Local Resources

Humboldt County Programs for Children and Families

0-8 Mental Health Collaborative (0to8mhc.org)

  • Infant Massage
    0to8mhc.org/certified-educator-of-infant-massage-network

    • The program uses an internationally-recognized massage routine to support parent-infant communication, and positive parenting practices. Parents can learn more about their child's needs.
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Network/MotherWoman Support Groups
    0to8mhc.org/motherwoman-group-facilitators

    • Support groups meant to provide safe spaces for all women and mothers to provide pregnancy and postpartum education, build a community, support one another, etc.
  • Online Resources
    0to8mhc.org/resources-2

    • The 0-8 Mental Health Collaborative has an online collection of educational resources, ranging from parent-child relationships, to child development, risk and resilience, and early screening.

Arcata School District: Arcata After School (arcataafterschool.org)

  • Arcata Elementary After School
    • An afterschool program for children who attend Arcata Elementary School. There are learning activities and additional services to children in need of extra support with schoolwork. Children are also provided with free breakfast, lunch and a snack. The program is free to those who qualify for reduced lunches, and may have subsidized options for those who do not qualify.
  • Sunny Brae Middle School (SBMS) Roadrunners After Hours
    • An afterschool program for children who attend Sunny Brae Middle School, designed to allow children to build leadership skills and explore their interests. There are a variety of programs, such as ceramics, photography, cooking, coding etc. Children also have access to a study hall with CAL-Soap tutors and staff to support them.

Beginnings Inc. (beginningsbriceland.org)

  • Located in Briceland, it is a community-based educational and community service organization. Its schools include the Children's House, and Skyfish School.

Changing Tides Family Services (changingtidesfs.org)

  • Early Childhood BEARS Program
    changingtidesfs.org/node/291

    • The program is designed to support children in building engagement, attachment, self-worth and regulation skills, while also lowering parental stress. Families receive mental health services for children (ages 0-5). Referrals are made through the Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Access.
  • Early Head Start Child Care Partnership
    changingtidesfs.org/child-care/home-ed-net

    • The program assists children 0-4 and their families in their school readiness through comprehensive services (including assistance in accessing medical, dental, and mental health services), assistance in enrollment and accessing community resources, child care, regular assessments, and advocacy. Families will also have access to a Bilingual Family Services Specialist, and an Early Education Specialist. Children and families who are below the poverty line and enrolled in the Family Child Care Home Education Network (see below) are eligible, as well as families receiving public assistance, Social Security Income, have taken in a foster child, or are homeless.
  • Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN)
    changingtidesfs.org/child-care/home-ed-net

    • The program pays for a part of the cost of childcare with licensed caregivers. Providers attend ongoing professional development workshops, and provide a nutritious meal service at no additional expense. Families must apply through the Child Care Eligibility List at the above link, and must have a specific eligibility/need for care, be within a certain income bracket, or require care in order to prevent the occurance of child abuse.
  • Intensive Home Based Services (IHBS)
    changingtidesfs.org/node/290

    • Community-based, intensive, strength-based, and needs-driven activities that support children and youth's engagement and participation with others. It is meant to support the children and youth in developing skills and achieving set goals. Referrals are made from Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, Mental Health Branch, Children and Family Services.
  • In-home Respite Services
    changingtidesfs.org/developmental/in-home

    • One-on-one, at-home respite services designed to give families and/or caregivers of children and adults with developmental disabilities a break from their caregiving duties. Referrals are made by the Redwood Coast Regional Center.
  • Respite+ and Skills Acquisition Services
    changingtidesfs.org/developmental/behavioral

    • Specialized services for children and adults who have a developmental disability and behavior changes. The services are intensive and structured, and address families with limited access to other respite services due to chronic behaviors. The services are designed to support families in developing communication skills, and skills relevant to their daily needs. Referrals are made by the Redwood Coast Regional Center.
  • Special Needs Connection
    changingtidesfs.org/developmental/special-needs

    • Support for parents of newborns or very young children (ages 0-3) with or at risk of a developmental delay. The program offers emotional support, parent-to-parent networking, education, and activities for families.
  • Supported Parenting Program
    changingtidesfs.org/developmental/parenting-program

    • In-home, one-on-one support for families in which one parent has a developmental disability. The program includes parent education and classes, life skills education, and socialization skills. Referrals are made by the Redwood Coast Regional Center.
  • Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS)
    changingtidesfs.org/mental-health/therapeutic

    • Intensive, one-to-one services designed to support children, youth under 21 and families in managing behaviors using short-term, measurable goals. It is not a stand-alone service, and is provided alongside other behavioral health services. It is only available to children with full scope MediCAL. Referrals are made from Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, Mental Health Branch, Children and Family Services
  • Therapy, Case Management, and Rehabilitation
    changingtidesfs.org/mental-health/family-empowerment

    • Strength-based and community-based services to support children and families, with emphasis on positive mental health. Services include individual counseling, group counseling, family therapy, life skills development, services to reduce behaviors that impact success in school/child care, etc. Referrals are made through the Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Access.

Community Resource Centers (stjoehumboldt.org/for-community/community-resource-centers)

  • Resource centers assist families in accessing resources and referrals, programs for food insecurity, parent support, and necessary supplies (e.g. diapers, clothing and shoes, etc.). Some resource centers have programs specific to their location.

Eureka Union School District (eurekausd.org)

First 5 Humboldt Playgroups (first5humboldtdotorg.wordpress.com/for-families/playgroups)

  • First 5 funded playgroups build a community for local children and families. Playgroups are listed at the link above. First 5 Humboldt also offers workshops and professional development.

Healthy Kids Humboldt
(stjoehumboldt.org/for-community/healthy-kids-humboldt)

  • The program assists families with children (ages 0-19) in finding affordable healthcare. They also refer qualifying families to services and resources, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.

Healthy Moms Program
(humboldtgov.org/417/Healthy-Moms-Program)

  • A substance abuse disorder treatment program designed to support participants in becoming healthy and productive people and mothers. Women who are pregnant or have children 6 years or younger and meet medical necessity for outpatient or intensive outpatient substance abuse disorder treatment. On-site childcare is provided.

The Hoopa Tribal After-School Program (ASP) (hoopa-nsn.gov/departments/education-department/after-school-program)

  • Open to Native American families or children residing with a Native American guardian, the program offers cultural language and arts activities, arts and crafts, homework and reading assistance, health, safety and community awareness, and physical fitness activities to children.

Hoopa NohołDiniłayding-Niwho:ngxw (NDM) Center/Johnson O'Malley Center (hoopa-nsn.gov/departments/education-department/johnson-omalley)

  • Educational and cultural services designated for Hupa families. Includes in-school and after school tutoring, cultural and recreational activities, college preparation activities, camps, support, etc.

Hoopa Valley High School (hvhs.ktjusd.k12.ca.us)

  • California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Support After 12th Grade
    hvhs.ktjusd.k12.ca.us/Parents/CAHSEE-Support-After-12th-Grade

    • Students who have not passed the CAHSEE after 12th grade can receive up to 2 years of intensive instruction and services. English learners are entitled to receive support in English proficiency in order to pass the CAHSEE. Contact information in order to receive services are at the link.

Hoopa-Yurok Vocational Rehabilitation Program
(hoopa-nsn.gov/departments/education-department/vocational-rehabilitation-renewal)

  • Vocational rehabilitation services designated to eligible, enrolled members of federally recognized tribes within the service areas of Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The program supports those 16 years and older with disabilities in becoming employed. Those 18 years and older qualify for adult services.

Jack Norton Elementary School
(jnes.ktjusd.k12.ca.us, jnes.ktjusd.k12.ca.us/Programs--Services)

  • After School Tutoring
    Remedial instruction for students.
  • JOM Tutoring
    In-class remedial instruction for students.
  • Cross-Age Tutoring
    Upper and middle grade students partner up with primary grade students to provide an enriching experience to both individuals.

Jefferson Project (jefferson-project.org)

Klamath-Trinity Joint School District (ktjusd.k12.ca.us)

  • After School Education and Safety Program (ASES)
    ktjusd.k12.ca.us/Departments/ASES-Program

    • An afterschool program for students that involves homework assistance, tutoring, group activities, crafts, etc. It operates until 6 p.m. on school days.
  • Indian Education Program
    ktjusd.k12.ca.us/Departments/Indian-Education-Program/Program-Overview

    • An in-school program that works to meet the special needs and culturally-relevant education of Native American children. It implements lessons based on the culture and history of the local Hoopa, Yurok, and Karuk tribes.

Life Jacket Loan Program
(humboldtgov.org/1647/Life-Jacket-Loan-Program)

  • Life jackets are available to borrow at a list of locations on the website. Available jackets range from infant to adult sizes.

Mckinleyville High School: Boys to Men
(mckinleyvillehighschool.nohum.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1472917&type=d&pREC_ID=2090986)

  • As a voluntary empowerment group, the program supports the well-being of male-identified individuals at Mckinleyville High School. It meets weekly, and works to develop strong peer-to-peer relationships between students, foster a sense of community, and prepare boys for their transition into men.

New Directions of Humboldt Foster Family Association
(humboldtgov.org/537/Foster-Parent-Resources)

  • Located in Eureka, members have access to support groups, trainings, advocacy, etc. for foster families.

Northcoast Children's Services (ncsheadstart.org)

  • The program offers Early Head Start and Head Start preschools for infants and young children, as well as an Early Head Start Home Based Preschool that occurs within the families' homes in preparation for kindergarten to low income families. Pregnant women can receive support from a Home Visitor based on their needs. The program supports families by securing resources (e.g. food security, housing, counseling), facilitating parental education (e.g. workshops, classes, nutrition), in supporting children's physical and mental health, child development, and children with special needs.

North Coast Resource Hub (resourcehub.nchiin.org)

  • An online resource that lists the many resources, programs, and services available in the North Coast. The website is still in development (as of May 2021), but contains a substantial amount of resources available by search. Many of the resources on the website are also present in this document, however there may be listed resources not in this document that can address a family's specific needs.

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
(humboldtgov.org/578/Nurse-Family-Partnership)

  • A free, voluntary program in which low-income mothers are partnered with nurses as early as 28 weeks until their child's 2nd birthday. The nurses address mothers' questions and concerns during pregnancy and prepare them for child birth. Includes home visits.

Paso a Paso (Step by Step)
(stjoehumboldt.org/for-community/paso-a-paso-step-by-step)

  • The program offers preventative information and support to Latino families through childbirth and breastfeeding education and support, resource referrals, home visits, support groups, etc. All of their services are free.

South Bay Union School District: EXPLORE After School Program
(southbayunionca.apptegy.us/o/south-bay-usd/page/afterschool--7)

  • An after school program that includes arts and crafts, games, sports, study time, homework assistance and free time. It is available to all schools within the district.

Transport Assistance Program
(humboldtgov.org/530/Transportation-Assistance-Program)

  • Support is provided for families and individuals who are relocating to an area in which they can receive support from friends or family, employment opportunities, and other means to reach self-sufficiency. Participants will receive a nonrefundable one-way ticket to a predetermined location, a meal allowance and, in some cases, a fuel allowance.

Two Feathers Native American Family Services
(twofeathers-nafs.org)

  • Behavioral Health Services
    twofeathers-nafs.org/programs/behavioral-health

    • Trauma-informed counseling for children and adolescents, assessments and evaluations for mental health, and therapy and psychotherapy are offered. Life skills education, anger management, and stress management are also available.
  • California Reducing Health Disparities, California Department of Public Health: 2Feathers Flower Dance/Stick Game Project
    twofeathers-nafs.org/programs/youth-wellness

    • Part of a 5 year project that evaluates the mental health prevention and early intervention impacts of the culturally specific Flower Dance and Stick Game Project. The Flower Dance is a coming of age ceremony for young women taking place on Tribal Lands, with community involvement. The Stick Game Project is an inter-Tribal competition for American Indian Boys, and men and women of all generations come to watch.
  • A.C.O.R.N Youth Wellness Program
    • Note: The website states that they are not accepting new intakes.
      The program has three parts:

      1. Making It Stronger Program (ages 9-16): Children learn about the acronym A.C.O.R.N, and it's spiritual, mental, physical and cultural connections to daily life. There are 5 workshops on exercise, nutrition, culture, and language.
      2. Stick Game Camp and Practices for youth boys: Taking place in mid-summer, young boys are taught how to play Sticks.
      3. Workshops for youth girls: Taking place in the late summer, young girls are taught about the aspects of the Flower Dance.
  • Klamath Trinity - Two Feathers Youth Wellness Program
    • Native youth and their families are provided with a multi-system and family centered approach to provide evidence-based and comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs. Culture based programming and wellness groups will be implemented into Klamath Trinity Unified School District schools.
  • Making Relatives Coastal Program
    • Children are assisted in building a team of relatives that includes family, community members, and professional providers. The team works with youth to reconnect to cultural values and practices, as well as traditional life skills. The program is in-home, and connects the family to community-based services, educational supports, and provides crisis response.

United Indian Health Services (unitedindianhealthservices.org)

Wild Souls Ranch (wild-souls-ranch.org)

  • Equine Assisted Learning
    wild-souls-ranch.org/equine-assisted-learning

    • Children of all ages engage in the tasks and routines of caring for and riding horses as tools for emotional growth and learning. The program is designed for children with trauma.
  • Wraparound
    wild-souls-ranch.org/wraparound

    • The program is designed for adopted youth, typically those at-risk of being moved to a higher level of care, and their families. Using horses and a team of family members and allies, a safe environment is created for children to address trauma, communication skills, relationship building, etc.
  • Colt Starting
    wild-souls-ranch.org/coltstarting

    • Three at-risk teenagers in the community (ages 15-18) work alongside a trainer and assistant trainer in the colt starting process for about 60 days total, 3-5 days a week. Children will be given the chance to process their educational and emotional experiences, while also building trust, perseverance, communication skills, etc.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program
(humboldtgov.org/657/Women-Infants-Children-WIC)

  • Provides income-eligible pregnant, nonpregnant and breastfeeding women, and children under 5 years with health and lifestyle information, breastfeeding information, specialty checks for healthy foods from specified locations, etc.

Weitchpec Elementary School: Yurok Magnet Program
(ktjusd.k12.ca.us/Departments/Indian-Education-Program/Yurok-Magnet-Program-at-Weitchpec-Elementary)

  • A public school that maintains an academic base with a Yurok focus. The program is open to all Kindergarten-3rd grade students in the Klamath-Trinity Joint School District.

The Yurok Tribe (yuroktribe.org, yuroktribe.org/ss-links-content)

  • Child Care Assistance
    • Social Services can provide child care assistance to tribal members that are currently employed and meet income guidelines.
  • Head Start
    yuroktribe.nsn.us/departments/education/YTHeadStart.htm

    • Cultural development, cognitive development, socialization, physical and mental health, and nutritional needs, with a goal to prepare children for everyday life and the transition into public school.
  • Higher Education Program
    yuroktribe.nsn.us/departments/education/HigherEdAVT.htm

    • A program designed to support and promote Tribal members in pursuing higher education.
  • The Johnson O'Malley Program (J.O.M.)
    yuroktribe.nsn.us/departments/education/JOM.htm

    • Tutoring, cultural/language enrichment, student sponsorships, achievement recognition activities, etc. meant to provide supplemental education support services for Yurok tribal member students.
  • Nutritional Assistance
    • Nutritional assistance to low income tribal members in Humboldt, Del Norte and Curry counties. Similarly, Social Services maintains two community gardens and provides fish to elders. Nutritional classes that focus on gathering, preparing and preserving traditional foods are also available.
  • Parenting Services
    • Parenting classes and support for Yurok tribal members.
  • Yurok Youth
    yuroktribe.org/yurok-youth

    • After school activities and other prevention and development activities meant to help young people develop healthy and productive lifestyles. One-on-one sessions are offered for self esteem building, teen pregnancy, alcohol abuse, dating violence and meth prevention.