There are currently over 1,200 youth in Foster Care in Alameda County. Many kids removed from their home in Alameda County have been placed in a new home outside of Alameda County because there are not enough Resource Parents in our community to care and provide a loving home to them.

Our office is committed to ensuring that Foster Youth in our district are supported by caring and safe adults and that those adults are supported and appreciated for their commitment to care for Foster Youth. We want to bring together our community to wrap around this population in support of Foster Families so that Foster Youth have stability, support, and safety here in our district.

We are reaching out to you and asking if you would be interested in learning more about supporting a Foster Child or their Resource Parent/s. We will be hosting a Foster Family Support Network Town Hall in a few months and want to invite members of the public who are interested in supporting Foster Youth/Families in our district. During the town hall, we will have representatives from non-profits that serve Foster Youth/Families to present on what their organization does and answer any questions you have. If you are interested in supporting foster families, please take this quick survey to indicate your interest!

In the vibrant city of Fremont, Brandon Sass is a well-known figure who balances multiple roles, including serving on Alameda County’s Reparations Commission, symbolizing his important role within the African American community. His journey began in the 1960s when he moved to Fremont, then a landscape where only few black families resided. Recognizing the need for representation, local black residents, including his parents, helped establish the Tri-City Afro American Cultural and Historical Society, an institution that still preserves their heritage today.

Brandon's upbringing instilled within him a profound interest in community engagement, thanks to his family's active involvement in local affairs. Influential teachers further shaped his perspective, emphasizing the importance of mentors and paving the way for his subsequent engagement. His roles as a little league coach, mentor at the Boys & Girls Club, and leader within the Parent Teacher Association strengthened his ties to Fremont's residents. However, it was through his experience as a stand-up comedian that he found a platform to passionately connect with audiences through humor.

One pivotal moment in Brandon’s journey occurred when he stepped up as a Master of Ceremonies (MC) at a community event. His natural charisma and ability to engage audiences caught the attention of local nonprofits, leading to his role as an MC for various nonprofit fundraising events. Through these experiences, Brandon became deeply involved in advocacy, using his voice to amplify the causes of those in need.

Despite these successes, Brandon remains acutely aware of the systemic barriers and racial injustices that persist. Personal experiences with racial profiling have only fueled his resolve to drive meaningful change. Nevertheless, he maintains a steadfast faith in the power of education, dialogue, and collective action to dismantle these barriers. More importantly, he is fervently committed to uplifting and raising awareness about racial inequality for the youth, ensuring that the next generation inherits a better future.

By joining Alameda County’s Reparations Commission, he continues to foster discussions about the harsh realities of history while emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and progress. Brandon firmly believes that learning about diverse cultures is imperative, as it fosters empathy, understanding, and ultimately, unity. His vision for a better world transcends racial divides, encompassing a future where all communities thrive.

For the plethora of nonprofits and charitable coalitions in our County, Ronnie Forbes is recognized as an unwavering change-maker, endeavoring to aid our community's most vulnerable citizens. Born in 1962, Ronnie Forbes’s life took a significant turn when he joined the military in 1984, serving in Korea for three years. However, after his discharge Ronnie battled with PTSD, leading him to homelessness and cycles of incarceration. Amidst these struggles, Ronnie also grappled with drug and alcohol addiction, further complicating his journey toward recovery.

However, during this challenging period, a divine intervention occurred during Ronnie’s final days in Santa Rita jail. In a grace-filled moment of clarity, God spoke to Ronnie, presenting him with a choice: to serve behind the prison walls or outside them, but to serve nonetheless. Inspired by this revelation, Ronnie made a transformative decision that would change the trajectory of his life forever.

Returning to the streets where he once struggled to survive, Ronnie embarked on a mission of compassion and service. He began delivering food to those in need, drawing from his personal experiences with housing and food insecurity. Motivated by his personal growth, Ronnie founded the One Nation Dream Makers (ONDM), an organization dedicated to combatting hunger in Alameda County.

Ronnie’s commitment to service extends beyond his work with ONDM. He became involved with veteran organizations such as the VFW and the American Legion, leveraging his experiences to support his fellow veterans.

In Ronnie Forbes, we find a story of resilience and determination, inspiring others to turn adversity into opportunity and make a difference in their communities. This year, on July 4^th, Ronnie will celebrate 9 years of sobriety, exemplifying the power of persistence and selfless service. 

Click here to learn more about the ONDM, and here to read about their work!