Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Sac Food Bank to host 2nd Saturday art show

2010-02-02T04:05:55Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is proud to host the Women’s Wisdom Teachers’ Art Show throughout the month of February. Teachers and volunteers who lead classes for the Women’s Wisdom Art program at SFBFS will have the opportunity to exhibit their art, a gift that inspires clients in the program year round.

Designed as a uniquely feminine environment that supports the artistic and personal growth of women in all stages of life, Women's Wisdom Art believes that artistic exploration naturally brings greater self-knowledge. Classes are free to clients and include drawing, textiles, clay, mixed media, poetry, gourd crafting, creative writing and painting with acrylics and water color.

Every day, nearly 20 of women congregate in the Women’s Wisdom Art classroom at SFBFS and are guided by a dedicated group of instructors. These individuals spend countless hours planning projects, searching out supplies and creating an environment that supports multi-level art students in one small classroom. This show will focus on the dozen women and one man who inspire our students to achieve greatness.

What: Teachers’ Art Show
Where: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (3333 Third Ave., Sacramento 95817)
When: February 3-26, 2010
2nd Saturday reception February 13, 5-8pm
Who: The teachers of Women’s Wisdom Art

If you know of a woman who would benefit from enrollment in Women’s Wisdom Art program or know of an artist who would like to volunteer their time as a teacher or mentor, please visit http://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/Programs/WomensWisdom.aspx.A listing of free art classes offered by Wisdom Art and needed supplies is also listed on this site.
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization, serving families and individuals in need, was founded in 1976. Over time, SFBFS expanded to meet growing needs and now offers nine diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Final weeks of Raffle for the Rock contest

2009-12-15T21:27:27Z

Individuals wishing to purchase a $5 raffle ticket to win a $25,000 diamond ring have just two weeks left. Rogers Jewelry Co. and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) have tickets available now through December 30, 2009.

In June, nearly 1,000 individuals participated in the first annual Race for the Rock, a text message-based scavenger hunt via bicycle through downtown Sacramento. Participants answered historical clues and tracked down hidden information in hopes of uncovering the amazing prize. The event’s entry fee benefited programs at SFBFS. The winners of Race for the Rock went home with a 1.5 carat diamond ring. Within weeks of the event, the winning couple decided to donate the ring to SFBFS to be used as a fundraiser to help families in need. SFBFS is now hosting a raffle for the ring – Raffle for the Rock.

Raffle for the Rock tickets are $5 each. There is no limit to the number of tickets an individual may purchase, but participants must be 18 years of age to participate. Tickets are on sale now through December 30, 2009.

Tickets are for sale at the following locations. Please stop by to purchase raffle tickets, take a tour or learn how to become more involved with SFBFS:

* SFBFS’ Oak Park location – 3333 Third Ave, Sac, CA 95817. Mon-Fri 8-4 (916) 456-1980
* SFBFS’ North Sac location – 2469 Rio Linda Blvd, Sac, CA 85815. Mon-Fri 9-5 (916) 648-8736
* All Sacramento Rogers Jewelry Co. locations – www.thinkrogers.com

These tickets make great stocking stuffers and holiday hostess gifts as the recipient could win a $25,000 diamond ring. More information can be found online at http://www.thinkrogers.com/rafflefortherock/

The Raffle for the Rock drawing will be held January 4, 2010 at 6pm at Rogers Jewelry Company located at 9217 Sierra College Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661, (916) 782-1505.

Several other prizes from Rogers Jewelry Co. will be raffled off as well. Everyone is invited to attend the drawing. The 2nd annual Race for the Rock is scheduled for June 5, 2010.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization serving families and individuals in need since 1976, offers nine diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Rocket's story and amazing journey

2009-10-26T23:31:57Z

This is the story of Rocket and his journey battling a rare form of cancer called Osteosarcoma. Throughout his diagnosis, surgery and recovery, his Mom, Kelly Siefkin (SFBFS Communication and Development Director) kept her friends and family abreast of his progress. Since his surgery, Rocket has become the unofficial mascot for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. He has had an amazing impact on this incredible organization. Rocket has over 50 visitors a day. Kelly truly believes this has kept Rocket going. This is a heart-warming story about best friends.

Friday 2/8/08

After two visits to the vet to address his persistent, 2-week long limp, Rocket is finally diagnosed with Osteosarcoma – a painful, aggressive and fatal form of bone cancer.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday

I cry endlessly as I struggle with making the decision whether to euthanize him now or amputate his front leg immediately and euthanize later. Neither decision seemed right. Decide to amputate in hopes of temporarily relieving his pain and give us a bit more time together. Prognosis is 3-6 months.

Tuesday 2/12/08

Rocket heads off to the vet at 1:00pm. I receive a call at 11:00pm that he has just come out of 1.5 hours of surgery and did well. He now weighs about 15 pounds less without his front leg.

Wednesday 2/13/08

I receive a call at 9am that Rocket is hopping around at the vet hospital, has already gone for his first 3-legged walk and is now ready to head home. Other than being in complete shock that the surgery went so well so quickly, I’m thrilled. I pick him up to bring him home around 6pm. He has 3 legs, 22 staples, 1 gigantic wound and a lot less hair.

Thursday 2/14/08

Rocket and I worked from home all day. I’m trying to catch up on e-mails as he learns his way around the house on three legs. It is AMAZING how quickly he is adapting to life on 3 legs. He mastered the outside steps immediately and can now lay down easily without falling. Rocket spent most of the day napping outside in the sun and playing with squeaky toys.

I have no idea what the future will bring or how much time we have left together, but our plan is to take one day at a time. We have a few weeks of recovery ahead and we’ll go from there. Rocket and I are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. Thank you for the phone calls, the deliveries of food, the time to think things through, the squeaky toys, the personal stories you shared, the advice and all the good thoughts. We love you so much! Please keep those good thoughts coming.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Hi family and friends,

Hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd drop you a note to let you know how well Rocket is doing. With three legs and lots of fur, this pup manages to live each day to the fullest.

Last week Rocket celebrated 6 months since his leg amputation. An amazing feat considering Rocket was given only 3-6 month to live. While we know the cancer is not going away and his days are in fact numbered, it's been a pleasure to see him enjoy life as he continues all of the things he loves most in the world - fetching tennis balls, chasing squirrels and going for evening walks, which we now lovingly refer to as "going for hops around the neighborhood." He moves much quicker with three legs than four and my power-walking skills are tested each night as we cruise our favorite one mile loop. I actually heard one neighbor refer to him as "that fast-hopping, three-legged dog." His love for this activity makes me put on my shoes every night and go for a walk - we NEVER miss this time together.

One of the things I feel keeps Rocket going is all the love he receives at work. Within a few weeks of surgery, Rocket began coming to the office with me every day. In addition to the peace of mind I have knowing that he is safe and I can keep an eye on him, Rocket loves the more than 50 visitors (volunteers and staff) who stop by every day to give him a hug and a pat on the head. Rocket actually had to go on a diet because he was getting so many treats in the office! I feel so lucky to work in such a caring and supportive environment and Rocket, in turn, has become somewhat of a mascot and ambassador. We've educated hundreds of people about osteocarcoma and impress many with his ability to jump in the air to catch a Frisbee. At Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Rocket is the newest and furriest volunteer for the youth program. Elementary age children take turns reading books to him each week (check out the attached photo). Additionally, the clients in Women's Wisdom, a program that encourages healing through art, enjoy visits from the tri-pod for one-on-one pet therapy sessions and have even requested him to pose for their still-life drawing class. This dog has a million great friends.

Please come by and visit us anytime, I know Rocket would love to see you. Or we can come to you and I can impress you with my abilities to lift a 94 pound dog in and out of the car.

Thank you for sending your good thoughts our way. You have been such an amazing support to both of us.

February 13, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

It is amazing how time has flown by. Can you believe that one year ago I sent out an e-mail letting you know about the successful outcome of Rocket's surgery? More unbelievable is the fact that he was given 3-6 months to live with osteocarcoma, an aggressive and terminal form of cancer, and here he is, as outgoing and troublesome as ever, one year later!

The past year has been such a blessing. Rocket recovered quickly from his amputation and adjusted to life on three legs faster than I ever would have expected. He soon became a fixture at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), earning the title of unofficial mascot. Having him at work each day is such a joy for me, knowing he is safe and comfortable, but I had NO idea what it would do for him. He quickly rose in rank above me, with people bee-lining to see him each day, leaving me to be the person who takes up space in the dog's office. I'll often come back from a tour of the building to find volunteers cuddled on the dog bed with Rocket or a staff member venting to him about a difficult situation with a client. Lint rollers became as common as staplers on desks and if for some reason the dog didn't make it to work one day (perhaps 3 times total in the past year), I would face the wrath of a upset volunteer. However, the love didn't just permeate adults, it was abundant with kids. Rocket soon became a regular in the After-School program at SFBFS. Elementary aged students that behaved well during the week and completed their homework assignments could earn reading time with the dog, one-on-one.

I'm convinced that the time Rocket has shared at SFBFS has kept him alive and well over the past year. Just like people, I feel animals with incurable cancer can make the most of their situation by surrounding themselves with people they love.

I really want to thank each and every one of you for being so kind and supportive of me and the pup over the last year. I did not think we'd make it this long, but so many of you did. Thank you for your endless good thoughts and prayers. Rocket is the most amazing form of entertainment and joy, thank you for letting me share that with you.

This is an edited version of Rocket's story

Please note: Kelly's last update was February of 2009. It's October 2009 and Rocket is doing great!

More than 100 families still awaiting holiday adoption

2009-12-16T00:37:10Z

What better way to celebrate the holidays this season than to get in the spirit of giving! Here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services there are two great ways that families and individuals can contribute to making the season brighter for others in our community.

Adopt-a-Family allows us to get into the spirit of giving by donating gifts specifically selected for a family in need. Contributors recieve the names, genders, ages, clothing sizes and any specific needs of family members and gather gifts for the family or individuals. Families then receive these gifts just in time for the holidays. This project benefits than 500 local families right here in our community who otherwise could not afford to shop for holiday gifts.

Holiday meal baskets are another great way to share in the spirit of giving. SFBFS is accepting donations of holiday meal gift baskets. The composition of the baskets is up to the donor, from hams to rolls, canned goods and pies. This project will benefit an additional 500 families this season!

Make the season brighter for a local family and share in these projects. Consider collaborating with friends, family or co-workers to adopt-a-family or create a holiday meal basket! If you are intereseted, contact Genevieve Deignan at gdeignan@sacramentofoodbank.org or by phone at (916) 648-8736.

A Big Thank You for your continued support this holiday season!

Happy Holidays from SFBFS!

Originally written by Rachel Marine on the SFBFS blog

Gift drop-off location:

Saca Community Learning Center
2469 Rio Linda Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815

Second annual SFBFS Turkey Drive

2009-11-13T01:54:37Z

Looking for a way to help this holiday season? Consider donating a turkey (or any Thanksgiving meal fixin’s) on Friday, November 20 for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ (SFBFS) 2nd annual Turkey Drive. Last year, Sacramento residents donated 2,766 turkeys to this worthy cause. This year, the need in our community is even greater. SFBFS helps families overcoming difficult times such as employment layoffs, depression, loss of a family member or loss of a home. Volunteers and donors help provide a 5-day supply of take home groceries to these families at no cost, serving upwards of 17,000 unduplicated men, women and children per month. For Thanksgiving, SFBFS would like to see every family be able to celebrate the holiday together with a traditional meal; turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings.

SFBFS invites you to visit the Oak Park facility between 4:30am and 7:00pm to drop off a turkey. SFBFS is located at 3333 Third Avenue (near 34th & Broadway). KCRA 3 will be broadcasting from the parking lot all day with volunteer stationed to unload cars. Please stop by to meet your favorite TV reporter or new anchor and help families in need. All donated turkeys will be distributed on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week to families in need. For more information, visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org

History of SFBFS the services they provide

2009-10-27T22:43:58Z

Father Dan Madigan founded Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in the basement of his Oak Park church in 1976. Pained by watching so many people go hungry on the streets of Sacramento, he called together a small cadre of compassionate volunteers to tackle the problem. Over time, the number of facilities, staff and volunteers grew to meet the ever increasing need in Sacramento. His passion for helping individuals and families in need is still alive and well in the wide array of programs and services offered by SFBFS.

SFBFS currently operates two large facilities, in Oak Park and in North Sacramento, serving neighborhoods with families experiencing some of the highest rates of poverty, unemployment and child abuse in the Sacramento area. Over years, the number of programs and services offered by SFBFS grew to include adult education, child development and technology.

SFBFS runs a very lean, grassroots organization with an incredibly efficient, professional staff of 35 and a volunteer workforce of over 4,000 annually. SFBFS continues to meet the increasing demands for services by leveraging donations when purchasing food, baby supplies and reading materials for pennies on the dollar.

Programs

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provides free emergency goods and services to nearly 20,000 unduplicated men, women and children each month. All programs at SFBFS are offered free of charge.

Food Assistance - Provides a five day supply of emergency, take-home groceries to thousands of clients every month. Individuals and families in need can receive fresh produce, dairy, grains and canned goods at mobile distribution sites throughout the Sacramento area.

Clothing - Distributes donated men’s, women’s and children’s clothing items to those in need at no charge. Clothing articles include suits for interviews, school uniforms and extreme weather attire.

Mother-Baby - Guides parents in raising children in a healthy and supportive manner. Diapers, formula, food and clothing are provided for parents attending educational workshops.

Adult Education - Provides one-on-one instruction to adults in reading, writing, math, computer skills, resume building and English.

Women’s Wisdom Art - Offers a variety of art classes to women overcoming loss or depression, surviving cancer and helps build self-confidence.

PlayCare - Offers an enriching daycare for toddlers of parents attending classes through Adult Education. This co-operative program encourages parental involvement, interactive games and preparing youth for kindergarten.

Youth Academy - Provides enrichment for elementary-aged youth focusing on literacy and independent thinking. This program encourages academic success, character building, social development and service.

Computer Clubhouse - Encourages junior high and high school students to explore technology classes including web design, animation, basic computer skills and video production.

Thanksgiving events at SFBFS

2009-11-18T20:16:55Z

SACRAMENTO, CA – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is preparing for the busiest Thanksgiving season in the organization’s history and invites you to become involved. From donating turkeys to jogging through town, Sacramento residents can help families in need this holiday season.

November 20: 2nd Annual Turkey Drive 3,000
4:30am – 7:00pm
SFFBS Oak Park facility – 3333 Third Ave (near 34th & Broadway)

Please drop off a frozen turkey or any packaged holiday side dishes such as potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie filing, stuffing, etc. on November 20. Last year, Sacramento residents donated 2,766 turkeys to this worthy cause. This year, the need in our community is even greater. Please help us provide holiday boxes for thousands of local families.

November 23 & 24: Turkey Distribution
9:00am – 1pm
SFFBS Oak Park facility – 3333 Third Ave (near 34th & Broadway)

Holiday boxes complete with a turkey and all of the wonderful Thanksgiving trimmings collected on Friday will be distributed to families in need starting at 9:00am each day. For Thanksgiving, SFBFS would like to see every family be able to celebrate the holiday together. Several thousand families are expected to arrive each day. With a new layout to increase distribution efficiency, families should be served holiday boxes from SFBFS in record time.

November 26: Run to Feed the Hungry
8:45am – 11am
Sac State – J Street entrance

Celebrate one of Sacramento’s greatest traditions by participating in the 16th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. A 5K and 10K course are available for participants of all ages and abilities. New race route, staggered start times and a universal finish line are some of the exciting changes for this year. A turnout of 30,000 people is expected. Individuals can sign up to participate, volunteer or join a team at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization serving families and individuals in need since 1976, offers nine diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Run to Feed the Hungry

2009-11-03T22:28:37Z

Lace up your shoes Sacramento, the 16th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is almost here! Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services encourages you to be part of a Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sac State on November 26. This is currently the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the country and this year will be no exception. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

For returning walkers and runners, here are a few changes this year that deserve special attention:

* New Start Time: To accommodate more runners, the 10K will begin at 8:45am and the
5K will begin at 9:05am.

* New Course Route: We encourage you to take in the scenery on our new courses
through mid-town and the fabulous 40s.

* One Finish Line: Instead of 2 separate finish lines for 5K and 10K, all participants will
now cross one finish line. With a larger space for finishing, we’re hoping to
prevent a bottleneck.

Registration is now open. $35 per adult and $20 for children 15 and under. Exciting opportunities for teams as well. Not a big athlete, but still want to help out on Thanksgiving morning? Volunteer! Adults 18 and up are needed to hand out cups of water to joggers, direct traffic, distribute t-shirts and cheer on the participants. 500 volunteers will be needed to assist. Really want to be invovlved in some capacity, but out of town or stuck basting the turkey at home? Be a virtual runner. Receive all of the perks such as t-shirt and knowing you are supporting SFBFS, without breaking a sweat.

Information on registration, teams, volunteering and virtual runners is available online at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

We look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving morning!