Coalinga-Huron Family Engagement Center
Coalinga Huron
Family Engagement Center
Our Story
Our Vision & Mission
We envision generations of children and adults engaged and empowered to take meaningful action together that positively transforms our lives. We imagine a future full of possibility for everyone in our community.
VISION
MISSION
The mission of the Coalinga-Huron Family Engagement Center is to create access to resources, tools and knowledge to strengthen families in order to provide a thriving future for every single child in our community.
Above: Students and mothers reviewing surveys collected from Huron and Coalinga families, 2023; Below: Our founding group at the Huron Family Engagement Center Grand Opening, September 2024
How we got here
2023
Families Listening to Each Other
Ten mothers from Huron and Coalinga collect 450+ community surveys in support of a California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) grant application — the first time moms from both towns worked together. What they heard was clear: families needed education, support services, and a place to belong.
2024
From Vision to Reality
The ten moms form a group and enroll in On the Verge, committing to a year of personal, interpersonal and professional development. That May, five portables on the former Chestnut School site become available and are offered to the group. That spring and summer, they and their families volunteered to clean and prepare every room themselves. In September, the Huron Family Engagement Center opens to 200+ attendees and two moms are hired as staff. By year end: 750 individuals have been served.
2025
Growing Roots
CHFEC incorporates as a California nonprofit and receives federal tax-exempt status in just five weeks. A second cohort of mothers begins On the Verge and form the new non-profit's first all-Latina, all-Verger Board of Directors. In September, a second group of Latina Verger Alumni moms open the Coalinga Family Engagement Center.
Today
Two Centers, Two Communities
Four staff. 1,035 individiuals served. Built entirely by mothers who had never held a professional leadership role before.
Image, Top: Students and mothers reviewing surveys collected from Huron and Coalinga families, 2023; Bottom: Our founding group at the Huron Family Engagement Center Grand Opening, September 2024
The Heart of the Center
The mothers who built this Center didn't just create a place for their community — they sent a message to everyone watching, especially their own children. The next generation of leaders in Huron and Coalinga is growing up witnessing their mothers run board meetings, hire staff, open buildings, and solve problems. That visibility is one of the most important things this Center provides.
Karla Valadez Del Real with her son Lucas participating in a Special Ed Sensory Workshop, Coalinga Center, 2026
01
Social Connections
Monthly events, cafecitos, and family activities that bring people together and build the trust that makes everything else possible.
How We Do Our Work
We support our community by focusing on three areas:
02
Parent Education & Training
Parent University offers classes in English language skills, technology, parenting, workforce certifications, citizenship, and health — designed around what families tell us they need.
03
Community Engagement
We learn from our community as much as we teach. Families help shape our programming through surveys and focus groups, and our growing volunteer pool keeps the Center running for everyone.
Our Programs - Parent University
Parent University offers classes in English language skills, technology, parenting, workforce certifications, citizenship, and health — shaped by what families tell us they need and offered at both centers with free childcare. Alongside classes, the Community Closet, resource fairs, and parent advisory support round out what the centers provide.
"This was never just
about creating a
community center.
It was about creating
hope for our families
and a future where
no one feels alone."
– Grecia Rodriguez,
Community Engagement
Coordinator
"Joining DELAC and the Engagement Center's Cafecito mornings has increased our overall attendance. In the years prior, we would see maybe one or two parents consistently attend DELAC meetings. This year we have more than a handful of parents in attendance at the DELAC meetings. It has been a great experience and we are seeing improvements. We are now able to gather more input from the parents attending. They can help us in figuring out what is working for our EL students and where we can improve.
Also in providing feedback for LCAP. It has been a great experience partnering with the Engagement Center for this year's DELAC meetings."
- Myriam Carbajal
Administrative Assistant,
Coalinga Middle School
Stories of Impact
How has the CHFEC impacted your life?
“I’m really proud of my mom. She now helps the community and has gone back to college. And still takes care of us, of course. I think that’s amazing and inspiring to others that want to do the same.
Since the Center opened I’ve gone to help with childcare while the parents are taking classes. It’s helped me realize that I love working with kids. I want to get a job that involves kids.
I’m not scared of speaking up or talking to adults anymore.
Being at the Center has made me realize that there are other people less fortunate than me and helping them feels good.”
- Allison Guzman (age 14),
daughter of Nallely Guzman,
CHFEC Parent University Coordinator
From the daughters of Alicia Urbano,
CHFEC Director of Operations:
“I like helping my mother at the Center with making posters, organizing the rooms and doing office tasks. I also help her with running large community events which surprises me because I’m usually very shy. So, I guess I’m learning while helping."
“Since working at the Center my mom has definitely come out of her comfort zone. She used to be so shy. Now she talks with so many people.
One day there was a woman who had no supplies for her house. My mom gave her blankets, curtains and everything she needed for her kitchen. The woman was so grateful. That kindness is what makes my mother who she is….amazing.”
- Judith Urbano (age 18)
- Kayla Urbano (age 15)
Our Partners & Funders
Partners