Falcon’s Nest is a program that started at Cerritos College in 2021 to assist students on campus.

Here is what Case Manager Pamela Sepulveda and Amber Dofner that work in the program had to say.

What inspired the program?

Case Manager Pamela Sepulveda: The program started with very passionate people on this campus who wanted to make sure students had access to food, housing, and financial resources outside of financial aid, this actually started probably eight years ago faculty and staff came together to create the Falcon’s basic needs task force, they noticed students were having barriers in regards to issues with basic needs over 60% of students were struggling with food and housing.

Can you elaborate more on the housing?

Sepulveda: The Campus purchased town homes across the street from campus, those town homes are now what we call the village where students can live who are unhoused.

What type of food is provided at Falcon’s Nest?

Sepulveda: The food we provide here at Falcon’s Nest is shelf stable food, fresh food that you can take home and prepare meals, we also have a grab and go area for students to get a snack or a lunch while they’re on campus. Our program called Franco’s Market has a fully stocked grocery store for students to get items to take home and that is up to 75 items a week.

Program Facilitator Amber Dofner: I help and assist our manager with the day to day operations of Falcon’s Nest. I help our market and our closet have what they need to run as well our support for our social workers, I also oversee our basic needs grants, our book and supply voucher.

Can you elaborate more on the basic needs?

Dofner: Our program is here to help students meet their needs when it comes to food, housing, clothing and financial needs.

Can you elaborate more on the book voucher?

Dofner: If a student is connected through Falcon’s Nest with one of our social workers then you can be eligible for up to a $500 book and supply voucher through the Cerritos College bookstore.

Can you elaborate more on the social workers at Falcons Nest?

Dofner: Our Falcons nest referral form will connect students to one of our social workers from there they’ll get to know their individual needs.

Can you elaborate more on Franco’s closet?

Dofner: Franco’s closet houses gently used professional clothing, if a student has a job interview coming up or they’re in a club that’s attending a conference and don’t have the need to purchase clothing, up to six items a semester a top, bottom, blazer, ties, shoes, so student can get a full outfit. We also have a partnership with the customizing department on campus

This is a good program for all students. Other community colleges, state schools, and universities should have programs like this especially for students who are struggling financially, it’s hard enough to afford college as it is.