In October 2016, four-year-old Alexis was hospitalized for two weeks due to symptoms related to pneumonia. In that short time, Alexis who was naturally active and energetic was placed into physical restraints due to being viewed as “hyperactive” to a degree that medical staff felt restraints were the only option to ensure proper administration of […]

If you have children, summer is a welcomed time for everyone when we don’t worry about morning rush hour or homework in the evening. Children can sleep in and stay up late. But what happens when summertime comes to an end and the new school year is quickly approaching? As parents, we find ourselves scrambling […]

Born and raised in New York and New Jersey area, one of the things that Charlene Grambling, a realtor in San Fernando Valley, understands is the importance of a village, having people to help you and guide you along the way. “My mother was a positive voice in my home and she helped the less […]

Opinion-Editorial By Maria G. Williams, a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist and Clinical Supervisor at El Centro de Amistad How many new parents have experienced the anxiety, sadness, and fear when their child is attending their first day of school? Many questions come up at the time that makes us wonder if the experience will harm […]

By Sara Pineda, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Program Director for El Centro de Amistad Most of us might have experienced feeling unhappy or feeling “down” at some point in our lives.  We might have experienced not getting the job we were hoping for, a break up, or not getting a good grade on an important […]

Gary Nash, 42, is a survivor. After having had a nervous breakdown that stemmed from losing a job, getting a divorce, and attempting suicide twice, he found himself at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center on a 72-hour hold. He stayed admitted for two weeks and thereafter discharged with a list of places to call for mental […]

It’s not easy wearing different hats every day yet Nicole Salazar, a CalWORKs employment specialist at El Centro de Amistad, manages her accessories well. Her role in this program is to meet with clients and help them progress toward their employment and educational goals. Nicole accomplishes this by removing mental health barriers in order for […]

Tens of thousands of Los Angeles County residents have experienced significant improvements in mental health and wellbeing—including measurable reductions in homelessness and gains in employment—as a direct result of California’s Mental Health Services Act, according to a new RAND Corporation study. The report, commissioned by Los Angeles County, is the first extensive, independent analysis of […]