Leadership Statement on Ukraine

The message below was sent via email to students and employees on March 4, 2022.

Dear Peralta Community,

To students and our community who are experiencing hardship and trauma connected to the escalation of Russia’s unprovoked violence upon Ukraine, especially with the increasing numbers of civilian casualties, please know that we share this message as sign of support for you.   

Students, we would like to remind you about the free access to personal and mental health counseling resources available at each of our college campuses. Information about these services at each college may be found below. 

• Berkeley City College - https://www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/wellness-center/mental-health/ 
• College of Alameda - https://alameda.peralta.edu/student-service/health-services/mental-health-services/ 
• Laney College - https://laney.edu/health_center/about/mental-health-service/ 
• Merritt College - https://www.merritt.edu/health/mental-health-services/ 

To our valued employees who have been impacted, you have access to free, confidential counseling through the PCCD Employee Assistance Program administered by MHN.  Please refer to the MHN link for further information, or call them toll-free at 1-800-535-4985, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; TDD callers can dial 1-800-327-0801.   

Also, for our communities, we would like to remind you of the following humanitarian organizations that provide support in difficult times and crises: 

UNICEF 
UNICEF supports health, nutrition, education, safe drinking water, sanitation and protection for children and families caught in the conflict in Ukraine. 

Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders 
MSF runs a range of activities in Ukraine working with local volunteers, organizations, health care professionals and authorities to help people travel to health care facilities and access prescribed medications. 

Voices of Children 

The Ukrainian organization's Charitable Foundation helps provide psychological and psychosocial support to children affected by the armed conflict, according to its website. 

Sunflower of Peace 
The nonprofit organization is raising money to prepare first aid medical tactical backpacks for paramedics and doctors on the front lines. 

International Committee of the Red Cross 
The Switzerland-based organization is aiming to help people affected by the conflict and support the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross. 

Save the Children 
Save the Children, based in London, helps to deliver lifesaving aid to vulnerable children in Ukraine and around the world.  

CARE 
CARE is raising money for its Ukraine Crisis Fund, which will provide immediate aid including food, water, hygiene kits, support services and direct cash assistance. 
 
IRC 
The International Rescue Committee helps those impacted by humanitarian crises, including Europe and the Americas. The IRC is on the ground in Poland and working to help displaced families. You can donate here. 

Razom for Ukraine 
Razom for Ukraine was founded in 2014 and has since launched efforts to build a stronger democracy. Now, the nonprofit is “focused on purchasing medical supplies for critical situations like blood loss and other tactical medicine items. Razom — which means “together” in Ukrainian — posted a list of the lifesaving supplies it has already purchased and is asking for more support here. 

We are deeply saddened by these recent events, yet we support and stand with you.  While our words may be insufficient during this traumatic time, we hope these resources may provide some help. Please know that we recognize and value you.   

Best wishes for success as you continue your educational journey at Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College. 

In Community,