To our community:

We see you.

We see you for all that you are—strong, resilient, loving parents and children—and for all of your abundant potential.

As a mother, I know that when our children go out into the world, we want others to see them as we do: beautiful, bright, and full of promise.

And I also recognize the realities of systemic racism. Not everyone’s children are seen as mine are.   Deep-seated bias—expressed in conscious and unconscious ways—carries real consequences, and children of color are criminalized early and all too often.  Recent studies show that Black students in K-12 schools are more likely to be disciplined by school authorities and law enforcement than their peers of other races, even when engaged in identical or similar behaviors.

This, of course, leads to the cycle of racial inequity played out in a justice system that more often protects the privileged. It is difficult to imagine raising children in such an environment, but to do so is a courageous display of hope.  In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

… there will be those moments when the buoyancy of hope will be transformed into the fatigue of despair. But difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future… Let us realize that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Our audacious faith in the future is expressed through our love of children, our commitment to see their abundant potential, and determination to see them achieve their dreams.

At Children’s Institute, we will continue to empower our community with resources that allow them to achieve emotional wellness, educational success and economic mobility. And we are here to help them navigate personal and collective trauma.

If you or your children need support during this difficult time, we’re here for you.

When you are ready, contact us.

With my warmest regards,

Martine Singer

President & CEO 

In 2008, Congress formally recognized Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the US. Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Inglewood, right here in Los Angeles.

At Children’s Institute (CII), addressing mental health care in marginalized communities is a year-round priority for our frontline behavioral health and wellness staff. We wanted to take a moment to shine a light on staff working directly with Los Angeles communities, and thank them for all they do for children and families.

Meet Ershelle Williams, MFT and Carl Golden, LCSM.

 

Ershelle Williams, MFT
CalWORKs Program Supervisor

About Ershelle:

I am originally from Virginia and moved to California in the early 1990’s. I earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena and certification as a Spiritual Life Coach from Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development under the direction of Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant.  I completed my internship as a marriage and family therapist with CII and have been employed with the agency for the past 13 years. I am currently the CalWORKs Program Supervisor and am responsible for overseeing the implementation of mental health and employment-focused services that support an individual’s transition from dependency on public assistance to employment and self-sufficiency; we use an evidence-based practice called Supported Employment Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Before my current position, I was a CalWORKs Therapist and CalWORKs Program Coordinator.

What motivated you to do this kind of work?

At an early age, I learned the importance of holding the space for others, to support them in making their own decisions while coming to conclusions about their own life. Growing up, my grandfather would always take the time to listen to what I had to say. He would sit quietly, never interrupting, as I rambled on about who knows what. After what seemed like hours of me talking nonstop, he would say, “Now what are you going to do about it?” Though he was a man of few words, I always felt heard and left those conversations feeling empowered. As a result of this experience, it was my desire to be present for others in the same way.

Why is it important to do this work in historically marginalized communities?

I believe sometimes people don’t know what they need until it shows up. Being able to provide mental health services to those who traditionally may not be aware of the benefits or have access to services is important, because it offers change where hope may be lost. Being able to hold space for others to freely express themselves is so important in developing the whole person. This leads to an overall better quality of life.  In my opinion, “Therapy is the best thing since sliced bread.”

 

Carl Golden, LCSW
Senior Clinical Supervisor – Clinical Internship Program

 

About Carl:

I moved to Los Angeles from Chicago in 2002, and went to work for a nonprofit organization in their Family Preservation Program.  In 2004, I began the Master of Social Work Program at USC and completed my Internship at Children’s Institute. During this time, I really enjoyed the organizational culture and was able to establish many positive work relationships. These are two of the main reasons why I returned to CII in 2010 as a full-time therapist. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) four years later.  Children’s Institute has provided me with a great opportunity for growth, and I am now a Senior Clinical Supervisor.

What motivated you to do this kind of work?

When I began working in the Family Preservation Program, I really enjoyed the opportunity to help individuals and families achieve goals that they set for themselves. As I continued to help others, my passion for this profession continued to grow, and I worked hard to improve my therapeutic skills to continue helping others to achieve their goals.

Why is it important to do this work in historically marginalized communities?

It is very important to do this type of work in historically marginalized communities, because I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and families who have told me that they felt they had no one to help them. Providing individuals and families with support, even if it is minimal support, helps to improve their overall morale. There are individuals and families who have been successfully linked to additional supportive services, who are still benefitting from and participating in those services and continuing to improve their overall well-being.

 

This is what Bebe Moore Campbell’s work was all about: lifting up historically marginalized communities hit hardest by the trauma resulting from systemic oppression.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about CII’s behavioral health and wellness programs, please reach out.

If you or someone you know are interested in a career serving children and families in Los Angeles, we’re hiring!

On June 10, Children’s Institute honored nearly 100 foster youth enrolled in our Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP) who are graduating high school and attending college this fall. The fifth annual Dream BIG celebration was virtual for the second year, just days before COVID-19 restrictions ended in California.

CII CEO Martine Singer opened the program by congratulating the graduates for overcoming significant obstacles in their lives.  And they have truly beat the odds: among 19-year olds participating in ITSP, 76 percent are continuing their studies, compared to just 53 percent nationwide.

One graduate spoke about the challenges she has overcome: “Moving a lot… has not been easy. I moved three times my senior year and almost 11 my freshman year… But this has helped me make decisions with my life.”

Keynote Johnny Hekker, punter for the LA Rams and friend of CII, spoke live from SoFi Stadium, saying, “Congratulations to you for all you have achieved; there’s nothing more beautiful than you guys prioritizing your education… you will be speaking at graduations just like this one day, I know it.”

 

 

 

 

High-energy Power 106 DJ Jonathan Q had another positive message:

 

 

 

 

A virtual yearbook scrolled as names were read aloud, followed by CII friend DJ Lani Love‘s live set. Being virtual didn’t hold anyone back from dancing up a storm!

To ensure a head start in the fall, each graduate received a dorm kit filled with supplies, all generously donated by one of CII’s wonderful support groups, The Colleagues.

A huge shout out goes to our amazing graduates and many thanks to our special guests and sponsors!

Given the profound personal loss and uncertainty so many have experienced over the last year, there is renewed attention to the importance of mental health and the groups most impacted by pandemic-related mental health issues. In fact, a 2020 study by Children’s Rights found that LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, experienced higher rates of mental health issues due to the toxic stress of living with discrimination and rejection during the pandemic. The subgroup of LGBTQ+ foster youth are no exception and they continue to be overrepresented in the child welfare system.

The Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP) team at Children’s Institute acknowledges that all of our youth transitioned to a virtual setting, creating added strain on their mental health. LGBTQ+ foster youth, in particular, were impacted by the loss of affirming relationships in schools, outdoor activities, clubs, and community LGBTQ+ youth organizations.

In response to this, the ITSP team created a support group during the pandemic called “The Bright Room” to provide LGBTQ+ youth with a much-needed safe space where they could have open discussions on different issues and share their experiences. The Bright Room has allowed our LGBTQ+ youth to feel heard, supported and acknowledged as they face barriers during the coming out process.

As an ITSP supervisor and part of the LGBTQ+ community, I found it important to have our ITSP team participate in an LGBTQ+ tool kit training during the pandemic. The training was geared towards service providers looking to provide more culturally relevant care for LGBTQ+ youth. The training augments the ITSP team’s efforts as we continue to provide support, resources, and training to our LGBTQ+ transition-age youth, who continue to face disparities.

As we celebrate PRIDE month, I want our youth to know that you all have so much potential and are so unique. Your paths may seem full of uncertainty but do not lose hope that life will get better. The biggest blessing is to be true to who you are and never doubt that you deserve everything the world has to offer. Always aspire, inspire and thrive as you move through your life.

Sincerely,

Stephani Collazo
ITSP Supervisor

CII hosted a national virtual conference on April 13 and 14, featuring a group of prestigious national leaders in trauma-informed care. Former CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone Anne Williams-Isom, and best-selling author Professor Ibram X. Kendi, our keynote speakers, spoke about advancing equity, especially in light of the pandemic and the racial awakening of the past year.

Now its ninth year, CII’s Trauma-Informed Care conference deepens knowledge of trauma-informed practices for professionals in mental health, child welfare, education and related fields.

On opening day, Anne Williams-Isom spoke on Community Approaches to Trauma and Healing, including personal reflections and wisdom from 25 years leading large, complex non-profits. She then facilitated a lively panel with Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo; The Aspen Institute’s Associate Director, Network & Outreach, Ascend, Sarah Haight; and Minneapolis’ Northside Achievement Zone President & CEO Sondra Samuels.

Speaking about racism, Dr. Duardo advised, “Having age-appropriate conversations on race with children should start early on. It’s important to acknowledge there are different colors and cultures and make that a positive thing.” And on healing and leadership, Ms. Samuels cautioned, “If we don’t transform our pain, we transmit it.”

On Day Two, Professor Ibram X. Kendi spoke on Equity & Trauma: Disproportionate Response, highlighting many of his teachings on anti-racism. Recognizing that this year has been particularly challenging for the nearly 500 attendees, Professor Kendi offered encouragement and guidance: “You may not be able to speak to your experiences facing anti-black racism or even trying to navigate the world as a black child or parent, but there are things you can do. You can learn the culture, the history and the experiences. The more you understand the folks you’re serving, the better support you’ll be able to provide.”

Ballmer Group’s Los Angeles Executive Director Nina Revoyr facilitated Professor Kendi’s keynote, which was followed by a panel with Pepperdine University’s Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Graduate School of Education and Psychology Dr, Daryl Rowe, President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund, The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, and California Community Foundation Senior Program Officer, Health Dr. Rosemary Veniegas, moderated by CII’s Vice President of Research, Evaluation and Reporting Amina Jones Fields.

Ms. Revoyr put a voice to the pain and frustration felt by providers given the events of the last year while commending their collective positive impact on the community. In closing, as the group turns to day-to-day responsibilities, Dr. Rowe encouraged, “Lean into your village… Lean into the resistance.”

Thank you to our partner and sponsors, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the California Community Foundation.

             

This Teacher Appreciation Week we give giant, shiny gold stars to the more than 300 teachers, substitute teachers and home visitors at Children’s Institute! Last year was like no other and our early childhood educators supported kids and their families in remarkable ways, with passion and dedication through all the transitions of the pandemic. Amidst all the juggling and coordinating and lesson planning and safety training, they kept a positive attitude and made sure their students continued to experience the joy of learning without skipping a beat.

In March 2020, CII preschools serving 1,500 children across nearly 30 locations had transformed overnight into virtual early childhood education hubs. Throughout the year, teachers overhauled lesson plans and placed weekly calls to families while creating content for a weekly e-newsletter, specialized YouTube channel and learning app. Six months later, in September, they reopened 13 classrooms in 12 centers, and in April, they opened 11 more classrooms.

It’s an understatement to say this took Herculean effort. During Safer at Home, teachers frequently checked in, becoming key lifelines for identifying immediate needs and connecting families with free resources in their community for rent assistance, job placement, domestic violence reporting and much more. CII preschool sites were converted into distribution centers where staff handed out meals while items like diapers, formula, soap and other essentials were delivered directly to families.

When it came time to open, it wasn’t just back to business as usual. There were safety protocols and CDC guidelines to learn and follow. These affect daily routines, classroom set up, lesson planning, interactions with the children and the children’s interactions with each other. Disinfecting, cleaning and separating – providing each child with his/her own cubby and package of materials like crayons, which the whole classroom ordinarily shares, and monitoring play to make sure toys get cleaned before the next child takes a turn to play.

CII’s behavioral staff has been adapting as well – first to conducting virtual observations and then to getting extra training in our Conscious Discipline curriculum. They stepped in to help with the unique behavior and self-regulation challenges these changes and new learning environments have posed.

The teachers’ work had always been about much more than teaching but this year their dedication was extraordinary. Alongside their students and families, many have experienced tremendous personal loss and stress. But their work has never faltered and their students have been a source of pride and comfort. We are very grateful and excited to take time this week to celebrate each and every one of them.

Support the work of CII teachers by making a donation here.

Dear Friends of CII,

Today, we are comforted that the long journey to healing can begin for so many. We are optimistic that this verdict is a critical step on the path to racial justice and police reform that is so urgently needed in America.

However, witnessing the trial has underscored how far we have to go. Many of the children and families we work with have experienced multiple layers of trauma this year, as have many of our staff members and many of you. Still in the midst of a global pandemic, we have also experienced profound personal loss. We are all juggling much more than we ever imagined. And just when it seems like we are at our breaking point, another tragedy unfolds.

CII stands with the family of George Floyd and all victims of racism, excessive force, bigotry and systemic inequity, and we will continue fighting for justice and a brighter future for our kids.

Please take care of yourself and your loved ones and stay engaged. Thank you for your ongoing support.

With my warmest regards,

Martine Singer
President & CEO