Care Ministry Resources

Saratoga Federated Church

Local Agencies and Services

If you are aware of other highly useful community services that address the needs below, please send their names and contact information to our Care Team. A brief assessment of what they do best would also be helpful. Please email the Care Team or call (408) 867-1000, ext. 239.

SCRIPTURES

God’s word encourages our healing journey. Jesus declared that he fulfilled this prophesy:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2, 58:6, 42:7) 

Jesus healed all the sick who came to him and instructed his followers to do the same. While we don’t always see instant healings, we trust God expectantly as we obey him in the moment to listen and care for his people.

Check back soon for a list of Scriptures related to healing.

RESOURCES

Our prayer team and staff pray weekly for prayer requests brought to the Care Team. It is important that the one being prayed for give permission for prayer. We can also pray for someone anonymously. Contact care@saratogafederated.org. All requests are kept confidential.

Biblically based healing resources abound. The first place to start is with God’s word. What does he say about healing for today? Many people have been hurt when seeking healing and being told they don’t have enough faith or have sin in their life. While Jesus did say to a few, “your faith has healed you,” and another “stop sinning,” this is not a requirement for healing. 

EVENTS

InSpirit Healing Rooms prayer is available via email and Zoom. Jesus brings us healing and hope in all situations! Let us know how you would like God to heal you or a loved one at our confidential email inspiritprayer@yahoo. com. A team of two will pray for you and then email you words of encouragement and scripture verses that God puts on our hearts for you or your loved one. You can also request live prayer by Zoom. We meet every second Saturday from 4 to 6 PM in Los Altos, and every fourth Sunday from 2 to 4 PM virtually until we can return to Saratoga Federated Church in person. Healing Rooms serve people all over the world and can be found through the International Association of Healing Rooms website.

Dial 2-1-1  for excellent care response and comprehensive referral service. This is a free, non-emergency, telephone service that connects callers with hundreds of community services. A trained, caring professional fields calls 24 hours a day, identifies needs and makes referrals for basic needs, counseling, health services, employment assistance, child & elder care, immigration assistance and much more.

This number is a superb resource for those who have multiple survival needs and difficulty navigating the labyrinth of public and private social services.

Saratoga Federated Church  –  (408) 867-1000 x239

for Safeway cards: Given to those who qualify on Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:30 pm while they last. It is best to call, and ask the Care Team if cards are still available before making a trip there. Limitations: Only 1 person per family can receive a voucher. Maximum assistance is 2 times in 12 months. Minimum of 90 days between assistance dates.  

Food Connection  –  (800) 984-3663  

www.shfb.org

for food assistance: Open Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm has information on Hot Meal programs as well as grocery programs in the county

Sunnyvale Community Services  – (408) 738-4321

www.svcommunityservices.org

Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen  – (408) 922-9085

www.loavesfishes.org

CalFresh Program – (408) 271-5600 or 877-962-3633

www.sccgov.org

Senter Road Office, San Jose

State of California  “My Benefits CalWin” – (877) 847-3663

where residents learn about and apply for medical, food, and cash assistance programs  

www.mybenefitscalwin.org

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – (888) 942-9675

www.cdph.ca.gov/

Santa Clara County Assistance Application Center  – (408) 271-5600

www.sccgov.org

for food assistance, health coverage, financial assistance

City Team  – (408) 232-5600

www.cityteam.org

for hot meals, shelter for homeless; recovery for addiction; family assistance; assist pregnant women in crisis.

Life Moves: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness  – (408) 271-1630 for women and (408) 271-5160 for men without children

lifemoves.org (formerly InnVision)

for emergency shelters and programs to aid people in transition.

HomeFirst Homeless Helpline  – (408) 975-1440 or (408) 510-7600

www.homefirstscc.org

City of San Jose Housing Department

www.sjhousing.org

San Jose Homeless Resource Guide (PDF)

San Jose Affordable rental housing for families and seniors

Sacred Heart Community Services  – (408) 278-2160

www.shcstheheart.org

West Valley Community Services  – (408) 255-8033      

www.wvcommunityservices.org

for housing assistance, family support services such as referrals, food, clothing, shelter, affordable housing, financial assistance and case management.

PG&E Assistance – (800) 743-5000

for need based relief. Ask for a senior supervisor

www.pge.com

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) –  (916) 576-7109

https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx

for help paying utility bills

Government Programs and Resources  

California Employment Development Department (EDD) –  (800) 300-5616 for information on unemployment insurance benefits, labor market, jobs, training, health coverage, unemployment insurance, benefits, filing a claim, and COBRA. Department website provides essential practical information.  www.edd.ca.gov

NOVA Workforce Development – Job Seeker Resources

for motivation through education. They enable jobseekers to transition back into the workforce by providing new skills, connections, information, and opportunities.

www.novaworks.org

NOVA Job Center

505 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 550

Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(408) 730-7232 

NOVA Job Center

1777 Borel Place, Suite 500

San Mateo

(650) 581-0058

NOVA Youth Employment Program

www.youthatwork.org  

505 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 630

Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(408) 568-7776

Email: youngadults@novaworks.org

 

work2future 

for job seeker coaching and training. The local administrative arm of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) features: talent coaches, workshops, training classes, and other job seeker services. 

www.work2future.biz

San José Job Center

Kirk Community Center

1601 Foxworthy Ave,

San José, CA 95118

408.794.1100

 

North San José Job Center

California EDD

1901 Zanker Road

San José, CA 95134

(408) 216-6200

 

Gilroy Job Center

South County Social Services

379 Tomkins Ct.

Gilroy, CA 95020

(408) 758-3477

CTC Partner Affiliate – ConXión to Community

749 Story Road

San Jose,CA 95122

(408) 213-0961

work2future Youth Training Center

2072 Lucretia Avenue

San Jose, CA 95122

(408) 794-1234

CSIX Connect 

for mutual encouragement and self-education through selected guest trainers. Networking support group that helps individuals in career transition to significantly improve their job search success through education, in-person networking, and mutual support. Agenda includes new member introductions, job lead announcements, contact requests, and networking time. See three locations below. Check website for programs and registration. 

www.csix.org/

Networking Lunch (Note: all meetings are held online via Zoom until further notice. See website for meeting details.)

Saratoga Federated Church

20390 Park Place

Saratoga, CA

(408) 867-1000

Every Thursday 10:00am to 1:00pm

Cost: $5

Career Actions Ministry

offers hope and encouragement to anyone who is facing the of job transition. Once a month, we have a large group meeting which provides practical training on job search skills and networking. CAM is for both job seekers and employed “Good Samaritans” who want to help.

Large group meetings typically held second and fourth Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am

1677 Miramonte Ave, Mountain View Campus, Fellowship Hall (via Zoom until further notice – see website)

menlo.church/mountainview/group/careeractions

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center  –  (408) 885-5000

751 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128

For underinsured or low income patients. Direct those with non-urgent needs to the Express Care Clinic next to the Emergency Room. Direct those with psychological issues to the Central Mental Health unit (on the same campus). Central Mental Health has a direct line: (408) 885-6220. The Social Service and Care Management unit is also directly accessible for practical guidance: (408) 885-5504, option 2.

Fee Free Health Coverage for Children who participate in MediCal

We want everyone in our faith family to grow in the art of care. For this reason, we periodically provide training opportunities.

We encourage all members to become conversant in community resources, so they can guide others to specific forms of local help when needed.

Please become familiar with these links to care resources: Local Agencies and Services.

Note: All of the following county services are free or inexpensive. Complex conditions are treated—i.e. for meth-mouth, they will do full upper/lower extractions and arrange for dentures. Individual should call before attempting to receive services. They may have to get in line early and be prepared to wait for several hours. It is worthwhile if the individual desperately needs dental services and cannot afford them.

Valley Health Center Tully (888) 334-1000 (for appointments and advice)

www.scvmc.org

500 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111

They have several medical services and a dental clinic. Individual should call the toll-free number to get instructions on how to receive services.

Santa Clara County Dental Call Center (408) 808-6102

Highland Hospital E Wing (510) 437-4473

1141 East 31st Street, Oakland, CA 94602

They will do dentures and other specialty services for dental needs. They only serve the first ten people. Get clients there by 5:00 am to ensure they will be seen.

Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

(800) 660-2009  vistacenter.org

Vista Center empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education and training.

Locations:

2500 El Camino Real, Suite 100
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 858-0202

101 North Bascom Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128 
(408) 295-4016

3315B Mission Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 458-9766

Alzheimer’s Association Helpline – (800) 272-3900

www.alz.org/norcal

Heart of the Valley – (408) 241-1571

A nonprofit, all volunteer organization helping seniors 65 years or older in West Santa Clara Valley by offering services and programs which help them maintain their independence. 

servicesforseniors.org

Santa Clara County District Attorney Elder Financial Abuse Hotline – (855) 323-5337

www.ifa-fiv.org/partner-profiles/national-committee-for-the-prevention-of-elder-abuse-ncpea/

National Council for Aging Care’s Guide to Recognizing Elder Abuse and Knowing Your Rights?

http://www.aginginplace.org/guide-to-recognizing-elder-abuse/

Sourcewise Community Resource Solutions (includes Medicare Supplemental Insurance Counseling) – (800) 434-0222 or (408) 350-3200

http://www.mysourcewise.com​

www.medicare.gov

SALA Senior Adults Legal Assistance – Central Office (408) 295-5991, (408) 847-7252 South County, (650) 969-8656 North County

www.sala.org

CORA Teen Hotline  – (650) 259-8136

24 hour Youth Crisis and Teen Health Hotline for any reason – (888) 247-7717

Your Life Your Voice

www.yourlifeyourvoice.org

24 hour teen crisis hotline. (800) 448-3000

The Boys Town National Hotline is a ​free hotline available to kids, ​teens and young adults at any time. We provide help when you need it most. Call, chat, text or email. We are here to talk if you’re depressed, contemplating suicide, being physically or sexually abused, on the run, addicted, threatened by gang violence, fighting with a friend or parent, or if you are faced with an overwhelming challenge.

Onyourmind.net– Online Resource

www.onyourmind.net

This local (for residents of the Bay Area), live chat room is available Monday-Thursday 4:30-9:30 p.m. during the school year. It provides a safe and anonymous place for teens to get information and support from other teens (during Covid-19, chats may be answered by trained Crisis Center staff). You can talk about anything that’s on your mind, including relationships, school, depression, stress, suicide, friends, parents, cutting, identity, and health. You can also submit a question to be answered on the Q&A page, or connect to resources for additional information and support.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project

A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. (866) 488-7386

National Suicide Hotline – (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)

California Youth Crisis Line – (800) 843-5200

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line is a free text messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis.

Contact information:

Text HOME to 741741 (24/7)

https://www.crisistextline.org/

Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline

(855) 278-4204 or text RENEW to 741741

(408) 279-3312 (Central County)

(650) 494-8420 (North County)

(408) 683-2482 (South County)

Uplift Family Services (formerly EMQ) Crisis Team –  (408) 379-9085

https://upliftfs.org

24-hour mobile response team – can come to your home to stabilize a mental health crisis and assess if a psychiatric hold is needed. Provides crisis de-escalation, 5150 evaluations and referrals for children (up to ages 17) and their families.

Emergency Psychiatric Services (EPS) –  (408) 885-6100

www.scvmc.org

871 Enborg Court, San Jose, CA 95128

Operated by the Acute Psychiatric Services Division of the Valley Medical Center (VMC) EPS is the only 24-hour locked emergency psychiatric room in Santa Clara County. Access requires a 72-hour hold.

Mental Health Urgent Care –  (408) 885-7855

www.sccgov.org

In the southeast corner of the same building that houses Emergency Psychiatric Services (EPS), Mental Health Urgent Care is a walk-in outpatient clinic, providing screening, assessment, crisis intervention, referral and short-term treatment (up to 60 days) to voluntary mentally ill. Map: SCVMC_Campus_Map

The Suicide and Crisis Services of Santa Clara County – (408) 885-6216

www.santaclara.networkofcare.org and www.suicide.org

For a cost-free drop-in Survivors of Suicide Support Group (SOS) where adults who have lost a loved one to suicide can meet weekly to process some of the thoughts and feelings they are experiencing as a result of their loss. Call for the meeting times.

Suicide Prevention in College – (800) 273-TALK (8255)

www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-suicide-prevention/

A resource guide on emergency assistance, warning signs & prevention of suicide in college students.

www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/suicide-prevention/ (for parents of high school or college students)

Suicide Prevention Resource Guide by Healthline:

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/suicide-resource-guide

(See Teen section for youth focused internet resources)

healthyplace.com

As the first social networking site to focus on mental health treatment and wellness, this online community includes individuals, their family members, loved ones and friends who want to easily and interactively obtain knowledge about symptoms and treatments in a supportive community environment. This site is not faith-based. Different chat rooms are available for those struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-injury, and other conditions. The site requires registration for chatting.

Newhopeonline.org – (714) 639-4673

As the first U.S. 24-hour nationwide suicide prevention and telephone counseling center sponsored by a Christian church, it utilizes a team of over 350 volunteer counselors. It may be best suited to participants who identify as Christian.

www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-student-mental-health/

A student’s guide to recognizing disorders, seeking help and promoting mental health wellness.

San Jose Free Clinics

www.canb.uscourts.gov

The website for the US Bankruptcy Court has extensive information on bankruptcy. For the free clinics, go to the Pro Se/Pro Bono Services tab under Quick Links. 

Debtors’ Rights Clinics, Pro Bono Project –  (408) 998-5298

www.probonoproject.org

480 North First Street, San Jose, CA

Pre-bankruptcy advice and limited help is offered. Find out what rights you have, and whether bankruptcy is the answer for you.

Debtors’ Advice Clinics –  (408) 288-7030

law.scu.edu

The Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center

1030 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

See website and find Advice Clinics under the heading “Our Services.” The clinics are by appointment only and are also available in Spanish. 

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco – (800) 777-7526

www.cccssf.org

595 Market Street, 15th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105

How to Communicate with a Creditor – One of many resources posted on website of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco (see above). They strongly recommend personal contact with credit agencies, on phone but also in writing.

Money Management International – (866) 889-9347

www.moneymanagement.org

Oakland Branch/East Bay Branch: 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612

 

Useful Debt-Recovery Publications

Knee Deep in Debt – published by the Federal Trade Commission: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/dealing-debt. Describes options. Recommends first step is to contact creditors. They point to the US Trustee Program as government approved organizations to handle bankruptcy.

www.usdoj.gov/ust

Free Legal Aid 

www.freelegalaid.com

Website with many resources from a DIY standpoint.

Free & Low Cost Legal Help from Santa Clara County Courts

Self-Help Center/Family Law Facilitator’s Office

Family Justice Center Courthouse: 201 N. First Street, San Jose, CA

Santa Clara Superior Court

Bay Area Legal Aid Santa Clara County – (408) 283-3700

4 North Second Street, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95113

Case Types: Domestic Violence, Housing, Public Benefits and legal aid referral.

Case Restrictions: Low-income. 

http://www.baylegal.org

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence  – Hotline: (408) 279-2962

www.nextdoor.org

Provides victims of domestic violence with safe, effective alternatives to a life of fear, danger and few options.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

www.ncadv.org

For help understanding domestic violence and it’s ramifications. Website includes a list of additional contacts and resources.

Alcoholics Anonymous in Santa Clara, California

24-Hour Help Line: (408) 374-8511

274 E. Hamilton Avenue, Suite D

Campbell, CA 95008

http://www.aasanjose.org/  

Thursday, 8:00 pm at Saratoga Federated Church (Old Post Office Bldg)

14376 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070

(For more meetings, see list online. All meetings are by Zoom during Covid-19.)

Al-Anon and Alateen in Northern California www.ncwsa.org

Santa Clara Valley Al-Anon Family Groups (408) 379-9375 

www.scv-afg.org   For more meetings, see list online or call (408) 379-1051

Santa Clara Valley Intergroup at Campbell Community Center

1 West Campbell Avenue (Room Q-82), Campbell CA 95008-1039

Debtors Anonymous  –  Toll Free: (800) 421-2383

www.debtorsanonymous.org (For more meetings, see list online)

Tuesday, 12:00 to 1:00 pm at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (Oak Tree Building)

1158 Johnson Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Gamblers Anonymous  – Northern California Hotline: (855) 222-5542

www.gamblersanonymous.org (For more meetings, see list online.)

Wednesday 7:30 to 9:00 pm at Good Samaritan Church

15040 Union Ave., San Jose 95124

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (Santa Clara County)  – sfsouthbayslaa@gmail.com

Find a meeting: slaafws.org/meetings​

San Francisco / East Bay Website: www.slaa-sfeb.org

Download PDF for Specific Regional Leads

Mom's Meet Up

Let us know how many children you are bringing to the Mom’s Meet Up on Monday, November 13.

Jill Okamura

Jill has attended SFC since moving to Saratoga in 1988. Jill and David married here over 25 years ago and raised their children, Zachary and Anna, at SFC.

David and the twins’ baptisms in the courtyard are treasured memories. Having accepted Christ as a child, Jill is passionate about helping kids and their families connect and grow with Christ. She has served in youth and children’s ministry over the years.

Jill enjoys being a Buddy in our Bridge Builders ministry, participating in Night to Shine and Scouting with David. She is humbled to be asked to serve as an elder.  

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

Barb Clark

Barb and her husband Chris joined SFC over thirty years ago and raised their four children at the church. She has loved being part of the Body of Christ here, and especially treasures various Life Group and ministry experiences. 

She recently retired after 21 years of teaching and now is able to spend more time with her adult “kids,” their spouses, and her seven grandchildren. She loves days at the beach, reading a good book, praying for and with others, and gathering with friends.

Glenn Aby

Glenn grew up in Cupertino and went to Humboldt State to get a degree in Social Work and Sociology and later a Masters in Education to be a school counselor. 

For the last 28 years that’s what he’s been doing. Glenn joined Saratoga Federated in 2001 with his wife Janelle. They have two children who have grown up at Saratoga Federated; Katelyn (19) and Jack (16). Glenn enjoys running, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Nick Kepler

Nick and his wife, Gail, have attended SFC since 2005, and their daughter, Jennifer, was active in MadHouse and LifeHouse until moving to Portland to study nursing in 2018. During his years at SFC, Nick has taught Sunday School, joined the annual house-building trip to Mexico and helped manage Serve Sundays. 

He currently helps lead a high school boys Bible study as well as serving on the Elder council. Nick grew up in the Bay Area and attended Menlo Park Presbyterian Church throughout his childhood. He has worked in the semiconductor industry for over 30 years and enjoys lots of bicycle riding whenever possible.

Margaret Dancey

Margaret was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in the Pentecostal church that was founded by her parents. She and her husband, Norbert Fronczak, have two children, Paige and Cameron, and have been married for 25 years. 

They came to SFC 20 years ago when Paige was a baby. The kids were part of kids choir and Mexico housebuilding. Margaret enjoys singing in the choir and engaging in other volunteer opportunities at SFC. She enjoys her family, her sisters, murder mysteries, travel and the beach. 

Morgan Griffith

Morgan has attended SFC since 2005. His wife Stephanie grew up at the church and teaches at SFC’s Village Preschool. They have teenage twins who are currently active in the Lifehouse ministry. 

Morgan has fond memories of his childhood church where multiple generations worshiped together and cared for each other; for this reason, SFC felt like home to him from the start. He has co-led high school boys’ Bible studies and currently helps with the Sunday evening Lifehouse gatherings. Morgan is a civil engineer and enjoys running, walking his dog and watching English soccer.

Carol Presunka

Carol, her husband Peter and their 3 children have been attending SFC for about 20 years. They were introduced to the church by the Lillo family, in particular Debbie, who created Bridge Builders for families such as theirs, who have children with special needs who can’t attend regular church.  

 

They moved here from Canada where Carol worked in telecommunications, but once here, volunteer work became her passion. She has worked for a non-profit, helping families with disabilities, served on the Board of the Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation and currently is a School Board Trustee.  She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with friends. 

Sean Miller

As Lead Pastor, Sean is passionate about communicating the ancient wisdom of the Scriptures in compelling and practical ways and helping people enter into the story that God is writing—one in which they are a character in the grand narrative and redemptive plan of our creator. Sean believes that the role of a shepherd is a great gift and privilege.

As a leader in pastoral ministry since 1993, Sean has been invested in the art of guiding a faith community, especially its core leaders, toward greater levels of health, connection with God, and love toward others. Over the years, Sean has spent time working with students, families, and executive teams. He is a mentor, consultant, and enthusiast for other leaders and seeks to invest in the emerging generation.

Sean loves spending time with his three adult children, Mackenzie, Galaxy, and Caden. He also loves to travel, hike, read, watch movies, and spend time laughing with friends. Other interests are drinking good coffee, running, cycling, and taking long walks and long naps.

Sean studied Bible and Theology at San Jose Christian College (now William Jessup University) and Transformational Leadership at Bethel Seminary. He has also served as Adjunct Faculty at William Jessup University, teaching The Art of Biblical Interpretation, Discipleship Praxis, and Self-Leadership.

Eric Leonard

Eric has attended Saratoga Federated Church since he was in elementary school. He has served in many positions including mid-week youth leader, worship deacon, pastoral search team, nominating committee, elder and Sunday school teacher. 

Eric and his wife, Tracy, raised their three daughters at SFC. Saratoga Federated Church has been an instrumental part of Eric’s life, and the relationships and experiences have been a source of joy from the beginning. He loves SFC and the church universal and desires to have non-believers experience a relationship with Jesus Christ and believers to grow deeper in their faith. Eric owns his own business in Santa Clara and enjoys work, playing soccer and traveling.

Matthew Robinson

Matthew and his family are originally from Mississippi. Matthew joined SFC five years ago with his wife, Allison, who now serves as Childcare Coordinator for the Children’s Ministry. They have three children growing with Saratoga Federated: Elisabeth, Joshua, and Charlie. 

Matthew also serves at SFC in the Children’s Ministry. He has worked in various technology related fields and currently works as an Infrastructure Engineer. Matthew enjoys reading, following his children’s activities, and occasionally playing the trumpet whenever he can.

General Fund Update

As of March 12, 2023

Fiscal Year to Date:

Actual: $1,281,173
Budget: $1,478,868
Over/(Behind): $(197,695)

Last Week’s Giving:

Actual: $24,289
Budget: $37,075
Over/(Behind): $37,075

Scott Fritz

Scott has been attending Saratoga Federated Church for over a decade. Scott moved down to the Bay Area for a new job in July of 2010. He searched for a new church and a men’s Bible study and finally connected with SFC. While at SFC, Scott has regularly attended a men’s Bible study on Tuesday mornings, helped with the Men’s Breakfasts, and attended the Adult Sunday School class where, after a few years, he began teaching the class. In his professional career, he spent 40 years as an electrical engineer designing analog integrated circuits in the IC industry. He retired from electrical engineering in June of 2020. Scott was married 35 years, has three grown children and three grandchildren.

Kid's Choir

Register for the SFC Kid’s Choir.

Jon Giamanco

Jon was born and raised in San Diego, CA and has never surfed a day in his life. He and his wife, Steph, were married in the SFC chapel 16 years ago this past June and have two kids, Sophie (11) and Joel (7). Jon and Steph began regularly attending Saratoga Federated when they moved to the Bay Area in 2007, and both have held various volunteer roles while Steph is currently on staff as a Care Associate. Jon has served with the Youth Ministry, on search committees, construction lead for six Mexico house building trips, as a small group leader, a care deacon, and is currently serving on the Sunday tech and worship teams. He enjoys photography, playing many different sports, reading, and getting to participate and attend their kids’ activities.

Diana Miller

Diana Miller is the architect of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Initiative in Silicon Valley. Her strategic vision–to share knowledge of the program’s benefits to cities–will result in WHO’s recognition that Santa Clara is the first County in the United States to have each of its fifteen cities declared “age-friendly”. 

Recognizing the huge shift occurring in the demographics of older persons — and the startling requirements of a swelling universe of seniors with increased unmet needs — Diana embarked on a mission to inform civic leaders and motivate them to take action. Combining her passion with focus will ultimately yield a better life for seniors everywhere who will benefit from the global Age-Friendly movement that Diana is helping guide.

Diana’s dedication and talent spring from her decades of hands-on experience as a community organizer and her deeply personal commitment to improve the lives of some of our society’s most challenged populations. For six years early in her career, Diana utilized her skills in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, improving quality of life in housing, transportation, medical and safety issues for seniors there.

As an experienced non-profit executive, Diana has recruited, motivated and managed hundreds of volunteer leaders from diverse backgrounds, building their skills in community engagement, creative commitment and fund-raising. Noted as a strong and inspirational leader and passionate about pursuing her goals, Diana is respected and revered for her ever-present sense of humor and genuine desire to bring out the best in all the people in her life. 

Bill Yanowsky

Bill has a Masters degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State University. He is also a Certified Athletic Trainer with almost 30 years of experience in Sports Medicine specializing in Care and Prevention and Rehabilitation of injuries. He has worked with high school, college and professional athletes during his career. For the past 13 years, he has transferred his skills to personal training. He started personal training at the Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos and since Sept. 2022 he started his own business.

His clients range in age from 43 to 83. Most have extenuating physical conditions that include, osteoarthritis, Parkinsons, and/or heart disease. Through exercise and life style changes his clients have been able to increase strength and energy, along with improving balance and overall quality of life. We are learning through exercise how to combat aging and disease.

Feel free to check out Bill’s website for additional information.

Jeannie Mirassou

Jeannie Mirassou is the Founder of S.A.I.L. (Senior Advocates for Independent Living) Health Concierge, Certified Age in Place Specialist. Jeannie has 20 years experience in Emergency Room and Critical Care as a Practitioner of Respiratory Care.

Our goal at S.A.I.L. is to promote a safe and healthy environment for thriving as we age with focus on minimizing dependency on others. Home assessments are the cornerstone of the journey for safe living in your home for as long as possible. Preventing falls by redesigning your current floor plan (includes decluttering in certain areas), learning how to navigate through the medical system, and creating an emergency medical plan unique to you. S.A.I.L. is committed to lessening the common worries of aging; loss of independence, declining health, and running out of money. Together we will create a safe haven.

Laurel Smith

There’s a good chance that in a couple of years, Laurel Smith will complete her ninth decade still hoping to keep on keeping on. Having had three marriages, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and 32 vibrant professional years, she actively volunteers. Editing publications for various organizations, facilitating Zoom meetings, and singing in her church choir keep her engaged when she is not writing her memoirs, reading, streaming, attending online retreats and classes, enjoying outings with friends, mentoring younger women, and visiting her family in San Diego. 

Vandana Puri

Vandana is an accomplished and compassionate Senior Nutrition Program Manager dedicated to improving the lives of older adults through her expertise in nutrition and wellness. She has a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science and has been a registered dietitian for over 20 years. She holds a deep understanding of the unique dietary needs of older adults and is committed to enhancing their quality of life through a holistic approach. With a solid background in public health and a passion for older adults, Vandana has successfully led and implemented innovative intergenerational programming for the older adults in the community. Her strategic vision and commitment to quality ensure that the program she manages operates seamlessly, delivering nutritious meals, educational resources, and community engagement. With her strong leadership and unwavering dedication, Vandana continues to make a profound difference in the lives of older adults, promoting their well-being and enhancing their overall health.

Ladies Night Out - Feb 26

Complete this form to register for the Ladies Night Out event happening on February 26.

Ladies Night Out - Sept 14

Complete this form to register for the Ladies Night Out event happening on September 14.

Saratoga School Parking

We request that everyone who is able, park at the church and walk up to the school.

There is limited handicap parking at the school and limited on-street parking by the school.

There is also a nice drop off spot at the school in the parking lot for dropping off and picking up passengers.

Bible Skills, Drills, & Thrills

Register for this class that runs from October 11 to November 15, 2023.

Child's Grade Level

Points of Light, Oakland

Since 2007, POL has been reaching and saving at-risk youth in the inner city of Oakland by implementing creative and effective faith-based programs. We are instilling Christian values in youth and children, which become their foundation to inspire them to take courage and power to be a point of light in their communities, providing hope and relief to other youth within Oakland.

There are hundreds of churches in Oakland, but there are no inner-city youth pastors. Inner city churches lack the resources to provide for youth and children because of the needs and hurts in their communities.

ACSI Guatamala

Stuart and Sheny Salazar
ASCI Guatemala

The Salazars serve over 1000 Christian schools in 19 countries, including Mexico, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. These schools provide a  biblical world view and a Christian philosophy of education, which translates into fully equipped graduates that will be the salt and light this world needs. The Salazars ensure each school has the tools and training needed to raise up the new generation of world changers. One of their graduates was the president of Guatemala, elected in 2016.  

Empower Malawi

Empower Malawi

Bringing a new understanding of Jesus’ teaching on man, woman, and marriage, Empower helps end the horrific “Hyena Practice” and equips communities with educational opportunities. Since 2009, we have trained 1,100 pastors and leaders in biblical understanding of marriage, and equipped 250 men and women to offer early childhood education in villages to over 1,000 children. We provide loving homes for 20+ orphans, and we run a high school for girls and boys in a community where one didn’t exist previously. Our first-ever class graduated in June!

 

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. 

Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man and crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; 

He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. 

And I believe in one united and apostolic church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.