Upcoming Events for the Week of December 19th

December 19, 2022 LA Best Babies Network Los Angeles County, Upcoming Events

Here is a roundup of this week’s conferences, webinars, and trainings for home visitors and others who work with pregnant women and families with little ones. Also included: events around L.A. County that you can share with the families you serve. Want to look further into the future? See the comprehensive lists we update weekly for:

Do you have something for us to include? Email snish@labestbabies.org. And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

December is:

Ongoing Opportunities

Request FREE COVID-19 Home Antigen Tests to Distribute in the Community You Serve
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) is distributing FREE home antigen COVID-19 test kits to community agencies within high-need communities to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. If your agency is interested in distributing these in the community, please submit your request online using this link.

Podcast: DMH UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership
Lots of episodes on interesting and useful topics for home visitors – available on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. In partnership with the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, the Public Mental Health Partnership at UCLA “aims to realize a vision for excellence in care for vulnerable populations that incorporates typically marginalized perspectives and builds capacity to foster health equity.” Visit pmhp.ucla.edu to learn more.

Free COVID-19 Vaccines
Safe, effective and free – COVID-19 vaccines are widely available (even for babies who are at least 6 months old), regardless of health insurance and immigration status. There are hundreds of vaccination sites across L.A. County, and many are open late and on weekends with no appointment required. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com to find a location near you. See the CDC’s page on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens.
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Test to Treat COVID-19 Program
Get free same-day testing and free antiviral medication across LA County sites. Click here, call 211, or text 844-833-1334 to find a free county testing location.
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

USC School of Early Childhood Education is Now Enrolling
The program is open to children ages 0-5 and pregnant people. There are options for Early Head Start, Head Start and State preschool. Call (213) 743-2466 to learn more.

¡Más Fresco! More Fresh Program for CalFresh Households
CalFresh recipients can enroll in this program to earn up to $100 per month when they buy fresh fruits and vegetables with their CalFresh benefits at a participating Northgate González Market. Learn more here.

RAPID Survey for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children
The RAPID Survey Team at Stanford University is seeking parents and child care providers of young children (birth-5 years old) to participate in a 10-minute survey (in English or Spanish) to gather information about the needs and well-being of family households. Participants receive a $5 Amazon gift card. Visit rapidsurveyproject.com to learn more.

Discounted Internet Access: Affordable Connectivity Program
Run by the Federal Communications Commission, this program reduces the cost of internet for families with a limited income. See if you qualify here.

Get Child Care Financial Assistance
The Child Care Resource Center helps families find and apply for child care assistance. Apply here (or here in Spanish). Learn more at CCRCCA.org or call 1-866-67-4KIDS. See CCRC’s flyer for parents in English and Spanish.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program assists families with energy costs. They provide federally-funded assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. Eligibility for LIHEAP services can vary depending on income, household size, place of residence, and other factors. To apply for LIHEAP services and to inquire about the type of assistance available in your area, please use the search feature to contact your local LIHEAP agency for more information.

Volunteers Needed for LA County Community Action Board
Join and advocate for our community’s needs at the monthly Community Action Board (CAB) meetings. Contact Hugo Giron at hugogiron@dpss.lacounty.gov.

UCLA Breastfeeding Study: Seeking Interview Participants
Get a $75 gift card for doing a 45- to 60-minute phone/zoom interview about breastfeeding. Must be pregnant or have recently given birth and identify as Asian American, Black or African American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Select a time to do the interview here. Contact ajscheitler@ucla.edu if you have questions.
Study conducted by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

MotherToBaby Study: Seeking Participants
MotherToBaby is currently enrolling pregnant women in an observational study to explore how asthma and its treatment affect pregnancy. All studies are conducted through phone interviews — no changes to your normal routine or travel required.
Study conducted by MotherToBaby

Pregnant Persons Focus Groups and Survey: Seeking Participants
2020 Mom and the American Psychiatric Association are conducting a study to assess gaps in care and treatment of mental maternal health. Those who are currently pregnant, have given birth, or experienced pregnancy loss in the past 24 months are invited to participate. Participants who complete the two one-hour sessions will receive a $200 honorarium and those who complete the survey will receive a $30 Amazon gift card.
Study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association and 2020 Mom

Parent-Child Interaction Research Study: Seeking Participants
Are you a parent between the ages of 18-35 who was formerly in foster care and is now parenting a 6–18 month-old child? You’re invited to participate in this research study. You may be eligible to receive a $20 gift card. To learn more, call (626) 657-8745 or email ECampi15@Chan.USC.edu.

Black Mothers Wellness Study: Seeking Survey Participants
Are you a Black mother who has a 1-12 month-old baby? You’re invited to complete an online survey to share about your experiences as a new mother. To thank you for your time, you will get a $15 VISA gift card. For more information or to participate, email KFJames@mednet.ucla.edu or call (310) 794-7649.
Study conducted by the National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

CalKIDS Program Gives Money to Families to Save for College
Low-income families with public school students in grades 1-12 can now open college savings accounts, and California will contribute seed investments of up to $1,500 for each child. All California families with newborns (born on or after July 1, 2022) can also open these accounts and receive up to $100 from the state. Read more about eligibility, and see this FAQ page. To see these pages in another language click “Language” on the right side.

Apply to Become a Help Me Grow LA Parent Champion
Help Me Grow LA (HMG LA) is recruiting parents, caregivers and community members across Los Angeles County to join the HMG LA Community and Family Engagement Council (CFEC) as Parent Champions. You’ll serve as a strategic planning partner and advocate for HMG LA, representing the family perspective and helping to ensure that early childhood services and resources meet the needs of children with or at risk of behavioral and/or developmental delays and disabilities. Members meet four times a year. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Apply today!

WIC Families Get Benefits at the Farmers’ Market
WIC families can get $30 to buy fruits and vegetables at WIC-certified Farmers’ Markets (limit one per family per year). Text “Farmers” to 91997 for more info or use this tool to find your nearest Farmers’ Market that accepts WIC.

Pregnant? Sign up for KPCC’s New Pregnancy Texting Service
KPCC and LAist have a new texting service that they are inviting pregnant people to help beta test. Get answers to some of your questions about pregnancy, birth and parent life. Text “heybb” to 73224 to sign up.

Food Giveaways
See our updated list throughout L.A. County. For all in-person events, remind families to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and stay home if they feel sick or have been diagnosed with COVID.

Infant Formula Resources for Families in L.A. County and Across California
See this updated post in the Stronger Families Blog for resources and information to share with the families you serve.

Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) Program
This program is open to low-income individuals who live in Los Angeles County. LIFE offers discounts on weekly and monthly transit passes on Metro and any LIFE participating transit agencies.
Presented by Metro

Free or Low-Cost Internet for Students
Visit GetConnectedLosAngeles.lacity.org or call 3-1-1 to learn about available options.
Presented by the City of L.A.

Resources to Bridge the Digital Divide
A recent LA Health Collaborative focused on helping underserved families in LA County get connected. For a very comprehensive library of resources, see the Digital Divide Toolkit from the Community Clinic Association of LA County. Here are a couple of good links to share with clients (those without Internet access can call 3-1-1 to learn about available options):
Get Connected LosAngeles
Affordable Connectivity Program

What You Should Know About Monkeypox
This continually updated webpage from the LA County Department of Public Health answers your questions and helps you find a vaccine clinic if you are at risk.

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available to Children Older Than 6 Months
Over 900 locations across Los Angeles County are now vaccinating children ages 6 months and older. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to learn about locations, and schedules for clinics offering these and other COVID-19 vaccines.

Free Rapid & PCR COVID Testing
Dates and times vary: Locations vary Free testing will be available by appointment only.
Presented by Total Testing Solutions

Pick-Up Testing Kit Program
If you have COVID symptoms or think you were exposed to COVID, you can pick up a free PCR testing kit, administer it yourself, and return it to a designated site for processing. See pick-up locations here.

Free COVID-19 Vaccines, Food, Diapers, Wipes, and more!
By appointment only
To make an appointment, call (323) 789-4717.
Presented by The Children’s Collective – Family Source Center

Golden Bear Pass
CalWORKs families can now receive a complimentary 2022 Golden Bear Pass, which grants free entry at 200+ state parks and beaches. Learn more and apply here (or in Spanish here). Questions? Contact the California Dept. of Social Services at (916) 651-0515 or calworksoutreach@dss.ca.gov.

Discounted Internet Service Still Available
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps income-eligible households afford high-speed internet service. The program provides up to a $30 monthly discount per family. To learn more or apply, visit InternetForAllNow.org or call 866-425-2870.

Have You Gotten Your Child Tax Credit Yet?
The Child Tax Credit puts cash in your hands to help with the rising cost of raising kids. You can get up to $3,600 per child under age 6 and up to $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17. File your claim at GetCTC.org (or in Spanish at GetCTCorg/es).

Opportunity LA Offers Free Savings Accounts for Children
The City and County of Los Angeles, along with LAUSD, are working together to provide all LAUSD first-graders with a FREE Child Saving Account (CSA) to help save for college — regardless of the student or parent’s income, background or immigration status. All eligible students will receive an initial $50 deposit. Additional deposits can be made by students and families. To learn more about the program, visit OpportunityLA.com or watch videos in English and Spanish here.
Presented by the City and County of L.A., in partnership with LAUSD and Citibank

Monday, December 19

Webinar and Virtual Discussion Group: Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges: The Long View: What Will Happen To My Child When…?
December 19, 12:00pm
This is a free, 6-episode virtual conversation series for families and child-development professionals. (See other dates in the link above.) Also available in Spanish.
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Tuesday, December 20

Virtual Meeting: Reflective Father Engagement Consultation Drop-in Group
December 20, 10:00am – 11:00am
Hosted by Kevin Gruenberg and Richard Cohen.
No registration required – just go here to join. Questions? Email Dr. Gruenberg at kgruenberg@love-dad.org.
Presented by Love, Dad

Work Ready: Library Resources for Job-Seekers
December 20, 11:00am
Learn about Brainfuse JobNow, LearningExpress, and other free resources your local library offers.
Presented by the LA County Library

Expecting Fathers Group for Black Dads: Embrace Responsibilities Associated with Infant Care
December 20, 6:30pm
To register, email Davion Mauldin at DMauldin@ph.lacounty.gov
Presented by Los Angeles County AAIMM Prevention Initiative

Wednesday, December 21

Virtual Workshop: Safe Infant Sleep Guidelines
December 21, 9:30am – 10:30am
Please, RSVP with an email to irene@ibforward.org by December 14^th.
Presented by The Long Beach Home Visitation Collaborative

Santa at Pomona Public Library
December 21, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, 625 S Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766
Photos, arts, and crafts with the Santa
Presented by Pomona Public Library

Thursday, December 22

Good Neighbors Toy Giveaway!
December 22, 2:00pm – 5:00pm: City Hall, 4455 W.126^th St., Hawthorne, CA 90250
Registration is required. Call (310) 349-1640 for more information.
Presented by City of Hawthorne

Friday, December 23

Holiday With Hope Event at Irving S.T.E.A.M Magnet School
December 23, 11:00am: 3010 Estara Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
Free toys and food – first come, first served.
Presented by Manos Que Sobreviven

Winter Wonderland Celebration at St. Andrews Rec. Center
December 23, 1:00pm – 5:00pm: St. Andrews Recreation Center, 8701 S. St. Andrews Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90047
Free food while supplies last, and one toy per child (child must be present).
Presented by St. Andrews Recreation Center and others

Saturday, December 24

We don’t know of any events happening on this day.

Sunday, December 25