ALMS Celebrates Ten Years of Service!
It's been five years since ALMS last met with Cache Creek High School (CCHS) students. The excitement comes from a new partnership with the Woodland Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) that is set to make a significant difference. This partnership is specifically designed to address the needs of underserved high school students who do not have bank accounts or the legal documents required for employment. It's a step towards a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.
The increased focus in 2025 offers a new challenge for ALMS as we have partnered with the Yolo Federal Credit Union to assist all students in fulfilling the goal of opening their first bank account while preparing for an entry-level job. This initiative is a testament to our collective commitment to these students. The need for this assistance became apparent after 2024 when ALMS successfully provided financial incentives to approximately 50 students for perfect attendance in a two-week, ten consecutive school days program that focused on trusting others (who and when to trust), and how to be a trustworthy employee.
Over 96% of the participants, both in and out of school, received checks for their perfect attendance. However, 80% of the youth did not have a bank account to deposit or cash the check. This realization was a turning point for ALMS. It was a wake-up call to the fact that these students, despite their readiness for employment, lacked the necessary documentation. Our new initiative aims to change this narrative, empowering these students to take control of their future.
Cache Creek High School is the first pilot where students will undergo the Essentials Job Readiness training with mentor assistance in gaining a California ID and physical Social Security Card. The job readiness training, coupled with continued mentorship, is a beacon of hope for these students, providing them with the additional help they need to succeed. "I'm so glad you're back, really, I am!" says Maria, a CCHS staffer for over ten years, echoing the sentiment of hope and optimism.
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Ten years ago ALMS started at CCHS with an all-girl group. This year, ALMS begins with a co-ed group of ten. We are half way through the pilot program with perfect attendance. The picture below is the 2015 pilot with Dawn McBride, Maria Herrera, and Jayne Williams.
Imagine - the impact of changing the trajectory of just one young person’s life. “We would actually change more than that person because we would change how they choose their spouse, love their children, invest into their community, improve their planet – and maybe save the world.”
Originally Released January 29th, 2025
