BANANAS, Inc.

Mariana has consistently proven to be reliable and highly communicative. She always responds to our emails promptly, ensuring that we stay informed and connected. Her dedication to maintaining clear and timely communication has been invaluable. Bananas is truly fortunate to have her as part of the team.

They are people that really are there for you they listen they cry with you they laugh with you and they understand when you are going through something especially in time of grieving I really appreciate banana staff and everything that they done for us and how they were behind me 100% thank you Once again from the Tucker and Griffin family

Thank you very much for the care and support Banana has provided to us over the past decade. We are grateful for the supplies distributed to providers child care during the pandemic and for the moral support that helped us get through the toughest times. We also want to express our appreciation to all the staff members. Whenever we faced challenges in early childhood education, including student enrollment, you provided us with significant support and assistance. Special thanks to H. Chen, who has always been patient in communicating with us and helping us resolve our difficulties. Lastly, we wish Banana continued success and highly recommend your services.

Bananas is an amazing organization. The classes, resources, and referrals are just the beginning of what they offer. The staff is knowledgeable, professional, patient, and caring, providing an exceptional customer experience. Through this program, I have attended trainings and received numerous requests for placements with my family-run childcare. They have contributed greatly to my success.

BANANAS has helped through the entire process of becoming a licensed childcare provider. They had a class that taught me how to get my space set up, and how to apply for the license. They offer first aid and CPR classes, and many amazing trainings for how to be a better provider. Their referral program has connected me to some of the families I have provided care for, and their scholarships have made it possible for low income families to have the same access to great care. They are an invaluable resource and the East Bay is a much better place because of them.

Childcare is challenging whether you're a parent or a provider. Navigating fit, type, facility vs. home, small vs. Large, questions constantly surround what situation is best for what a particular family.
That's where organizations like Bananas resource and referral agency reign supreme. They provide clarification, clear answers, referrals, advice, support, outreach and so much more to families and children throughout the bay area. I as a provider have received referrals, support, equipment, grants that have kept me afloat, resources, especially through covid where Bananas equipped us with PPE that we otherwise couldn't afford. From sanitizing products, gloves, masks, to air filters , and guidance on how to proceed and stay in compliance with federal and state mandates.

Without the team at Bananas, a team laden with professionals whom have dedicated their careers to children's services, families and providers would struggle with childcare. Bananas is an agency that subsidizes childcare, and makes childcare affordable to all families. They provide education, advocacy, support, and referrals to the right childcare environment. They provide workshops that are mandatory for providers as well as parent training and education.

I've worked with the folks at Bananas for over 20 years, and I say that we all form together a passionate commitment to children. Thank you for the communication and the sense of community you bring to us all. Thank you for existing and providing this much needed service. Thank you for being the liasion between what we do as providers and educating families on the importance of providing quality early childhood education.

For recognizing the absolute need for stimulating, social Emotional, hands on, sensory experiences that are crucial for optimal brain development and forging the most we can of our human potential, during the most important formative years.

Thank you for helping illuminate how crucial early childhood is to over all human development and learning.

Thank you to the team of professionals that work tirelessly to keep us working together as a family and community.

I am deeply impressed by the valuable support and resources provided by Bananas. As a childcare provider, I have greatly benefited from their comprehensive workshops and well- curated resources.

Bananas, Inc, 是一个非常支持家庭托儿的机构。 我们家庭托儿得到他们很多帮助和支持。 特别是他们开展有很多关于幼儿教育的课程去帮助我们提高专业知识，从而提高我们家庭托儿服务质量，让我们的老师们更专业的去做好每一天的幼儿工作！！Bananas, Inc, 是最棒的！！！

我曾参加Bananas 公司的关于儿童发展与学习的研讨会, 通过会议我理解幼儿的发展, 也知道怎样促进他们不断成长和学习, 从而提高了我的服务幼儿的专业水平, 教会我们更多关于幼儿的知识, 帮助我们在工作中得到帮助.Bananas 公司是一间积极为社区服务的非营利组织.

Bananas is an excellent non profit and I had the benefit of participating in The Black Fathers Group which was a great program and I hope it is offered to more fathers in the community. I would like to thank them for offering the service.

Absolutely fantastic - culturally responsive staff meet people where they are, not where THEY think people should be.

I was first introduced to Bananas Inc through my mother and her daycare business. She ran and operated her business for 26 yrs before passing in 2020 suddenly. I reached out to Bananas Inc and told them, I would be taking over the business. They immediately reached out and supported me in so many ways as a Provider. I was grateful for the connection and the constant checking in from all the staff including the CEO Kym Johnson.

Bananas Inc, has helped out my parents in may ways also. I had parents needing PPE and even falling behind with bills and groceries. Bananas is a pillar in the community, the family and for providers like me early childhood development. I couldn't do what I do without Bananas Inc and their continuous support for Young at Heart Daycare.

Bananas Inc. has been very supportive to me and my parents of Rose's Daycare. Bananas has been helping me with my families with special needs for over 28 years. They take the time to research and refer clients to the proper needed resources. Whether I needed help with PPE supplies or diapers and wipes for needy families, Bananas was always there to help. When I lost a young mom to covid recently, the whole Bananas Team came to my rescue to help the dad and three young boys. The Bananas Inc is the definition of kindness. It doesn't matter who you connect with the phone at Bananas Inc., the entire staff from the CEO Kym Johnson to intake operator are extremely professional and knowledgeable. It is a pleasure working with this beautiful group of women and men. They truly care about the health and wellbeing of our families and the children we serve.

BANANAS inspired me to start a club at my school called the BANANAS Bunch Club at Monte Vista High School. I wanted the youth at my school to understand that there are families that need help and that we can be the change in the world. We all feel like we are giving back when we: hold local fundraisers, help on-site at the BANANAS office filling bags, performed at UnPeeled 2023 (reading books and dancing for the little ones). Thank you BANANAS for giving us this opportunity!

BANANAS does amazing work that directly impacts children, caregivers, and the greater community. Their leadership is top notch and their employees are so dedicated to serving young kiddos and childcare workers. I am so honored to be associated with this organization.

It is helper for us and for my kids thank you for Helping

I get pampers for free and it helps a lot I get notified once a month and I am so thankful for it

I am so thankful because they give us pampers and I get notified for it one day a month

Bananas was the reason I was able to get child care for my kids and went back to school. I have always wanted to be a nurse but childcare was an issue. Bananas provided a detailed and safe child care for the kids. Am proud to be rounding up with school. I deeply appreciate for all you do

Bananas helps countless families find the support they need, whether that be getting connected to resources, child care, or their own education/development. I cannot recommend them enough!

I would like help in this program because my son has a slow speech disorder.

Very proactive in sharing useful tips, resources, and ideas with childcare providers.

Bananas works really hard finding interesting glasses for daycare providers. They hear our needs and try to help the best way they can. The people there are knowledgebke snd are always willing to help

This is a great non profit who truly help everyone working in the childcare industry as well as it is a great resource to families. I can't recommend and thanked them enough for all their support during the 10 years my preschool has been opened.

Getting out the information as well as the service was excellent. Everything was done in a timely and organized manner.

I would like to shine stars on Bananas. I'm so grateful to be apart of such an amazing Organization. Bananas has always been such a large part of my Program.
I would like to thank u guys from the bottom of my Heart. You guys offer so much for Parents and Providers. Referral's,PPE,Learning Materials,Food,Diapers,Trainings.

Thanks In Advance
Boujee'Babies Daycare....

Bananas provide Great workshop for child care provider! Thanks!

The classes and the workshops that provide Bananas helps me not only run my family home daycare but also how to be a good parent. I feel getting educated after I take class or workshop from Bananas.

BANANAS has been a great resource to me and my daycare. Y. Fong from BANANAS provided me with hands-on guidance when I opened my family daycare in 2015. She was thorough and walked me through all steps, including the licensing application procedure, creating a safe indoor and outdoor play area, selecting appropriate toys, record keeping, and so forth. The list goes on and on. I continue to attend workshops and classes at BANANAS. CPR, First Aid, and a workshop on filing income tax returns with Aleman and Associates are a few examples. Recently, BANANAS has distributed toys, activity materials, and COVID 19 testing kits to the daycare operators. These supplies have proven a great resource for the children under my care at the daycare. I want to take this opportunity to thank H. Chen, Y. Fong, and the rest of the BANANAS' team members for the great service you provide to all the childcare operators and the community at large.

I have been a daycare provider in the BayArea for the last decade and without Bananas, I would not have had the opportunity to serve most of the students who have attended my daycare. Not only does Bananas make it possible for low income families to financially afford childcare but Bananas also helps daycares refer qualified families for our services!

Bananas has always been a great resource for our school. The director's roundtables, the professional growth trainings, covid supplies, and classroom materials, all of which has helped us grow to become more knowledgeable and stocked. We appreciate having them as a resource and referral entity.

I have been a childcare provider, Director, Teacher and advocate for children for over 40 years. The Center has always maintained a personal and professional relationship with Bananas. Before the pandemic and especially during the pandemic Bananas has stepped up and assisted many families and schools in the community stay afloat. We have really appreciated the constant communication, give-a-ways and the support that Bananas has provided our community as a whole. Congratulations to this great non profit community gem for maintaining and providing support for over 25 years++!

Careful staffs and good services to childcare providers and families.

I'm so glad that we have Bananas. They helped me out a lot specially Ms. Heng Chen. Heng Chen always helps us for everything. Love Bananas.

Amazing program. It’s extremely resourceful. All of the staff is friendly and welcoming. I’m excited for future endeavors with Bananas

Give a great support for childcare provider, parents and children .

This is an amazing program to help ease the lighten the burden of the cost of childcare, SO GRATEFUL!!!!!!

I can't be more grateful! I was going through a tough moment, and at Bananas, I could find the help I needed in every way. The classes helped me to learn so much, and feel that I was not alone :) Also, they call me to offer help for care. I attended an awesome class to obtain my CPR and first aid certification, and with no cost! ������
I feel deep gratitude for Bananas!
Thanks!

Bananas is a wonderful organization who helped my wife and I find childcare and quell our anxieties about the process. We had a great outcome. We love support provided for the whole community - including political advocacy at the state and federal levels.

As a single mom of twins, I will be forever grateful for Bananas. Words cannot do justice to the gratitude I feel for having this service to help with childcare for my children. Bananas has helped me with with childcare since my kids were 7 months old, from daycare to preschool and now with after school programs and summer camp as they enter kindergarten. I don't know what I would have done without Bananas. Michelle is amazing and has been so very helpful in every instance and responsive to all questions, helping me fill out the forms for the recertifications, and getting the appropriate documents from the providers. I cannot recommend Bananas enough.

This program was very help. It allowed me to add variety to my daily curriculum

Bananas has been by far the best since I left from Child Care Links. I personally would like to give a shout out to my caseworker Fiona Heal! She is so kind very professional and prompt with her response with anything. They are a great non profit organization and will love to see them thrive in the future. Fiona helped me with any questions or concerns I may have had. Bananas keep up the good work.

Bananas has helped a single mother like myself afford child care so I can work and provide for my daughter - the work they do is amazing, I am so grateful for Michelle and the rest of the team for all their help and support !!!!!

Very helpful, resourceful, friendly and informative. They go above and beyond to try and help or train you if needed and all the staff are well grounded and accessible. Thank you!!!!!

Ive always felt that Banana's is an exceptional nonprofit organization. They help teachers, families and children in so many different ways.

I feel blessed to have such a great, supportive and knowledgeable place to go to when ever I need guidance.

Lisa Fitch
Lg. family daycare in Oakland, Ca

Service was timely each person that I talked to made sure that I was taken care of until the end. I got what I needed.

I am a Child Care Provider of 35 years and I must say that Bananas has been a godsend for me and my business. Bananas, Inc. has offered me support through, free books, classes to help me become a better Provider, support groups and so much more. They have been especially supportive during this Pandemic. Bananas has made it possible that we had masks, sanitizer, diapers, gloves and the like. Many of these things were either sold out or in limited supply in the local stores. I have always been met with warms smiles and tons of information. I could never have survived without this "Bunch", pun intended. They are such a wealth of information and help. Peel out and visit Bananas when it's safe to do so and you won't be disappointed. Thanks Bananas

They're monthly newsletters are informative! They offer workshops, free events, and pay groups - local and inclusive of the community.

BANANAS is amazing! I’ve learned about choosing infant care, attended the Mother Support Group and other parent sessions in person. Now during Shelter in Place, we have participated in a virtual playgroup. Excellent community resource!

Ahead of the pandemic they were helpful in educational resources and connecting families with our center. During the pandemic they've been a lifeline. They sprung into action with expansion of resources, confluence of information from govt agencies and making it digestible. They've also taken on the role of getting cleaning supplies and PPE funds out to the providers swiftly, which allowed my center to remain open to care for the children of essential workers. This agency is vital to the continued success of providers.

Bananas has helped so many families and child care providers. We LOVE them and would recommend to any family with young children and child care provider that would like some extra support. Thank you Bananas!

I have been on Bananas mailing list since 1990 when I started thinking about opening a family child care. At Bananas I found all the support I needed, from classes, contracts, referrals, toys to a community of providers. 29 years later bananas is still helping me, parents and child care providers.

Thank you Bananas.

Ivette

I've been a family daycare provider for many years when we experience the pandemic in March. I had to reach out to banana's for a number of things without hesitation Babanas was their for me. they went the extra mile not only for myself but for other provider, families and our for others communities. by providing supplies and support. being there when their were so many questions , uncertain
about contract recertification. Things marched on smoothly with bananas they develop support groups listening sessions and Q&A's . Bananas really put together a program to help providers families and the community get through this trying time. That's affecting everyone . Thank you Banans for being there I found the support I received to be verythe supportive, helpful very friendly very kind conversations.


They were right there and took care of things in mediately I take my hat off to the dentist because I didn't feed them this way when before the pandemic and I'm very pleased to say that I'm proud to be a part of that family cuz that's the way I see it thank you Denise Franklin Robinson

My Name is Danette Jones Truso and I want to give a shout out to Sarah, Shannon and Jamaica who has been going out their way to help me since the Corona virus ������. They have done an excellent job.

I have always been impressed by the classes and forums that they offer to providers in the area. And they're free of charge with refreshments!

Been associated with this organization since they began. They can be counted on .

BANANAS facilitated my first ECE job in the Bay Area in the mid 70's. They've been supporting my professional growth and development ever since! Thank you BANANAS for being such a grass roots, kind, and accessible organization - always trying to deliver best practices.

What drew me to help Bananas, Inc. with a design project was not only their nonprofit work but also that they are local and serve members of my community. I believe in their mission so I didn't hesitate to say yes to this project. Samantha was very clear in what was needed, responded quickly to my questions, and even supplied humor to make the process feel more human and less like a transaction. I look forward to working with her and Bananas, Inc. again in whatever capacity is needed.

As a fellow social work associate, this organization is grass-roots, "parent 911". No fluff, they actually get results for parents. Many parents in crisis have been helped by Bananas. This place is like no other I've ever seen. They get donations from the community, which they turn back out to the community, and I know families that have survived on these donations...a mom who had no PJ's for her child--got some at Bananas--FREE!, a new single Dad whose toddler showed up to pre school w/no shoes--found some at Bananas--new parents with an "early arrival" that they weren't ready for--Banana's totally set them up so they could bring baby home--that baby had clothes, a bed, books, even toys---this place is a god-send. I was a client myself many years ago. So I know this place from both perspectives.

Before I joined the Board of BANANAS, I heard about them through my work in the ECE field. Everyone talked about how amazing BANANAS was and how they've been a leader in California for decades. Then I started to hear about BANANAS from my community in Oakland. Everyone knew about BANANAS! I was so proud to join an organization that is so committed to helping families and child care providers thrive. BANANAS is always thinking about how to provide better services to the community and a huge part of that process is listening to the community. BANANAS meets families and child care providers where they're at. It's so wonderful to be part of a non-profit organization that takes a strength-based approach to supporting children, the people who care and love those children, and the greater community.

BANANAS improves the lives of thousands of families by providing them access to great childcare and helping them pay for it. The staff are extremely dedicated to their work and the community they serve. This organization of over 40 years is a pillar of the community.

BANANAS is a phenomenal organization. The clarity of mission, positive impact, and organizational excellence are far beyond what I've seen at many other non-profits.

I was a nanny for over 12 years since 2005 this is before I got my education in early childhood. I was very involved kind of nanny so bananas like my home . I stop by bananas everyday to get every resources and hand outs that there is to help me be great nanny to the child also to help me communicate well with the parent of the children. Bananas have hand outs for every issue with child, parent and caregivers such as developmental, behavior, communication etc. I also got lots of training from bananas, such as how to care for children with asthma, first aid, cpr, how to choose good environment for children and more. Since Merritt college is connected to bananas, I also took one of my ECE credential class at bananas with wonderful instructors. Long story short I earned my associate teacher certificate from Merritt college and for the past one year I'm operating small in a home daycare , lovely and cozy in oakland. Again bananas is my resource that help me advertise my business and connect me with parents. I can't say enough about bananas, if you are parents,grandparents, guardians caregivers etc and you are looking for information or resources on how to care for children, go to bananas. People are over friendly and happy to help. I'm looking forward to use bananas resources to find reliable care givers in near future. Thank you

Over the past 3 decades I have had the opportunity to use the many services provided by BANANAS, first as a client and more recently as a high school teacher and preschool program director. In 1978 I moved to the bay area, a single mother – no family or support system, job or source of income – with only the confidence and determination to create a better life for my son and myself. My first task was to find child care for my son and I was fortunate to meet a woman who told me about an agency that provided services for woman and children including free referrals of child care programs. After talking with the woman at BANANAS, I left with a list of child care programs and camps to contact and the feeling I was no longer alone. My story is not unique. It has been retold many times and in many different languages and even if the circumstances vary, clients like myself come to this non-profit for services that assist woman and families and leave with answers to their questions and a relief that life just became a little easier.

As I pursued my career and made a life for my son and myself, BANANAS grew in size and reputation, expanded their services and increased their staff and clientele. In 1998, I was hired to teach child development classes – an elective course designed for high school students to investigate careers working with children. Students receive instruction in class and then apply their knowledge by working with children in our onsite preschool. Twenty years had passed since my first experience with BANANAS but when I walked inside their new location, not only did I feel the same warm reception but to my surprise I recognized several women who remembered me. And just like before, I talked about my need for resources that would supplement my textbooks and walked away with shopping bags full of informational brochures and handouts, relating to the content areas listed in my course outline as well as local publications and names of other nonprofit agencies dealing with a myriad of issues bay area families face every day as they attempt to keep their children safe and healthy. Resources including a Lending Video Library, workshops, classes, school presentations are just a few examples of ways BANANAS has enriched my curriculum. BANANAS provide a context for my students to gain an understanding of the lessons they learn in class.

In my review of BANANAS, I have described some of the services they offer as a resource and referral agency for Northern Alameda County especially those which have made a difference for me as a woman, a mother and a teacher. Recently I have seen BANANAS in what I consider their most important role, as advocates for quality child care programs. After serving the community for 30 years, administrative decisions threatened to close our preschool. When news of the potential elimination of our preschool program reached BANANAS, they were the first ones to stand up in support of our preschool. The Executive Director came to every meeting closure of the preschool was on the agenda, helped us strategize, work together and organize community support. At a time when BANANAS was dealing with massive budget cuts impacting preschools through out the state, I was surprised and thankful for the attention our preschool received. And when I expressed my appreciation, I heard the humble response “this is what we do!” Thank you, BANANAS, for doing it so well!

This is a wonderful organization that provides child care support for many low income working class families who would not otherwise be able to afford childcare services for their children.

The BANANAS Child Care Resource and Referral agency is committed - absolutely! - to children and families. People ask for all kinds of help, and they are answered with compassion, openness, knowledge and friendliness. BANANAS interprets its mission very broadly, and offers all kinds of services for all kinds of families. Information is given on any topic relating to children. Advocacy is provided when needed. Families can count on BANANAS!

Bananas has been of incredible assistance to our school, and because of them, we have been able to add to the quality of our care (workshops and First Aid/CPR reimbursement), assist our stability (referrals to parents) and for quite some time, gave us an avenue to find good staff (staff reference information). As an administrator, I have been able to be more savvy and therefore compliant with licensing issues, and have been able to provide my parents who are new or at risk, to have support and strategies for success through workshops and referrals.

Bananas, Inc. and its dedicated staff members have been incredibly supportive and provided crucal educational and informational materials for my wife and I regarding our now two year old son. This assistance has helped us through the challenging and uncertain growth stages for our child and helped us provide the appropriate care and support for our son. Bananas and its staff has also helped us with my family medical leave act questions and issues and provided critical advice regarding child care and child care providers.

Fantastic! I have a 20 month old and have been searching for a book that is even 1/2 as good as the Bananas handouts. I have also talked to staff members in a time of need who were comforting and helpful. I feel very lucky to have Bananas as a resource!

Bananas is a life saver:
When I need help for a clients, I refer them to Bananas with confidence.
When I need to enhance the information I want to share with a client, I go
to the Bananas' rich resource of materials and information.
When I need help for my matriculating staff members, I send them to Bananas.
When a parent can't afford my services, and I can't afford to help her, I send her to Bananas.
When I want to keep abreast of the child care news and the licensing regulations, I go to Bananas. Let's face it, sometimes it is great to go Bananas! Dr. D. L. Mante

BANANAS is tremendously helpful to families but also to child care providers. They have been hosting Directors' Roundtable that are priceless and free for our field.

Bananas helped us set up two wonderful shared daycare situations. We used Bananas to obtain referrals to contact for the other parents and for the caregivers themselves. The Bananas was very helpful in guiding us through the process of what to look for in a caregiver and how to do the contract for employment, etc. This was 16 & 19 years ago as our children are not grow, but we have been dedicated supporters since. Thanks Bananas!!!!!! Keep up the good work. Ann Casper

When I was seeking child care for my baby daughter with disabilities, Bananas was a god-send, helping me understand and sort out what I needed to know to select good quality care. Later, when I wanted to work to improve child care as a volunteer advocate, Bananas provided encouragement, direct support, and advocacy tools so that I could be successful. I was so inspired by the staff and the programs at Bananas that I joined the Board of Directors. After more than 20 year, I support Bananas and thework they do whole-heartedly. This is a socially responsive and responsible organization....creative and outside the box thinking grounded in a clear understanding of community needs and social values.

As PTA president Leconte elementary school, and vice president Berkeley PTA Council , Berkeley California, I had extensive experience with Bananas organization and staff, which are very professional and personal. As a minority, Chicano, I took great pride in their ability to service all aspects of our community. I have provided a link to the website for your review, http://www.bananasinc.org/. As a UC Berkeley-school of architecture graduate and Vietnam veteran I found this organization to provide a most important service for our community. Raising a family is the most important thing a father can do and may be difficult and challenging. Being able to rely on a organization like Bananas was very reassuring.

I've been a long time volunteer at BANANAS serving in my capacity as a public health nurse. BANANAS has always brought together volunteers from various disciplines to provide workshops, training and other resources to serve the interests of parents and other child care providers in the task or child rearing. They are truly dedicated to serving the diverse needs of families in Northern Alameda County.

Bananas is a client-centered, child and parent advocate of the best kind. Their services are geared to the needs of children and supportive of parenting, a difficult job under the best of circumstances.