SUCCESS STORIES

There are some people whose impact can never be measured by years alone. There was laughter. There were tears. There were stories spanning decades. And there was one unforgettable comment from a young participant that perfectly captured the spirit of the day. When Mar Smith told the youth she serves that she would soon be retiring after 36 years at Fred Finch, the participant had an immediate question. "Permanently?" "Yes," Mar replied. "Permanently." After thinking for a mom

To protect the privacy of the family, names have been changed. When Maria first connected with Fred Finch Youth & Family Services, she was doing her best to support her son Gabriel, an autistic youth with behavioral health and developmental support needs, while navigating complex needs and limited access to resources. Like many parents, she deeply loved her child but often felt unsure of how to find and coordinate the right supports at the right time. Over time, her family’s

We are proud to announce that our Wraparound program has achieved California High Fidelity Wraparound Certified status. This certification, issued by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) through the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice (RCFFP), recognizes our alignment with California’s standards for High Fidelity Wraparound and our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, family-centered, evidence-based care. High Fidelity Wraparound is a family

“Adelante” means moving forward—and that’s exactly what our Fred Finch Center for Autism Research Evaluation and Service (CARES) has been doing in Imperial County. We’re proud to celebrate the successful completion of our Adelante program, a Spanish English bilingual Behavior Education and Skills Training (BEST) initiative designed to expand access to culturally responsive behavioral health services while creating meaningful career pathways for local community members. Wi

When Kayla (a pseudonym used to protect privacy) began meeting with a therapist through Fred Finch Youth & Family Services’ School-Based Services at Antioch High School , she was carrying more than most teenagers should. Kayla had experienced significant loss and instability in recent years, including a house fire that displaced her family. Living in close quarters with extended family brought added stress, and tensions at home often left her feeling overwhelmed. At school,

Last month, our Oakland campus came alive with laughter, splashes, and smiles as we celebrated the start of the new school year with a...

At this year’s 10th Annual Impact Celebration , we were honored to highlight the heart of our mission through the story of one of our...

Large outbursts in class, trouble focusing during tests, and difficulty making friends, these were some of the signs that Tram was...

When Ana first started 6th grade , everything felt overwhelming. The hallways were louder, the classes were harder, and the familiar...

At Fred Finch, we believe that meaningful change often begins with a single act of kindness—and a strong community behind it. One recent...

A Mental Health Ice Bucket Challenge Story What started as one courageous act has become a powerful movement across Fred Finch. During...

Growing up without parents, I didn’t learn what most people take for granted—how to give affection, how to set boundaries, how to feel...

One of our participants, Aeris, turned a challenging moment into a ripple of awareness and connection when she invited Fred Finch staff...

Avalon Non-Public School graduation Earlier this month, we celebrated the remarkable success of Jalen (a pseudonym), a young man who has...

Avalon Non-Public School graduation At Avalon Non-Public School, we witness incredible stories of growth and resilience. Adrian’s journey...

When 21 year-old Chara learned that she was pregnant, she was addicted to methamphetamine. Driven by thoughts of the health of her future...

By the time the Spanish-speaking Martinez family reached out to Alameda County Central Therapeutic Behavior Services, 9 year-old Veronica...

JR, at twelve years old, was in his 13th placement in nearly six years. He had lived in his present home for almost a year; the growing...

Dee came to Fred Finch when she was 16 years old after multiple hospitalizations for self-injurious behavior. Abused and neglected by her...