FAQ's

What if I can’t commit to weekly tutoring?
We have numerous ways to get involved, both sporadically and routinely.  For example, helping prepare a dish for a teacher appreciation lunch or being a chaperone on occasional field trips.

What if I want to tutor, but don’t think I have the skills?
Faith Network offers training sessions and materials to help you develop tutoring skills.  If you know how to read, or have helped your own children when they were in first grade, you will find that it comes rather naturally

Are the children difficult?
We find the children are eager to learn, affectionate, and appreciative.  Some children are more challenging than others, and we match tutor skills/preferences with individual children.

How is Faith Network involved so far? 
Faith Network volunteers serve in the following areas: tutoring, Teacher Appreciation Luncheons, Campus Beautification, playground supervision, library helpers, newsletter assembly, health advising, and more. 

What are Faith Network’s most pressing needs now?
We need more tutors during and after school, classroom assistants, playground supervisors/lunch buddies, and library assistance.

How do you prevent Faith Network volunteers from seeming “condescending” when coming from a mid to high-income community going into a school that is not?
Faith Network representatives have a relationship with the schools they serve.  We ask them what they need and how we can help.  We do not, in any way, tell them what we think they need.

Do I have to get a TB test and fingerprint scan?
Yes.  All on-campus volunteers are required to show proof of a negative TB test and a clear Live Scan fingerprint certification.  Our Faith Network staff will help you get the proper documents and appointments needed. 

How long does my TB test last?  Where can I get a TB test?
According to the Oakland Unified School District, all volunteers must renew their TB certification every 3 years.  Tests will expire 3 years after the date it was read.  There are two ways to obtain a TB test. 

1. Make an appointment with your doctor.
2. Make an appointment with Phyllis Fortuin, Clinic Director for City Team Ministries. She will provide TB testing on Tues. or Thurs., 10 am - 2 pm. A $5.00 donation recommended. Call for an appointment (510) 295-7405 (Phyllis’ cell) or (510) 452-3758 x15. City Team is located at 722 Washington St., Oakland 94607.

How do I get a fingerprint scan?
LiveScan fingerprinting is now provided by Prints on the Run, Alameda County Office of Education, and UC Berkeley Police Deptartment.  All fingerprinting fees can be paid for or reimbursed by Faith Network.  You will need to submit your LiveScan receipt as proof that you completed the fingerprinting procedure.  Please bring the following to receive fingerprinting services:
-Live Scan Service Request form from Faith Network (call our office to request a form at 510-836-5100)
-Valid federal, state or local government picture ID (Driver’s license, passport, etc.)

Where can I get fingerprinted?
Prints on the Run is located at 580 Grand Ave. Suite S in Oakland.  Please call their office to schedule an appointment at (510) 268-9940.  Their hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm; and Saturday, 10am - 4pm.  Tell them to charge Faith Network’s account.

The Alameda County Office of EducationFingerprinting Office, located at 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, Room 172, offers Walk-In and Scheduled appointment. Phone: (510) 670-7711.

Scheduled Appointments:
Mon. & Fri. 7:35 –4:00 p.m., Tues., Wed. and Thurs. 1:00 –4:00 p.m.

Walk-In Availability:
Tues., Wed., and Thurs. 7:35 - 11:00 a.m.(Except the 4th Wed. of each month)
Please call (510) 670-7711 to schedule an appointment. Walk-in is on a “first come, first served” basis for the first 30 applicants only. When you arrive, please sign your name in an available time slot.
No payment is necessary, Faith Network will be billed.

UC Berkeley Police Department Located at 1 Sproul Hall UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley 94720
Faith Network volunteers/Cal Berkeley students can get fingerprinted thru UC police, located in the basement of Sproul Hall (Bancroft & Telegraph). Come to the font counter and someone will help you. Fingerprint apointments are made Tues. - Fri., 8:15 am - 4:15 pm by calling (510) 642-6760.  Bring a check made payable to U.C. Regents for $26.  Faith Network will reimburse you.