California Alliance of Caregivers

$2,175 raised by 25 donors

22% complete

$10,000 Goal

California Alliance of Caregivers (CAC) was established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2016 by foster parents and child advocates committed to prioritizing the interests of children in foster care and providing an active and regular caregiver voice in statewide discussions on child welfare policy and program implementation.  California's relative and non-relative caregivers are a diverse group of individuals who share a passion for improving the lives of children in foster care.  CAC seeks common ground among caregivers to advocate for the needs of these vulnerable children. California Alliance of Caregivers is the only statewide foster parent led group in California representing the caregiver voice in the formation of statewide policy and legislation formation.

CAC services are FREE to all kinship, foster, adoptive and guardian families.  Services include weekly, facilitated, virtual support groups; training (including Textured Hair Care and Understanding & Responding to Trauma); connection to local and state resources and benefits; local and statewide advocacy; and parent engagement.

California Alliance of Caregivers has helped to secure millions of dollars for Emergency Child Care, Emergency Response Support, Relative Caregiver Funding, and a Pandemic Stipend for Caregivers.

Giving Activity

Mission

California Alliance of Caregivers represents the voice of relative and non-relative caregivers (foster & kinship parents) to promote the well-being of children in foster care.

Needs

*Textured Hair Care training and products for Black and bi-racial youth in foster care. This popular training and support are essential for youth to receive culturally appropriate hair and skin care. Foster and kinship parents can access this free training every month. $100 covers the cost of training and products for 1 foster youth.

*Calm Kits contain tools and visual guides that help children and youth to de-escalate and self-regulate. $50 provides 1 foster youth with a Calm Kit.

*Foster care is improved when foster and kinship parents bring their stories and experiences to decision-makers. Foster and kinship parents can provide solutions to foster care's challenges and barriers. CAC Ambassadors are foster and kinship parent volunteers who bring the ground-level reality of caring for abused and neglected children to decision-makers at the state level. $250 covers the cost for 1 CAC Ambassador to advocate for foster youth.

*Coffee with Caregivers was launched at the beginning of the pandemic to build community and peer to peer support among foster and kinship parents. This important group has connected foster and kinship parents to desperately needed information, resources, and support during a time when they were isolated and struggling to meet all the needs of their children. $250 covers the cost of one support group meeting.

*California Alliance of Caregivers would like to increase its capacity in 2024 to meet the unique needs of more foster, kinship, guardian, and adoptive families that need information, connection to benefits, support, and advocacy.

*California Alliance of Caregivers seeks board members who share a passion and commitment for improving outcomes for children in foster care; and who have skills and experience that would benefit the growth of our organization.

Equity Statement

We advocate for equality, justice, and equity in all our initiatives. Our commitment to diversity is woven into the very fabric of our organization, including our leadership, staff, and volunteers. We are making strides toward an inclusive membership and leadership where everyone's voice is heard.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

California Alliance of Caregivers

other names

CAC

Year Established

2016

Tax id (EIN)

81-2865148

Mission Category

Human Services

Operating Budget

$100,001-$250,000

Organization Need

Funding: Program, In-Kind Donations, Board Members

Demographics Served

Individuals with disabilities, Youth & Children, Low-income individuals/families

Local Counties Served

El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo

Address

P.O. Box 576
Sacramento, CA 95812

Headquarters

500 Capitol Mall Suite 2350
Sacramento, CA 95814

Service areas

El Dorado County, CA, US

Placer County, CA, US

Sacramento County, CA, US

Yolo County, CA, US

Phone

530 312 0480

Social Media