KERN PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The Jamison Children's Center is a 24-hour emergency shelter and protective custody facility, operated by the Human Services Department of Kern County. As the only emergency shelter in Kern County for abused, neglected and exploited children, Jamison Children's Center temporarily houses children who are taken into protective custody by law enforcement agencies or social workers. Children come to Jamison Children's Center from all backgrounds and walks of life. Kern Partnership for Children and Families provides much needed goods and services not provided by government funding.

The focus of Cal-Learn is to offer assistance, encouragement and support to young parents, while they work to complete their high school education and to develop positive parenting skills. Kern Partnership for Children and Families supports this program by offering graduation incentives including computers, scholarships and other needed support not covered with government funding.

The Holiday Cottage was established 30 years ago to fulfill the wishes of children placed in Kern County foster care. It is seasonal storefront where the community can come to fulfill foster youth wishes. Each child completes a wish letter with his or her first and second choice wish. During the 15 days we are open, the Holiday Cottage is staffed by volunteers, representing local community groups, greeting members of our generous community and assisting them in selecting a wish to fill. The gift is then purchased and returned to the cottage, unwrapped. The Holiday Cottage arranges for the gift to be delivered directly to the child in time for the holidays.