When a mother and father came to El Centro de Amistad’s Family Preservation program, they were navigating a difficult season. Raising two young children while managing mental health challenges, recovery from substance use, and financial pressures had left them with much to carry. They needed support—and a place where they could speak openly without feeling […]
For a family experiencing financial hardship, the holidays can be a difficult reminder of what they cannot afford. A Thanksgiving meal or gifts for their children may have to take a back seat to rent, utilities, groceries, and other necessities. That’s where your generosity can make a difference. n. Through El Centro de […]
The scent of a familiar meal, a favorite song, or a photograph can bring us closer to someone we miss. For many Latino families, remembering loved ones who have died is woven into everyday life through storytelling, prayer, food, and traditions passed from one generation to the next. Día de los Muertos offers a special […]
A Message from the Interim Executive Director As we enter the holiday season, I am reminded of the importance of gratitude, community, and the many ways we can make a difference in the lives of others. It is a time to appreciate the connections we share and recognize that some of the greatest gifts we […]
By: Natalie Santoyo, MS, LMFT, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Program Manager El Centro de Amistad (ECDA), we believe that fathers and father figures play an irreplaceable role in the earliest chapters of a child’s life. That belief took center stage on Saturday, June 13th, when ECDA partnered with the City of San Fernando […]
By: Maria Williams, MA, LMFT, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program Director This past May, El Centro de Amistad proudly hosted our 6th Annual Mental Health Conference, Healing Hearts: Restoring Hope in Uncertain Times, bringing together 180 mental health professionals, educators, students, and community partners committed to strengthening the well-being of children, families, and […]
By: Diana Jauregui, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor Back-to-school season brings a lot of emotions for kids and for caregivers. While some children are excited to get back to their friends and routines, others may feel nervous, overwhelmed, or uncertain. All of these reactions are normal. Here are some helpful tips to help kids and caregivers […]
El Centro de Amistad is proud to announce the launch of the Mission Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) Prevention Program, beginning July 1, 2026. This new program expands our commitment to supporting children, youth, and families by providing prevention services that promote healthy development, strengthen family relationships, and increase protective factors that help youth […]
Honoring Our Legacy. Building Our Future. It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome you to this edition of the El Centro de Amistad newsletter. Having served this remarkable organization for more than 22 years, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the compassion, resilience, and dedication that define our mission. I […]
By: Bianca Marinescu, MA, LMFT, Clinical supervisor WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS Every day, people experience anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, and other mental health challenges while trying to appear fine on the outside. Many stay silent not because they do not want help, but because they fear judgment, misunderstanding, or shame. That is the power […]
