Community Action Partnership of Kern is a private, non-profit corporation created by the federal government in 1965 to combat poverty in Kern County.  The mission of the Partnership is to provide and advocate for resources that will empower Kern County residents to have the skills and resources necessary to improve their quality of life and become self-sufficient.  The Partnership serves Kern County by providing an integrated network of services such as the Helpline information and referral service; youth programs; services to the homeless population; emergency food distribution; early childhood education; nutritional counseling for pregnant women; migrant childcare for the Southern San Joaquin Valley; energy conservation services; weatherizing homes; and providing health care at our community clinic. No eligible person is turned away; Community Action Partnership of Kern improves the quality of life for over 130,000 Kern County households annually (unduplicated).

The Community Action Partnership of Kern is charged with the responsibility of continuing the battle to alleviate poverty in Kern County by developing and implementing creative and innovative programs. The Community Action Partnership of Kern currently administers the following fifteen human services programs at no cost to participants:

CHILD EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – Administers the federal Head Start, state migrant, general childcare and home-based programs; provides comprehensive child education and development services for income eligible children 0 to 5 years of age, and their families. 336 5236 / Enrollment 800 701 7060

WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) – Temporary nutritional assistance and counseling for women, infants and children who are nutritionally at risk. 327 3074 / 866 327 3074

PARTNERSHIP FOOD BANK - Emergency food assistance through private and public donations.  The food bank participates in the following programs: Senior Brown Bag, Emergency Food Assistance, Emergency Food and Shelter and Provider Pantries. 398 4520

MIGRANT CHILDCARE ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT PROGRAM - A regional program encompassing six counties (Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, and Merced). This program helps keep the children of migrant farm workers in a safe, nurturing and educationally growing environment. 800 259 8866

ENERGY PROGRAMS (LIHEAP) - Weatherization, energy assistance, and utility payment assistant to eligible low-income residents living in Kern County. 336 5203.  HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

FAMILY HEALTH CENTER - Primary health care to low-income residents in Kern County.  Services include newborn physicals, well-child assessments, immunization, OB/GYN services and adult medicine. 336 5300 / 1611 First Street, Bakersfield

FATHERHOOD – Provides services to fathers or significant positive male figures with children ages 0-5. Services are provided to assist fathers in bonding, parenting skills, housing and employment and participation in bonding activities and support groups. 336 5326

HIV/AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION – Education and prevention services to at risk men and women. 336 5236

HELPLINE - Comprehensive computerized information and referral services to individuals seeking assistance and/or referrals and information by linking them to appropriate service providers. 800 273 2275

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS (SHP and HTP) - Provides a variety of services, including transportation, for homeless individuals and families in Kern County.  The goal of SHP is to move homeless families and individuals to stable and permanent housing environments. HTP provides transportation to vital appointments and programs, which help to assist the homeless with vital community links and services. 336 5236

YOUTH PROGRAMS – Educational and support services for children and young adults in Bakersfield and Shafter.  Services include housing and food referrals, summer camp, after school academy, and youth recreational programs. Bakersfield 336 5354 / Shafter 746 8235 THE FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

CAREER DEVELOPMENT