Franklin-McKinley Children’s Initiative Celebrates 15 Years of Supporting Families
Families gather for a Christmas toy giveaway and celebration at the Franklin-McKinley Children’s Initiative, based at the Educare Family Resource Center in the Santee neighborhood—where daily activities and community-strengthening programs support children and families year-round.
The Franklin-McKinley Children’s Initiative (FMCI), a program of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County (CCSCC), celebrated 15 years of service with a Quinceañera-themed appreciation event in December. More than 400 attendees, including representatives from 30 partner organizations and over 150 volunteers, came together to recognize FMCI’s impact on the community.
“The evening radiated gratitude and joy as we celebrated the countless hours and boundless dedication that make our work possible,” said Sona Grover, FMCI Program Director under CCSCC’s Children, Youth, and Family Development Division.
Founded in 2009, FMCI was established to provide critical anti-poverty services tailored to the expressed needs of San Jose’s Santee community using what is known as a “place-based” model. By engaging volunteers, residents, school district leadership, funders, and service providers, FMCI strengthens families and uplifts the entire neighborhood. The initiative primarily operates at the Educare Family Resource Center campus, where programs run seven days a week for individuals of all ages. This successful model has also influenced CCSCC’s newly launched Footsteps initiative.
“Fifteen years ago, we envisioned a hub where families could access essential services and a safe gathering place,” Grover continued. “Thanks to our volunteers’ leadership, we’ve created lasting impacts on entire families through a multi-generational approach. As we celebrate our history, we look forward to expanding to serve even more families in the future.”
FMCI is dedicated to strengthening the cradle-to-career educational pipeline by offering direct services and fostering partnerships with individuals, community groups, and public and private organizations. Its programs focus on three key areas:
Education
Safe and strong neighborhoods
Economic development
Offerings include after-school and kindergarten readiness programs, ESL classes, financial literacy workshops, small business development courses, youth enrichment and intervention programs, senior exercise and support groups, and leadership development opportunities. Through these comprehensive services, FMCI helps to ensure that every child in the community graduates high school prepared for college and a successful career.
At the celebration, Iviema Bernal, a former participant who grew up helping her mother teach classes at the Center and is now an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working to get her license, shared how FMCI shaped her life:
“The work we do creates a ripple effect. Your efforts, no matter how small, send out waves that touch lives in ways you may never fully see or understand. But believe me when I say, the impact you’re making is profound.”
