The High Value of BACS Staff
What makes BACS special – so that more neighbors have housing instead of living on the streets, so that more people get the mental health care they need – is our incredible team. The 430+ people who leave their homes and show up to work everyday to do ‘whatever it takes’ for the community we serve.
“Every day, our staff come into work ready for anything – and they are working against massive odds with community members who are too often ignored. BACS team members are untold first responders, in hospitals and encampments and anywhere else there is a complex crisis. It is my sincere privilege to compensate the team as highly as we value them.” – Jamie Almanza, CEO
It is because of this that BACS took a major leap – and created a new “BACS minimum wage” – a living wage that complements our extremely comprehensive benefits package. The new wage significantly raises all current staff dramatically – in most cases by 30%.
BACS is from the community and for the community. If you are looking for employment and want to be part of the “whatever it takes” movement – with pay and benefits that match your dedication and expertise – check out our open positions.
Grand Opening of Cedar Wellness Center
On December 2nd, BACS launched our first Wellness Center in Sacramento County. Graced by dignitaries such as Supervisor Patrick Kennedy and Health Services Director Timothy Lutz, as well as our leadership team, staff and clients, we committed this space to healing and support for the community. The Cedar Wellness Center, located at 4600 47th Ave, Suite 111, Sacramento, is currently open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Check out January’s activity calendar or check our website to plan a visit.
BACS Launches NET Growth Movement
The NET Growth Movement is helping former foster youth transition into adulthood with the financial stability, personal strength, and community backing they need to thrive. Designed and founded by adults with experience in Alameda County foster care, powered by BACS, the NET Growth Movement provides a guaranteed income pilot ($1,000 per month for up to 24 months), a plethora of supports, and community-resource building. This is the first program of its kind in Alameda County, and the initial cohort is expected to start this month.
Dig into why this program is so important in our full launch announcement.
Santa Visits Homeless Families at the SHARE Center
Christmas magic came to the SHARE Center in Salinas this year when Santa visited and brought gifts for every one of the more than 100 residents working to get out of homelessness. This beautiful event, held for the first time in 2021, is thanks to Supervisor Luis Alejo and Mayor Kimbley Craig, donors and volunteers from Comcast, PepsiCo, the County of Monterey, and countless individuals who came together to make the holidays bright for families struggling with housing access.
Since the SHARE Center launched in 2021, 128 individuals/families have moved in to permanent housing. BACS is proud to be part of the Salinas community and do “whatever it takes” to end homelessness for each family we serve. It is our honor to share joy and celebrate holidays with our temporary residents while we build towards the dream of future holidays at home.
Need Help? Get Help Faster
We strive to ensure that every door is the right door when you come to BACS – including our website. Whether someone needs assistance with housing, employment, behavioral health, food, healthcare, community-building, or many other needs, BACS will do “whatever it takes” to get them the help they need.
The Get Help page on our website now has all our neighborhood hubs – expanded recently to include new sites in Sacramento – where anybody in need is welcomed and will find the support they need. Please help spread the word of this resource, and we look forward to seeing you in our neighborhood.
Once A Townie
Since Towne House was founded in 1969, the “Townie” community has grown large and deep roots in our community. So many of the people who come to Towne House find a new sense of belonging, as people are welcomed regardless of their behavioral health challenges or homelessness status, and encouraged and supported to live their best life. This year, Towne House lost one of the longest-term members, Beferia Thomas. Beferia was a true Townie, giving and receiving support across her lifetime. She volunteered as a receptionist, greeter, lunch preparer, and took many other opportunities to stretch her talents to support her community. She was instrumental in helping Towne House find its permanent home, and got BACS support to find her own apartment and permanent home. Milly Alvarez, Friend of Towne House and former Towne House Director, gathered with others who Beferia impacted throughout the years in our Memorial Garden.
