our programs

Better Things

“Better Things” is an alternative based program that encourages students to explore their potential through various activities in and out of the classroom. Students are given the opportunity to express themselves, share their opinions, test creative options in problem solving and experience trust, challenge and responsibility.
This exposure takes place in a safe, controlled and monitored environment. This helps to promote confidence, self-esteem and self-actualization.
When an individual becomes empowered, they integrate knowledge, skills and resources in the development of goals and objectives.
Individuals will achieve a higher consciousness, control their surroundings and care for more than just themselves.

The “Better Things” program places  two facilitators (firefighters) in the classroom with eight to twelve sixth grade students, working as a group.
The group meets once a week, during the normal school period. Consideration is given to the student’s academic performance on an on-going basis and as long as the student is able to maintain grades, they are allowed to continue in the program. It is our philosophy that students participation in our program does not come ahead of grades and school performance.

The firefighters not only serve as positive role models, but act as facilitators leading the group through exercises designed to help the students establish goals and learn skills in the area of communication, active listening and anger management.
Firefighters volunteer their time and energy to this program. Each firefighter receives initial and on-going training throughout the school year as needed. We also meet with school counselors on a regular basis to maintain communication between school staff and facilitators.

Local 1171 Senior Assist Program

The Senior Assist program is a yard clean up program designed to help senior citizens within the City of Santa Clara. The firefighters of Santa Clara Local 1171 volunteer there off duty time to make this program work. 

This program is not yard maintenance and is generally a one time clean up.

The program generally helps disadvantaged seniors who may not be physically or financially
capable of getting the work done. They also may not have family or friends to give them hand.  

The program has also been known to help with various other works from time to time.

V.I.A. Rehabilitation Services

Funds are used to send physically disabled citizens to summer camps where they are allowed to enjoy activities with other disabled persons.

William Purvis Community Service Scholarship

The 2010 William Purvis Scholarship was presented to Benjamin Christian. Benjamin is a graduation senior from Wilcox High School. Thank you to James Purvis for his generous donation to the scholarship fund.

 

William (Bill) Purvis was a Santa Clara City volunteer reserve firefighter for ten years and a paid professional firefighter for three years before his career came to an end due to illness.

During most of his lifetime, Bill was dedicated to serving others. He served the City of Santa Clara, his community, family and friends without hesitation.

It is because of his dedication that the Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation offers this scholarship to a deserving student from Santa Clara and Wilcox High Schools that go above and beyond the school’s requirement for community service.

Our Foundation is dedicated to promoting community service and we hope that the worthy recipients of this scholarship will continue with a commitment to community service throughout their lives.

The recipients of this award will have their name placed on the beautiful hand crafted community service bulletin boards displayed in the administration offices at each school.