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Programs & Services

Information and Referral

Benicia Community Action Council (Benicia CAC) provides vital resource information and referrals to link individuals and families to available City and County programs and services, such as Benicia Housing Authority, Families in Transition, Social Security, and Legal Services of Northern California-Vallejo. Our goal is to ensure clients and their families are pointed in the right direction to receive the services they need.

Season of Sharing (SoS)/Housing and Critical Family Needs Assistance

Benicia CAC coordinates the San Francisco Chronicle Season of Sharing (SoS) Fund for Solano County. The Season of Sharing Fund provides temporary assistance for housing and basic necessities to eligible households who demonstrate a critical need arising from unexpected and emergency circumstances beyond their control which can result in poverty and homelessness. Benicia CAC and the SOS Fund are committed to help get people back on their feet. Applicants must meet the guidelines set by the Fund to qualify. For further information call 707-558-5052 or click on the SOS Program banner on this page.

Employment Program

Benicia CAC, through its Employment Program (EP), provides mentoring, coaching, on-site job experience, and referrals to formal education, advanced job training, and local  employment opportunities. EP clients become better equipped to assess and  enhance their skills and knowledge, self-direct their learning, drive the development and advancement of their career, and increase their future potential. The program is open to Benicia adults and teens. Please call 707-745-0900 to speak to a Program Manager.

Our commercial kitchen provides training and food services.

Senior Meal Service (SMS)/Food Pantry Program (Benicia residents only)

Benicia CAC, through its Senior Meal Service (SMS) provides home-delivered hot, fresh, and nutritionally balanced meals to low-income elderly, disabled and homebound seniors,  Monday-Friday, except holidays. Throughout the year specially created holiday-themed dinners are prepared and delivered to seniors.  The SMS is for Benicia residents only and requires client registration. For more information call 707-745-0900.

The Benicia CAC Food Pantry distributes fresh produce; basic food staples, such as pasta, tomato sauce, rice, cereal and oatmeal; and nutritional information including easy to prepare recipes.  The Food Pantry also provides emergency food allocations to homeless persons in Benicia. 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

Benicia CAC, through its team of IRS trained and certified volunteers, provides free basic income tax return preparation
with electronic filing to qualified individuals. For more information regarding VITA and eligibility requirements for obtaining this service, contact Benicia CAC at 707-745-0900.

Youth Programs

Benicia CAC provides youth programs which include summer youth employment, community service volunteer opportunities, and  recreational opportunities such as the Salvation Army Summer Camp and swim passes to the James Lemos Swim Center. Benicia CAC, along with local pediatric/family dentists, coordinates a free dental care program for children ages 2 years to 15 years old. Each school year Benicia CAC spearheads a community/corporate backpack drive to ensure every child in need gets a new backpack full of basic school supplies. Contact Benicia CAC for more information, 707-745-0900.

Holiday Programs

Benicia CAC brightens lives and lifts spirits as it brings the entire Benicia community together during the holidays:

Thanksgiving Community Dinner

This annual event which takes place the week before Thanksgiving. The event is fully coordinated by Benicia CAC staff, and volunteers, including preparation of the sumptuous meal. Generous donations from local service groups, businesses, merchants and community members, allow this to truly be a community-wide event, open and free to all. Along with Benicia CAC staff , countless others, including local residents, City officials, business leaders, and Benicia CAC Board members, volunteer their time for the event. Homebound residents have their dinners delivered to them.

“Home for the Holidays” Food Baskets – Nutritious, well stocked food gift baskets are created and provided to eligible  low-income Benicia households at Christmas. Also toys for families with children.

Adopt a Family– Benicia CAC connects families in need with local families, agencies, organizations and/or businesses who “adopt” them for the holiday season. The families are presented with presents and food.

Adopt a Senior – Carefully screened families and individuals are put in contact with a homebound senior who seeks companionship and camaraderie during the holiday season. 

Benicia Cares for Kids – Benicia CAC conducts a community-wide toy drive to collect new toys and other presents low-income children request on their Benicia CAC Christmas Wish List.

Please consider making a donation of time, money or gifts for any of the abovementioned events. All are needed and welcomed. If you would like to volunteer please call Benicia CAC at 707-745-0900, for more information. If you would like to make a cash donation, for your convenience, donations can be made via PayPal. Please see our Donations page for details.

Attestation

Benicia Community Action Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, nor physical or mental disability in their programs, services, policies, hiring practices and administration.