Spotlight

The Senate health care bill unveiled on Thursday is certain to have a deadly impact on California’s poorest residents battling drug and alcohol addiction, says California Human Development’s Director of Treatment, Sylvie Vatinelle.  The bill cuts new funding that would have allowed people of low income who struggle with addiction to access up to 90 days of […]

A new Senate bill calls for an earned legalization program for undocumented farmworkers. The majority of California farmworkers are undocumented and the state produces much of the nation’s food supply, making the proposed legislation critically important. “We salute California Senators Diane Feinstein and Kamala Harris for introducing the Agricultural Worker Program act of 2017. In this era of immigration fear […]

Ortiz Plaza Affordable Housing for Farmworker Families in Santa Rosa! 5360 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa CA 95403 Amenities Each 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bathroom home offers refrigerator,stove/microwave, dishwasher and central heat. Onsite facilities include: laundry room, playground, community room and BBQ area. Close to shopping, schools and transportation, friendly office staff with onsite manager. […]

Grant funded services for Lake and Mendocino counties Plans are underway to expand CHD immigration and citizenship services to Lake and Mendocino counties, two northern California regions where affordable assistance for immigrants is sparse and undocumented residents are considered most at risk. A new two-year, $250,000 grant from the state Department of Social Services will fuel the […]

1. Renew DACA   2. Work/Save $$   3. Go to College   4. Get Married  5. Take care of sisters (?) When Andrik walked into the CHD office in Santa Rosa this morning, he had a pocket full of hard-earned cash and his mind set to take care of business fast! Andrik is a “Dreamer” […]

BE IT RESOLVED that  the  Board  of  Directors of California Human Development  hereby  supports  SB 54  the California Values Act which  would  prevent  the use of state and local public resources to aid federal immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents in deportation actions. SB 54 is consistent  with  our  values of  supporting  the millions  of […]

All fees paid for DACA immigration renewals As protections promised to “Dreamers” hang in limbo, California Human Development (CHD) is taking action to shield at least some of the young immigrants who may face deportation under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Today, the Sonoma County-based social service agency announces the formation of the philanthropically […]

Angels of the Fields bring cheer to the Delta’s most vulnerable kids Thirty donated bicycles, taiko drumming, carnival games, healthy food and goodies, pictures with Santa Claus, a Christmas stocking for every child and presents for all!  Volunteers with the charitable group Angels of the Fields are busy working miracles this week to prepare an all-out […]

Northern California social service agency seeks CEO successor Today, the Board of Directors of California Human Development (CHD) announces the upcoming retirement of Christopher Paige, chief executive officer and leading advocate in the fight against poverty for farmworkers and others across northern California. The announcement kicks off a search for Paige’s successor as he works […]

Farmworkers, family and others across 11 counties to gain assistance Today, California Human Development (CHD) learned it will receive $188,000 to provide immigration services across 11 northern California counties in 2017. The funding comes from the State of California, Department of Social Services and allows important grant-funded work that began last year to continue. CHD is […]

Bi-National Health Week is in full swing in Sonoma County, offering a series of free health fairs that deliver important health services to those who often go without. Now in its 16th year, Binational Health Week addresses health disparities of the Latino community living in the U.S. and Canada.  Services are provided through a collaboration of […]

disABILITY Services wins three-year accreditation from CARF  Today, California Human Development’s disABILITY Services division received an important and prestigious thumbs up from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)—an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services worldwide. CARF issued a three-year endorsement, saying “the achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the […]

On Monday in a historic move, the California Legislature voted in favor of new overtime laws for farmworkers. If Governor Jerry Brown signs the bill, those who tend and harvest our state’s plentiful and diverse bounty will receive overtime pay just like all other workers in the state. The bill proposes time-and-a-half pay for farm laborers […]

“Creating Opportunities to End Poverty” California Human Development (CHD) is seeking an executive leader to fight poverty in Northern California. A non-profit social service agency with a 50 year history, CHD is based in Santa Rosa in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country and has locations throughout Northern California serving 31 counties. The agency has a $15 million […]

Bonnie Bishop, a single mom, wakes early to get to the job site near Middletown. She works in the blazing sun to cut up and remove burned trees destroyed by the Valley Fire. It’s hard, hot, dirty work but she’s grateful for it beyond measure…because finally things are looking up. “This job means I can get […]

Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court means U.S. born children will continue to live in fear of being separated from their parents or being forced to leave the only homes they’ve known. The decision upholds a lower court injunction against Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). “On […]

On Friday, April 29th, California Human Development celebrated a milestone accomplishment—40 years of Farmworker Services and Workforce Development in Northern California. Supporters and partners from every sector gathered in Stockton to mark the occasion and to savor, truly relish and enjoy, in the power of what people can do together when they join hands and […]

This video by Petaluma Pie Company shows why we insist on lowercasing the “dis” and augmenting the “ABILITY” in our disABILITY Services program. So proud of our clients and grateful to community-minded folks like Petaluma Pie for employing them and being committed to their success. Thank you!      

Expanded immigration assistance is underway for farmworkers, families, and others who live in California’s North Bay, North Coast, and Central Valley regions. California Human Development (CHD) has received a $136,600 grant from the Department of Social Services to provide increased immigration education and assistance in these areas. Extended help made possible through the new funding […]

A hearty congratulations to Placido Garcia— CHD’s Farmworker of the Year! We’re honored to recognize Placido for his decades of hard work and success. At age 20, Placido came to the U.S. and went to work picking fruits and vegetables across California. He wanted more for his life and sought help from CHD to improve […]

For seven days and nights, Tesfahiwet walked through the wilds of the notoriously dangerous Sudan—dodging authorities and wild animals alike. It was the beginning of a two-year journey, ultimately leading him to Northern California where he would be reunited with his fiancé and baby daughter.