Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

Community Awareness Event Planned For Hundreds of
Local Families

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. –Catholic Charities and partnering agencies joined together to share a day of education, resources, entertainment, free food, and help for local families. “The Hearts of Neighbors Helping Neighbors” event was held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 on the grounds of Community Hospital of San Bernardino. There were over forty booths with non-profit organizations and vendors addressing the needs of families in our local community.

Catholic Charities offered immigration and citizenship information, parenting, and anger management programs. There will be a range of informational booths available to promote community awareness about available assistance for seniors, adults, and children.

Among the public assistance booths were free medical screenings including Blood Pressure, Diabetes, HIV testing, immunizations, cancer screenings, and blood pressure checks.

Electric, gas, and water assistance were provided to a limited number of families, seniors, and individuals. Information was offered on discounted basic residential (landline) telephone services to low-income households who qualify through Universal LifeLine Telephone Service. Attendees were assisted with the expungement of legal records will also be offered. No documents are necessary; all service is computerized.

Entertainment was on hand throughout the day which including singing, ethic dancing, and local community gospel groups. A kid’s corner featured free jumper for the children, face painting and craft activities will be available. For those who were interested, information about after school programs was available. For the protection of children, one vendor offered digital ID registration comprised of fingerprinting children and providing ID packages for parents.

The Air Quality Control District displayed a clean burning car. Staff from Arrowhead Credit Union will taught attendees how to refinance their home, how to start a checking account and answer financial questions. There was an official chili cook-off. For two dollars you could sample a dizzying array of homemade chili. Free hot dogs and refreshments will also be provided.

Catholic Charities and the partnering agencies welcomed all families in the San Bernardino area to join. Major sponsors of this event included: Catholic Charities, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, First 5 San Bernardino, Union Bank, Community Action partnership and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.