Upcoming Events for the Week of May 22nd

May 22, 2023 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 people 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!

May is:

Ongoing Opportunities

Paid Survey Opportunity for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children in California (English and Spanish)
Until May 31
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and the RAPID Survey Project at Stanford University invite all caregivers of young children under the age of 6 living in California to take this survey. They will be asked to share about the experiences, strengths, and needs of children and families in their community. Participants will be emailed a $5 gift card 1-2 weeks after completing the survey.

The National Home Visiting Network is Accepting Parent Leader Applications
Applications due June 1
This is an opportunity for parents to serve as a parent leader with the National Home Visiting Network Advisory Committee. It’s a great (paid) opportunity with mentorship and potential travel (all covered). To apply, click here. If you have questions, please reach out to Deborah Roderick Stark (drs889@gmail.com, 410-858-6587).

File with Free Tax Prep LA and Get Your Young Child Tax Credit
People who make less than $60,000 annually may be eligible to file for free at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. IRS-certified volunteers provide free, basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Eligible families can claim the Young Child Tax Credit, which may be worth more than $1,000, if they file before October 16. Find a nearby location.

Get A 30–Day Pass Just for $1
Happy Bike Month! Get a 30-day pass for $1 with code BIKEMONTH23 online at Metro Bike Share – LA’s Bike Share. In celebration of Bike to Work Day, May 18 and 19, you can also receive a 365-Day Pass for half price with code BIKETOWORK23 or ONE free ride on a Metro bike with code 051823.

CalFresh Benefits Market Match
Use the CalFresh Market Match program at your neighborhood farmers’ market to maximize your CalFresh rewards. When you use your EBT card at a farmers’ market to receive CalFresh benefits worth $15, you will also receive $15.

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.

Metrolink’s New Low-Income Fare Discount Program
Metrolink’s new low-income fare discount program offers a 50% discount on ANY Metrolink ticket or pass for riders with a valid California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Learn more here.

Help Paying for DWP Energy and Water Bills
There’s up to $5,000 in tax-free utility bill assistance available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) per eligible households. There is no impact on other benefits or public charge determinations. Learn how to apply at Help Is On the Way (ladwp.com). Non-DWP customers can use this search feature to contact a local LIHEAP agency for more information.

Consumer Relief for Natural Gas Bills
Various resources are available to assist income-qualified customers with high gas bills. Learn more here.
Presented by SoCalGas

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

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.

Pregnant? Sign up for LAist’s Pregnancy Texting Service
Get answers to your questions about pregnancy, birth and parenting. Text “heybb” to 73224 to sign up.

Food Giveaways
See our list of events across L.A. County.

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.

Golden Bear Pass
CalWORKs families can receive a complimentary 2023 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.

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

Spring at LA County Parks
Free and paid programs for youth and families, including sports clinics, nature exploration, swimming, and more. Some require pre-registration using this reservation system.
Presented by L.A. County Parks & Recreation

WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Increase
Through September 30
WIC families can get extra money to buy fruits and vegetables at WIC-approved stores and farmers’ markets. Use this tool to find your nearest farmers’ market that accepts WIC, and learn more about the benefit here.

Teen Parent Prosper Program
Pregnant or parenting teens living in the City of Los Angeles are eligible for this 800-hour paid internship program. The opportunity is limited to the first 40 eligible applicants. Apply here or contact Claudia Castillo at (213) 808-8652 or Claudia.Castillo@lacity.org for more information.
Presented by the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department and others

L.A. County Parks Spring Classes
Find free classes all over the County, ranging from arts and recreation to fitness, health, and wellness. Browse/search classes and sign up here.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation

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

Join the Antelope Valley Birth Work Worker Pipeline!
Complete the brief interest form to be contacted with available workforce development and opportunities.
Presented by Black Infants and Families Los Angeles

Monday, May 22

Virtual Training: ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2 Training of Trainers Institute
May 22-24, 8:00am – 3:30pm
Presented by Brookes Publishing

Virtual Training: Promoting Placement Stability: Utilizing the Child and Family Team Process
May 22, 9:00am – 12:00pm
To register for this training, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Mental Health

Webinar: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
May 22, 10:00am
Presented by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Virtual Event: Early Intervention, Advocacy and the California Budget May Revise, with Teresa Anderson
May 22, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Presented by the Infant Development Association of California

Virtual Training: Motivational Interviewing
May 22 & 24, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Virtual Meeting: Nutrition Access LA General Meeting
May 22, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Presented by Nutrition Access LA

Virtual Family Café: Conversations with Families of Dual Language Learners
May 22, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish workshops available.
All attendees will receive free children’s books.
Presented by QualityStartLA and others

Tuesday, May 23

Webinar Series: Maternal Health Equity and Well-being
May 23 – July 26, monthly, 9:00am
Presented by Start Early Champions for Early Learning

Virtual Training: Child and Family Team Facilitator Training
May 23-24, 9:00am – 2:00pm
To register for this training, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Mental Health

Webinar: Healthy People 2023 Spotlight on Health: Best Practices in Pain Care
May 23, 10:00am
Presented by Office of Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion

Webinar: Nurturing the Nurturer: Self-Care for Providers & Parents
May 23, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Part of the Supporting Everyone’s Mental Health Series
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Virtual Training: Parenting with Families to Support Inclusion (Part 1)
May 23, 12:00pm
Presented by National Center on Development, Teaching, and Learning

Virtual Training: Trauma and Resilience Informed Care Foundations for Educators
May 23, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Virtual Event: Be Healthy, Be Safe, Be Well: Health and Mental Health Leaders Institute 2023
May 23-25, Varies
Presented by National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety

Doulas and Midwives Matter Workgroup
May 23, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Presented by Black Infants and Families

Parent Workshop: Art Activities for the Summer
May 23, 5:00pm – 5:45pm: South Central LAMP, 892 E 48^th St., Los Angeles, CA 90011
To register, contact Angelica Salcido via email at ASalcido@SouthCentralLAMP.org or by calling (323) 234-1471.
Presented by South Central LAMP

Wednesday, May 24

Webinar: Faces of Depression in Primary Care: Depression Symptomology & Functional Outcomes From Early To Late Adulthood
May 24, 9:00am – 10:00am
Presented by PsychU

Webinar: Monthly Coordinated Entry System Policy Council Meeting
May 24, 9:30am
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

Webinar: Opportunities for Primary Care and Medicaid to Help Prevent Child Welfare System Involvement
May 24, 9:00am – 10:00am
Presented by the Center for Health Care Strategies

Webinar: Parents as Teachers and the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
May 24, 10:00am
Presented by CalTrin

Webinar: Every Interaction Counts in Early Childhood Education: A New Window into the Daylong Language Experience of Young Children
May 24, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by ZERO TO THREE

Special Needs Trusts & Personal Support Services
May 24, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Presented by National Alliance on Mental Illness – San Gabriel Valley

Thursday, May 25

Virtual Training: SPEAK UP Ambassador Implicit and Explicit Racial Bias Education
May 25, 5:30am
Presented by Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement

Mental Health Awareness Month Community Health & Resource Fair
May 25, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Wilmington Town Center, 105 West “I” St., Wilmington, CA 90744
Presented by L.A. Care & Blue Shield Community Resource Center and LA County Department of Mental Health

Webinar: Gun Safety: Latino Families Say Community and Safety Make All the Difference
May 25, 10:00am
Spanish translation will be available
Presented by Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and others

Webinar: Structural Competency: Identifying and Addressing the Upstream Causes of Diabetes and COVID-19
May 25, 11:00am
Presented by Health Outreach Partners

Virtual Training: Promoting Placement Stability: Utilizing the Child and Family Team Process
May 25, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
To register for this training, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Mental Health

Best Start Central Long Beach Community Partnership Meeting
May 25, 5:00pm – 7:00pm: First Congregational Church, 241 E. Cedar Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802
Presented by Best Start Central Long Beach

Friday, May 26

Webinar: Misinformation Can Harm Your Clients & Not Practicing Self Care Can Harm You
May 26, 9:00am – 11:30am
Presented by San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition

Virtual Training: Underlying Needs: A Strength/Needs-Based Service Crafting Approach
May 26, 9:00am – 1:00pmTo register for this training, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Mental Health

Virtual Training: Promoting Placement Stability: Utilizing the Child and Family Team Process
May 26, 9:00am – 12:00pm
To register for this training, you must create an account with eventsHUB.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Mental Health

Saturday, May 27

We don’t know of any events happening today.

Sunday, May 28

Marina Culture Jam (Korean Classical Music Dance Company & Kayamanan Ng Lahi)
May 28, 11:30am – 2:15pm: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Free live performances, cultural arts and crafts, and fun for the whole family.
Presented by The Music Center LA others