Adults

Adult education opens doors to stable employment and other opportunities. The UpValley Family Centers and its partners help students succeed by providing evening classes, self-paced learning options, and free childcare during class hours.

Adult Education

Free ESL Classes

English as a Second Language classes are offered in Calistoga in partnership with Napa Valley Community College. Childcare is provided by UpValley Family Centers staff

Plaza Comunitaria – Spanish Literacy

In partnership with the Mexican Government we offer Plaza Comunitaria, adult classes in Spanish language literacy, basic education and ESL classes. These are designed for those who desire a better education for better opportunities, and may achieve basic and secondary education certificates, which areaccredited by the Mexican Secretary of Public Education.

These classes allow adults who immigrated to the U.S. to work towards higher levels of education based on their last grade attended. Upon completion of each grade level, students receive recognition of completion from the Mexican Consulate. Classes are offered in Spanish with a certified teacher. All levels are welcome, elementary, middle and high school levels. GED classes are also offered. Child care is provided. This program is offered in Calistoga, and is free and open to all adults interested in the program.

Building and Construction Trades

Together with Napa Valley Adult Education, Napa Valley College, On the Move, and the Calistoga Joint Unified School District, we offer a Building & Construction Trades program that trains participants for employment in a stable and in-demand industry. Details about the program:

  • No construction experience is needed
  • Provides certification in the basics of construction through the National Center for Construction Education and Research
  • Provides OSHA 10 certification – the basic health and safety training needed for entry-level construction work
  • Provides incentives for those who complete the program
  • Connects students to further education and employers

For more information call our office or contact Karen at kgarcia@upvalleyfamilycenters.org

Financial Resources and Services

Financial Coaching

From budgeting assistance to guidance on ways to build credit, our team can help you identify a path towards greater levels of financial stability. Our certified Financial Fitness Coaches can work with you to set and achieve goals through financial case management services. For more information, contact Tania at tlopez@upvalleyfamilycenters.org

Walk-in Payment Services

Come by our office in St. Helena to pay a bill that is due through our convenient walk-in payment service. Bring a check or cash and we will process the payment and provide you with a receipt. PGE bills are processed for free. Other fees may apply depending on the company receiving payment. The process of the payments can take up to three business days.

Financial Education Workshops

UVFC partners with local banks to provide free presentations and workshops to the Upper Valley community on financial education topics such as budgeting, credit, fraud, and more.

Tax Preparation

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) – FREE TAX PREPARATION

We provide households with free tax preparation assistance during tax season (January – April) through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The UpValley Family Centers VITA team members are IRS-certified to provide free expert tax preparation services for income-qualifying households. The service helps tax-payers to maximize refunds – including Earned Income and Child Care Tax Credit claims.

For more information contact Karen at kgarcia@upvalleyfamilycenters.org

Disaster Preparedness

Emergency Aid

Our Emergency Assistance Program provides support for local individuals and families in times of crisis. Aid can come in the form of tangible goods, or in monetary aid. While our funding is limited, we also can help identify other resources that may be available.

Community Leadership

Promotores

Promotores de Salud (Health Promoters in Spanish) are grassroots community members who volunteer their time and have been trained in health-related topics.  They build trust and reach isolated community members. Promotores are powerful advocates for individual and community transformation.  They connect people with resources and advocate for needs they see in their community. If you are interested in becoming a Promotora, please visit our volunteer page

Adelante

Adelante is a parent leadership group in the community of Calistoga. Adelante formed in 2016 after a town hall meeting, with the vision of making Calistoga a healthier, safer and happier place to live. For more information contact Omaira at obaptista@upvalleyfamilycenters.org   

Information and Resource Referrals

Guided Referrals

UVFC guided referrals link clients to partner organizations that promote individuals’ well-being.

  • Mental Health
  • Financial Health
  • Housing Rights
  • Physical Health
  • Safety-Net Resources

APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

Our Community Liaisons and other staff are available to provide you with guidance or assistance in completing applications for benefits or resources. Application assistance includes

  • unemployment benefits
  • housing
  • disability benefits
  • employment
  • and more

Please note that there are specific applications that our staff are not trained to complete.

ONSITE RESOURCES THROUGH PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

We host onsite partners to provide services

  • Community Health Initiative (CHI) appointments are available Upvalley during open enrollment season. CHI assists all Napa County residents to enroll in health insurance including Medi-Cal, Covered California, Private Individual and Family Plans and Medicare. For eligibility, they serve all ages and all incomes regardless of immigration status. There are no fees for their services.

 

  • Medi-Cal and CalFresh application assistance is available at our Washington Street office (1705 Washington Street, Suite G, Calistoga, CA 9451). Any renewals for Medi-Cal may be completed and faxed from our St. Helena center (1440 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574) to Health and Human Services Agency.

LINKAGE TO HEALTH SERVICES

UVFC staff can assist you with eligibility screening, and provide resource referrals to enroll in health insurance and/or to access covered care for physical, mental, and dental health needs.

Starting January 1, 2024, a new law in California will allow individuals between ages 26 and 49 to qualify for full-scope Medical regardless of their immigration status, and assets will no longer be counted. UVFC has staff members who are trained to complete new or renew Medi-Cal applications. We partner with Napa County Health and Human Services staff to address complex cases.

Looking for more services? Learn about our other programs