Press Releases

Mental Health Myths and Facts

Can you tell the difference between a mental health myth and fact? Learn the truth about the most common mental health myths. Mental Health Problems Affect Everyone Myth: Mental health problems don’t affect me. Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2014, about: One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue […]

EL CENTRO DE AMISTAD (ECDA) 2015-16 BOARD OFFICERS INSTALLED

Canoga Park, CA – On July 22, 2015 El Centro de Amistad (ECDA) installed their 2015-16 Board of Directors. The inauguration of the agency’s Board President-Luis Cervantes, Vice President-Rich Golisch, Treasurer-Doug Barnett and Secretary-Jerry Fox was officiated by immediate past President Irene Smerigan. ECDA’s Board President Luis Cervantes has served in financial and operational executive […]

School-Based Mental Health Program Success Story

A 9-year-old Latino male was referred to El Centro de Amistad’s School-Based Mental Health Program due to extreme fears and worries regarding attending school.  Client had a history of chronic absences and somatic complaints such as vomiting, dizziness and nausea prior to attending classes.  In addition, client was failing most of his classes. Client’s parents […]

El Centro de Amistad hosts the 2014 Community Mental Health Day

El Centro De Amistad’s 2014 Community Mental Health Day will be held May 17, 2014 11am -2pm at 566 South Brand Boulevard, San Fernando, Ca 91340 and feature free fun for the entire family which include: “Arts and crafts, face painting, bouncers, refreshments, music/entertainment, vendors: San Fernando Police Department, San Fernando Fire Department, chiropractic services, holistic medicine, […]

El Centro de Amistad Welcomes New Executive Director Tamika Farr

San Fernando, CA — On September 9, 2013 El Centro De Amistad welcomed Tamika Farr as its newly appointed Executive Director. Tamika Farr previously served as the Executive Director of the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley. While under Farr’s leadership, the YWCA was named Pasadena Star News 2012 Non-Profit of the Year. Prior to joining the YWCA, Farr worked with […]

Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain

The future of any society depends on its ability to foster the healthy development of the next generation. Extensive research on the biology of stress now shows that healthy development can be derailed by excessive or prolonged activation of stress response systems in the body and the brain, with damaging effects on learning, behavior, and […]