Our mission at Center for Family Strengthening (CFS) is to strengthen families through education and advocacy. Our programs remain operational and we are committed to serving our community during this unusual time.
We continue to work closely with family support organizations in SLO County to provide resources to families in need and help mitigate the stressors that put children at risk for abuse and neglect. All families, especially those in vulnerable social and economic situations, need our support now.
The COVID-19 pandemic we confront today presents unique and serious risk factors for many families. Children are especially vulnerable to the stresses of health risks, school closures, isolation and economic instability in their families. Without the structure and safety of school, children who were already vulnerable to abuse and neglect at home face a greater threat.
If you are concerned for the welfare of a child, call the San Luis Obispo County Kids Hotline at 805-781-5437.
Please stay informed and connected:
Many community members are out of work due to Shelter-At-Home orders. Families are facing housing insecurity and living with fear and anxiety. Below is information about SLO County renters’ rights during the COVID-19 crisis.
No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Now Available for Any San Luis Obispo County Resident
Any San Luis Obispo County resident can now get tested for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in about five minutes at sites in Paso Robles and Grover Beach. Testing is available at no cost to individuals.
WHEN: By appointment, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Two locations:
- Paso Robles Veteran’s Center, 240 Scott Street in Paso Robles
- Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Avenue in Grover Beach
WHO: Testing is available to any resident who would like to be tested.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Visit emergencySLO.org/statetesting or call 888-634-1123.
Learn more at, https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Health-Agency/Public-Health/Department-News/COVID-19-Updates/No-Cost-COVID-19-Testing-Now-Available-for-Any-San.aspx
Local Information Lines: Dignity Health is operating a COVID-19 information line in Spanish and English.
Spanish: 805-614-5758
English: 805-332-8276
The lines are staffed Monday through Friday 8am – 8pm, and weekends 8am – 4:30pm. If calling after hours, leave a message and the call will be returned as soon as possible. For more information visit,
https://www.dignityhealth.org/central-coast/coronavirus
California Launches New Comprehensive, Consumer-Friendly Website and Public Service Announcements to Boost COVID-19 Awareness. More information here.
COVID-19 information and resources for San Luis Obispo County can be found here, https://www.emergencyslo.org/en/covid19.aspx
National Health Information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Food delivery support for seniors, disabled individuals, those with health issues that cannot leave their home, and mental health resources:
Family Resources & Support
- School closures. Please check with your School District website for accurate information about closures in your community:
- Free meals for children 0 – 18 in SLO County. Drive through location information in English and Spanish. https://www.slofoodbank.org/food-locator/
- For parenting resources and support visit Parent Connection of San Luis Obispo County or call Gwendolyn Garcia Program Coordinator at, (805) 543-3700.
- For family resources and support in Spanish, please call the Promotores Collaborative of San Luis Obispo County Program Coordinator Fernanda Lucas at (805) 462-7135. The San Luis Obispo County Promotores continue working diligently to ensure that they are providing resources in Spanish and support by phone to the Latino Community in this time of need. They are connecting families with resources, providing updates on the food bank distributions, and sharing kids’ activity websites. The Promotores continue providing interpretation for Monolingual families at all the Behavioral Health Clinics of San Luis Obispo County. They are also assisting at Food Bank Distribution at North County sites.
- Pregnancy & Parenting Support of SLO County serves families with children 0 – 2 years old and is open by appointment only. Call the office at 805-541-3367, leave a message and they will call back to schedule an appointment. Supplies available include diapers, wipes, formula, infant and toddler clothing, and more.
- The Link Family Resource Center Family Advocates are working remotely while schools are closed and in communication with families, school staff and our community partners. Visit this link to contact a Family Advocate or refer a family for assistance, https://linkslo.org/covid-19-support/
Our COVID-19 message on the CFS website will be updated as new information emerges. Please check our website and follow us on Facebook to gain access to current resources and information for children and families.
Guided by the recommendations of the WHO, CDC and the SLO County Public Health Department, Center for Family Strengthening will remain updated on information related to COVID-19 in order to make informed decisions about how we can keep our community safe, healthy and supported.
Thank you for your ongoing support for CFS and all the families we serve in San Luis Obispo County. Together we ensure that strong, healthy families are a community priority.
With appreciation,
Lisa Fraser, Executive Director
Center for Family Strengthening
(805) 543-6216
www.cfsslo.org
