Thrive received grants from the Sequoia Healthcare District and Peninsula Health Care District to develop COAD Issue Area Committees that will support planning and risk reduction initiatives in the areas of Children and Childcare; Older Adults and Access and Functional Needs (AFN); Mental Health and Spiritual Care; and Food Security. We are grateful to the Sequoia Healthcare District and Peninsula Health Care District for their generous support in making this initiative possible.
We are currently recruiting chairs and members to lead the issue area committees. Nonprofits, congregations, community organizations, and agencies with expertise or interest in these issue areas are encouraged to join. If you are interested in joining a committee, please fill out our form and contact cindy@thrivealliance.org with any questions.
We were thrilled to kick off our Learning Community last week, and are excited to bring them together for a day of learning in person next week! As part of the Thriving Nonprofit Workforce Initiative, the Learning Community is designed to strengthen the capacity of San Mateo County small to mid-sized nonprofits in recruitment and retention.
Thrive is committed to highlighting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities always and especially during this time. We have created a new Post-Election Resources section to Thrive Weekly to do just that. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each others' loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities.
Resource Fair: A Community Event To Support Immigrant Community Members
UndocuSupport Initiative will be hosting a Resource Fair on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Fair Oaks Community Center at 2600 Middlefield Rd. The Resource Fair is an event to support immigrant community members to learn about their rights, what to do if you come across ICE, how to distinguish ICE from law enforcement, guidance on filling out family-preparedness plans, and community resources. Dinner and childcare will be provided.
SMC Rapid Response Network: 24/7 Support
The SMC Rapid Response Network has a 24/7 hotline to respond to reports about ICE activity in the county. We encourage people to call with any reports about ICE activity in our community, with the intention of providing support to detained individuals and their families.
When notified, the Rapid Response Network collaborates with the individuals who made the report through the Hotline and sends responders to the site of the incident as quickly as possible. If an ICE arrest and detention are confirmed, they activate the Network’s attorneys, who respond on an emergency basis, aiming to provide legal support to the detained that same day. The Network also provides material support and accompaniment to the families of people who have been detained: www.SmcRapidResponse.org
Upcoming Trainings on Know Your Rights and Immigration Support
Comité Latino and collaborating organizations are hosting ongoing training sessions and networking events focused on constitutional rights and immigration topics to support immigrant communities and vulnerable populations. Monthly gatherings will continue on the second Tuesday of each month, covering topics such as Labor Rights, Law Enforcement, and Health Services. Additionally, there is a Rapid Responder Training organized by the Santa Clara Rapid Response Network, aimed at equipping participants to serve as legal observers during ICE activities, and resources like Red Cards and Know Your Rights handouts are available through the San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs. For registration or more information, contact Ruben Abrica.
Comprehensive Immigrant Legal Resources and Support Services in San Mateo County
The County of San Mateo Office of Community Affairs is addressing community concerns about safety and anxiety related to public charge and mass deportations by providing updated resources on their revamped website. They will continue to share information via social media and keep partners informed about available County resources.
From the Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Please join the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) for Immigration Briefings 2025. The ILRC will host one-hour briefings every other week during the first six months of 2025 to provide legal service providers and advocates updates about changes to immigration policy and practice. Register here.
Know Your Rights: A California Train-the-Trainer Toolkit: this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center is aimed at providing community organizations and partners with the tools to provide valuable know your rights (KYR) information. This toolkit will teach you how to do a KYR presentation, including everything from the logistics of organizing an event to the substantive topics you should cover.
Everyone Belongs Here: this is a new resource to help California health care providers, settings, and systems to provide care that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for immigrants and refugees. Learn more and access the toolkit here.
Rapid Response Hotline: If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA). Learn more and get printable materials at this link.
Family Preparedness Plan (English/Spanish): this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center helps families prepare for immigration-related emergencies. The toolkit goes into detail about different childcare options available in case of an absent parent, where to find trusted immigration services in your community, and how to prepare to assert your constitutional rights in the presence of an immigration officer. Download a copy in English or Spanish on this page.
We Have Rights: these multilingual videos show how community members can respond in a variety of scenarios involving immigration enforcement officials.
Find Legal Assistance | County of San Mateo, CA - Free and low cost immigration service providers, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) resources, housing legal services, employment legal services, DACA resources and more.
Keep your Benefits - Get the facts about public charge & immigration, including a guide to see if public benefits could affect different immigration options.
Immigrant Services Resources and Information - Includes community and mental health resources, translation & interpretation services and information about the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA).
LIBRE — The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County - Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources & Education (LIBRE) LIBRE provides legal advice and representation related to: Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), CalWORKs, Social Security/SSI/CAPI, U Visa (immigration relief for crime survivors), VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), SIJS (immigration relief for minor survivors of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment) and certain other immigration cases.
Thrive Featured Partners Announcements
Understanding Nonprofit Needs: Join the 2025 National Survey
The Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) is conducting its tenth national survey in collaboration with EVITARUS and Ambit 360, aimed at exploring the evolving priorities and needs of the sector over the past 15 years. Scheduled to take approximately 25-35 minutes, the 2025 Survey seeks insights into your organization’s financial situation, staffing, and the communities you serve, alongside various opportunities and challenges. Participation is voluntary and fully confidential, with results reported only in aggregated, anonymized form, set to be publicly available in June 2025 to support advocacy for nonprofits.
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting Agenda: Board Retreat
A Special Meeting - Board Retreat of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 8:00 AM at the College of San Mateo. The agenda includes discussions on the future of housing and artificial intelligence, along with a resolution to allocate up to $9 million for a 100% affordable housing project in Menlo Park, contingent upon funding approvals by relevant agencies. Public comments will be limited to agenda items, and individuals requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the Deputy Clerk in advance.
Funding Opportunity: Listos California Statewide Grant Program for Disaster Preparedness
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has announced the FY 2024-25 Listos California Statewide Grant Program, offering $2,250,000 in competitive funding to support nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that serve at least 10 counties. This program aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response in communities at moderate to high risk of disasters, particularly those serving diverse populations disproportionately affected by emergencies. Organizations may request up to $750,000, with proposals due by 5:00 PM (PDT) on April 8, 2025. An Application Training webinar will take place on March 12, 2025, for applicants interested in learning more about the program and the application process. Anyone interested in attending the training webinar should email ListosGrants@caloes.ca.gov and request an invite.
San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture: Women's View 2025 Art Exhibition
Sun, March 9, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, In-Person
Please join the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, the Arts Commission, and the Commission on the Status of Women to celebrate the art exhibition, Women’s View 2025. In celebration of Women’s History Month, this exhibition highlights the diverse and talented women artists who live or work in San Mateo County. Enjoy this large show with over 70 artworks, meet the artists, and enjoy refreshments. This is a juried show; remarks and awards begin at 2:00 PM.
Joint Venture Silicon Valley: 2025 State of the Valley
Fri, March 7, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, In-Person
The State of the Valley is a traditional town hall meeting organized by Joint Venture, bringing together a diverse group of participants, including citizens, thought leaders, journalists, students, elected representatives, and business leaders. The meeting fosters dialogue on regional challenges and opportunities, using the Silicon Valley Index—a respected publication since 1995—that provides critical data regarding the economy and community health, aiming to inform decision-making.
Explore the world of Electric Vehicles (EVs) at an upcoming event where attendees can test drive or ride various models. You’ll have the chance to experience multiple vehicles, learn about charging and financial incentives, and enjoy e-bikes. To participate, simply reserve a time slot and present your license upon arrival. After your test drive, complete a post-survey to receive a food voucher for the taco/burrito truck on-site. Walk-ins are welcome, but drivers must be 21 or older to drive, while riders of any age can join. Check out the latest EV offerings and engage in fun activities like the scavEVenger hunt!
Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) is hosting the Activate Your Impact (AYI) Policy Summit this year with the theme of Building Resilience & Resistance, addressing the challenges posed by federal overreach and local budget shortfalls that threaten advancements in racial justice and equity. The summit will feature a keynote address by Attorney General Rob Bonta, who will discuss his office's role in protecting community safety and civil rights. Participants can expect insightful panels covering current nonprofit policy issues, cross-sector responses to defend community values, and workshops on developing policy agendas rooted in community voices. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees.
On the Radar: The SAVE Act, State Laws, & Other Policies Impacting Nonprofits
Wed, March 19, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Virtual
Join Nonprofit VOTE for "On the Radar," an important webinar focused on helping nonprofits navigate the recent surge of policy changes that affect the sector. The last several weeks have seen a flurry of updates at both federal and state levels, creating challenges for organizations trying to stay informed. This event will feature a panel of fellow 501c3 organizations and policy experts who are keeping an eye on critical developments, including the SAVE Act and freezes on federal grant funds. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these changes impact voter engagement efforts. Panel members will include Andrew Garber from the Brennan Center for Justice and Elena Langworthy from State Voices. Those interested are encouraged to RSVP to ensure they receive the webinar recording and slides automatically.
.png?upscale=true&width=220&upscale=true&name=grovefoundation_logo_200x133%20(1).png){kind=logo}
