East Bay Agency for Children - EBAC

Congratulations to our 2026 EBAC Heroes—Angela Gonzalez, Jamilah Muhammad, Jennifer Terrazas-Salgado, and Adriana Zapien Garcia!

Each year, EBAC Heroes are nominated by their peers and chosen based on how their embodiment of the EBAC values of Equity, Humility, Collaboration, Innovation, and Effectiveness made an extraordinary and positive impact this past year.

Please help us celebrate these outstanding team members!

🌟 Angela Gonzalez, HR Generalist
Angela, you bring a ray of sunshine to every encounter which you may not even realize. You have the biggest heart and such a thoughtful, selfless spirit. Thank you for being an amazing collaborative HR partner and thank you for handling our internal clients with the utmost care.

🌟 Jamilah Muhammad, Afterschool Instructor
Jamilah possesses a rare, beautiful intuition for knowing exactly when someone is struggling, prompting one colleague to share: 'Somehow, she just knows when you need a laugh, and there she is.’ Through her fierce commitment to equity and deep love for our children and families, she leads by example and transforms lives.”

🌟 Jennifer Terrazas-Salgado, Mental Health Clinician
Jennifer is a strong and compassionate advocate for students and families, consistently connecting them to critical services to help promote their well-being. She is an example of why the work we do at our school sites is so critical, especially given the current social and political climate of the world.

🌟 Adriana Zapien Garcia, Navigator
Because of Adriana's efforts, youth in her care have experienced positive change that may have otherwise looked very different. Her work helps create safety, stability, and hope for young people who need it the most.”

🏛️ This past week, EBAC Board Member and San Francisco Superior Court Judge Michael Begert sat down with the youth of our Youth Empowerment Services (YES) program for a deeply moving, interactive Q&A session. Judge Begert gave our youth the real inside scoop on the justice system, his personal journey, and what it truly means to advocate for others.

Our YES participants brought their A-game, asking sharp, insightful, and sometimes humorous questions. In return, Judge Begert dropped some incredible wisdom about navigating life and career pathways:
💥 Find Your Spark: Have a dream, find something you are genuinely passionate about, and chase it.
👥 Build Your Village: Stay connected. Build a community, hold onto those people, and make sure you support them back.
♥️ Your Past is Not Your Destiny: Making mistakes is part of being human.

A massive thank you to Judge Begert for his time, vulnerability, and dedication to mentoring the next generation, and a huge shoutout to our phenomenal YES youth for driving such a meaningful conversation!

We did it again, for the 11th year! 🏆

So proud to announce we've been honored with a 2026 Top Workplace Award! This incredible recognition is all thanks to our amazing team and their dedication to building an outstanding culture. Your feedback made this possible!

See EBAC ranked 18 in the Bay Area alongside other Top Workplaces: https://topworkplaces.com/award/bayarea/2026/150-499/4578/

🎙️ EBAC on KPFA Radio! Our CEO, Josh Leonard, recently joined the KPFA Evening News to champion a critical lifeline for our community: Family Resource Centers (FRCs).

As families face ongoing cuts and reductions to services like Medi-Cal and SNAP—and anxiety rises for undocumented and mixed-status households—demand for EBAC’s services is skyrocketing just as resources shrink.

How EBAC Bridges the Gap:
🌏 Multilingual Services: We help families navigate complex systems in nine languages, often guided by staff with shared life experiences.
💙 Holistic Care: Beyond case management and help with basic needs, we provide afterschool programs, school-based mental health support, and expansive youth services.
🤝 True Partnership: We "hold hands" through tough processes, supporting families before they reach an acute crisis.

When we invest in families early, our entire community thrives. Thank you to KPFA for amplifying this urgent conversation! Catch the whole discussion at EBAC.org/KPFA (20:40)

Accessing nutritious food shouldn't feel like a financial strain. CalFresh offers monthly grocery benefits to ensure Alameda County families can reliably afford the food they need.

If you need assistance applying or have questions about how CalFresh works, EBAC is here to support you. Visit your nearest EBAC Family Resource Center (FRC) for one-on-one, confidential guidance through the application process.

👉 Swipe for the quick facts, and connect with your local FRC today at EBAC.org/FRCs.

Savings are in bloom this May with Clipper START. Treat yourself to 50% off BART, bus, train and ferry! See if you qualify and apply today at clipperstartcard.com 🌼

Los ahorros están floreciendo este mayo con Clipper START. ¡Disfrute del 50% de descuento en BART, autobuses, trenes y transbordadores! Vea si reúne los requisitos y presente su solicitud hoy en clipperstartcard.com 🌼

Stronger communities are built on dedicated partnerships. 💙

Today, we are sharing our deepest gratitude for Matson, a remarkable, long-standing partner that has given generously to EBAC for the past 12 years.

Thanks to the steadfast support of Matson and our dedicated community, our 6 Family Resource Centers continue to break down barriers to health, wellness, and safety. Every day, our trusted and devoted staff ensure families can access public services and are empowered with the tools needed to thrive.

To the entire team at Matson: Thank you for your incredible commitment to our mission and our community. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support!

💚 Mental health isn’t a solo journey; it’s a community priority.

This May, join EBAC in raising awareness and dismantling the stigmas that hold us back. In Alameda County and beyond, we believe every child deserves the tools to heal — empowered by their potential, not their pain.

The Reality:
🧠 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. (NIMH)
🎗️ 1 in 6 youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment. (NAMI)
🌱 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24. (NAMI)

Emotional well-being is the foundation children build their futures on. Your voice can help break the silence and build understanding.

If you or a loved one need support, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. 📞 Call or text: 988 💻 Chat: chat.988lifeline.org