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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 learns 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.

Shared Values:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Equity
  • Innovation
  • Responsibility to Kids                                   

Office Contact:

Phone: (619) 388-3797 or Email: cwkfd@sdccd.edu  

Office Hours: 

Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday 8:00am-1:00pm 
Office Location: Building L - Room 121 (first floor)

Interested in making extra money? Join the Believe Work-study program.

Benefits of work-study are:

  • 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


Additional Information:

CalWORKs Eligibility

Student Success Tips

County Forms

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
  • School supplies each semester (backpack, notebook paper, flash-drive, etc.)

Program Learning Outcomes

  • The "Believe" CalWORKs program will provide comprehensive educational plans through counseling academic advising sessions with faculty to Believe Participants in addition to Individual Training Plan documentation for county aid.
  • "Believe" CalWORKs students will be provided work study and job placement opportunities to support efforts towards self-sufficiency.
  • Through the efforts of the "Believe" CalWORKs program, students will have access to employment skills training with campus and community partners. 

Believe Team

San Diego City College CalWORKs team is here to support you. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to us. 

Mariam Mena

 

Program Coordinator & Counselor-  Mariam Mena mmena@sdccd.edu 619.388.3773.Other languages spoken: Arabic. Click here to learn more about Mariam.

 

 

Fabiola

 

Counselor - Fabiola Beck-Threats fbeck@sdccd.edu, 619.388.3797. Other languages spoken: Spanish. Click here to learn more about Fabiola. 

 

 

Mercedes

 

Counselor - Mercedes Tiggs mtiggs@sdccd.edu, 619.388.3797 Click here to learn more about Mercedes.

 

 

Yanira

             

Administrative Technician -Yanira Rodriguez yrodriguez@sdccd.edu 619.388.3774 Other languages spoken: Spanish. Click here to learn more about Yanira.

 

 

Zinnia

 

 

Project Assistant - Zinnia Jimenez zjimenez@sdccd.edu Other languages spoken: Spanish Click here to learn more about  Zinnia