Human Services News Index
Sonoma County Human Services Department actively working to shorten wait times for people seeking aid
Officials for the Sonoma County Human Services Department are asking for the public’s patience when applying for CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits. Numerous challenges are causing delays in processing benefits, including increased staffing vacancies, the transition to a new state-mandated software system, and efforts to address a recent surge in electronic benefits theft. Read full story
Former foster youth in Sonoma County to receive $148,000 in scholarships for higher education
More than three dozen former Sonoma County foster youth will be awarded a total of $148,000 in scholarships Thursday through a partnership between the Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation and the Sonoma County Human Services Department. Read full story
Purple flags on display in Sonoma County serve as reminder of need for protecting elders from abuse
More than 6,000 purple flags are on display at local senior centers, police stations and other locations during the month of June to spotlight the toll of elder and dependent adult abuse that takes place in the shadows of Sonoma County each year. Read full story
Sonoma County to hold first-ever memorial service for 500 unclaimed people buried without a funeral
Sonoma County leaders will host the county’s first-ever memorial service of its kind on June 10 to honor the lives of hundreds of homeless, poor, elderly and other people who have died in the county without family or money to make burial arrangements. Read full story
Kindergarten readiness in Sonoma County continues decline in aftermath of pandemic
Only one in five Sonoma County children were ready for kindergarten when they entered school last fall, according to a report released today by the county Department of Human Services that found continuing disparities along ethnic, racial and economic lines. Read full story
Sonoma County resuming annual Medi-Cal eligibility reviews with COVID-19 emergency ending
The Sonoma County Human Services Department is reviewing its records and contacting some people currently enrolled in Medi-Cal to ensure that no eligible recipients lose coverage as the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. Read full story
Sonoma County developing plan to address changes in older adult population, seeks steering committee members
The County of Sonoma is seeking applicants to serve on a new committee that will shape its response to a major population shift that has dramatically expanded the number of older adults in the county. Read full story
Sonoma County partnership creates resource hub for older adults, people with disabilities
The Sonoma County Human Services Department and local nonprofits have launched a resource hub that quickly connects older adults and people with disabilities to an array of critical services. Read full story
Sonoma County to host first-ever job and resource fair for homeless on March 22 in Santa Rosa
Sonoma County will host its first-ever job and resource fair for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless on March 22 at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave. Read full story
Black Therapy Fund now accepting applications for free mental health counseling in Sonoma County
The Black Therapy Fund, a new partnership between the County of Sonoma and two community groups to improve mental health services for Black residents of all ages, is now accepting applications for free mental health counseling. Read full story