CalMatters: Mental Health Symposium

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Last week, CalMatters hosted a compelling Mental Health Symposium focused on the urgent state of youth mental health and the effectiveness of California’s investments in this space. Leaders in the field came together for a series of rich discussions, offering insights, research findings and various perspectives.

We were proud to see our own Dr. Liliana Hernandez, Director of School-Aged Behavioral Health, share the stage with an inspiring group of experts including Melissa Hannah (United Parents), Bill Thompson (Young Storytellers), Erica Villalpando (Pasadena Unified School District), Sarah LaBrie (author of No One Gets to Fall Apart), Dr. Sameer Amin (L.A. Care Health Plan), Dr. Sohil Sud (CYBHI), Myrna Reynoso Torres (LACOE), Elodie Mailliet Storm, Neil Chase (CalMatters) and the moderator, Ana B. Ibarra (CalMatters).

Discussion 1: How Are the Kids Doing?

Dr. Hernandez joined the opening panel, “How Are the Kids Doing?”, where she addressed some of the top concerns impacting youth mental health today including access to care. With growing waitlists, insurance barriers and an alarming workforce shortage, Dr. Hernandez emphasized how these systemic issues create real consequences for families seeking help. Her insights highlighted the urgency for policy change and increased support for behavioral health providers in schools and in communities.

Melissa Hannah reinforced this urgency, speaking to the mounting stress parents face, especially in rural areas where services are scarce. For many families, meeting basic needs like rent and food takes precedence, making mental health seem like a luxury, when in reality, it’s a necessity.

What We Learned from the Pandemic

Panelist Erica Villalpando shared how the pandemic and California’s wildfires served as a “training ground” for schools to provide mental health services under extreme circumstances. Virtual care became a lifeline and the lesson was clear: schools can’t just offer services. “They must meet families where they are and address basic needs before mental health support can be truly effective.”

The Power of Storytelling

Bill Thompson offered a powerful look into how children’s stories changed post-pandemic. An analysis of 7,000 student-written stories revealed a stark decline in happy endings and a rise in sad endings and themes about technology/social media, social justice and systemic inequality. His message was that children are absorbing and reflecting the emotional toll of today’s world and it’s through storytelling that you can get a glimpse of this reality.

Discussion 2: California’s Investments – Are They Working?

In the second panel discussion, Dr. Sameer Amin and Dr. Sohil Sud joined others to evaluate the State of California’s investments in youth mental health. While progress has been made in awareness and education, major gaps remain in early intervention, staffing and infrastructure. One major point was that we must stop waiting for crises to occur before acting – as a collective group.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Despite the challenges, the event closed on a hopeful note. As many panelists emphasized – community support is a beacon of resilience and hope. We must come together to support the most underserved children, families and communities and perhaps the most inspiring message of all? Our young people remain hopeful.

The youth of today have a strong sense of fairness, deep care for the environment and advocacy for equity, which should give us reason to believe that meaningful change is not only possible, it’s already in motion.

We are deeply honored to have had Dr. Liliana Hernandez represent our organization in such a deep and meaningful conversation. And, as an organization that prioritizes mental health & wellbeing, we are committed to continuing the work of supporting youth mental health every step of the way.

Mental Health Symposium Videos:

Panel 1 Discussion: Mental Health Symposium: “How are the kids?”

Panel 2 Discussion: Mental Health Symposium: “Are California’s investments working?”

Photos by Julz Hotz for CalMatters.

 

Helen’s Journey of Hope Through Home Visitation

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When Helen found out she was pregnant in 2018, she was overwhelmed by uncertainty. At risk of homelessness and struggling with substance abuse, she joined an in-person treatment program. That same day, her father passed away.

“I had this baby, and in that moment, I was in a sober living home by myself, away from family, trying to better myself.”

At the hospital after giving birth, Helen found out about the free Healthy Families America home visiting program at Children’s Institute in Long Beach. She signed up and started getting personal in-home support from Natalia, a home visitor from Children’s Institute.

At the time, she was not only grieving the loss of her father but also fighting to regain custody of her two other children. “I had my first-born at the same hospital, and I wasn’t enrolled in a home visiting program at that time. What if I would have enrolled in a program then? I would have had somebody,” said Helen.

Natalia was a support system through Helen’s sobriety journey, reminding her to celebrate the small wins. Helen said she could open up to Natalia after treatment. “She is never judgmental and always sees the bigger picture,” said Helen. “My favorite part is her coming and lending her ear. I am able to express myself, I have deep conversations with her.”

Even though she’s not a first-time mother, Helen said the program has taught her a lot. “When Natalia goes over things with me about my baby that she’s doing right, it boosts my confidence as a mother. The program has helped me keep my composure as a wondering and worried mother. Anything and everything that related to my worries, I can always resort to Natalia.”

Helen is glad she learned about bonding with her baby and about child development. “I have been reading to her since she was a couple months old. I started opening up hard books for her. Now, she turns the page. It’s a deep connection with her of exploring visually and hearing.”

Natalia has also provided various resources to Helen, such as a playpen, wipes, diapers, and toys for the baby, “She never comes empty-handed to the visits,” Helen laughed.

Helen is grateful for this new chapter in her life and for Natalia. “I really appreciate she is right there with me every step of the way. She is rooting me on, through thick and thin. She saw my change within the year.”

For more information on our Home Visitation Program – Contact Us.

 

Spotlight: Early Childhood

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We’ll be spotlighting one of our programs each month and in March, we focused on Early Childhood. We want to acknowledge not only our Early Childhood programs – from Head Start, Early Head Start to our Home-Based services, but also our incredible staff who change the lives of each child, day in and day out.

Here are highlights of the work we do for our youngest ones:

For more information and to enroll in our early childhood programs and services, check out our website here: Early Childhood – Ages 0-5

 

Martine Speaks at LA Business Journal’s Nonprofit Awards

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On March 20, 2025, the Los Angeles Business Journal hosted their annual Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, celebrating the outstanding contributions of nonprofits and corporate citizens across our community. ​

We were so enthused to have Martine Singer, our President & CEO, as a featured panelist in the “Managing & Fundraising in Evolving Times” session where she shared insights into navigating the complexities of nonprofit leadership during challenging times. The insights were eye eye-opening and the dialogue amongst panelists were thoughtful and engaging.

Events like these highlight the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in strengthening our communities. In addition to nonprofit leaders like Martine, there were several executives from corporations – including Amazon, the Los Angeles Chargers, City National Bank, and many more represented on stage.

Kudos to Martine and all the dedicated leaders who are driving positive change.

What a pleasure it was to meet and share the stage with: GEOVANNY RAGSDALE, MIB, CFRE, Bee Rarewala, Molly Ann Woods, CFRE, David Ambroz, Heather Birdsall, Milton Dellossier, Nakeya T. Fields, LCSW, Michael Flood, Marcia Mayeda, CAWA, Lauren Plichta!

Celebrating Women’s History Month

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In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the incredible women in our organization who make our work possible every day. Their dedication, compassion and leadership drive our North Star forward, ensuring that children and families in our communities receive the support and opportunities they deserve.

This March, we recognize and honor their invaluable contributions in creating a brighter, more equitable future for all. Thank you, Martine Singer, Noemi Vasquez, Ebony Clinton and Stephani Gonzalez for all the ways you’ve dedicated your lives for others.

Please enjoy each of these videos!

Martine Singer, President & CEO 

Noemi Vasquez, Care Coordinator

Ebony Clinton, Clinical Program Manager

Stephani Gonzalez, Senior Community Engagement Specialist

 

 

 

 

Deskside Chat with the Board: Megan Smith

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Thank you for visiting us today, Megan, and thank you for joining our board of trustees. We are thrilled to have you here and are excited for our communities to get to know you better. To start off, could you please tell us about yourself, highlighting key milestones throughout your life, both personally and professionally, that have shaped who you are today?

I was born and raised in Grand Rapids Michigan, which is the second largest city in Michigan. It feels more like a small town, though, compared to Los Angeles. I’m the youngest of four girls and grew up in Michigan but left when I was 18 years old to attend Duke University in North Carolina, where I studied history and public policy.

After graduation, I moved to New York City to attend law school. I would say that moving to New York was one of my first major milestones. Living there radically changed the perception of who I was in the world. In Michigan, I grew up in a homogenous community. It was a wonderful place to grow up because it was very safe – all my friends, their parents and even our grandparents knew each other. We were the fourth generation in our church and in the community I grew up in. Similarly, Duke was also set in a smallish city.

In New York, I was exposed to so many different people from all over the world, interacting with them day-to-day in the sea of eight million people. Being an extrovert, I loved being around people, but I also loved the anonymity of living in a big city. It breaks the self-centeredness that follows teens and people in their early 20s. It also opened my eyes to my privilege in a way that I did not fully grasp. There’s a great level set in New York. It doesn’t matter if you live in a penthouse or in a cardboard box, you’re all stepping on the same trash and taking the same subway. For me, it helped me grow – through meeting people and interacting with people who were very unlike me, which I didn’t have the exposure to as a child growing up in Michigan.

After New York, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, for a federal clerkship, which was a great opportunity career-wise. At the same time, it felt like moving back to Michigan. Nashville was a segregated city in terms of class and privilege and I quickly decided that that was not the place I wanted to raise my kids. I really wanted to raise my future family in a place where they would be exposed to different ideas and different people and I wanted to practice where I could grow as a person, which is how I ended up in Los Angeles in 2015.

What aspect of our North Star specifically resonates with you and why? (North Star = we believe in the abundant potential of all children & families in achieving educational success and emotional well-being, which build pathways to economic mobility and lifelong health)

There are two things that speak to me:

  • Children’s Institute’s focus on safety. I’m a parent of a three-year-old son so creating safety is very important for me so that he can be who he wants to be while being safe.
  • The emphasis on creating opportunities. It’s spectacular seeing a child come into their own and to grow into their own personality. What I look for is the opportunity for children to be exposed to new things and to discover their passions while cultivating the talents that they were naturally born with.

What I’ve learned is that those things are very hard to do – no matter where you live – and I say that coming from a place of privilege. Not all families have those privileges and what makes Children’s Institute’s North Star special is that it’s meant to achieve both. Children’s Institute provides children, parents and families a safe place where they are encouraged to discover new things and cultivate those talents and goals within a safe community. These are things that without Children’s Institute, may not be achievable.

You have a beautiful 3-year-old son. What about motherhood inspires you to give back to your community?

One of the things that surprised me about being a mother is how other parents have each other’s backs. You become “a member of the club.” Once becoming a parent, people become much more compassionate and there’s a different level of understanding for other human beings including for other people’s children who are crying on the airplane or the mom who needs to go to the bathroom but needs her kid to be watched at the park while she looks for the nearest bathroom.

It sounds like a cliché, but it really does take a village to raise a child. What inspires me about Children’s Institute is that it’s the embodiment of the village cliché. Children’s Institute says, here’s our village, come meet us at 10200 Success Ave and we’ll help provide you with your needs.

What do you wish for all families with young children in Los Angeles?

My wish for every child in Los Angeles is that they have a safe place to grow into who they are and to find themselves. That’s what sets apart adults who are successful members of their community – people who know themselves and are comfortable in their own skin.

This starts in childhood but it grows into successful adulthood.

Your law firm, O’Melveny, has very generously provided pro bono legal services to Children’s Institute for decades. Is it important for you that your employer supports the work of many worthy nonprofits?

It’s very important to me that O’Melveny provides pro bono services and that it is committed to service. I’m so proud to work at O’Melveny, where I’ve been a partner for a few years and worked there for a total of 15.

O’Melveny takes very seriously the commitment to community service. Not just providing pro bono legal work but also, encouraging its staff to be a part of the communities they work and live in.

As one of the oldest law firms in Los Angeles and working with over 200 nonprofits, we also dedicate a ton of time, money and resources to provide pro bono services and partaking in community service to make Los Angeles a better place to live.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m so grateful to be a part of Children’s Institute. My intention here is to be fully committed to my role as a board member but I also want to involve my family in this organization. I want my young son to be involved in Children’s Institute as a child of Los Angeles and reap the benefits of the safety and community that this place brings – from Watts, Echo Park and to the rest of Los Angeles.

Advocacy Day in Sacramento

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Our Government Relations & Advocacy team went to Sacramento for Advocacy Day, standing alongside members of the California Alliance of Children and Family Services (CACFS). CACFS is a statewide association of over 160 nonprofit agencies dedicated to advancing the well-being of children, youth and families. Our mission is to ensure that children and families – continue to receive the resources, education and emotional support they need to thrive. In a time of federal funding cuts, our work has never been more critical.

“Every year I am honored to represent our diverse and resilient LA communities, bringing the voices of nearly 30,000 children and families we serve to our State Capitol on Advocacy Day. As a resident and advocate in our communities, now more than ever, California must continue to invest in foster youth, mental health in public schools and community organizations that ensure young people are happy, healthy and housed. Grateful for the leadership and engagement of our state legislature,” said Terry Kim, our Director of Government Relations & Advocacy.

One of the most crucial pieces of legislation we championed was SB 531, authored by Senator Susan Rubio. This bill would require all students in grades 1-12 to receive age-appropriate mental health education, equipping them with tools to support their well-being and navigate life’s challenges. “Youth in our programs emphasize with staff how critical trauma-informed school culture is to their well-being. This legislation contributes to that culture. It’s exciting to engage with a bill like SB 531 that invests in school-based mental health strategies that foster positive learning and success in life,” said Kelsey Gordon, Government Relations & Advocacy Associate.

The urgency of this issue is highlighted by a 30% increase in California’s young adult mortality rate from 2019 to 2023, as noted in a recent Legislative Analyst Office report. Beyond mental health education, we also advocated for budget and legislative items including:

  • A $50 million budget request to safeguard community-based organizations that serve 9,700 youth impacted by the foster family agency insurance crisis. Without immediate support, these essential programs face devastating disruptions.
  • AB 276 (Bennet): Addressing out-of-state background check delays, which have worsened workforce shortages in residential programs. Staffing shortfalls mean vulnerable children may not receive the care they need.
  • AB 534 (Schiavo) & AB 1314 (Ahrens): Providing housing access for former foster youth and justice-involved youth through transitional housing placement programs. Stable housing is fundamental to breaking cycles of instability and ensuring that young people can transition into adulthood with dignity and support.

We urge lawmakers to support these collective budget and legislative priorities to protect foster youth, school-based mental health, and housing services. Our children’s future depends on it.

 

Early Childhood Top 10 Takeaways from SXSW EDU

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This past week, I had the opportunity to experience SXSW EDU from both sides of the stage – as a speaker and as an attendee. Immersing myself in numerous sessions and roundtable discussions, all focused on the future of education, I found myself inspired and quite frankly, in awe. The caliber of speakers and the depth of discussions affirmed how critical education is in shaping the future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) dominated the conversation across almost every category (nearly half the sessions offered were about AI and/or edtech). At times, it felt more like CES than an education conference. However, one thing that stood out was the fresh perspective on early childhood education – a topic that, even in this space, found itself intertwined with discussions of AI. One session even explored “AI in Early Childhood Education” which I believe reflects the rapid introduction & proliferation of AI and technology, in general.

A standout moment came during a roundtable discussion led by Michelle Kang, CEO of NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children. The session sparked passionate discourse on the current and future state of early childhood education. Drawing from those conversations, here are my top 10 takeaways from SXSW EDU, specifically as they relate to the early childhood years (birth to five years):

1. Early Childhood Education Is Gaining Traction

For years, early childhood education has taken a backseat (“almost nonexistent” as other attendees pointed out) at SXSW EDU, but this year marked a shift. Its growing presence at the conference reflects a broader recognition of the field’s significance, perhaps an acknowledgment that the first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development.

2. “It Takes a Village”

The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” remains as relevant as ever. Education extends beyond the classroom – every interaction a child has, whether with a doctor, a family member, a religious leader or a community member, plays a role in their development and growth. This perspective reinforces the idea that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. It’s an ongoing process shaped by many different people and experiences.

3. Early Childhood Education Is a National Issue, Not a Partisan One

Michelle Kang emphasized that early childhood education must be seen as an integral part of the entire education system, not a separate entity. A national movement needs to challenge antiquated ideas to ensure that early learning is prioritized (in education policy, reporting, funding, etc.) and that there’s no room to politicize the issue.

4. Early Childhood Educators Deserve Better Pay and Respect

Educators working with children aged 0-5 are often undervalued, frequently mistaken for babysitters rather than trained professionals. This perception contributes to low wages and workforce shortages. Addressing this issue isn’t just about equity, it’s about improving outcomes for the students.

5. Early Education as an Anti-Poverty Strategy

Investing in early childhood education is one of the most effective long-term anti-poverty strategies. Research shows that a strong foundation in the early years can significantly reduce the likelihood of unemployment, incarceration and poor health outcomes later in life (just to name a few).

6. The Funding Dilemma: STEM in Early Education

Investing in STEM education at the high school level yields immediate returns on investment, making it attractive to funders. However, research suggests that introducing basic STEM concepts early on in a child’s life (even during preschool years), plays a crucial role in future academic success. Despite this data point, early STEM education remains significantly underfunded.

7. The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

One of the most effective ways to push for change in early education is by amplifying and sharing success stories. Every community issue can, in some way, be traced back to early childhood education so it’s a relevant issue for all. Communicating these connections is essential in garnering public support and investment.

8. Mental Health Should Be a Priority

While awareness of the importance of mental health in early childhood education is growing, resources remain scarce, especially in rural areas. Additionally, some mental health professionals hesitate to work in early education settings due to liability concerns so addressing these gaps (while destigmatizing mental health/social emotional learning) is important to support the emotional well-being of our youngest learners. At Children’s Institute, we understand this, so we invest in mental health supports for all our early childhood programs – in the classroom and for the family.

9. Bridging the Gap Between Policymakers and Educators

A recurring frustration among attendees was the disconnect between classroom educators and policymakers & administrators. Teachers on the ground often feel unheard when policies are developed without considering the realities of their daily experiences. Ensuring that educators have a seat at the table is key to creating meaningful dialogue. Here in California, Head Start Advocacy Day will take place in Sacramento on March 18, where all sides will have an opportunity to share from their perspectives.

10. AI in Early Childhood Education?

The idea of integrating AI into early childhood education is met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. While AI has the potential to personalize learning experiences especially for neurodivergent students and language learners, its implementation should be guided by ethics. Establishing a framework for responsible AI use in early education is imperative as the technology continues to evolve.

SXSW EDU 2024 made one thing clear: early childhood education is critical in offering the best start for future success. With more awareness of its impact, the field seems to be gaining momentum, but significant challenges remain. Addressing issues of funding, compensation, mental health and policy alignment will require continued advocacy, investment and innovation. If this year’s conference is any indication, the conversation is one we can’t ignore. For more information on our approach to early childhood education, please visit www.childrensinstitute.org/early-childhood/.

 

Building Hope in the Community Through Community Health Workers

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How Children’s Institute’s Community Public Health Workers, Emiliana Gallardo and Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, Made a Difference for Laura Sandoval

In a moment of despair, Laura Sandoval found herself living in her car with her three grandchildren after being evicted from her home. But with the intervention of two compassionate Community Health Workers, Emiliana Gallardo and Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, her story took a turn for the better.

Laura first learned about the Community Public Health Team (CPHT) when a team member knocked on her door during outreach efforts. Despite her overwhelming circumstances, she found hope in their offer to help. She recalls how she broke down during her first interaction with the team, releasing emotions she had held back for too long. This emotional release marked the beginning of her journey toward stability and healing.

Addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges

The CPHT provided Laura with critical support, connecting her to resources she desperately needed. They helped her secure financial assistance for rent and deposits, preventing her from falling deeper into homelessness. They also arranged therapy sessions, offering her emotional relief and mental health support during an extremely trying time. For Laura, this assistance transformed her life. Her story is one of resilience and the impact of thoughtful, community-centered care. Emiliana and Alejandra provided not only practical help but also emotional support, treating Laura and her family with dignity and respect. “They were like my guardian angels,” Laura said, reflecting on their timely intervention.

Through referrals to various organizations, Laura gained access to furniture, essential household items like a microwave and air conditioning, and ongoing care management through Enhanced Care Management (ECM). These resources allowed her to create a stable and nurturing environment for her grandchildren. Her journey underscores the importance of programs like CPHT in bridging gaps for underserved communities. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges, Emiliana and Alejandra enabled Laura to move forward with confidence. Today, Laura is settled in her new home, and she expresses profound gratitude for the team’s unwavering support.

Laura’s story serves as a testament to the power of community health initiatives and the individuals who dedicate themselves to creating positive change. Emiliana and Alejandra’s efforts not only transformed one life but also set an example of what compassionate care can achieve.

Interview by: James K Miller Jr., Department of Public Health

 

Construyendo Esperanza en la Comunidad

En un momento de desesperaciĂłn, Laura Sandoval vivĂ­a en su automĂłvil con sus tres nietos tras ser desalojada de su hogar. Sin embargo, gracias a la intervenciĂłn de dos trabajadoras comunitarias de salud compasivas, Emiliana Gallardo y Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, su historia dio un giro hacia algo mejor.

Laura conoció al Equipo Comunitario de Salud Pública (CPHT, por sus siglas en inglés) cuando una integrante del equipo tocó a su puerta durante labores de alcance comunitario. A pesar de sus circunstancias abrumadoras, encontró esperanza en su oferta de ayuda. Recuerda cómo rompió en llanto durante su primera interacción con el equipo, liberando emociones que había reprimido durante mucho tiempo. Este momento marcó el comienzo de su camino hacia la estabilidad y la recuperación.

El CPHT brindó a Laura el apoyo crítico que necesitaba desesperadamente. La ayudaron a obtener asistencia financiera para el alquiler y los depósitos, evitando que cayera aún más en la falta de vivienda. También organizaron sesiones de terapia que le ofrecieron alivio emocional y apoyo para su salud mental en un momento extremadamente difícil. Para Laura, esta ayuda transformó su vida.

Su historia es de resiliencia y del impacto del cuidado comunitario centrado en las personas. Emiliana y Alejandra no solo ofrecieron ayuda práctica, sino también apoyo emocional, tratando a Laura y su familia con dignidad y respeto. “Fueron como mis ángeles guardianes”, dijo Laura al reflexionar sobre su oportuna intervención.

A través de referencias a varias organizaciones, Laura accedió a muebles, artículos esenciales para el hogar como un microondas y aire acondicionado, y manejo de cuidado continuo a través del programa ECM (Enhanced Care Management). Estos recursos le permitieron crear un entorno estable y acogedor para sus nietos.

Su historia destaca la importancia de programas como CPHT para cerrar brechas en comunidades desatendidas. Al abordar tanto las necesidades inmediatas como los desafíos a largo plazo, Emiliana y Alejandra ayudaron a Laura a avanzar con confianza. Hoy, Laura está establecida en su nuevo hogar y expresa una profunda gratitud por el apoyo constante del equipo.

La historia de Laura es un testimonio del poder de las iniciativas de salud comunitaria y de las personas que se dedican a crear un cambio positivo. Los esfuerzos de Emiliana y Alejandra no solo transformaron una vida, sino que también establecieron un ejemplo de lo que puede lograr el cuidado compasivo.

James K Miller Jr., Department of Public Health

Children’s Institute’s Resource Guide for Immigrants

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Children’s Institute is committed to ensuring that all our community —regardless of immigration status—have access to the essential resources, guidance, safety, and support they need during these challenging times. In moments of fear and uncertainty, we stand firmly with our immigrant children, families, and neighbors, and our commitment to them remains steadfast.

We will continue providing mental health services, early childhood programs, and health navigation support to all those in need. In addition, we will share timely updates, resources, and announcements on our website and other platforms to support immigrant families in our programs. Please be sure to check for updates regularly.

Click links below for resources and information.

Preparedness:

Know Your Rights:

Legal Assistance:

Mental Health:

Additional Resources: