Ken Berrick

Background

About Ken Berrick

I am running for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 5! Over 30 years ago, I founded Seneca Family of Agencies with the unconditional commitment to support children and families through the most difficult times in their lives. Headquartered in Oakland, Seneca is now one of the largest child-serving nonprofits in California. My wife Jill (Professor of Social Work at UC Berkeley) and I have spent our lives together partnering on children’s issues. For the past 15 years, I've had the honor of serving on the Board of Education, providing support and oversight to 17 school districts. I have been fortunate to earn the endorsements of numerous nonprofit leaders and elected officials at both local and state levels. I believe I can make a tangible impact, leveraging my extensive knowledge and experience in government, the nonprofit sector, and community services to realize meaningful change. My primary focus will be on education, children’s services, healthcare, and mental health – areas where I have successfully driven positive change throughout my career. I am the President and CEO of Just Advocates. Just Advocates is a nonprofit organization based in Oakland that provides individualized support to children and families; informs systemic solutions at local, state, and national levels; and partners with government entities and foundations on improving family care systems and programs. I am also the Founder and CEO Emeritus of Seneca Family of Agencies, a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing Unconditional Care to children and families through comprehensive mental health, education, placement and permanency services. Since its founding in 1985, Seneca has developed innovative programs ranging from Wraparound and Intensive Treatment Foster Care, to integrated mental health services in schools, and a crisis continuum of care for youth and their families. Our County needs a strong, independent voice that will work tirelessly on behalf of its children and families. I believe I can provide that voice.