Alison Burrowes was recently appointed as the new Director of Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (Kern BHRS) by the Kern County Board of Supervisors. She has worked at Kern BHRS for 22 years, beginning as a Recovery Specialist in 2002, and then serving in various supervisory roles throughout her career, including interim directory since mid-October. 

            “I am incredibly grateful for this appointment, and excited to have the opportunity to lead the Behavioral Health Department into the future,” says Burrowes. “I look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors, department staff and our community partners to continue to support the health of our community. I’m very proud of the work the Behavioral Health Department does serving our community, and it is a sincere privilege to lead.”

Impact Skate Shop Makes Generous Donation to Open Door Network

         Impact Skate Shop recently made a generous donation to Open Door Network, a family homeless shelter in Kern County that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The donation of 270 pairs of skate shoes and 400-plus articles of clothing, including stylish pants and tees, helps send a powerful message of inclusion and care as well as fulfill a crucial need, says Lauren Skidmore, CEO of Open Door Network.

         “We at Impact Skate are more than just a business; we’re part of this community,” says Billy Bryan, owner of Impact Skate Shop. “It’s our privilege to contribute and make a positive impact in the lives of these young individuals.  We hope our contribution brings not just comfort but also a sense of belonging and joy during the Holiday Season.”

         For more information, please visit www.opendoorhelps.org.

Night to Shine’s Unforgettable Prom

            Tim Tebow’s Foundation presents its 10th annual Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older, on Friday, February 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 2500 Fairfax Road, Bakersfield. Every guest enters the complimentary event on a red carpet wearing a tiara or a crown complete with a warm welcome from friendly crowd and paparazzi.

Once inside, guests not only spend the night dancing, but experience hair and makeup stations, shoe shiners, corsages and boutonnieres, karaoke, a catered dinner, and a respite room for parents and caretakers. For more information, visit www.nighttoshineccf.org. 

KCSOS Hosts County’s Largest Teacher Recruitment Event

            Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) hosts the 24th annual Kern County Teacher Recruitment Fair, the largest in the county, on Saturday, February 3 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to the Larry E. Reider Education Center, 2000 K Street, Bakersfield.  Attendees should be fully credentialed, intern-eligible, and have a bachelor’s degree, or higher to see what positions or anticipated future openings may be available in the 2024-2025 school year. 

            Districts want to meet individuals who qualify for the following positions:  multiple subject teachers, single subject teachers, special education teachers, speech pathologists, school nurses, and occupational therapists.  Additionally, several school districts are recruiting Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers. 

            For more information and pre-registration, visit https://kern.org/trf.