Connecting Families to Community Services for the Summer

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May El Centro de Amistad (ECDA) is partnering with Pacoima Charter Elementary School for the school’s first ever community resource fair in late May. The school, which serves 1,450 students who are in high need of services, will host the event during its annual spring open house to reach as many families as possible before the summer break. David Moreno, the school’s social worker who is also an ECDA board member, said, “Summer is around the corner and the school is closed. While I make myself available, I want to empower parents to be connected with agencies.” With 28 providers guaranteed to participate, the event will educate families on mental health, medical care, legal services, utility preservation, among other useful topics. Local government agencies along with elected official representatives will be in attendance to offer constituent services. A welcome reception for the providers will offer opportunities for a meet and greet so each one is familiar with the others’ services. It is common for providers to refer walk-in consumers or callers to other agencies if they do not offer the service in need. “El Centro de Amistad doesn’t just advocate for mental health for one day. The school’s partnership with the agency has been forged for many years now,” said David, who has collaborated with the mental health professionals at the agency to provide services to the most acute students with behavioral needs.