Frequently Asked Questions
Have you ever had a question and didn’t know where to find the answer? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by our constituents. Just start by following one of the links below. If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Where is The HUB?
The HUB currently has one open location at 591 N King Road, suite 1, San Jose. The Gilroy Hub location is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Am I eligible for services at The HUB?
The HUB serves current and former foster youth ages 15 to 24. If you have been in foster care for at least one day in your life, you are eligible for some types of services at The Hub.
Who runs The HUB?
The HUB is a community youth space that operated through the Bill Wilson Center. We have a dedicated staff at The HUB, led by program manager Monica Simons and Hub coordinator Kai Reade. Several of the client and peer support specialists here are former foster youth.
What does The HUB have to offer?
The HUB offers onsite self-service amenities including a kitchenette, a shower, a computer lab, and a laundry room with a washer and dryer. The HUB staff are here to help youth navigate education and employment opportunities, and work alongside the Independent Living Program (ILP) staff to assist members with housing and tenant protections.
Additionally, The HUB offers virtual art classes, community service and volunteer opportunities, and opportunity to join a youth council that advocates for local change in the foster care system (YLC). Come join us for holiday and monthly birthday celebrations, hike events at county parks, music, games, movie showings, and more!
When is The HUB open?
The HUB is currently open Monday - Thursday 9 - 5 p.m. and Friday 12 - 5 p.m.
What services are available to parenting youth?
Before COVID-19, in-person workshops for parenting youth were consistently held by The HUB staff. We currently host our PK social for the last two weeks of every month where diapers, wipes, activities, and resources are offered to parenting members, and we will be providing online workshops in the near future.
Our parent and kid social is a great opportunity for parenting youth and their HUBlets to connect and socialize with their peers while having intentional discussions facilitated by experts to promote healthy and happy families. Incentives and basic needs of our HUBlets are provided along with opportunities to celebrate together and create connections and lasting memories.
What is there to do at The HUB?
Here at The HUB, we have board games and daily activities for The HUB youth, as well as access to computers and a printer to support youth in employment and education.
What additional services does The HUB provide?
The HUB also provides help filling out forms, bus tokens to those who qualify, and services through the independent living program (ILP). Find more information here.
How can I connect with The HUB?
You can connect with us by phone at 408-792-1750, or online by emailing staff or messaging us on social media. We currently are most active on Facebook and Instagram.
Are services different because of COVID-19?
Yes; currently, due to COVID regulations, we have 7 staff onsite at a time, and members are allowed to use the space for 1 hour unless they are using the amenities. Here at The Hub, we hope to foster a community that is productive and active, while still being conscious of the health of others. Time limits for youth will be altered as COVID regulations in Santa Clara County change.
What is Intern and Earn?
Intern & Earn gives participants the opportunity to develop employment readiness skills and connect to job opportunities. Workshops are offered year-round on topics including completing applications, interview techniques, resume development, financial education, social media do’s and don’ts, and exploring opportunities for post-secondary education. We also host hiring events and employer recruitments, many featuring youth-friendly employers. Youth and young adults receiving CalWORKs benefits (ages 16-18), CalFresh benefits (ages 16-21), and current and former foster youth (ages 16-24) are eligible for year-round employment services.
Paid internships are available, and eligible youth will have the opportunity to be placed in eight-week paid internships, working up to 30 hours per week and earning $16.50 per hour. Positions are available across the county, and interns will be placed in a position which aligns with their interests and career goals. Interns will receive support from an Employment Counselor, including guidance and coaching, with regular check ins. *As of 08/16/21, all interns must be fully vaccinated.
For more information, contact cdu@ssa.sccgov.org.
What is the difference between Intern and Earn 1.0 and 2.0?
IE 1.0 is 8 weeks internship program whereas IE 2.0 is 6 months internship program. Serving a total of 150 foster youth, 4 cohorts per year. Each cohort capacity is around 40-50.
IE 2.0 is targeting the older NMD/current or former foster youth, 18-24, who are disengaged in post-secondary program or disengaged in gainful employment. We are serving 15 interns per cohort or 30 interns per fiscal year or 2 cohorts per fiscal year.
For information on upcoming Intern and Earn cohorts and recruitment dates, contact cdu@ssa.sccgov.org.
Can I get help with food stamps at The HUB?
Yes! If you need assistance navigating CalFresh, please email Kelly Cavolo or call 408-501-6889.
