CARE

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education

Ms. Byanca Barajas (EOPS Counselor/CARE Coordinator)

Additional Supportive Services for Eligible Single Parents

The CARE program was established by the State of California to help welfare recipients become convinced that they and their children are important, that they are capable, and that with proper support they can break the welfare dependency cycle through education and job training. CARE is a supplemental component of EOPS that specifically assists EOPS students, who are single heads of welfare households with young children, by offering supportive services so they can acquire the education, training, and marketable skills needed to transition from welfare dependency to employment and eventual self-sufficiency for their families. Every CARE student is an EOPS student who must meet the eligibility criteria for both programs.

Students may be eligible for the CARE program if they satisfy the following requirements:

1. JOIN EOPS – must be an active EOPS student, who has received a book-grant
2. SUBMIT PINK Agency Certification Form – Available in E5-416. Take to case worker to complete and return to E5-416.
   This form verifies:
   1. Single parent head of household
   2. CalWORKs Cash Aid Recipient
   3. Have at least one child 17 years of age or younger

How to join CARE

Fill out a CARE application once already been admitted to the EOPS program.

CARE ORIENTATION DATES (TBA) Reminder: Every Fall semester, new and continuing students must submit a new CARE application and attend the CARE Orientation.

If you need further assistance, contact Bessie Sanchez-Rodriguez (Unclassified Graduate Intern) at (213) 763-7117

CARE Program

Cooperating Agencies Resources for Education, better known as CARE, is a supplemental component of EOPS that specifically assists EOPS students, who are single heads of households with dependent children, by offering support services that are in addition to those provided by EOPS. The purpose of CARE is to provide support services that will allow CalWorks Cash Aid recipients the opportunity to acquire the education, training, and marketable skills needed to transition from welfare dependency to employment and eventual self-sufficiency for their families. Every CARE student is an EOPS student who must meet the eligibility criteria for both programs.

Who is eligible for CARE?

• Active EOPS student
• Single Parent who is Head of household
• CalWORKs Cash Aid Recipient
• Have at least one dependent child at home

How to join CARE

• Fill out a CARE application once already been admitted to the EOPS program
• Attend an annual mandatory CARE orientation (Visit the EOPS office for upcoming dates)
• Turn in a stamped Agency Certification (pink) form to the EOPS office

CARE Program Services in Addition to EOPS Services

• CARE Welcome Kit
• Monthly meal tickets to use at the school cafeteria
• A cash grant at the end of the semester is awarded in Fall and Spring to assist with childcare needs as long as grant requirements are met.
• Additional book grant
• Additional supply assistance
• Resume Assistance
• CARE Text Message Reminders
• Specialized CARE counselor
• Specialized workshops
• Resource Referrals
• Field Trips

CARE Upcoming Orientation Dates

• Upcoming Spring Orientation Dates

CARE Team

The CARE team is comprised of:

• Maggie Cordero – Dean of Pathways & Student Affairs
• Byanca Barajas – CARE Counselor/Coordinator
• Bessie Sanchez-Rodriguez – CARE Unclassified Graduate Intern

For more information on the CARE program, please visit the Extended Opportunities Programs & Services (EOPS) located in the Administration/Services Building, E5-416, or call (213) 763-7117 or (213) 763-7097