Press Releases

Transforming Trauma into Triumph: Benjamin’s Journey to Resilience

At just 15 years old, Benjamin, an 8th grader at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, has already faced challenges that many of us might struggle to overcome. Living with his family—including his parents, younger brother, and grandmother—in a close-knit home, Benjamin is bilingual in English and Spanish and represents the heart of a resilient Mexican-American […]

Spreading Holiday Joy: El Centro de Amistad’s Heartwarming Holiday Programs

Thanks giving Joy Delivered El Centro de Amistad (ECDA) kicked off the holiday season with a Thanksgiving fundraiser that united the community in support of families in need. Thanks to the generosity of Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who provided turkey vouchers, Chaminade College Preparatory School for hosting a canned food drive, Enrique Sanchez, CPA, and his […]

A Message from the Executive Director

As we step into this new fiscal year, I am filled with hope and determination for the road ahead. At El Centro de Amistad (ECDA), we remain steadfast in our mission to enrich the lives of individuals and families throughout the San Fernando Valley by providing high-quality mental health services and family support. This year, […]

Strengthening Bonds Through Infant Massage: Supporting Early Childhood Development

At El Centro de Amistad, we are deeply committed to providing essential supportive and preventative services through our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health program. This program focuses on children aged 0–3, ensuring they receive the nurturing and care critical for their growth and development. One of the unique interventions we offer is infant massage, […]

Navigating the Holidays: Coping with Stress & Mental Health Challenges

The holiday season, often seen as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, can also be a period of heightened stress and emotional struggle for many. While festive decorations and gatherings surround us, the holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness, anxiety, financial strain, and grief, especially for those already grappling with mental health challenges. The […]

Hope for the Holidays!

As part of our commitment to giving back, El Centro de Amistad proudly hosts our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and Adopt-A-Family campaign during the holiday season. These heartwarming initiatives are designed to bring joy and hope to low-income families facing mental health challenges. Both campaigns foster a sense of community and support by providing essential […]

Sam’s Journey of Overcoming Anxiety

When Sam, an 8-year-old boy, first came to El Centro de Amistad (ECDA) for therapy, he was grappling with significant anxiety that impacted not only his daily life but also the dynamics within his family. Sam frequently felt overwhelmed with worry, particularly concerning school and social interactions. His anxiety often manifested physically, with symptoms like […]

Brenda’s Journey to Healing and Growth

Brenda, a 16-year-old high school student at Birmingham Community High School, has faced more challenges in her young life than many can imagine. As the daughter of a Mexican mother and a Guatemalan father, Brenda’s cultural background is rich, but her personal journey has been marked by significant loss and upheaval. After the tragic passing […]