Yuba College Expands On-Campus Support for Students Through Partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services

Marysville, CA — Yuba College is excited to announce a significant expansion of student support services through a partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services (YCHHS). Beginning this month, a dedicated social worker from YCHHS will be stationed at Yuba College’s Marysville Campus to provide essential services and assistance to the college’s growing population of more than 10,000 students. This initiative aims to address critical student needs, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to succeed in their academic and personal lives.

Olibia Lopez, a Social Worker I with YCHHS, will be on campus within the Student Wellness Center (100B Bldg) Mon: 12:30-5:00 pm, Tue/Wed: 8:30-3:00 pm, Thu: 8:00-12:30 pm to support students while they attend classes making it easier for them to apply for services. “I have been dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers to self-sufficiency since 2008, starting as an Eligibility Technician and advancing to an Employment Services Social Worker in 2013. My role involves collaborating with clients to address challenges such as lack of childcare, mental health issues, substance use, and educational needs. I also connect clients with community resources and services. I value the strong support system provided by my coworkers, which enhances my ability to make a positive impact.” Said Olibia Lopez.

“Yuba County Health and Human Services is proud of our longstanding partnership with Yuba College, and we are thrilled to collaborate on projects that aim to benefit students with achieving their educational goals. Having a social worker from our team onsite at the college will provide a convenient way for students to learn about and get connected with an array of social programs such as CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal.”  Said Jennifer Vasquez, Director of Yuba County Health, and Human Services.

Programs and Services Offered: 

• CalWORKs: Provides cash assistance and housing support alongside Welfare-to-Work programs, which include education plans, job readiness training and supportive services such as transportation, childcare and work-related resources.
• CalFresh: Offers food assistance to low-income families and individuals, improving nutrition, food security and economic support.
• Medi-Cal: Delivers comprehensive health coverage, promoting health equity with services such as maternal support, mental health care, substance use disorders services and chronic disease management.

In 2020, Yuba College reaffirmed its dedication to student well-being by establishing the Basic Needs Center. This center integrates Dusty’s Pantry—an on-campus food pantry launched in 2017—with a variety of services designed to address housing, food, transportation, and health insecurities. Supported by a restricted state allocation, the Basic Needs Center has become a vital resource, ensuring that students have access to the support they need to thrive.

“According to a recent survey by the California Community College Basic Needs Center, 72% of our Yuba College students have accessed basic needs supports since July 2022. This includes essential services like food, housing, mental health, physical health, transportation, hygiene, and childcare,” said Anabel Toche, Dean of Student Success at Yuba College. “These numbers highlight just how critical these resources are to our students’ success. That’s why our partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services is so essential in addressing these pressing needs.”

Yuba College continues to expand these vital services. In January 2024, the college introduced TimelyCare, providing students with 24/7 virtual on-demand access to behavioral and mental health services. Additionally, later this month, the college will further bolster its support network through a two-year collaboration with Harmony Health Medical Clinic and Family Resources, bringing both physical and mental health services directly to the Marysville Campus.

“Our partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services is key to our support strategy,” Toche emphasized. “Our Basic Needs Specialist will be working closely with their case worker to ensure our most vulnerable students receive the personalized support they need. This collaboration allows YCHHS to serve nearly 45% of Yuba County students, providing essential resources for their success.”

For more information, please contact the Yuba College Basic Needs Center at (530) 741-8988.

https://www.yuba.org/departments/health_and_human_services/index.php

About Yuba College:

Yuba College is committed to providing equitable student learning and success. We offer degree and certificate programs leading to career and transfer opportunities for our diverse communities. It is our vision to provide innovative and student-centered educational opportunities and services that are equitable and that empower students to become transformative and productive members of our communities.

About Yuba County Health and Human Services:  

Yuba County Health and Human Services is dedicated to being a catalyst for building a healthy and thriving community.