San Juan Unified’s Community Care Hub brings resources and holiday support to families

San Juan Unified School District hosted its third Community Care Hub of the 2025-26 school year on Nov. 20 at San Juan High School, welcoming families from across the district for a free event connecting them with essential resources to support student success. This hub focused on health and wellness, and offered families the chance to engage with district programs, community programs and on-site services.

Families received a variety of supplies, including food boxes, diapers, coats, hygiene products, learning-at-home tools and more. As part of this year’s holiday food assistance, grocery store gift cards and non-perishable holiday sides were also distributed. 

Attendees shared how much the support meant to them. Bella Romero, an Oakview Elementary parent, said the resources her family received will make a real difference. 

“The diapers and food are beneficial to us. We save money by not having to buy as much, and all of this is a great help,” she said. She encourages others to attend, noting, “It is a great resource. I recommend it to other families.”

Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Luis Cruz Solache said the strong turnout, an estimated 100-150 families, reinforces the value of the Community Care Hubs.

“Seeing families from across the district attend these events is incredibly uplifting, and it is inspiring to know that families can receive resources that they need,” he said. “It’s a great reminder of why we do this work, which is to help every family feel supported and every student feel set up for success.”

Cruz Solache also highlighted the broader mission behind the event.

“Hosting events like the Community Care Hub is important because it demonstrates family engagement in action and creates accessible pathways to support our students and families. By creating a welcoming environment, we are showing our commitment to the success of the whole child and the whole family.”

He added that collaboration is at the heart of the hub’s success. 

“It’s a true example of partnership between schools, district departments and community organizations coming together to help families access supports that make a difference in their lives.”

Partners in attendance included 211 Sacramento, Community Healthworks, MISI Community Solutions, Pacific Clinics, River Oak Center, SacKids Dentistry, Sacramento County Office of Education and Single Mom Strong. San Juan Unified programs in attendance included Adult Education, Prevention Programs, Early Childhood Education, Meraki High School and American Indian Education Program. Volunteers were from El Camino Fundamental High School, San Juan High School, the San Juan Education Foundation and Kiwanis.

Volunteer Sadaf Qadery, a senior at El Camino Fundamental High School, reflected on the event and how meaningful the experience was.

“I think events like this bring everyone closer to each other. It unifies everyone and spreads kindness,” she said. “After I volunteer, I feel so happy. I know I used my day to the fullest and made an impact in the community.”

Families are invited to the next Community Care Hub on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Arden Middle School, which will offer support for open enrollment and learning at home.

The Community Care Hub supports San Juan Unified’s strategic directions. By creating spaces where every family, regardless of background, identity or ability, can access the resources and support they need, the hub helps ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.