Silvia is a client in the Step Care Program who began mental health services with her mental health clinician (MHC) Miriam Guijarro in May of 2023. Silvia is an 11-year-old girl, who lives with her parents and sibling. Silvia’s family originated from Jalisco, Mexico, and through their Catholic religion, they rely on their faith to […]

It’s almost that time again. Summer break is over, and the children go back to school. Below are some tips that will assist with the beginning of a new school year. Some of the tips below are useful throughout the entire school year. Whether a child is starting a new school year or a new […]

When we think about who can participate and benefit from mental health services, we may think of school-age children, teens, and/or adults. While mental health services can be beneficial to these age groups, many individuals may not know that infants can also benefit from mental health services as well. At El Centro de Amistad, one […]

El Centro de Amistad attended this year’s California Charter School Conference in March 2023 in Sacramento, California. The team representing ECDA at Sacramento included our Associate Director, Tania Fallert-Del Gatto, IECMH Program Manager, Maria G. Williams, and our Child Therapists, Alina Gonzalez, and Alexis Cabrera. Our staff showcased all the services ECDA provides to the […]

Join us for El Centro de Amistad’s 2023 virtual mental health conference titled From Turmoil to Triumph: “Intimate Partner Violence Effects and Treatment”. The conference will be led by mental health experts who have clinical and lived experience with domestic violence. The free virtual conference will take place on Wednesday, May 17, from 9:00 am […]

Across the United States, we bring awareness to Mental Health throughout the month of May. Mental Health Awareness Month assists with bringing awareness to fighting the stigma and normalizing our need to take care of our mental health. For this Mental Health Awareness Month, I invite you all to take a “10-second break” to acknowledge […]

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration as many share happiness with their loved ones. However, that’s not always the case for many people. During the 2022 holiday season, El Centro de Amistad surprised two local single mothers who are domestic violence survivors with $2000 checks to assist with financial challenges and […]

“And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” — Khalil Gibran,The Prophet Valentine’s Day is around the corner and for some this “Day of Love and affection” can be a fun day to celebrate […]

This year, El Centro de Amistad created a memorable holiday season for many families by hosting a private charitable event for 85 local families. The event was held at both ECDA offices (San Fernando and Canoga Park) on Monday, December 19, 2022. The families were greeted with snacks from Santa and children had the opportunity […]

Toria Warner is a 28-year-old Caucasian female who had an open case with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and was referred to the Family Preservation Program (FPP) at El Centro de Amistad for guidance and support. She is a mother of four children, 10-year-old Landon, 7-year-old Azelya, 3-year-old Charlie, and 13-month-old Ethan. […]