Posts Tagged as "merced"

Health Advocates Warn Federal Policies Can Hurt Immigrants’ Health

June 9, 2017 /

Above: Dozens of residents gathered in Winton earlier this year for one of several Know Your Rights events hosted by community groups and immigrant advocates throughout Merced County. Read More

We’Ced Weighs In: Celebrating Mom

May 12, 2017 /

(Photo courtesy of Aaliyah Lannerd) By We’Ced Youth Media We’Ced asked our youth reporters, coworkers, friends and family members about the special role maternal figures play in their lives. Read More

Merced mental health community working to build awareness for youth services

May 11, 2017 /

This recent spike builds upon an older trend of Merced’s youth reporting higher-than-average rates of depression or hopelessness. According to 2011-2013 data from online research tool Kidsdata, minority teens in Merced County report feelings of depression at higher rates than statewide peer groups. The numbers are based on responses from 7th, 9th and 11th grade students who reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more.

Third annual Cesar Chavez Event Highlights Tradition of Community Organizing in Merced

April 7, 2017 /

Dozens of families, activists and young people came out to participate in Merced’s third annual Cesar Chavez march; walking down the city’s Martin Luther King Boulevard while holding signs displaying their support for undocumented rights and the continued protection of farm workers. “We’re very happy with the event,” said Jesse Ornelas, community organizer and member of the local chapter of the Brown Berets. “We got the community to come out and talk about issues that were relevant to South Merced and the farmworker community in general in this area.”

Safety in Merced is Not Just a Police Issue

April 5, 2017 /

There are many stories of people who are afraid to go outside in the daytime, of youth who are mistaken for gang members and attacked. This is what our city has come to, and it's been this way for as long as I can remember. In order to change this, we need real investment from the city. Light posts need to be added in neighborhoods that are without them, parks need to be maintained, and pedestrians need sidewalks. These are the most basic elements that allow residents to feel safe in their neighborhoods. Without them, how can anyone feel safe?

Corrupted Adolescence

April 3, 2017 /

The kids of this new neighborhood only cared about his street credibility: where he was from and what drugs he took. Teachers only cared about his prior education and how his grades were above average. This boy will refuse to make friends and keep to himself, focusing strictly on education. Until mom's too busy working to notice his 3.0 grade point average or achievements. The boy then realizes he has no achievements, or friends. His grades don't bring that release of dopamine anymore. His teenage mind is his worst enemy.

Merced foster youth, advocates push for change in school funding priorities

March 13, 2017 /

Above: Sabrina Abong shows off her high school diploma after graduating from Los Banos High School. Read More

Boys & Girls Club Now Open to Merced Youth on Saturdays

February 17, 2017 /

Above: (Photo by Hannah Esqueda) Members of the Boys & Girls Club of Merced County play games during a rainy afternoon. Read More

State of Merced talk glosses over youth funding

February 13, 2017 /

At the talk, Murphy repeatedly described his vision of a bright future for Merced, but failed to share much detail on how the city planned to improve its record on youth investment. City leaders have previously been criticized for slashing youth-program funding, investing about $13,000 annually in youth programs in recent years. Murphy said that the city recently added more resources to McNamara and Stephen Leonard Parks, enabling the city to serve thousands of families through academic and recreational resources.

Community Roundtable Puts Spotlight on Scams Targeting Valley Communities

January 19, 2017 /

While anyone can fall prey to a scam artist, officials say immigrant, low-income and minority communities in the Central San Joaquin Valley are among the most frequently targeted by fraud. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with the U.S. government make them attractive targets for would-be scammers. Undocumented communities are especially vulnerable, with fears of deportation preventing victims from interacting with authorities.