Opened in December 1994, Ujirani Family Resource Center was created by the Social Services Agency from strategies proposed by their African American Employees' Committee. The creation of this culturally sensitive, community- based center was an effort to improve the quality of African Americans' lives by providing appropriate, consistant and innovative social services to reduce the diproportionate population of African American families and children in the child welfare system. The goal of the Ujirani Family Resource Center to accomplish these means is to preserve and support families by building self-esteem, family strength and kinship bonds.
This goal is accomplished through a variety of different programs which are open to people of all cultures. To fulfill their African American focus there are also special programs designed for African Americans. The center's programs include parent education, family enrichment, support groups for women, men and grandparents and money management and nutrition classes. Other services offered are teen parenting classes, teen rap groups, mental health counseling and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. Special programs with an African American focus include forums on African American history and women's health, parenting classes, youth rites of passage programs and cultural celebrations. These programs incorporate traditional African vaules called Nguzo Saba, Seven Principles, which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Service are free to all families. Priority is given in clients of the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency.
Lori Eickmann, "Family Matters", San Jose Mercury News, Tuesday, 20 December, 1994, Morning Final Edition, Living Sec., p. 1C Carole Rafferty "Family Matters: A New Program Aims to Keep Black Children out of Foster Care by Strengthing their Families", San Jose Mercury News, Tuesday 20 December, 1994, Morning Final Edition, Living Sec., p.1C Erin Kimura
