COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
DSAL elevates the voices of Ashland and Cherryland's least served, and provides the space for the experience of the community to shape and influence local rules, regulations, support services and access to power.
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Our goal is to reconnect isolated individuals to their community and the community to leaders, to ensure every voice is heard and everyone has the opportunity to create an equitable and thriving Alameda County.
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THE WORLD AS IT COULD BE
The World as it Could Be (TWAICB) brings awareness to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its continuing relevance to support positive social change. TWAICB provides curriculum geared to High School social studies that uses the creative arts and a culminating presentation to help deepen an understanding of the UDHR and inspire youth to take action to help further equality, justice and dignity for all people. TWAICB also provides curriculum for an afterschool Rite of Passage Program that teaches youth about what makes a community healthy and how they can help foster their own healthy development and that of their community. These programs give students the chance to discover, develop, and use their talents in leadership, the arts, and social justice.
​TWAICB website provides a range of resources to help all members of the community explore how they can speak up, speak together, and take action to strengthen democracy, build social justice campaigns and create an equitable future for their community.
Contact Sandy Sohcot, Director with questions at: (415) 987-8573
BARBERSHOP FORUM
The Barbershop Forums are run in collaboration with the ACSO and are designed to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.
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In this safe and symbolic community space, members of the community have the opportunity to ask questions, voice concern and develop plans toward a model of public safety that reflects the community.
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The Forum often delves into the intersections of race, class and public safety, and provides a framework for civic and community leaders to shape the future of Ashland and Cherryland.
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YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
The Youth & Family Services Bureau is here to help.
We provide counseling services for kids and adults who live in Alameda County, at no cost or low cost. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. We accept Medi-Cal, many private insurances, and have an affordable sliding scale for fees. If you are a crime victim, you may also be eligible for free counseling through the Victim of Crime program.
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For appointments and questions about services call (510) 667-3642 or email at the link below.
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ASCO EXPLORER AND CADETS PROGRAM
The ACSO Explorer Program is designed for youth and young adults ages 14-20 to learn more about law enforcement.
Explorers learn citizenship, teamwork and leadership skills, improve their physical fitness, and serve the community at events like the Alameda County Fair, Raider Days, Eden Night Live and Urban Shield.
Over 120 of your neighbors complete the Explorer program every year, 3 have become ACSO employees and 10 have become ACSO Cadets.
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