Finding Strength Through Community: A Client’s Journey from Fear to Hope

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In order to remove the shame, stigma and silence often associated with domestic violence, we opted to share a client’s story of strength & survival. As this client mustered up the courage to share her story, her hope is that in doing so, it gives others the courage to share their stories and heal in the process.

When I look back on my life, it’s hard to believe how much has changed in such a short time. Not long ago, I was trapped in a cycle of fear and abuse, unable to see a way out – not even really understanding what I was experiencing was abuse. Today, I stand with a renewed sense of hope, strength and a determination to help others find their own path to freedom & safety.

My story began, like many others, one of excitement. I was in a relationship with someone I loved and when we found out we were expecting a child, we took the next step and moved in together. But it was then that the cracks started to show. My partner’s behavior became increasingly aggressive, something I initially blamed on the daily stresses of life, especially after our child was born. My partner struggled with addiction and while there were moments of peace, they were momentary.

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the situation. The isolation, job loss and the impacts on mental health associated with the pandemic took a toll on both of us which caused him to spiral and quickly. His habit of drinking returned aggressively, strangers from the street would frequently show up at our doorstep and the environment became dangerously unpredictable. On top of it all, his abusive behavior had intensified.

Despite my best efforts to keep my child safe and hold our young family together, the situation reached a breaking point. One night, after a particularly violent outburst from my partner where he threw me against a wall, my partner unexpectedly kicked us out of the home.

Thankfully, my parents took me and my child in but the cycle of abuse from my partner continued for another two years. There were periods where he seemed to get better, only for his abusive behavior to intensify. It wasn’t until one night, after finding him passed out and covered in blood in the kitchen, that I finally saw the reality of the situation. I tried to handle the situation myself but as usual, I was met with his aggression – to the point that my partner nearly ended my life in that moment. He wasn’t just hurting himself; he was endangering my life and my child’s life. When he woke up and tried to end my life, I knew we had to escape for good.

Filing a police report brought Child Protective Services (CPS) into my life and through them, I was connected to Children’s Institute. My goal was to find counseling for my child, who had witnessed far more than any three-year-old should ever have to see but what I found at Children’s Institute was more than just help for him – it was a lifeline for the both of us.

At first, I was hesitant to accept the help offered. I had always been the kind of person who believed I could handle things on my own, but this time was different. I was exhausted, scared and felt utterly defeated. I took a leap of faith and enrolled in the domestic violence and parenting classes, not knowing just how transformative this decision would be.

During the group session at Children’s Institute, I was connected to other people who understood my pain in a way I had never experienced. For the first time, I learned that the things I had been through weren’t just part of life – they were signs of abuse. This realization was both shocking and liberating. And what was key for me was that I wasn’t alone and that this wasn’t my fault. Prior to this, I blamed myself for the abuse I experienced. Somehow, I told myself that I put myself in these situations.

The support I received at Children’s Institute allowed me to start rebuilding my life. I learned about self-care – something I had never considered important before – and the importance of setting boundaries. These weren’t just abstract concepts; they were tools that helped me protect myself and my child from ever falling back into the cycle of abuse.

Additionally, it was through my therapy sessions that I was encouraged to find a community of friends outside of therapy. So, with some courage, I started getting involved in a church. That’s where, for the first time, I found a community of people & friends who embraced and understood me. The love and acceptance that my child and I felt were incredible. Before getting therapy and becoming involved in my church, I was never able to connect with others and form friendships. I even got to throw a friend their baby shower – and for me, I felt like that was a huge success.

Today, I am a different person. I’ve built a strong support system that I can rely on. I have the support system through my church and through it, I have friends who accept and love me and my child unconditionally. I’ve learned how to find joy in life’s little things. The constant state of fear has been lifted off my shoulders and replaced by a newfound sense of peace and purpose.

But my journey isn’t just about surviving – it’s about thriving. I want to share my story because I know there are others out there who are afraid and feel trapped. I want them to know that there is hope for them and that there are people and organizations like Children’s Institute who can help them find their way out of the darkness.

I am forever grateful for the support I received, and I wish I could give back more. I know that one way of giving back is through sharing my story. I hope that my story can be a light for someone else.

*Client’s name has been omitted for anonymity.

 

For more information & resources on domestic violence, please see below:

Community Spotlight: Twinspire

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We recently opened the doors of our Otis Booth campus, in the heart of Historic Filipinotown, to welcome our community partner organizations for a much-anticipated roundtable discussion. Hosted by our Community Relations team, this marked the first community roundtable at Otis Booth since the onset of the pandemic, with partners eager to come together and engage in person.

“There’s been a hunger to reimagine the collaborative spaces we enjoyed pre-pandemic—to welcome back community partners, old and new. It reminded us that there is so much power in simply sharing space, breaking bread, in discussing common experiences and opportunities for partnership in service to families. This was an exciting first step,” says Deborah Riddle, the Senior Community Relations Specialist at Children’s Institute.

The gathering reflected our North Star, which centers on four pillars: educational success, emotional well-being, economic mobility and lifelong health. These pillars ground us as we work in underserved communities and guide us in the relationships we build. And we know that our work cannot be done alone. True impact is achieved through collaboration, which is why we’re so proud of the strategic partnerships we’ve developed with organizations like Wesley Health, Saban Clinic, P.S. Arts and Twinspire.

As we sat down to discuss current challenges, opportunities and to better understand community needs, one thing was clear: while our missions aligned, each of the organizations brought a unique set of strengths and areas for growth to the table. This diversity in experience reinforced our belief that we are better together.

Among the voices at the table was Twinspire, an organization that has become near and dear to us. Not only are they our new partners, but they’ve also recently moved into our campus. Twinspire’s work is transformative, as they advocate for marginalized young adults and foster youth, equipping them with financial literacy and life skills. By empowering their youth to open doors to educational and career opportunities, they break down barriers and elevate voices that often go unheard.

What stands out most about Twinspire’s approach is their intentionality behind the relationships they build with their youth. Not an easy task. The leaders of the organization, often take the first step to connect with the youth on a deeper level by sharing in their own personal experiences as Black men who have navigated similar struggles. Angelo Agunae, Twinspire’s Program Director, shared, “I love the youth we serve, and I relate to them. I relate to their struggles, and I believe it is our duty to invest in youth and kids because when we do that, they become the people they’re supposed to be.”

Their shared experiences form the foundation of trust, allowing vulnerable stories to be told, real emotions to be felt and healing to begin. This relationship-building is just the first step to making their programs so successful and resonant, in topics including financial literacy, career development, social-emotional learning and social justice.

Tae Thompson, Twinspire’s co-founder and Executive Director, eloquently framed it during our discussion. He says, “It’s not about seeing individuals as independently sufficient but rather, as community sufficient.” This powerful mindset highlights the interconnectedness of our work, emphasizing that we all play a vital role in the development of the whole person within the larger community ecosystem.

We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Twinspire and as we embark on our new joint initiative supporting foster youth, LAUNCH, aimed at supporting system-involved youth, we can’t wait to share more about the impact we’ll create together. Stay tuned for exciting updates on this partnership!

Suicide Prevention Awareness – Trending Issues & Tips for Families with Youth

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Suicide is a complex issue affecting countless families, making awareness essential for prevention. Our Director of Intensive Behavioral Health, Kelly Hwang, LMFT, shared her insights with L.A. Parent Magazine about how recent societal changes have impacted suicidal ideation, particularly among youth and wants to highlight two major influences including the pandemic and social media. While both issues are attributed to rising mental health concerns, they also provide opportunities for dialogue and support.

The Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic has profoundly affected youth mental health, resulting in alarming increases in suicidal ideation and self-harm. A key driver of this crisis is social isolation including lockdowns which stripped youth of social interactions, leaving many feeling lonely and disconnected.

Additionally, the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic shifted conversations about mortality into the forefront of young minds. Children, who may have previously been unaffected by death, were suddenly inundated with news about COVID-related hospitalizations and fatalities, heightening their anxiety and contributing to feelings of despair. Some even experienced the death of a family member as a result of COVID.

The pandemic, however, also sparked a cultural shift towards open discussions about mental health and wellness. The stigma that once silenced these conversations quickly began to dissipate, creating an environment where people felt more comfortable opening up about their struggles. While this openness may explain the uptick in reported rates of suicidal ideation, it also facilitates supportive dialogue.

The Role of Social Media
Social media serves as a double-edged sword for youth. On the negative side, it perpetuates unrealistic standards, leading to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Social media users tend to showcase their “best sides,” which skews perceptions of reality and can exacerbate underlying anxiety and depression to certain users. Social media can also promote harmful behaviors in schools including bullying and harassment.

Additionally, easy access to content about suicide poses risks to youth. Despite these challenges, social media can be a source of information for mental health and suicide prevention. Online resources can be life-saving – including for parents, who can benefit
from increased awareness of warning signs and strategies to support their children.

Tips for Parents
If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s mental health, consider the following tips:

1) Recognize Depressive Symptoms
• Loss of Interest: If your child no longer engages in activities they once enjoyed.
• Loss of enjoyment: Notice this sign in activities and things previously enjoyed.
• Changes in Eating and Sleeping: Deviations in usual patterns should be noted.
• Preoccupation with Death: Frequent talk about death or suicidal thoughts should not be dismissed.
• Low Energy and Fatigue: Persistent low energy levels.
• Traumatic Exposure: Past traumas that may affect their mental health.

2) Encourage Open Dialogue
Engaging in conversations about mental health and suicide is crucial.
• Ask Directly: Ask if your child has thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• Validate Their Feelings: Listen empathetically and acknowledge their emotions.
• Connect Them with Trusted Adults: Encourage seeking support from other family members, mentors or counselors.
• Consult a Mental Health Professional: If concerns escalate, don’t hesitate to involve a professional.

Resources
For additional support, organizations like Children’s Institute offer resources and counseling for qualifying families. For families under Medi-Cal with youth 0-21 years of age that are seeking resources, please see here.

Additional Resources:

Kelly Hwang, LMFT Director of Intensive Behavioral Health at Children’s Institute

What Does Community Empowerment Look Like?

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Get a glimpse into the Community Public Health Teams initiative

Jocelyn Medina’s journey began in the heart of Los Angeles, within the vibrant neighborhood of Koreatown. With a passion for social justice and a commitment to underserved communities, Jocelyn beams with joy when talking about her community, her work at Children’s Institute and the Community Public Health Teams (CPHT).

Jocelyn first joined Children’s Institute in February 2020 as a Transitional Development Specialist where she guided foster youth aged 16 through 21 into adulthood, aiding their transition out of foster care. She assisted with employment, housing and vital document procurement, all vital steps towards independence. Becoming a Community Health Worker for CPHT was a natural progression. Her deep-rooted desire to continue supporting families and individuals aligned perfectly with the household and community-level activities that CPHT implements.

Jocelyn immerses herself in the Watts community, leveraging her prior experiences and familial connections to bridge gaps and foster relationships. Home visits are a pivotal aspect of Jocelyn’s work, offering an eyewitness perspective of community dynamics. Despite the stigma often associated with Watts, Jocelyn only found warmth and hospitality. Whether talking with clients or neighbors, she experiences respect and camaraderie, which allows her to dispel misconceptions and foster trust.

Jocelyn actively engages with the community through initiatives like the Watts Community Conversations which is a monthly event that provides Watts residents to share with Children’s Institute and other partners so there is mutual understanding of their concerns and the ability to identify areas for collective improvement.

Reflecting on the challenges facing Watts and Lynwood neighborhoods, Jocelyn names two major obstacles: limited awareness of available resources and transportation barriers. She believes engaging community to connect them to resources is critical, emphasizing the importance of building trust and accessibility.

Jocelyn’s motivation stems from her upbringing in an underserved community, where language barriers and limited access to resources posed significant hurdles for her own family. Jocelyn knew that if her community had a person who could help them understand the health system and the process, it would have made a difference and she’s determined to be that kind of person, “I saw my family face all these challenges that I see some of the community members struggle with as well.” She knows people may hesitate or feel intimidated, but she remains undeterred.

Sometimes we just need someone to push us, to motivate us, to support us, so that we don’t feel alone… We want to make sure that our community members do not feel alone and know they have someone there to help them no matter what they are struggling with.

Jocelyn’s drive to empower communities embodies the values of CPHT and serves as a beacon of hope for Watts and beyond.

An interview of Jocelyn Medina by James K. Miller Jr. from the LA County Department of Public Health.

 

To learn more about Children’s Institute’s new initiative in partnership with the LA County Department of Public Health, please see here.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at CII

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What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured, short-term evidence-based treatment developed by Drs. Anthony Mannarino, Judith Cohen and Esther Deblinger that effectively improves a range of trauma-related outcomes in 8-25 sessions with the child/adolescent and caregiver. This form of therapy can be useful for a variety of experiences and traumas and has proven to be highly effective at improving youth post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnosis (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2024).

Currently, 25 randomized controlled trials have been conducted in the U.S., Europe and Africa, comparing TF-CBT to other active treatment conditions. The totality of this research is what distinguishes TF-CBT from other child trauma interventions and finding it superior for improving children’s trauma symptoms and responses (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2024).

At Children’s Institute, TF-CBT can be an important tool in helping children and families who have experienced trauma and/or violence in their life.

First-Hand Experience from Ingrid E. MĂźrrle, LMFT, CII Therapist and Training Center Clinical Manager

“One of the adjunct benefits of TF-CBT is caregiver involvement. Studies have shown that the more involved a caregiver is in treatment, the better the outcome.

In one case, we had a caregiver who was feeling hopeless; yet she came to our sessions each week. I had the opportunity to work closely with her and we went through each of the TF-CBT components just like we did with the child, both separately and together. During the treatment, we began to look at how thoughts can impact behaviors which impact feelings. This is an intervention we use with the kids and with caregivers. We approached it little differently by helping them work backwards from what they see to what the child is experiencing.

With this caregiver, we made a list of the child’s behaviors that were challenging. After going through the list, I challenged this caregiver to think about the internal effect a child behaving in those ways would feel. The last step was to imagine what someone with all these behaviors and feelings would be thinking of themselves. The caregiver began to cry as she realized that the child was feeling unworthy, unloved, and unimportant. It was one of those sessions where you walk out drained yet knowing something powerful had just happened.”

At CII, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been proven to help children and their families process and heal from the effects of traumatic experiences. If you would like to learn more about TF-CBT as a clinician or parent, please visit tfcbt.org.

Resources:

Alarming Suicide Rates Impacting Latino Youth – NBC News Featuring CII

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NBC News recently published an article reporting on the increase in youth suicide rates, featuring insights by Dr. Diane Elias, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Children’s Institute (CII). While the findings may not be surprising, especially to those familiar with recent mental and behavioral health trends, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of understanding and bringing awareness to this complex youth mental health crisis.

The rising rates of youth suicide and suicidal ideation can be seen locally in Los Angeles but also nationally, affecting rural, suburban, and urban areas, alike. What is interesting about the statistic is that not all groups are affected equally. According to NBC News, the suicide rate for Hispanic people in the United States has increased significantly over the past decade. Even elementary school-aged Hispanic children have tried to harm themselves or expressed suicidal thoughts.

The statistics show that the rise in youth suicide has been more pronounced in communities of color, including Latino communities, where there’s been a staggering 92.3% increase in suicide among Hispanic children 12 and younger from 2010 to 2019. There is a significant increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations among young people for risky behavior and suicidal thoughts. Children as young as eight have required hospitalization for attempting to harm themselves, said Dr. Elias.

What makes this issue even more complex is that often, there are multiple layers and contributing factors and no one-size-fits-all solution. Issues including anxiety, a sense of uncertainty, a lack of access to mental health resources, and underlying mental health issues can exacerbate the problem but there are other factors that are unique to certain ethnic and racial groups that act as obstacles including, but not limited to, cultural and language barriers, stigma surrounding mental health, and even societal and economic pressures attributed to one’s residency status. The article states that, about one in five Spanish-language calls ended with the scheduler hanging up or informing the caller that no one was available to assist in Spanish, further proving how mental health care is often difficult to access. It’s critical to note these cultural and language factors in providing the right access to care.

Children’s Institute is keenly aware of and considers these factors when developing specialized approaches to treatment. According to Dr. Elias, Children’s Institute’s approach includes the following methods & services:

  • Trauma-Informed Care: addresses underlying issues and appropriately responds to the impact of trauma on mental health.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): identifies and focuses on building coping skills and resilience.
  • Family Therapy: strengthens family support systems and communication within the family structure.
  • Crisis Intervention: provides immediate support and develops safety plans catered to the individual’s needs.
  • Collaborative Care: coordinates efforts with schools, other healthcare professionals, and community services for comprehensive care.
  • Holistic Approach: explores creative therapies, mindfulness, and self-care practices.
  • Culturally Competent Services: aligns with cultural sensitivities and beliefs held within different groups.

Additionally, Children’s Institute aims to support families and youth in reducing the risk of suicidal ideation by providing comprehensive mental health services. Individuals seeking help or those looking to support someone in need can benefit from Children’s Institute’s diverse and personalized approach to mental health and well-being. To start the process, you can call 213-260-7600.

It is critical to approach any warning sign seriously and with compassion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, seek help immediately. Reach out to mental health professionals for support and guidance and if there is an immediate risk of harm, call emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

If you are someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, it’s crucial to seek immediate help.

Steps to Reduce the Risk of Suicidal Ideations and Suicide for Families and Youth:

Open Communication:

  1. Encourage open and honest communication within the family.
  2. Create a safe space for youth to express their feelings without judgment.

Establish Support Networks:

  1. Build strong support networks involving family, friends, and community.
  2. Foster connections that provide emotional support during difficult times.

Encourage Professional Help:

  1. Promote the importance of seeking professional help including counseling/therapeutic services.
  2. Find mental health professionals and organizations that can provide support.

Identify Warning Signs:

  1. Changes in behavior such as sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or activities previously enjoyed.
  2. Communicating a sense of hopelessness
  3. Engaging in reckless or impulsive behaviors without regard for consequences
  4. Avoiding social interactions and isolation
  5. Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or sudden unexplained mood swings

Additional Resources and Other Steps to Take:

Suicide Prevention | CDC

Suicide Prevention: 12 Things Parents Can Do

Rising Latino Suicide Rates Worry Community Leaders | NBC News

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for free and confidential support 24/7. This Lifeline provides crisis intervention and emotional support for people in distress or for those around them.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis. Help is available.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 in the United States to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service is available 24/7 and provides support via text message.

Emergency Services: If the situation is urgent or life-threatening, call emergency services (911 in the United States) immediately.

 

 

Will SB307 Help Foster Youth Finish College?

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An exciting new opportunity for foster youth with postsecondary education aspirations was announced last month (July) with Senate Bill 307 being signed into the state budget. This new legislation expands financial aid for foster youth to not only support the cost of tuition, but the cost of living as well! Although this marks significant progress toward supporting foster youth with postsecondary education attainment, barriers such as lack of a supportive network continue to hinder this population in earning their college degree. Children’s Institute (CII) has worked diligently with Transition Aged Foster Youth (TAY) for many years to support them in identifying their postsecondary educational goals and take the necessary steps to make their dreams a reality.

To help paint the picture of what it’s like for this population, we connected with a recent graduate from our foster youth program, Beatrice, to discuss her experiences during her first year of college and the challenges she faced.

“I do not want to burden my foster mother to provide transportation. It can be a lot.” said Beatrice. Although the college she attends is only about a 30-minute drive, it takes more than an hour and a half and multiple connections for her to get to campus on public transport.

One of the most significant barriers for foster youth in college is the financial resources needed for housing, transportation, food, the cost of books, technology, and supplies. SB 307 addresses this barrier by providing the additional financial support needed to ensure foster youth are successful in meeting their postsecondary education goals.

On a more relational level, foster youth haven’t yet honed self-advocacy skills, nor do they have consistent, supportive adults in their lives to advocate on their behalf. There are a multitude of resources and services both on college campuses and in the community, but this information isn’t always readily apparent. Foster youth need to both know about the existence of those resources and have the confidence to access them. Beatrice shared that even when a resource is shared, on occasion, she didn’t know how to utilize it and needed more hands-on support to take full advantage of services and programs she was entitled to receive. CII provides current and former foster youth with mentors who support learning how to identify and access needed resources. These mentors are trusted adults that assist TAY in navigating the challenges of postsecondary education.

“I’m going into my 2nd year of college, and I still feel like a freshman, because I’m not engaged,” said Beatrice, “There are some people from my old high school that I go with, and even though we are in the same campus now, I still don’t interact with them. I see them through social media, and they are in their dorm and hanging out with people. I feel like I should have ‘dormed,’ but at the same time, growing up, I have always been around family.” Building community and networking is a vital part of the college experience, but many foster youth face financial challenges surrounding reliable, stable, and safe housing in between college semesters when many dorms are closed.

CII has served almost 300 current and former foster youth in South Los Angeles County between July 2022 and June 2023 in meeting education, employment, and housing goals. CII mentors meet with youth individually and in group settings to provide targeted support around postsecondary education goal identification and attainment. Our mentors support students in researching the best education fit, whether that includes vocational programs, community colleges, or a four-year university. Mentors support with the application process and even the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

We see these outcomes as a result:

  • 83% of High School Seniors enrolled in CII’s TAY program earned their High School Diploma in 2022
  • 87% of High School Seniors enrolled in the program applied to postsecondary education in June of 2022 and 2023 Compared to California
  • 70% of foster youth earned their High School Diploma by age 19
  • 56% of foster youth were enrolled in an educational program at age 19
  • 58% of foster youth earned their High School Diploma by age 19
  • 48% of foster youth were enrolled in an educational program at age 19

We asked Beatrice what advice she would give other foster youth starting their college journey. She encourages youth to take the opportunity to live in the dorms in order to develop meaningful relationships with peers. She also recommends making time for life on campus, such as clubs to decrease feelings of isolation and get the full college experience.

We need to continue to make efforts to identify barriers impacting foster youth earning their degrees and taking full advantage of the experience they worked so hard to attain, and ensure we create a collaborative effort to effectively overcome those barriers. California continues to progress toward equipping foster youth with the tools to succeed in college. Children’s Institute, and other community-based organizations support foster youth in accessing the resources and support to ensure foster youth have every opportunity to achieve their dreams.

A December to Remember

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In December 2022, more than 100 foster youth in CII’s Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP) celebrated the holidays with friends, mentors and chosen family at our Otis Booth campus in Echo Park. Guests enjoyed a holiday meal, music, plenty of games, prizes and photo ops.

This was the first time in over three years that CII’s foster youth program was able to celebrate the holidays in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial limitations. This celebration truly would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors and greater LA community partners. A special shoutout to DJ Lani Love for providing the tunes, Donny Joubert BBQ and Desserts by Donisha for the delicious food, and to sisters, Alex and Tiffany Tuttle, for ensuring that every youth went home with a gift.

CII’s ITSP supports transition aged (16-21) foster youth in preparing for a fulfilling adult life outside the foster system by providing mentorship, life skills classes, and educational supports that work towards high school and college graduation.

We still need your help to ensure that youth have the resources they need to achieve educational success and emotional wellbeing, which build pathways to economic mobility. Please consider making a gift to Children’s Institute and make the future brighter for youth across our city.

 

July is National Minority Mental Health Month, but What Does That Really Mean?

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The Department of Health and Human Services officially recognizes this month as a time to bring awareness to the stigma and barriers racial and ethnic minorities face in accessing and utilizing mental health services. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that while most minority groups have similar or fewer mental disorders than whites, “the consequences of mental illness in minorities may be long lasting.” This is due to a lack of access to primary healthcare, insurance, and mental health education. Additionally, racial minority groups are often treated with cultural insensitivity by healthcare and mental health professionals. According to the APA, many patients in minority groups are underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and factors that contribute to this include “language differences between patient and provider, stigma of mental illness among minority groups, and cultural presentation of symptoms.”

Our mental health and wellness providers at CII are acutely aware of these issues, which is why a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach is the foundation of their work. We asked a few of our staff why specifically recognizing minority mental health is crucial. Here’s what they shared:

“Mental health in our communities is still a hard thing to sell, especially in lower income communities. Our communities have a hard time trusting systems, and this has created a barrier. Breaking down this barrier has been an amazing process for me, specifically.”

– Jessie E Gonzalez. Clinical Supervisor

“It is important to recognize minority mental health, because mental illness does not have a specific race/ethnicity, and it can affect anyone regardless of their race. However, not everyone is able to get the support needed due to mental health being stigmatized in many minority groups. It is very important that mental illness gets treated in all minority groups.”

– Elizabeth Magana, Child and Family Specialist

“I feel that it’s important because I am aware that racial and sexual minority groups experience higher levels of anxiety and other challenges.”

– Anna Maria Guerra, Therapist

“In mental health particularly, it is important to provide the services necessary to restore trust and mend what has been broken by systems that have marginalized, exploited, and forgotten communities of color for centuries.”

-Karen Luna Gonzalez, Therapist

“Recognizing minority mental health is very important as it helps our community become better in a sense that people can learn to be more understanding and help reach those that need assistance but may not have the resources.”

– Ashley Ramirez, Intensive Care Coordinator

“Coming from a Latino family and community, mental health is considered a myth. Therapists and medication are for ‘crazy people’ or ‘the weak minded’. It’s important to educate our communities and let them know that it is okay to speak about trauma. It is okay to seek help without having to fear what people will think of you or how they will perceive you. It took me a while to be able to seek help myself, because I did not want my family to see me as a ‘weak’ person. I’m thankful that I was able to connect with a therapist of my own and also educate my family on the importance of mental health to break the stigma.”

– Sofia Manzo, Parent Partner

The Office of Minority Health has put together an abundance of resources for anyone looking to seek care or learn more about how to advocate for minority mental health equity. For an extensive list of information on coping with stress, trauma, violence, substance use, diagnoses, and treatment, head to: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month — Resources and Publications (hhs.gov)

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, or any other mental health crisis, call or text 988 to get connected to a free crisis counselor.

Julio Cruz is Passionate About Youth Success

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In early March amidst growing concerns about COVID-19, many colleges closed campus housing and told students to return home. For many foster youth attending college, campus housing is their only home. Leaving college put them at risk of homelessness.

Julio Cruz saw this crisis as another opportunity to advocate for foster youth. Cruz is the program supervisor for CII’s Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP), which supports transition aged foster youth with academic and employment resources, as well as life skills for a successful transition into adulthood. When colleges told students to leave, Cruz and his staff stepped in to assert the legal rights of foster youth, which enabled those students to stay safely in campus housing.

Among CII’s values (Passion, Innovation, Partnership and Equity), passion is important in every role, but Cruz believes it is essential to anyone working in ITSP.  In order to serve this population, Cruz says you have to bring a level of devotion to prove to young people that you’re there for them long-term.

CII supports kids in foster care

Without the backing of passionate supporters, youth aging out of the foster system have struggled with high rates of school dropout and unemployment. In Los Angeles, 38% of foster youth will become homeless within the first 18 months of exiting care. Cruz knows these grim statistics all too well, and since joining the program in 2014, he’s worked hard to ensure youth avoid these outcomes and become successful.

“The commitment of our staff to these youth is what empowers them to change and grow,” Cruz said.

When a young person enters the program, he or she is typically behind in school or struggling in some other aspect of life. ITSP staff guide them through the transition into adulthood by serving as a combination of counselor, role model and life coach.

For Cruz and his team, this can mean driving a youth to a DMV appointment, working through college applications or shopping for work clothes. ITSP staff are always there to answer the phone and talk through whatever issues a youth is facing.

Besides helping youth on college campuses, ITSP staff have provided additional supports to foster youth impacted by COVID-19. Cruz said his team has been working to ensure youth have access to food, money and tools to stay safe and healthy during the crisis.

Foster care support

Evelyn Medina, who has worked alongside Cruz as an ITSP Supervisor, said regardless of the challenge, Cruz’s passion for ITSP always leads to him finding solutions. He regularly inspires team members and youth to reach their goals.

“He has a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude,” Medina said. “He’s always looking for ways to improve ITSP, and I admire him for that.”

Cruz believes his efforts pay off in the program’s results. Each year the team holds the Dream BIG Graduation celebrating ITSP youth who are finishing high school and enrolling in college. Typically, only 50% of foster youth will graduate from high school and only 13% will go onto college. In 2019, CII’s ITSP youth boasted a graduation rate of 94% with each student planning to attend some form of higher education.

While Cruz loves working with young people aging out of foster care, he is now transitioning into a new role in CII’s Prevention & Aftercare Program. Cruz is starting this new opportunity as the Prevention & Aftercare Supervisor where he will support family strengthening initiatives designed to limit child and family involvement in the foster care system. Though he is changing programs, Cruz’s passion for the work and supporting youth isn’t going anywhere.