The Springs Resource Center (SRC) is located in the heart of the Springs – primarily serving the communities of El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs and Agua Caliente in the unincorporated area of Sonoma Valley on the Highway 12 corridor.

We’re open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m., and daily by arrangemen,t for activities that strengthen the Springs community. SRC staff provides walk-in/phone-in advocacy for information gathering, research and referral to service providers. On –site opportunities for the community include private and public meeting space, phone and fax access, television and VCR, as well as a conference room open for meetings, workshops and community gatherings.

The SRC houses an extensive resource library that expands daily. Community members and groups can research organizations and topics, review videos, catalogs, publications, job listings and funding sources.

In April, we produced the 2002 Sonoma Valley Resources and Health Services Directory which covers local and regional resources addressing a full range of community needs and opportunities.

A Spanish translation is scheduled for completion in Fall 2002.

In collaboration with Sonoma State University, the SRC hosts two AmeriCorps Service-Learning for Family Health team members. Their goal is to establish and expand the service-learning and volunteer programs at the SRC to better meet the needs of the Springs community.

The Springs Resource Center hosts activities that serve to meet the expressed needs of local residents.

Here are some of our community partners that utilize the SRC:

• California Human Development Corp. (CHDC) - Offers “Nuestros Hijos” - education groups for Spanish speakers relating to healthy families and violence prevention.
• El Nido Teen Center (ENTC) - Youth Making Big Changes (YMBC) focuses on environmental prevention strategies for tobacco and alcohol vendors. The Girlz Group meets to increase skills in the cultural arts.
• County /Community Service Providers - Uses the SRC for individual and family support activities, including the Sheriff Dept., United Against Sexual Assault, counselors/therapists & consultants – employment, banking, housing.
• Nuestra Voz – Local coalition of Latino community leaders meet to generate a united voice.
• St. Joseph Health/Community Benefits - Coordinates Instituto Nacional de Educacion para Adultos – serving to further the educational pursuits of Spanish speaking adults
• Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) - Facilitates a Teen Smoking Cessation program
• Sonoma Valley Housing Affordability Advisory Group (SVHAAG)- Meets to improve housing opportunities, change policy, generate awareness and garner support.
• Stress Management Services - Offers a weekly drop-in support group – donation only.
• Chase Manhattan Bank - Offers bilingual financing advocacy for people seeking to secure local home ownership.
• Verano Springs Association - Neighborhood home owners meet to address safety, beauty and economic vitality issues.
• Grandparents Parenting Again - Bi monthly meetings offer support/advocacy for grandparents raising minor children.
• Paralegal Services - Volunteers assist residents with necessary paperwork for submission to the Sonoma County courts.

Springs Resource Center staff regularly participates in these groups and workshops:

• Strategies, Inc.– Family Resource Center Technical Assistance Training.
  • Family Resource Center Core Training.
  • Increasing Parent Involvement.
  • Mental Health Funding.
• Sonoma County Office of Education.
  • Gang Prevention Network.
  • Youth/Adult Partnerships – Resiliency Research and Models of Success (Henderson).
  • Asset Development – Search Institute co-sponsored / featured Clay Roberts.
  • The Asset Building Workshop with Rick Phillips (Search Institute model).
• Sonoma County Dept. of Health Services – Prevention and Planning Division.
  • Teen Sexual Violence – A Call to Action Forum / monthly meetings.
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention Partners - monthly.
  • Getting Parents Involved - workshop.
  • Risk to Resiliency with Nan Henderson.
  • Prop 10 – Children and Families Commission (Tobacco Tax).
• Family Action of Sonoma County.
  • Children’s Council – establishment of a countywide collaborative
  • Youth and Families Element – addition to the county general plan.
• Northern California Citizenship Project – Increasing Immigrant Involvement.
• Interaction Institute for Social Change.
  • Facilitative Leadership Workshop with Jose Moreno.
• Sonoma County Human Services Commission.
  • Hate-Free Communities Initiative.
• Sonoma Valley Interagency Council for Youth and Families (SVICYF).
  • Ad hoc committee on Youth Violence and Gang Activity.
• Latino Consilio at La Luz Center - Service providers to the Latino community.
• Sonoma Valley Healthy Start Collaborative – Sonoma Valley Unified School District… houses on-site family resource centers at the Springs-serving elementary schools – El Verano and Flowery.
• Springs Task Force Coordinating Committee (STFCC) – Addresses policy change / public improvement and economic vitality.
  • Sonoma County Supervisor’s Candidates Forum - Issues of interest in the Springs.
• Alternatives to Violence Project – Youth training in a retreat/workshop setting.
• Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program – Class of 2000.
• Volunteer Center of Sonoma County – Resource Center for Non-Profits – ongoing workshops, training and meetings.
• Springs Community Gathering – monthly potluck at La Luz Center in celebration of the Springs. (Co-sponsored by more than 20 agencies and organizations since October 2000).