Alexa is an 18-year-old Hispanic female referred to El Centro de Amistad in 2020 by Access, Department of Mental Health. She was referred due to symptoms of depression, self-harm behaviors, and a history of trauma and neglect. Alexa has since been working with MHC Tejeda and Case Manager Romero to alleviate her trauma and depression […]
The Rodriguez family was referred to El Centro De Amistad by a School Social Worker and began treatment with therapist Navarro, Associate Social Worker, in March of 2019. The family was composed of a mother, a father, and three children. The child client was seven years old when he entered treatment under El Centro de […]
Pamela is a 29-year-old Latina female who began therapy to deal with unresolved childhood issues, grief and loss, substance use, and having her three children removed from her custody due to neglect. At the onset of therapy, she presented as a highly anxious person who seemed overwhelmed with her life circumstances and responsibilities. Pamela is […]
In June 2021, 26-year-old Edith came to the attention of the Department of Children and Family Services due to a domestic violence incident between her and her husband. Edith shared that her husband was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Edith and her husband have one son, Adam, who is […]
Anna is a 48-year-old Latina woman who sought mental health services with El Centro de Amistad in November of 2020. Anna was seeking support regarding recent marital stressors. Anna initially had some reservations about treatment due to past experiences with mental health services, which Anna felt had not been the right fit; however, she ultimately […]
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching; it will be here any minute! With Valentine’s Day coming up, having a mix of feelings is understandable. This Day is typically associated with fairy tale movies, commercials about love, and an endless stream of social media posts from people in relationships. Add in a worldwide pandemic, and it can […]
On Tuesday, December 21, we surprised two local families in need with $2,000 checks to help pay for toys, food, and unpaid bills. “We identified two families this holiday who were in urgent need of support from us,” said Flaviola Garcia, ECDA’s Community Relations Coordinator. “We knew we had to find a way to make […]
El Centro de Amistad played Santa this holiday season by inviting 85 local families to a private charitable event that was held at ECDA’s two locations (566 South Brand Blvd. in San Fernando and 7038 Owensmouth Ave. in Canoga Park) on Friday, December 17. The 85 families were greeted with cookies, popcorn, and candy canes, […]
Having left her home country of El Salvador in 1986, Magali Gallegos understands the struggles and obstacles that immigrants face in a foreign place. She believes that had her family known about El Centro de Amistad; they could have benefited from the resources. Now, Magali will be able to lend her expertise and experience to […]
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. According to the CDC, in 2020, approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Studies also stated that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. […]
