On January 24 El Centro de Amistad’s (ECDA) board of directors welcomed two new board members, Danitza Pantoja and Ismael Aguila. Born and raised in San Fernando Valley, both members share a love of the community. Danitza Pantoja School psychologist Danitza is no stranger to El Centro de Amistad. Having been appointed as a commissioner […]

The legal system can be challenging to navigate. Fortunately, El Centro de Amistad clients have a place to go to help them. Longtime supporter of our organization, Mark Ozzello, attorney at Markun Zusman Freniere & Compton LLP, volunteers several hours a month at a legal clinic the firm set up in partnership with El Centro […]

According to Mental Health America’s website, the House and Senate Health Committees had passed bills reauthorizing Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the primary health insurance for pregnant women and children whose income disqualifies them from Medicaid insurance. But, neither chamber acted to vote on the bills before the expiration of CHIP at the end of […]

To keep families together, El Centro de Amistad was contracted by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to help to empower families to become self-sufficient and reduce future reliance on agency interventions. The Family Preservation program began in September and so far 24 families have been enrolled. Families, who are at risk of […]

While parenting can be stressful at times, it also has its rewards. Maira Lopez, El Centro de Amistad case manager, discovered the joy of teaching parenting to a group of mothers whose children attend Telfair Elementary in Pacoima. For 13 weeks, participants come together to learn child development basics, communications skills, anger management techniques, self-care, […]

El Centro de Amistad Presents: Making Parenting A Please A Series of Workshops to Help Families Making Parenting A Pleasure has been proven to help families of young children alleviate family stress. Parenting is the most challenging and important job there is. This thirteen-session course gives families strategies and skills that will reduce family stress, help […]

By Sara Pineda, El Centro de Amistad Program Director After being exposed to the news, world events including natural disasters and violent tragedies that impact our lives, it’s not uncommon for children and adults to experience some fear, anxiety, or depression. For some parents it may be difficult to talk to their children to address some of […]

July marks El Centro de Amistad’s board of directors’ installation, and the board members have much to be proud of for their previous year of accomplishments. Under the leadership of Luis Cervantes, who is serving as the president for the third year, the agency has seen significant growth. Some accomplishments Luis cites are policy changes […]

“What is the reason you are seeking services?” This question is the entry for many individuals who are desperately looking to change their lives and better their futures. Fortunately for El Centro de Amistad, Flaviola Garcia, intake specialist for nearly three years, is one of the first persons that they speak to who asks this […]