By C.J. Hirschfield
This is a special time of year at
Children’s Fairyland. While Fairyland rings with the laughter of children and
families on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, we have the rest of the week to
tend to our facility’s needs, to reflect on what we were able to accomplish
this past year, and to plan for the next.
Last year we learned that families living in temporary housing
often find themselves without shelter for part of the day. Knowing how
difficult that must be, we launched a new program, in partnership with First 5
Alameda County and Lyft, to become a haven for families waiting for shelter
space during their transition. Using Lyft’s concierge service, we arrange for
round-trip transportation from the shelter to Fairyland and welcome the families
with admission passes and vouchers for lunch from our Johnny Appleseed Café.