On the morning of Sept. 6, the Tracy Connects event was held with the sole purpose of spreading kindness and helping those in need. This year’s theme was “Foster Youth Health & Wellness”, in which different organizations gathered together to provide for the family.
The public enjoyed various activities and free food while learning about the many resources they have at their disposal.
Tracy Connects is deeply focused on aiding foster care kids and their caregivers. 
The VBR Foster Family Agency, a non-profit organization located in Tracy, was one of the agencies present at the event. Christian Perez, a source parent specialist who was present representing this organization speaks on why her background has motivated her to support.
“I grew up in foster care. So, this has always been something I wanted to help,” said Perez. “We provide support for the foster kids, like a support counselor, whatever the children need, specifically, like hygiene, any kind of support groups we offer those, educational support.”
EA Family Services is a non-profit adoption agency that makes sure kids have a stable home and environment. A member of the EA family Josie Agustin discusses his passion for what he does.
“I love doing what I’m doing. It’s definitely a blessing. I care for the families and children that I serve. And eventually, one day, I would like to either start my own nonprofit or continue to grow in my leadership” Agustin emotionally expressed.
“We just want to make sure that all of their medical needs, behavioral needs emotional needs and health needs are all met.” Agustin finalized.
Rocio Martinez a social work supervisor of the EA family stated “Our social workers go out on a weekly basis, if not more. And we have different types of services” Martinez said “Depending on what level of care, we can give them support counselors as well as offer them to all these different other services like wraparounds, the TVAS, all these different mental health resources” Martinez explained
Tracy Connects not only looks for the well-being of foster kids, but also for the families taking care of them and shares different resources to help with anything needed.
The Tracy Senior Association was present and represented by Kathleen Berqthold, the president of this non-profit organization.
“We’re participating because children have parents and grandparents. And what we do is work with the grandparents. to help them stay safe in their home.” Berqthold stated “We supply them with durable medical equipment, such as walker loops, that type of equipment that doesn’t get paid by insurance. Our goal is to get every senior in Tracy so that we know that every senior has what they need to stay safe.” Berqthold concluded.
Dr. Clara Voss, a mentor for the Tracy connects event shared that “The idea is to connect Tracy people with Tracy services. Every year we have a theme, and we love working with children, with the school district, with the boys’ and girls’ Club, and so this year, it was our decision to focus on foster children who o
bviously have challenges. This is a way to support, encourage and help them,” Dr. Voss explained.
“This year our goal is to have it be bigger than ever, even though t
his year is the biggest so far, but to continue to grow the program and have an even greater impact on fostering positivity, in youth and in the community.” Dr. Voss concluded.
Tracy Connects offers a variety of programs designed to help the community address complex needs that can be difficult to navigate. The many organizations present at this event are committed to collaborating to achieve these goals, and make sure every child and family member has the attention they deserve.
