Asian Pacific Self-Development and Residential Association (APSARA) is an educational, problem-solving organization that provides leadership for Park Village Apartments and its surrounding residents by collaborating with larger communities to provide a safe and positive environment that promotes economic development and small business.

APSARA offers many services which include:

• Housing and Family Support Services
• Tutoring Program (After School Program)
• Mental Health (Outreach and Education)
• Community Health Worker
• Diabetes and Pre-diabetes Prevention Program
• Medi-Cal Expansion Programs (Medi-Cal Enrollment)
• Oral Health Care and Education
• CoveredCA Certified Enrollment Counselor
• Immigration Counseling and Case Management
• Cultural and Recreational Activities

Assistance League of Stockton is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to serving the community through philanthropic programs such as Operation School Bell®, which annually clothes over 1,200 school children in need. Other programs include:

• The Kids on the Block - puppet shows to teach tolerance for those who are different, and how to be safe at both home and school
• Book Buddies - volunteers visit second grade classes to work on basic phonics and listen to struggling readers read aloud
• Comfort Kits - backpacks filled with age and gender appropriate clothing, hygiene and "comfort items," which are given to Child Protective Services for distribution to children entering Foster Care. Adult Comfort Kits is also provided for assault survivors at the County Hospital

Programs are largely funded through the proceeds from the thrift shop. The Assistance League of Stockton maintains a thrift shop with clothing and other household items at 1319 East Harding Way in Stockton.

Computer Literacy Learning Center (CLLC) offers a computer-assisted instructional program designed to increase the literacy skills of parolees, resulting in increased employability and parolee success. The Learning Center is located within parole offices.

Teachers provide classroom instruction which focuses on basic proficiency in reading, writing and math skills. Students are placed in the CLLC according to their ability and proceed at their own pace, receiving training in life skills and employment competency, with a progression toward earning their GED.

Lodi Family Resource Center is a family-friendly center that seeks to improve the lives of children and families in an impoverished, limited-resource, minimally educated neighborhood that is home to primarily low-income, Hispanic, Pakistani, Indian and Afghan working families.

Lodi Family Resource Center partners with a comprehensive team of public and private organizations to meet the distinct needs of families living in this community, including:

• California Human Development
• San Joaquin County WorkNet
• City of Lodi
• Lodi Unified School District

Lodi Family Resource Center hosts a number of different activities to strengthen the families they serve and meet the needs of this particular community. These unique activities include: Mobile Farmer’s Market, Weekly Food Giveaway, Youth Mentorship and Financial Money Management workshops.

Family Resource Center is a non-profit organization that focus on quality childcare services for all parents, childcare providers, and children of San Joaquin County and the surrounding areas and providing child development and parenting education, nutrition classes, and health and safety training.

• Childcare assistance
• Childcare referrals
• First 5 Programs
• Preschool Program
• Information and training for individuals interested in becoming licensed family childcare providers
• Workshops and trainings on a range of topics
• Resource Lending Library
• Information and Referral Call Center
• CalWORKs Employment Services

Resource & Referral Program provides free workshops and trainings, a lending library, activity curriculum kits, community resources, and various other services to parents and providers. The program also provides childcare lists to licensed childcare providers for parents throughout San Joaquin County.

CollegeBuys, powered by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, offers discounts of up to 85 percent on a wide-range of educational products from industry-leading software and technology and high quality office and classroom furniture. Community college students are eligible for discounts on products that will help them complete their education. Find the latest discounts at CollegeBuys.org or sign up to receive updates and product information via email.

CollegeBuys now is offering California Connects Mobile Internet powered by Sprint. Nationwide coverage and no contract required. Enjoy 4G LTE connectivity on any WiFi-enabled device with California Connects. Initial cost of hotspot device and first month subscription required, monthly internet is $19.99 thereafter. With 30 GB of data, students, faculty, and staff can stay connected to the internet in school and at home. Coverage and network availability varies by area. See sprint.com/coverage for details. Price valid only for California residents.

Please visit the website at http://store.collegebuys.org/

Give Every Child A Chance (GECAC) is a non-profit corporation that utilizes community volunteers to serve as mentor/tutors for the children of the Manteca, Banta, Tracy, Ripon and Escalon Unified School Districts. The program matches these volunteers, one-on-one, with at-risk students. The Homework Assistance Program is an extension of the Tutoring/Mentoring Program and offers a safe environment for children to bring their homework assignments and work independently on completing them. After school programs are offered at eligible school sites. Priority is given to students with greatest need.

It is the goal of GECAC to serve as a supplement to the work going on in the classroom, while encouraging the children of the greater South San Joaquin County community to become successful, independent, life-long learners. There are 54 tutor sites throughout Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, French Camp, Ripon, Escalon, Banta and Weston Ranch.

Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venture Crews, and Explorer Posts are provided by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life ®” from one-in-a-lifetime adventures to merit badges that spark interest and future careers; from campouts under the stars to service project that have a lasting impact. Scouting expands horizons and provides young people with a safe and welcoming environment to learn, grow, and thrive. Life skills are acquired and gain experience that will prove to be valuable regardless of where the future takes them, all while having a blast. Leadership, event-planning, organization, communication, responsibility, and the ability to maneuver difficult situations – the list goes on and on.

BSA programs are divided by age and activity: Cub Scouts is for boys and girls in grades K-5, Scouts BSA is open to young men and women in grades 6-12. The Exploring program offers co-ed career oriented training for young adults aged 14 to 20.

Lao Family Community Empowerment (LFCE) assists refugees and immigrants with developing skills needed to become self-supportive.

LFCE is also affiliated and involved with People and Congregations Together (PACT) and Pacific Institute for Organizing (PICO) to promote, motivate and organize the Hmong and Laotian community in developing leadership, organization and advocacy skills through one-on-one appointments and community action meetings.

LFCE offers:

• The Home Visitation Project - a collaborative effort among Lao Family, UC Davis Cooperative Extension Program, SUSD schools and LUSD schools. The program offers home-based health and nutrition education, a Raising a Reader family literacy program, parent workshops, and health screening for children and to parents or guardians of children ages 0 to 5 years living within the designated zip codes.
• Mental Health Programs - Southeast Asian Recovery Services (SEARS) provides case management to mental health consumers and also conducts outreach and engagement to the Southeast Asian communities.
• Senior Program - This program creates opportunities for Hmong and other Southeast Asian seniors to socialize and participate in fun activities together. The center is open two days per week - every Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Covered California Health Insurance - Lao Family has certified enrollment counselors on site to assist community members who need Medi-Cal or health insurance coverage.

Little Free Libraries project is a city-wide effort to refurbish, construct and install Little Free Libraries throughout the region in low literacy areas. Dozens of Little Free Libraries have been installed in neighborhoods and commercial areas, allowing residents to freely borrow and exchange books at their leisure. Globally, there are over 15,000 Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and over 40 countries. For the nearest Little Library, visit the website or visit on Facebook.

Lodi Public Library Adult Literacy Services offers free one-to-one or small group tutoring for individuals learning to read and write English. High School Diploma support is available via online.

Storytimes is a service providing age-appropriate stories, finger plays, and songs. Crafts are also available.

• Toddler Time (ages 1 to 3): Tuesdays 3:00 p.m. Offered in the Community Room.
• Preschool Story Time (ages 4 and up): Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. Offered in the Community Room.
• Spanish Story Time (all ages): Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Offered in the Childrens Activity Room.

The library also offers basic computer classes, cover letter and resume templates, and the opportunity to job seek via the web using the Computer Learning Center. Homework assistance is offered Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children and teens in grades K-12.

All of the aforementioned services are offered free of charge and staffed by volunteers.

Lodi Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) provides special education services to Lodi Unified, New Hope, and Oak View School Districts. SELPA serves children with special needs from birth to age 22 years old. Special needs include children with an array of disabilities including severe physical, emotional or learning disabilities. Some may also need a variety of support services such as speech therapy. Students must meet state and federal eligibility requirements.

Mary Magdalene Community Services offers services to adults, youths and children. Adult services include crisis intervention and referrals, transitional housing and case management, job skills, resume writing, and outreach. Services for youth and children include counseling, case management, and teen mentoring through the "My Brothers Keeper" program. Parenting classes and substance abuse classes are offered through court referrals.

National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) operates the U.S. Department of Educations technical assistance and information center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program.

If families meet the eligibility criteria, school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Eligible children have the right to:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education
• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
• Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
• Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.
  • If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs

Contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available, as well as for preschool-age children.

Native American Indian Education Center, located at Edison High School, trains teachers in the cultural difficulties they encounter with Native American customs. Field trips and educational activities are provided, and there is a multicultural specialist on staff. Lectures are given on Native American affairs. There is a resource library available and tutoring opportunities for students. Monthly calendars are available with information on workshops and events.

Boggs Tract Community Center is committed to providing community members with information and access to a variety of agencies that provide services in the areas of human services, employment, health, nutrition, housing assistance and education services.

Boggs Tract Community Center offers a wide range of services:

Food and Nutrition Services:

• Government Commodity Program: Food is distributed on the third Thursday of the month.
• Emergency Food Program & Donated Food: Emergency food is given to qualifying individuals. Registration is on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and pick-up is on the following Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Donated Food is distributed daily (if available).

Senior Program (ages 60 and older):

• Nutritional programs to promote health
• Exercise and interaction with other seniors
• Senior Health & Recreation (S.H.A.R.P.)
• Congregate Meals & Senior Supplement Box Programs
• Brown Bag

Youth Programs & Activities are scheduled throughout the year:

• Summer Youth Enrichment Program (S.Y.E.P)
• Guitars Not Guns (music program)
• After School (homework lab, computer lab, recreation)
• Seasonal Programs
• Sports
• Dance

Additional Programs:

• Information and referral services
• Computers are available to the public for activities related to employment search

The Center is committed to providing community members with information and access to a variety of agencies that provide services in the areas of human services, employment, health, nutrition, housing assistance and education services. Community members are encouraged to drop in or call (209) 468-3978 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for information on programs and services available to the community.

Kennedy Community Center offers emergency food to low-income individuals and families living in San Joaquin County. Emergency food distribution is available on most Tuesdays (except the Tuesday before the third Thursday of month) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Kennedy Community Center also serves as a distribution site for USDAs Commodity Program. Food is distributed on the third Thursday of the month to qualifying individuals living in the 95206 zip code (must reside East of El Dorado Street) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Youth Programs (if funding is available):

• Summer Youth Enrichment Program (begins June of each year).
• Intramural Sports (varies by season).
• After-School Programs (Art, Computer Lab, Recreation, etc.)

• Computer lab opened daily 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Adults).
• Mobile Farmers Market (from Emergency Food Bank) on third Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m.
• Brown Bag food program for senior citizens 60+ years of age (through Second Harvest Food Bank) on second and fourth Mondays of each month, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please call the Center for current information, as it may change without notice.

Lodi Community Service Center provides families with emergency food on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., serving up to thirty families. To qualify, families must be low-income residents living in San Joaquin County (Lodi, Galt, Thornton, Clements, Victor and Woodbridge). For emergency food, clients must bring the following documentation: photo identification and proof of address, such as a PG&E, telephone bill or rent receipt. Identification is needed for each family member. The Service Center also provides the following programs:

• Brown Bag for seniors ages 60 and older, is held on the second and fourth Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Catholic Charities offers prenatal, children and adult health insurance application assistance by appointment and assistance with other paperwork. Please call Patti at (209) 593-6113 to schedule an appointment
• Commodities (food varies each month): third Thursday of each month 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Community Center
• Computer training, based on availability of staff
• Food Stamp and Medi-Cal application assistance with eligibility worker. Please call to schedule an appointment
• Assistance with HEAP and Weatherization applications
• Maximus representative to assist families to select medical services.

The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) is a regional agency that provides educational leadership, resources, and customized services to assist school districts. The SJCOE promotes student achievement and accountability, serves San Joaquin County’s most vulnerable students, and strives to create an environment in which every student, regardless of circumstances, has an opportunity for a quality education.

Learn more about how the SJCOE educates, innovates, and inspires at www.sjcoe.org.

San Joaquin Delta College is at the forefront of job training, retraining, and high-tech jobs of the future in the Central Valley and the foothills. Established in 1963, the College serves over 20,000 students at its campuses in Stockton and Mountain House, as well as online and at satellite centers. Students can earn an associate degree and transfer to a university, saving thousands of dollars in tuition. Another option is students can be trained in over 100 career and degree certificate programs, allowing them to earn more money right out of Delta College. Whichever path students choose, staff offers the support needed to succeed.

San Joaquin Delta College CalWORKs program’s mission is to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals. Following is a description of the services they offer:

• Intake: Students are assisted with admission applications and provide an overview of Delta College CalWORKs services.
• Needs Assessment: Initial and ongoing resource referrals are provided. Students are given the most current edition of the CalWORKs Community Connections Resource Directory. Various workshops aimed at preparing students for the workforce are also offered.
• Academic Advising: CalWORKs students receive priority registration. Advisors help plan semester schedules and enroll in classes. Class grids and book lists are provided as part of their collaboration with HSA. Information is provided regarding other components of their program.
• CalWORKs Work Study: CalWORKs students may be eligible for paid work study positions on campus.
• Employment Assistance: CalWORKs staff may also provide students with job preparation assistance.
• Community Connections Resource Directory: The Directory is created for use by professionals who administer to the needs of children, young people, and adults in San Joaquin County, community college and higher education staff members who work with students facing barriers to academic achievement, and all others interested in the vast wealth of resources offered in San Joaquin County.

If you are receiving TANF or have recently applied for CalWORKs benefits from HSA or have additional questions, please contact the SJDC CalWORKs program at www.deltacollege.edu/departments/calworks and click on our LiveChat.

San Joaquin Delta College CalWORKs Assessment is contracted by the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency to conduct assessments of individuals receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and participating in the San Joaquin County CalWORKs Program. The assessments help determine an individuals career interests, skills, cognitive abilities and facilitate his or her career and job planning. CalWORKs Assessment also provides learning disability evaluations by referral.

San Joaquin Delta Colleges Career and Transfer Center helps students reach their career/educational goals. Whether you are transferring out, joining a trade, or discovering your perfect fit, Career and Transfer center is prepared to assist you.

These services intentionally incorporate all phases of the career decision-making process. Emphasis is placed on providing student assistance from beginning with the college admissions process, through retention to the job seeking process and/or support for students to transfer from college to the university.

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE), is a supplemental component of EOPS that specifically offers supportive services to assist eligible single-parent Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) students in acquiring the education, training, and marketable skills needed to transition from welfare dependency to employment and eventual self-sufficiency for their families.

In addition to EOPS services, CARE students receive assistance with:

• Personal development activities and workshops
• Referrals to campus and community resources
• Grants*
• Transportation*
• Limited Transportation Repair Reimbursement*
• Meal Services*
• Specialized Instruction

*Services are contingent upon budget availability and compliance with the Mutual Responsibility Contract. Financial services based on student "unmet need" as determined by the Financial Aid Office.

Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) provides equal access to educational opportunities for students with verified disabilities. Staff provide students with quality support services to ensure opportunities for maximum success at San Joaquin Delta College. Services include:

• Counseling
• Testing accommodations
• Reader/note taker services
• Interpreter services
• Use of adaptive equipment
• Assistance with mobility on campus

Students should schedule an appointment to meet with a DSPS counselor. Please call or stop by the DeRicco Building, Room 107.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a unique program funded by the state of California to recruit and support students who may otherwise not attempt higher education as they work to complete certificate, associate degree or university transfer requirements.

EOPS program assists participants with:

• Individualized counseling
• Priority registration
• Assistance purchasing required textbooks**
• Access to EOPS Lending Library
• University Transfer Services (including application fee waivers)
• College and university tours
• Financial services (transportation assistance, grants etc.)**
• Student success workshops and seminars
• Special activities and events
  • Summer Readiness Program (SRP)
  • Student Success Academy (SSA)

The Summer Readiness Program (SRP) is a six-week program designed to assist EOPS eligible freshmen in bridging their high school and college experiences. This learning community offers an extensive orientation and teaches students to navigate San Joaquin Delta College. The program seeks to serve students holistically by providing opportunities for academic and personal development while introducing participants to university transfer information. Students must have fewer than 12 college units completed, and should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

The Student Success Academy (SSA) is a semester-long learning community for first time EOPS eligible college students with fewer than 12 units completed. SSA offers a personalized, educationally supportive learning experience which nurtures the skills, strategies, attitudes, and behaviors that enhance student success.

Please speak with EOPS staff about unit exceptions.

**Financial services are contingent upon budget availability.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Department assists students in meeting expenses associated with their education. Expenses include books, supplies, food, transportation, and housing expenses. Financial aid is available to qualifying students in the form of state and federal grants, federal work study, scholarships, student loans, and state grants. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Department also offers outreach services for potential financial aid applicants including low-income and disadvantaged students.

Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) is a program for current and interested caregivers in San Joaquin County. The program is designed to provide a quality education and support opportunities to caregivers of children and youth in out-of-home care so that these providers may meet the educational, emotional, behavioral and developmental needs of children and youth in the foster care system.

• Orientations are held every Thursday evening (informational sessions)
• Pre-Service classes are signed up through your social worker (after you fill out an application)
• In-Service classes are offered every month, please call for more information (these are annual hours)

Servicios disponible en Español. Por favor de llamar (209) 954-5291 para mas informacion.

San Joaquin Delta College Irving Goleman Library provides services to students, faculty and staff, including: access to a wide variety of print, non-print, and electronic resources (including off-campus access to electronic materials to Delta students, faculty and staff), bibliographic instruction, and an information literacy program that is committed to excellence in teaching students the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for successful academic achievement and life-long learning. In addition, the Goleman Library provides reference and research assistance, interlibrary loan service, a reserve book program, research and information technologies, and a number of online resources on plagiarism prevention, writing styles and citations, and copyright.

Math & Science Learning Center offers tutoring in math, science, computer science, and nursing. Tutoring is conducted on a drop-in basis. Tutors are peer tutors who have taken the courses and passed with a grade of B or better. The Center also has books for classes that must be used on-site. There are 10 computers for students to utilize as well as microscopes and slides, anatomy and chemistry models, graphing and scientific calculators available for rent.

The operating hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please check the schedule on the link provided for tutor availability.

Stockton Astronomical Societys Astronomy Club promotes knowledge of astronomy and related sciences. Monthly sky viewing events are held, and Community Star Parties are also available to schools. A 12-page monthly newsletter, “Valley Skies” is also included with a membership.

Once a month, on a Friday evening, volunteers set up their personal telescopes for the public to see the moon and any planets that are visible. Please visit website to view the Sky Tours schedule for these upcoming events.

Stockton Scottish Rite of Freemasonry provides community services in the form of college scholarships and interest-free college loans. Scottish Rite also sponsors a clinic for childhood language disorders where no fees are charged, although voluntary donations from parents and the public are accepted.

Scottish Rite Medical warehouse is open and running. The Almoner can be reached at (209) 603-1049.

Family Resource Center offers parenting classes and resources to families with Stockton Unified School District students. Parents and guardians of students at SUSD can participate at the district level Parent Advisory Committee. The role of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is to advise, recommend, and review matters pertaining to the Local Control Accountability Plan and Local Control Funding Formula. There are two affinity groups: Latino PAC and African American/ Black PAC (AABPAC). Please contact the office for additional information.

Read to Me, Stockton! is an organization focused on improving early literacy and enriching the lives of children who live within the city of Stockton. Children who are enrolled in the program receive free age appropriate books in the mail every month. The books are at no cost to the parents. The only obligation asked of the childs family is they spend time together reading the books.

Cesar Chavez Central Library offers internet access to the public, as well as books, DVDs, videos, CDs, and audio tapes for the purpose of gaining information and knowledge on a particular subject. For items not owned by their library system, customers may borrow from outside San Joaquin County through LinkPlus. Customers may also download audio books and e-books on the library’s website.

Weekly story times build a love of books and reading in young children and assist adults in learning how to read and prepare young children to become readers when they are developmentally ready.

Programming for all ages is available. Check the library events calendar for dates and times.

Chavez now has a MakerSpace where people can explore 3D printing, an Oculus Rift, sewing machines, a watercolorbot, and other technological wonders. Visit the library website for hours when MakerSpace is open for public use.

Escalon Library is funded by the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library and provides individuals with books and audiovisual materials that can be checked out for a period of time. The library also offers free internet access with a library card. Programming is available for all ages. Visit website for program details.

Fair Oaks Public Library offers materials including books, DVDs, and CDs. There is also a MakerSpace, computers, and WiFi. Downloadable audio and e-book materials are now available through Overdrive and Hoopla, and downloadable magazines/periodicals through Flipster.

Programming is available for all ages. Check the events calendar on the website for details.

Families Reading Together program encourages family literacy by introducing preschool and elementary age children and their parents to the library and its many free resources. Programs are held at library branches, schools, and community centers. Children enjoy fun storytimes and learn about great books to read on their own. Every child attending with a parent receives a free book. Please call to schedule a Families Reading Together program at your school or community center.

Lets Chat: English Conversation Club is for adults whose second language is English, who wish to practice their English language speaking skills in a casual and relaxed environment. Each session includes a topic of the day, shared reading, activities and interesting conversation. Participating adults should be able to read English and desire an opportunity to practice English conversation.

Linden Branch Library is funded by the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library, and offers computer workstations for general and Internet use, books, and other educational resources in English and Spanish that can be checked out for loan purposes. Newspapers and magazines are available for browsing. There are programs for all ages. Look at the online events calendar on the website for details.

Adult Literacy is a free countywide program that matches adult learners ages 16 years and over with volunteers for confidential one-on-one tutoring. Students are assessed and generally read at a fourth grade reading level. Tutors help students improve their reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary and comprehension. Pairs meet at any branch library throughout San Joaquin County once or twice a week, for a half hour session and are asked to make a six-month commitment. Volunteer training and all resources are provided. Pairs are matched based on the days and times of availability.

Career Online High School is a scholarship program available for those wanting to earn their high school diploma in eighteen months. Previous courses taken in high school will be evaluated. The following certificates are also offered: security guard, food services, truck driving, and more. Please visit the website for more information.

Manteca Library is part of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library system and provides a variety of print and media resources for the general public, as well as programs for all ages. Check the librarys website for program information and online services.

Margaret K. Troke Library is funded by the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library and provides individuals with books and other educational resources that can be checked out for loan purposes. There are programs for all ages. Look at the events calendar on their website for details.

Maya Angelou Library is funded by the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library and provides individuals with books and other educational resources that can be checked out for loan purposes. Other services available include Spanish and Hmong language materials such as DVDs, videos, audio loans, computer use, and special programs for all ages. Customers are encouraged to explore the new Resource-Sharing Program called Link+, as well as Overdrive which is a downloadable audio and e-book program.

Books for Babes is a community-based, early-literacy project initiated by TAU Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Society of Educators in Stockton. The mission is to prepare children for success in school through early exposure to books and the spoken language so that these children may enter school with confidence and master grade-level reading by the third grade.

Books for Babes serves two local hospitals in San Joaquin County: St. Josephs Medical Center and San Joaquin General Hospital, where newborn babies are provided with babys first book. This special book, Rock-a-bye Baby Reader, includes passages to read to baby along with parent information focused on why it is important to read to baby from birth.

Books for Babes is funded by TAU Chapter, DKG fundraisers, community grants and individual donations. Books for Babes offers an opportunity for individuals to honor or celebrate friends or family members through donations to this early-literacy project. Donor labels are attached to books to honor individuals. Each donation is tax deductible.

Building Literacy Together provides:

• Health insurance and developmental screening for preschool children
• Raising a Reader family literacy program
• Summer kindergarten bridge programs which also include health insurance screening and developmental screening
• Parent workshops and family learning events on various school readiness topics

University of the Pacific is an independent, accredited university offering a personalized education, small class sizes and an extensive selection of undergraduate and graduate/professional programs. With 10 schools and colleges and more than 100 majors and programs of study, including 30 graduate programs, University of the Pacific features both small-university friendliness and programs found at much larger universities. It offers 30 different degrees. The academic calendar includes a fall and spring semester and three summer sessions, May through August.

The main campus is located in Stockton. McGeorge School of Law campus is located in Sacramento and Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry campus is located in San Francisco.

• Testing Department proctors educational tests such as the Millers Analogies Test (MAT) and the GRE (subject). Information on the CLEP, the CBEST, and the PRAXIS is also provided
• Center for Professional and Continuing Education provides academic program and support services to adult learners 25 years or older. The Center also offers continuing education courses designed to assist residents of the region in improving professional skills. Please call (209) 946-2424 for more information
• Conservatory of Music offers performances in the Faye Spanos Concert Hall and other facilities by University of the Pacific faculty, students and guest artists. Please call (209) 946-2415 for more information
• Richard and Marjorie Reynolds Art Gallery features noted regional and national artists. Please call (209) 946-2814 for more information

Book Buddies Program is sponsored by Benerd College at University of the Pacific and is a response to the literacy needs of children in the Stockton community. Children are paired with University of the Pacific student mentors and meet one-on-one each week throughout the spring semester. The mentors read to the children and then engage with the child in literacy-based activities to develop reading comprehension skills. Some of these activities include drawing, using graphic organizers, making flash cards for vocabulary, and using hand puppets to retell stories. Each semester the Book Buddies Program serves over two dozen grade school children.

The sessions are held in the "Book Buddies Corner," a designated area in the lobby of Benerd College on the corner of Kensington Way and Dave Brubeck Way. Parents can sign up when they arrive or use the sign-up sheet on the website. Parents must remain in the building during the reading sessions. The sessions have guest readers each week and a workshop for parents, if interested.

Books for Babes is a literacy project of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma serving Lodi Memorial Hospital. Each newborn baby is given his or her first "Read to Me" book to encourage reading between the parent and child.