To celebrate August as Child Support Awareness Month, Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) held its second annual back-to-school supply drive and was able to provide 160 low-income children with the school supplies they need to succeed.
Sonoma
DCSS employees, along with employees from other county agencies, donated school
supplies to distribute to children whose parents participate in the California
Child Support Program.
“(DCSS)
staff were very generous by donating dozens of backpacks and school supplies,” said
Jennifer Traumann, Director of Sonoma DCSS. “It is such a privilege to work
with families in our community and help provide children with the essential
supplies they need to begin their school year.”
Sonoma
DCSS contacted 300 hundred families with children between five and 11 who participate
in the local child support program who receive zero or low amount of support.
Dozens of families responded and DCSS provided school supplies to at least 160 low-income
children.
A new
event this year, called “Kidspree,” went beyond the backpack and school supply
donations. The event, introduced by Sonoma DCSS employee Ryan Arrow, Legal
Processor, offered two families an opportunity to participate in a
back-to-school shopping spree. Both families received $150 to purchase clothing
and other back-to-school necessities, additionally, each child received free
dental screenings, haircuts and breakfast.
On
August 16th, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors joined
California and other states to recognize August as Child Support Awareness
Month.
“Because
of the important work of DCSS, we distribute nearly 30 million dollars back
into our community to support our children,” said Sonoma County Supervisor
Shirlee Zane, who also serves as liaison to the Sonoma County DCSS.
Sonoma
DCSS staff attended the event along with Sonoma DCSS Director Jennifer
Traumann, who gave a presentation to the Board. Also in attendance was Monique
Chapman, the Sheriff’s Department Civil Bureau Manager, who worked with Sonoma
DCSS to recover $19,000 in unpaid child support for families through the Bureau
of Unclaimed Property.
“We
know that providing for a child’s basic needs is an essential building block to
help children grow into thriving, self-sustaining adults,” said Sonoma County
Board of Supervisors Chair Efren Carrillo.
“Sonoma DCSS invests in kids, and ultimately in shaping the future of
the community.”
Many
parents consistently contribute to their child’s well-being in many different
ways. Sonoma DCSS took a moment to thank the parents who have consistently made
timely support payments by sending thank you cards. DCSS hopes that by
acknowledging their ongoing commitment, parents will understand the importance
of both emotional and financial support of their children and continue to invest
in their
future.
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By: Pamela
Crandell, Interim Assistant Director
Sonoma
County Dept. of Child Support Servicess
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