Cougar Support Center

Taft College  >  Academics   >   Support Programs Services  >  Cougar Support Center

“Your ONE-STOP-SHOP for support”

   Click HERE to access the online food/clothing/hygiene request form.

UPDATED PANTRY LIST coming soon

Gas Cards and Grocery Cards will be available beginning September 1st.  Beginning August 1st, use the CSC Request Form button below to request a gas card/grocery card/or meal voucher.

The Cougar Support Center is here to support students in need of additional assistance as they venture through their educational path at Taft College. The mission of the CSC is to collaborate with on-campus programs and community resources to create a student-centered ecosystem that cultivates a sense of justice and belonging for all, creates an equitable environment, and closes the gap amongst a diverse population. The Cougar Support Center team is committed to offering a holistic environment within a one-stop shop to serve the students’ basic needs which includes but are not limited to the following:  financial assistance, a nutritious and sufficient food pantry, clothing pantry, housing assistance/support, technology, and transportation.  The Cougar Support Center team is here to provide information and resources to combat the hardships which adversely affect the ability of TC students to complete their academic, professional, and personal development objectives.

The Cougar Support Center is located west of the Taft College Student Services Administration building.  Students are welcome to walk-in to become familiar with the location and to explore what’s available in the food pantry and clothing closest.  The Cougar Support Center lounge is also available for students who need a place to relax in between classes.

CSC Hours

SUMMER

June 5, 2023 – August 10, 2023

Monday – Thursday

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday

Closed

CSC Hours

FALL & SPRING

Monday – Thursday

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Fridays

8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Contact Myisha Cutrona for additional assistance outside of the CSC resources.

Student Life and Basic Needs

Campus Resources

Cougar Support Center Food & Hygiene Pantry

The Food Pantry includes perishable and non-perishable food, toiletries, hygiene products, and even a clothing closet.  Students can also request meal vouchers during the summer, and grocery or gas vouchers during the fall and spring semesters (eligibility for grocery/gas cards and meal vouchers are dependent on each student’s financial aid.  Students may request gas/grocery cards once a month.  Weekly requests can be made for meal vouchers.

Perishable items are available periodically.  Check the Student Basic Needs and Resource Center webpage for details.

TimelyCare- FREE Virtual Health & Well-being Platform (for Taft College Students

 

“Self-care at your fingertips”

Taft College is now partnered with Timelycare to deliver a new virtual health and well-being platform for students. The service provides 24/7 access to virtual care at no cost! Students can take advantage of the TimelyCare services when they feel under the weather, stressed, or overwhelmed.

Click HERE to learn more.

 

     

If you are a student parent with a child under the age of 18 years click on the link below to learn about additional assistance.

Student Parent Assistance

TC CalFresh Outreach

Taft College participates in a state-wide outreach program to encourage and aid eligible students with the application and verification process.  Taft College CalFresh Outreach (TCCFO) will then follow-up and assist students with the semi-annual and annual reporting to continue eligibility for CalFresh benefits. The Taft College CalFresh Outreach pre-screens students for eligibility criteria only and does not determine eligibility or award EBT benefits. (Click here for more information).

  • Click HERE for the CalFresh Application.

TC Financial Assistance

Students seeking aid or assistance for rent, mortgage, or utilities can call 661-763-7887 or send an email to mcutrona@taftcollege.edu.

Dental Hygiene

The Taft College Dental Hygiene program is a teaching and learning clinic.  Students perform all dental hygiene services and are overseen by licensed dental hygienists and dentists.  This service is available to TC students and the community at a low cost.  As a teaching clinic, appointments are longer, and students appreciate the commitment of all patients. (click here to learn more..)

Taft_FAQ_032023Students seeking help or wanting to help a friend/student in need can send a referral to the Taft College Health and Wellness Counselor.  Students can also receive additional help resources, including free and confidential personal counseling, mental health, wellness, and crisis resources. (Click here for more health and wellness resources)

  • Self Referral Form – Fill out this form if you wish to speak with our on-campus wellness counselor.
  • Referral Form – Fill out this form if you wish to refer someone to our on-campus wellness counselor.

Community Resources

You can donate to help support the Cougar Support Center

Simply click on the button below to donate the Basic Needs program fund that supports the Cougar Support Center.  The Employee Giving form is also available for Taft College employees interested in committing to monthly donations to the Basic Needs Fund.

Employee Giving Form

Upcoming Events