Emma is a single mother of four who, at the time of enrollment, was navigating significant life challenges while living
in an overcrowded apartment with multiple family members. The tight living conditions made daily life stressful—not just
for her, but also for her children, who needed space to grow, learn, and thrive.
Determined to create a better future, Emma reached out to El Centro de Amistad’s FamilySource Center (FSC) in Panorama City in search of support and housing resources. From the moment she walked through our doors, Emma was met with care, encouragement, and a team dedicated to walking alongside her journey. Over the course of a year, FSC staff worked with her to develop a personalized housing plan that included financial coaching, referrals to housing programs, and tenant-landlord mediation. Through this process, Emma gained not only critical knowledge and advocacy support but also the confidence to move forward.
Thanks to generous support and resources available through the FamilySource Center, our team was able to assist Emma with her housing deposit, helping to remove a major financial barrier that often prevents families from moving forward.
Today, Emma and her children are thriving in their new home. With her long-awaited independence, Emma is building a brighter, more stable future—one filled with peace, hope, and opportunity. She is now exploring career opportunities and participating in workshops offered at the FSC to continue her personal and professional growth.
Her story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support a family’s resilience and determination. At El Centro de Amistad’s FamilySource Center, we are proud to be part of that journey.
In the month of June 2025, in response to community events, El Centro de Amistad’s FamilySource Center sought to provide additional support to adults and families whose day-to-day lives had been impacted. Thus, the Community Emergency Assistance initiative was launched with the mission of promoting housing stability and food security.
As of July 2025, ECDA’s FamilySource Center has provided over $20,000 in rental and utility assistance and $40,000 in grocery assistance to community members. This initiative was created in hopes of helping families maintain access to daily essentials and nutritious foods.
