Caminar’s Family & Children Services division has led Teen-FAST programs for almost two decades in Santa Clara County. Teen-FAST is an evidence-based afterschool program developed by Families and Schools Together, Inc. The Teen-FAST program is widely recognized as a strategy that works to empower at-risk youth to make positive life choices and strengthen families. It was named a Promising Program by the Center for Mental Health Services, an Exemplary Program by Title V (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice), a Model Program by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and by Strengthening America’s Families. Across San Jose, participating teens meet virtually and regularly after school in a supportive community where they can address school, home, inter-personal issues. Through positive relationships they form with our staff, teens identify trusted adults and gain valuable role models who help them identify short-term and long-term life goals.

One of our major supporters, the Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation based in San Jose, has contributed $140,000 to Teen-FAST over the past seven years. The Shortino Foundation’s partnership has been critical to introducing the program to new sites and schools. With their support, we served hundreds of teen participants last fiscal year (568). The Shortino Foundation’s work focuses on high-impact services that strengthen K-12 students’ school success by building pathways for underserved students to meet their educational and career goals and contribute positively to the community. We have addressed our common priorities and work with Kim Guptill, Grants Manager. She recently shared:

“It is our honor to support you all. Your work is incredibly important,
and we appreciate the difference you make in our community!”

Private philanthropic investments have helped us to expand to 8 locations, while government support from the City of San Jose has been FAST’s main source of support. We launched Teen-FAST with the City of San Jose Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force funding and their grant allocations (annual budget) are now nearly $300,000.

Selected highlights for the Teen-FAST program:

Community support of Teen-FAST allowed us to reach teens in multiple community housing locations and schools. Despite shelter-in-place, staff adapted and lead virtual sessions.
Staff creatively supplied Santa Clara families with emergency supplies in May 2020. By leading virtual group sessions, our team oriented low-income families as to securing Internet access and supporting children in completing their schoolwork.
Teen-FAST programming is growing in its reach and popularity. Other local partners include the Morrison & Foerster Foundation, City of San Jose Parks & Recreation (for related summer programs), and in-kind help provided by staff of community housing sites and local schools.

We welcome inquiries from anyone interested in contributing to the program. Please send your questions to development@caminar.org, or call the Director of Grants at (650) 513-8767.