CalWORKs
Welcome to the Believe Counseling Department
Click here for a Counseling Appointment
Who We Are:
The Believe Program offers support services to parent learners who receive TANF/CalWORKs benefits. Intentional services have been designed to support student parents in their career, education, and personal goals.
Mission Statement:
To welcome parent learners and their children! To guide and empower individuals through advocacy, academic, and personal counseling to achieve higher education, leading to the attainment of a successful career and economic independence.
Program Contact:
Phone: Office (619) 388-3797
Email: [email protected]
Office Location: Building L - Room 121 (first floor - Families are welcome)Interested in making extra money? Join the Believe Work-study program.
Benefits of work-study are:
- The income you earn doesn't affect cash aid
- Hours worked count towards your welfare-to-work plan
- Experience gained builds on your resume and skills
- Meet new people and expand your networking opportunities
- Great way to increase your references
Click here for additional information
Click here to complete a CalWORKs Work-study interest form for the Spring 2026 semester
Additional Information:
Welfare-To-Work Case Information
Supportive Services
- Academic, career, and personal counseling
- Work study (campus employment that will not affect your cash aid)
- Early class enrollment
- Student success workshops
- Campus resources and referrals
- Scholarship assistance
- ITP (Individual Training Plan)
- Fun activities for your family
Program Learning Outcomes
- The "Believe" CalWORKs program will provide comprehensive educational plans through counseling and academic advising sessions with faculty for Believe Participants, as well as Individual Training Plan documentation for county aid.
- "Believe" that CalWORKs students will be provided with work-study and job placement opportunities to support efforts toward self-sufficiency.
- Through the "Believe" CalWORKs program, students will have access to employment skills training in partnership with campus and community organizations.
Believe Team
San Diego City College CalWORKs team is here to support you.
San Diego Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out here https://www.sdcity.edu/complaint.aspx
Program Coordinator & Counselor- Mariam Mena 619.388.3773.Other languages spoken: Arabic. Learn more about Mariam.
Counselor - Fabiola Beck-Threats 619.388.3797. Other languages spoken: Spanish. Learn more about Fabiola.
Administrative Technician - Yanira Rodriguez 619.388.3774. Other languages spoken: Spanish. Learn more about Yanira.
Student Services Assistant - Jessenia Alvarez 619.388.3616. Other languages spoken: Spanish. Learn more about Jessenia