd., San Leandro, CA

For more information, contact: LaRonda Zupp at
LZupp@sjcd.org or 510-881-2249 VP

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Safe Environment Training

On September 17th, 2007, using our laptop computers purchased through a technology grant from Every Child Counts, and the wireless connection available at our Center in Hayward, SJCD provided 11 high school ASL student volunteers with our Diocesan approved Safe Environment Online Training. This online training course made by Shield The Vulnerable is mandated for all Diocesan volunteers working with children in childcare roles or CCD teaching. At the end of each course, volunteers print out their Certificate of Completion that verifies they are trained in how to "Recognize, Report and Prevent Child Abuse" for the Diocese of Oakland. If you are interested in volunteering at SJCD in roles that work with children, we welcome you to contact us so that we may arrange to provide you this training. There is a $5 fee for this training course.

Contact: LaRonda Zupp at LZupp@sjcd.org or visit our website http://www.sjcd.org and click Volunteer on the left menu bar to learn more.

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Community Collaboration Makes A Difference

This past summer, SJCD’s Parent Educator, LaRonda Zupp, was contacted by Janet Hecht, Ph.D., who runs The Children’s Treehouse, a nonprofit organization located in San Rafael, who provides activities, resources and referrals to deaf children, deaf families, schools and communities. Familiar with SJCD’s Parent Education Program, which often serves low-income families, Janet thought SJCD would be an ideal place to help distribute free backpacks filled with back-to-school supplies for needy families in the deaf community. The backpack project was put together by The Family Giving Tree and the backpacks were supplied to Janet Hecht who then delivered a portion of these to SJCD.

LaRonda Zupp and other SJCD staff were able to round up 9, low-income, deaf families in need. Together, they helped distribute these backpacks to 20 needy children. Here is what these Deaf Families had to say:

One Deaf father showed tears. He couldn't believe he was just "given" free backpacks and supplies for his children. He was so humbled and so happy to have the backpacks to give to his sons. He said he has no money to do anything. He kept saying, "Thank you. Thank you. Now I can help my children."

As you can see, these low-income, Deaf parents were so grateful, as were we here at SJCD. It was an honor for us to play a part in helping The Children’s Treehouse and The Family Giving Tree distribute these backpacks to needy Deaf families. Many of the Deaf parents we serve usually have very little means to buy extras, live on SSI income, and don't have jobs. Their ability to provide for their deaf/hard of hearing/hearing children is often limited.

The community collaboration with this backpack project truly inspired us at SJCD and humbled these families. In turn, the recipients of the backpacks brought in other Deaf families whom we didn't know were out there, and whom were equally needy, if not more-so. Our client contact base grew a bit as a result of this project and we were able to help some families to sign up with SJCD and The Children's Treehouse for further benefits and support. The backpack project was a great way to for Deaf Services to collaborate and make a difference. SJCD welcomes and encourages this kind of community connection.

On behalf of those families who received these backpacks, we would like to formally thank Janet Hecht of The Children’s Treehouse and The Family Giving Tree for providing these supplies and inviting us to reach out to Deaf families in need.

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Parenting Skills Class Schedule for 2008

WINTER	Jan. 9th – Mar. 19th	($100/single parent or $150/couple for 10 weeks)
SPRING	Apr. 9th – June 11th	($100/single parent or $150/couple for 10 weeks)
SUMMER	July 16th –Aug. 20th	($60/single parent or $90/couple for 6 weeks)
FALL	Sept. 17th – Nov. 19th	($100/single parent or $150/couple for 10 weeks)

Classes are held year-round at St. Joseph’s Center for the Deaf on Wednesday nights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

For more information, contact: LaRonda Zupp, Family Life Coordinator / Certified Parent Educator: LZupp@sjcd.org * 510-881-2249 VP * 510-881-2247 TTY

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Rotating Holiday Ornament Trees – Fundraiser

If you missed our "Rotating Table Top Ornament Trees" at the DeafNation Expo in Pleasanton, CA, or at the CSD Open House/Deaf Services Fair in Fremont, CA, we are still selling these exquisite items at our Center.

These lovely gold, metal trees rotate while displaying your favorite holiday ornaments throughout the year. Decorate them with snowflakes, valentines, clovers, fairies, flags, pumpkins, or any ornament collection. Everyone will ask where you got such a cute display! They make great gifts.

Proceeds of this fundraiser go toward the continuation of SJCD programs and services to the Deaf Community.

For more information on how you can view and purchase these Rotating Holiday Ornament Trees or ornaments, contact: Ardith Lynch:

ALynch@sjcd.org * 510-881-2245 V
510-881-2247 TTY * 510-881-2251 VP

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A Summer of Suds

From July 12- August 2nd, SJCD held a “Summer of Suds” Car Wash Fundraiser. ASL students, SJCD church parishioners and deaf community members met on 6 different days over the course of 4 weeks to wash hundreds of cars, earning over $1700 !

This fundraiser was primarily supported by the volunteer help of Castro Valley High School (CVHS) ASL students under the tutelage of Ovida de Julia. In September, SJCD presented CVHS with our “Above and Beyond” award to recognize their tremendous contribution toward helping us build much needed funds for the continuation of services to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deaf and Deaf-Blind Community.

A special thanks to Brad Hatton for his donation of signs and buckets, to Ovida de Julia for the loan of all the car wash equipment, and to Mark Mellenger, SJCD’s President of the SJCD Advisory Board for his ongoing help, hard work and presence at this fundraiser. Appreciation also goes out to Diana Johnson and the CVHS students who took photos of our event. You can see these photos on our website by visiting our Photo Gallery. www.sjcd.org

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FAITH AND FORMATION

Our CCD and Religious Education classes have begun and are off to a good start! Currently, we have 2 volunteers teaching the candidates to prepare for their Sacraments. Maria Cruz and I are preparing candidates for First Communion. Kenny Contreras is preparing 5 candidates preparing for Confirmation.

I am also collaborating with ASL students from Castro Valley High School who will be training to do possible future volunteer work in our CCD program or with interpreting Mass. I want to thank my current volunteers for their faith and time working with the candidates preparing for them to receive these Sacraments.

Thanks, Maria and Kenny!

There will be Youth Mass on the 4th Sunday of every month beginning in October. The first Youth Mass will be on October 28th. The next Youth Mass will be on November 25th. Youth Mass is for children and teenagers who would like to participate in the Liturgy such as altar servers, readers, collectors, gift bearers. If you wish to gather more information about Youth Mass, contact:

Kata Strawn
e-mail: kstrawn@sjcd.org TTY/VP: 510-881-2247 * FAX: 510-881-2248
*For hearing people, please dial 1-866-327-8877 and give the operator my VP number then we will be connected.

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As you can see, it is a new season and we will encounter several holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a good time to reach out to your families and friends and make plans of getting together. It is a wonderful way to spend time and prayer with the whole family and friends. One idea you might consider is to create some kind of Bible trivia to share at mealtimes. It can be a fun game. Or, you can start the idea of creating a story based on family history and encourage others to add to the story to make it more exciting and interesting. That will truly be a special gift for children to listen to and learn about their family history.

This season is always about the Holy Family, and our own families gathering and spending quality time together. I know many of you tend to become busy and forget what the holidays are about. Let me offer these gentle reminders:

• It is about togetherness.
• It is about sharing and renewing our faith.
• It is about giving and helping others, especially those who do

not have homes or family or friends or work.

• It is about reaching out to people who may be looking for love,

warmth, support, friendship, and understanding.

It would be awesome if you have your family give out blankets to those who are homeless, or give a basket of food to a family who may not be able to afford a holiday dinner. You could even invite a person to your home for dinner or take someone out for a movie. You will feel good about helping others who may be in need.

Remember it is season of sharing and giving! ♥

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SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE MASS

Monday, December 24 at 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass along with Youth Mass

St. Joseph’s Center for the Deaf at Holy Family Ethnic Mission Church 3880 Smith Street, Union City, CA 94587

Potluck following after Mass

More info? Please contact Kata Strawn E-mail: kstrawn@sjcd.org

For hearing person, please dial 1-866-327-8877 (Sorenson Video Relay Service) and give the operator my VP number then we will be connected.

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"Making the most of everyday"

Coming Nutrition Workshop
with Ms. Jeanne Loustalot

Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

When: Saturday, December 8th
Where: DCARA Community Center
Time: 10 am to 12 noon

Every day we hear something new about the food we eat. One study might say it is safe to eat fish three times a week. The next day another study says farm-raised fish is unhealthy and fresh caught fish has high mercury levels. Is coffee bad for your health or filled with antioxidants? What about hormones in beef and poultry or pesticides sprayed on fruits and vegetables? What if you can’t afford to buy organic produce?

Are some vegetables safer to eat than others when they are non-organic? How do I figure out what’s in that can of soup?

Are those words chemicals, preservatives or an actual food?

If you are like many of us who are wondering what’s safe and what’s not safe come to this workshop. If you are curious about how the food you eat may aggravate or make worse various illnesses such as high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, depression, or obesity, this workshop is for you.

Jeanne Loustalot, F.E.A.S.T. teacher, has made the Food Service Industry her vocation. She received a B.S. in Home Economics from Gallaudet University and her M.A. in Deaf Education from Western Maryland University. To further her expertise, she has attended other schools of cooking such as Tante Marie's Cooking School in San Francisco and Le Cordon Blue in Paris, as well as workshops and classes through the Hospitality and Food Service Institute in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Jeanne has taught in the field for 26 years.

For more information, contact:
Lorraine Wilson, LMFT, Coordinator of Counseling Services
LWilson@sjcd.org * 510-881-2247 TTY * 510-881-225O VP

Healthy snacks served ---- Childcare provided

This workshop is made possible through a grant made to SJCD by Kaiser Permanente, Community Benefits Program, Alameda County.

This is a partial archive of SJCD Newsletter published prior to May 2007.

To download the archived files, click the attachment link.