Eastmont Town Center, located on 73rd and Bancroft, is a hub for all one’s needs or, at least a big stepping stone. Firstly, on the first floor you will find the Self-Sufficiency Center, known as the social services agency, that’s federally-funded; visited when a person is in need of cash, food, and/or medical insurance. The application process requires at least two visits, and individuals will have an abundance of paperwork to complete, requiring documentation and follow-up interviews. The process can be shortened by applying online, and if coming to the office will be a hardship, a phone interview can be arranged. You may also submit information by email or fax. In addition, the social services department has two clothing closets of free clothing, one for job interviews, and one with general clothing.
The County of Alameda’s federally-run WIC Program (Women, Infant and Children), has an office on the second floor. The program “serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women; infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk by providing supplemental foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, healthy cereal, and formula,” according to the website. They provide vouchers that may be used at PrimeTime Nutrition – a store designed in 1994 specifically for this purpose, supermarkets and drug stores such as Gazzali’s and CVS that all have sites at the center. “Clients get nutrition advice, help with breastfeeding,” and parenting classes too.
For those who have worked but can no longer due to a disability or retirement, there is the social security office on the second floor as well. The process for applying is similar to the process for the Self Sufficiency Center and WIC and trips to outside agencies may be necessary.
For jobseekers, the social services department has two neighborhood career centers on the first floor. The department contracts with LAO, a local non-profit organization, to handle job search training for their clients. The center for Calworks participants is in Suite 135; the one for everyone else is in Suite 140. It is shared with Private Industry Council (PIC), a regional nonprofit that handles employment services including the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, described as “comprehensive job training, placement and/or training services,” on the PIC website.
Another not-for-profit agency, Sparkpoint Centers, in Suite 124, may assist with job searches as well — creating resumes and email accounts, offering leads and use of their computers, phones, copiers and fax machines. They also assist with creating budgets, housing and occupational training resources, and free tax preparation during that season.
The city library, on the second floor, is an additional source for job searches, with an Instagram page, Oaklandhasjobs, that lists job opportunities. Like any library, visitors may use the newspapers, magazines, trade journals, and apply to check out books, CDs and DVDs. They have a large children’s area, two rooms in the back.
On the second floor and with entrances off MacArther Boulevard, is the Wellness Center, mostly run by the Alameda Health System. It includes Health Education in Suite 100; Patient Education Support, Suite 120; Administration, Suite 200; RAI of the Germany-owned Fresenius network, operates the dialysis center in Suite 220; Adult Medicine, 350; Women’s Clinic , 400; Radiology/Optometry Services, 450; Business Center, 500; Pediatrics, 700; Dental Services, 600.
Adult Medicine includes General Medicine, Chest Clinic, Coumadin Clinic, Hypertension Clinic, and Senior Clinic. The eye clinic is run by Berkeley School of Optometry. Quest Diagnostics is in Suite 230 (it moved from Suite 268), providing “a variety of lab (drug and wellness) testing nationally to healthcare professionals, individuals, employers, and government agencies.”
The County of Alameda/Health Care Services Agency/Public Health Department offers several programs and services on the second floor, including Public Health Nursing (the comprehensive assessment/reassessment of individuals to determine the need, refer to or provide information for medical, educational, social or other services {delivered in person and by phone}), Asthma Start Program (free; works to control child’s asthma by in-home case management) and the Diabetes Program (must be referred pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes patients), and the WIC Program mentioned above.
North County Crisis Response Program/Oakland Adult Services/Supplemental Rate (SRP) c./ P.A.T.H. alongside Lifelong Medical Center provides medical and mental services in Suite 125A. Alameda Children’s Specialized, the County of Alameda Behavorial Healthcare Services, is next door, working with those with “serious mental health, alcohol or drug concerns.” With entrances outside of the mall, Telecare Changes, is a national mental health recovery company and The East Oakland Recovery Center offers extended hours for substance abuse services.
The Alameda County Social Services Dept of Adult & Aging Services, handles conservatorships/administrators, advisory, protective, in home supportive caregiver/IHSS, veterans, AAA, and ombudsperson service(s) has moved from the 3rd floor to a separate office on the 1st floor. On the second floor there’s a senior day center, Golden Age Seniors, that’s usually occupied with seniors seeking companionship and activity.
As you can see, your problems related to food, money, clothing, medical/dental/mental health or assistance with your aging family members are practically over.
Tonya Shipp is a mother of two and avid supporter of education and development. For the past ten years, she has been freelancing and working through staffing agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area. She obtained an associate’s degree in the social sciences from Laney College and is one class shy of receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She also served eight years in the Army Reserves before being honorably discharged. She volunteers regularly at the events and offices of nonprofits. Having experienced extensive periods of homelessness, unemployment and being without dental coverage is a strong advocate for the poor.
Be the first to comment