Family Education
& Resource Center
The Family Education and Resource Center (FERC) supports family members who are caregivers for loved ones residing in all regions of Alameda County. Whether you are a family caregiver for a child, adolescent, adult, or elderly adult dealing with emotional disturbance or mental illness, we’re here to help. We offer mental health education, information, advocacy, and support services to help you provide the best care possible for your loved one.
If you are a caregiver for a child or adult with mental illness, we can connect you with a hospital, medical center, mobile crisis team, psychiatric facility, or other support program that can provide professional care for them and temporary or permanent assistance for you. Many of these crisis support services are available 24/7.
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To Reach the FERC Warmline
The FERC warmline is available Monday through Friday, from 9am-6pm. Our peer-run hotline offers free emotional support to those struggling with mental illness, as well as their caregivers. If you would like to speak to an advocate, call our warmline at (888) 896-3372. If no one is available, leave a message; an advocate will return your call shortly. In case of emergency, call 911.