Mayor Schaaf Visits BACS

BACS is expanding our partnership with the City of Oakland! Mayor Libby Schaaf stopped by to tour our Housing Fast Support Network (HFSN), the largest program to end homelessness in Oakland. She also announced, during a KTVU panel, our newest program, the Housing Resource Center program. Over the next few months, BACS is opening more housing programs with the City, which will target developing new housing to impact the housing crisis immediately.

You can learn more here, or if you have a room to rent in Oakland and want to make a difference, click here.

BACS Seeks Construction Manager

BACS is seeking an experienced, qualified construction manager for our Amber House facility in Oakland, California. We are currently partnering with Alameda County to remodel this facility, which has been and will continue to be a residential treatment facility. To find out more, read our full posting here.

BACS Pride

BACS had a great time at Oakland Pride this year, representing our community! We were out and proud, and got to get our information to people in need. We also got to connect with some new volunteers, and were visited by a participant’s family member who shared her story about BACS’ impact on her mother.

BACS is doing whatever it takes to make a difference, and everyone is welcome at BACS.

UPS Job Fair

In August, UPS hosted a job fair at BACS! The idea started when Antonio Montesinos, BACS Employment Coordinator in Downtown Oakland, helped a participant get a job at UPS. That participant, through his hard work, got promoted to Supervisor. He decided to give back by helping BACS and UPS organize this job fair, giving opportunities to people who need work. The job fair was a huge success – 15 people were hired, in one day! Thank you to UPS, to Antonio, and to the hard-working participant who keeps his community in mind, and congratulations to all those who have new jobs.

IPS Report

BACS’ IPS Supported Employment Program provides job placement services to help individuals with complex needs find competitive, satisfying, and sustainable employment to uplift them from poverty.

BACS recently received our IPS Fidelity Report, and BACS received 113 out of 125 possible points, which the report notes is “the highest fidelity IPS program in Alameda County.” According to the report, “BACS staff, participants, and family members spoke highly of the IPS services,” saying things like “It’s an awesome program.” Furthermore, CARF visited recently, and had zero recommendations for the IPS program. Our team is proud of the work they are doing! You can read our full announcement here.

Successes at BACS

Debra was born in New Orleans, but she has been living in the Bay Area since she was 5 years old. Debra loves Oakland, but when she became a single mother, she and her two children struggled. Eventually, Debra was struggling to make rent, and came home to an eviction notice. Without a rental agreement, she ended up living on the streets – first Arroyo Park, and eventually in a shelter. But then, Debra came to BACS for help. Debra recently moved into permanent housing, and she is thrilled. Debra says “I wanted to prove to myself that I could get back on my feet, that I could be happy. It’s because of BACS that I made it today. They blessed me with my apartment. I’m happy, and I’m glad I succeeded. All my life I never succeeded, but now I have. I graduated from BACS. Now I’m just trying to make it. I am recovering from surgery in my home, instead of on the streets.”

Employee of the Month

BACS is delighted to honor Kara Tow, with BACS’ Intensive Case Management program, as our Employee of the Month for August! Kara says “The work that we do at BACS is so important because we provide direct assistance, advocate for people’s voices to be heard, and model treatment with the dignity that all deserve to break down stigmas and barriers so that people can remain connected to the larger whole. Connection heals trauma, not isolation.” Congratulations, Kara!

Join Our Cause

Do you want to join BACS in our mission to uplift under-served individuals and their families by doing whatever it takes?

Donate

Donate to BACS online by clicking here, or via mail to 629 Oakland Ave, Oakland, CA 94612. Make an ongoing impact by donating monthly!

Or, donate gently used blankets, canned goods, and other items to our housing programs. Email us to learn more.

Work Here

BACS services are always expanding, and we are currently recruiting! Check out our job opportunities. Learn more on our website or by calling 510.613.0330.

Planned Giving

Many people leave a charitable gift in their will. Do you want to make a lifetime of impact in the community you care about? Email us to learn more!