Upcoming Events for the Week of May 13th

May 13, 2024 LA Best Babies Network

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, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

May is:

Ongoing Opportunities

Request for Services for L.A. County Department of Public Health Unified Home Visiting Billing System Consultant Services
Open until May 22, 11:00am
Public Health seeks a vendor to design and implement a Unified Home Visiting Billing System (UHVBS) to establish a cohesive, cross-program financing system that will support HV expansion and coordination, ensuring that families are supported based on the home visiting program and model that meets their needs, regardless of funding source. Click here for more information.

Free Citizenship & Immigration Resources At L.A. County Libraries
LA County Library offers Citizenship in a Bag, a toolkit with resources for customers seeking to obtain US Citizenship. This toolkit in a bag contains a variety of educational materials for the naturalization exam, including flashcards, multimedia tools, and a FREE citizenship folder with valuable resources that customers can keep. Borrow or place a hold on a Citizenship in a Bag toolkit here.

The L.A. County Arts Internship Program is back!
This year’s program will provide over 200 paid internships for college students at more than 160 arts organizations across L.A. County. Positions are a mix of full-time and part-time opportunities. Go to: lacountyarts.org/internships to apply.

Request FREE COVID-19 Home Antigen Tests to Distribute in Your Community
The L.A. County Department of Public Health is providing home antigen COVID-19 test kits to agencies in high-need communities. If your agency is interested in distributing these in the community, submit a request here.

California Launches Free Digital Behavioral Health Platforms for Children and Families
The Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform consists of two independent programs that work with two different populations: BrightLife Kids, created by Brightline, is intended for children aged 0 to 12 and their parents or caregivers. Kooth created Soluna, an app for teenagers and young adults aged 13–25 years old. Each app offers free coaching, educational content, assessment/tools, and care navigation services

Recruiting Participants to be Interviewed for a Dissertation Study
A UCLA doctorate student is looking to interview black parents/guardians of children 0-5 with a developmental delay, to participate in a dissertation study. The purpose is to get an understanding about the decision-making process of seeking formal developmental screenings and early intervention services for their child. Participants will receive $100 in compensation.

Tiny Nests; Research Participant Opportunity for Expecting Parents
A USC grad student is seeking participants to engage in a study and share their voice. Her study is looking at how expecting parents engage in nesting and place-making behaviors during pregnancy. Participants can receive up to $125 in compensation.

Housing and Utility Assistance for Ukrainians
Open Until September 30, 2024
Are you a newcomer in Los Angeles County from Ukraine under the Uniting for Ukraine Program, a Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee, or Non-Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee? Housing and Utility Assistance may be available for you. Ukrainian refugees may apply for the Refugee Employment Program (REP) by phone at (818) 956-0500 ext. 100 or (213) 318-5716.

Virtual Focus Group Opportunities (Spanish)
EurekaFacts is seeking Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latina women, preferably of Mexican or Central American heritage, who are 18 or older to join a voluntary 90-minute focus group. The groups will be discussing women’s health experiences related to health and culture. A $75 incentive will be offered to each participant in exchange for their time and work.

Parent Ambassador Leaders (PALS) Department of Public Health – School COVID-19 Prevention Program (Spanish)
Parents and Guardians of students at TK – 12 Los Angeles County Schools can apply to join the Parent Ambassador Leaders Program to learn about student health and school success.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Public Health

Free Vaccine Clinics at Your Local Library
Stay healthy – get a flu vaccination and the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine. Health insurance is not required but will be requested from those who are insured. See when this is offered at your local library branch.
Presented by LA County Department of Public Health and LA County Library

Help Me Grow LA Call Center Is Open: 833-903-3972
Family Partners are taking calls to assist families in L.A. County who have children with special needs or developmental concerns. Learn more about Help Me Grow LA at HelpMeGrowLA.org.

Emergency Rent Assistance Available for CalWORKs Families
CalWORKs customers, who are behind on rent, may visit their local DPSS office to request Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction (EAPE). Download the EAPE fact sheet to learn more. Submit an application to your CalWORKs Eligibility Worker.

Inglewood Oil Field Communities Health Impact Survey
If you live 1.5 miles from the Inglewood Oil Field, participate in a survey to understand the health impacts on residents that live near it. The survey is confidential and voluntary. For more information contact Ms. Ha Luong at (310) 957-9209 or email haluong97@g.ucla.edu
Presented by LA Public Health and UCLA

LAUSD is Offering Devices for Virtual Tutoring Services
LAUSD students receiving tutoring services through LAUSD may access learning devices, like laptops, to virtually connect with their tutor and/or complete assignments online. Request a device at LAUSD Device and Connectivity.
Presented by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

L.A. County Mortgage Relief Program for Landlords in High-Need Areas
Qualified applicants can receive up to $30,000 to eliminate outstanding mortgage or utility debt that was caused from the pandemic.

Let the City of L.A. Know About Your Child Care Needs
Take this quick survey to help the City of L.A. learn about your family’s needs and how they can better support you.
Presented by Child Care Policy Unit – Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department

Parents and Families of Children Ages 0-8 living in LA County, Make Your Voice Count! (Spanish)
Register to join Families Together for Kids in LA County to share your experiences and opinions through online surveys that can improve the future for all children in LA County. Each survey will give you the opportunity to receive a $5 gift card for your participation.
Presented by First 5 LA

Apply to Be a Bus Driver with LA Unified School District (LAUSD)
LAUSD is hiring light bus drivers. Qualified applicants must have a HS diploma / GED, 6+ months of paid experience in driving a bus/truck or completed an LAUSD bus driver course, a valid CA Driver’s license Class A or B with passenger and air brake endorsement, and a valid CA school bus driver certificate. Visit the LAUSD jobs website here for additional information.

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 Help with Southern California Edison – Energy Saving Assistance Program
Southern California Edison’s Energy Savings Assistance program helps cover the cost of new energy-efficient appliances. The program is available to homeowners and renters if income qualifications are met.
Presented by Southern California Edison

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.

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

CSU Dominguez Hills Study: Seeking Participants Who are Expecting Their First Child
Are you pregnant for the first time? You are invited to participate in a new research study at CSU Dominguez Hills focused on daily emotions and experience during pregnancy. You can earn up to $150 for participation in this study. For more information, contact perch@csudh.edu or call (323) 379-9118.
Study conducted by the CSU Dominguez Hills Department of Psychology

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.

Golden Bear Pass
CalWORKs families can receive a complimentary 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

WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Increase
Through September 30, 2024
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

Registration Open for Spring Classes and Activities at LA County Parks
Whether you’re taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill or being more active, LA County Parks invites you to join a class! They are offering a variety of in-person and virtual classes to help you get active, stay healthy, and enjoy a new hobby. From yoga and sports to music and arts, there is a class for everyone! Check out their fall classes and register for an activity at reservations.lacounty.gov.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation

Free Snacks for Kids at L.A. County Parks
September 5 – May 24, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Children and youth ages 18 and under receive a “grab and go” nutritious snack that include vegetables, fruits, seeds and healthy dairy products like milk, string cheese and yogurt, at 47 locations. This free nutrition program will run for a total 34 weeks. Go here to see dates and locations.

Youth at Work
Are you age 14-24 and looking for a job? You can earn money while learning valuable life and work skills. This program provides access to paid work-based learning, work readiness, personal enrichment training, academic and career development, and advanced career services. Apply here.
Presented by Youth@Work

LA County Library & LA County Library Foundation Partner with Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu
Uchenna Nwosu is partnering with the Library and LA County Library Foundation to fund a My Brother’s Keeper Peer Advocate position at Lancaster Library for the next three years. If you are interested and want to make an impact in the Lancaster community you can learn more about the MBK Peer Advocate position and complete an interest form here.

UCLA Study Focus Groups
Participate in focus groups and receive incentives by giving your feedback on the new UCLA wellness app. They are recruiting high school students and parents of high school students. To learn more about the study, contact Christine Lee at 714-822-0649 or at kungeunlee@mednet.ucla.edu.

Monday, May 13

Virtual Training: Suicide Assessment and Prevention
May 13 & 14, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for Learning Center

Webinar: Transforming Early Childhood Systems: A Model for Coordinated Eligibility and Enrollment
May 13, 11:00am
Presented by Pritzker Children’s Initiative

Tuesday, May 14

Virtual Meeting: Advancing Equity through Organizational Culture and Operations
May 14 & 16, 10:00am – 12:30pm
Part of the Foundations of Racial Equity Series
You can register for the full series or individual a la carte sessions. Learn more about registration, multi-session, and group rate pricing here.
Presented by Northern California Grantmakers

Virtual Training: Harm Reduction Training Collaborative
May 14, 16, & 21, 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Presented by the DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Webinar: Maternal Mental Health Among AAPI Communities
May 14, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Presented by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration

Heart Space: Is it Really Narcissism? De-stigmatizing Mental Illness
May 14, 6:00pm – 8:00pm: Black Being, 312 East Queen Street Inglewood, CA 90301
Presented by Black Emotional + Mental Health Collective

Wednesday, May 15

Congressional Briefing: Saving and Supporting Moms and Maternal Mental Health State Report Cards Release
May 15, 5:30am – 7:00am
Presented by Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

Virtual Training: Strengths-Based Leadership
May 15, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by California Training Institute

Virtual Training: The Unhappiness of Time Poverty
May 15, 9:00am – 10:00am
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for Learning Center

Virtual Training: Brain Development, Trauma, and Attachment
May 15, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Presented by County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health 

Virtual Event: Self and Community Care Open Session
May 15, 11:00am – 12:00pm
For all adults who support young people in L.A. County
Presented by Creative Wellbeing, a project of the L.A. County Arts Ed Collective

Virtual Event: Take Care of the People Who Take Care of Me: Supporting Military Families Coping with Parental Mental Health Issues
May 15, 11:00am
Presented by ZERO TO THREE

Webinar: Obstetric Sepsis: Treatment and Patient Debriefs
May 15, 12:00pm
Presented by the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative

Recess Wednesday: Self-Care Break
May 15, 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for Learning Center

Webinar: Developing Strategies to Restore Calm for Adults
May 15, 12:00pm
Presented by Office of Head Start

At UCLA: Profiles in Mental Health Courage
May 15, 6:30pm – 8:00pm: Ronald Reagan Medical Center – Tamkin Auditorium, Parking Structure 8, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Presented by UCLA Friends of Semel Institute and others

Trauma-Responsive Perinatal Care
May 15 – 17, Varies: Sheraton Park Hotel, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802
Presented by National Perinatal Association

Families & Communities Transformed: Champions for Our Children’s Future
May 15, 9:00am – 11:00am: 335 E Ave K-6 B, Lancaster, CA 93535
This workshop is for parents and caretakers of children ages 0-5.
Presented by Abriendo Puertas | Opening Doors

Gardening Workshop
May 15, 10:00am – 11:30am: Curtis R. Tucker Health Center, 123 Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
Presented CalFresh and Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc

Webinar: Know Your Rights: Calif. Labor & Paid Leave Rights for Young Workers
May 15, 4:00pm
Presented by UCLA Labor Center & California Work & Family Coalition

Culture Cures 2024: Homage to Home
May 15, Varies
Presented by Community Coalition

Thursday, May 16

Save the Date: Virtual Training: Equitable Promotion
May 16, TBA
Part of the Women in Non-Traditional Careers Series
Presented by County of Los Angeles Women & Girls Initiative

Virtual Training: Understanding the Stress Response
May 16, 9:00am – 11:00am
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for Learning Center

Virtual Meeting: Workplace Solutions: Addressing Domestic & Sexual Violence & Harassment at Work
May 16, 10:00am
Presented by Futures Without Violence

Webinar: Measuring Love in the Journey to End Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence
May 16, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Presented by PreventConnect

Webinar: New Federal Demographic Data Standards: What Does This Mean for California?
May 16, 11:00am
Presented by California Pan-Ethnic Health Network

Webinar: Shining Light on Maternal Mental Health
May 16, 11:00am
Presented by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH)

Webinar: Supporting the Dreams of Black Boys and Their Families
May 16, 12:00pm
Presented by Office of Head Start

Faith & Health Luncheon
May 16, 11:00am – 1:30pm: West Angeles Cathedral, 3600 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Gather with other people and organizations working together to connect with the Black and African American community about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Learn about the many community resources available for you and your family.
Presented by Alzheimer’s Los Angeles

Wishing Tree Park Grand Opening
May 16, 4:00pm – 8:00pm: Wishing Tree Park, 20400 Budlong Ave., Torrance, CA 90502
Presented by Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation and others

Real Men, Real Talk
May 16, 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Culver Studios, 9336 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Presented by the African American Male Wellness Agency

Friday, May 17

SPEAK UP Ambassador Course: Implicit and Explicit Racial Bias Education
May 17, 5:30am – 11:30am
Presented by Perinatal Quality Improvement

Virtual Event: Family Centered Success Through Coaching Mastery: Feedback
May 17, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Presented by the Infant Development Association of California

Ask a Nurse! Community Workshop Series
May 17, 21, 28, June 7; Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness, 123 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301
After completing the series, residents will receive a $20 Mastercard gift card. No registration is required.
Presented by the LA County Department of Public Health and others

Saturday, May 18

Voices United: A Symposium on Compassion Mental Health – Intergenerational Mental Health Stigma Among Minority Male Populations
May 18, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Watts Labor Community Action Committee – Phoenix Hall, 10950 S. Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059
Presented by Take Action for Mental Health and others

Manifestación y Foro Público de la Comunidad Latina con Discapacidades de California
May 18, 11:00am – 4:00pm: The Westchester Downtown – 2801 F St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
Presented by El Arc de California

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: Community Ride to Olympic Auditorium
May 18, 10:30am – 1:00pm: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes,501 North Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Metro Bike Share is offering the 30-Day Pass for just $1 with code BIKEMONTH24. Code is valid for both Full Fare and Reduced Fare passes.
Presented by Metro Bike Share

Take Action LA County Event
May 18, 11:00am: Culver City Veterans Memorial Park, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
Participants can enjoy a variety of activities such as skateboarding, meditation, on-site haircuts, health care opportunities, entertainment, and more!
Presented by Take Action LA and L.A. County Department of Mental Health

Black Healing Remixed: A Healing & Mental Health Summit with a Little More Bass
May 18, 11:30am – 3:00pm: E.K. Art Gallery, 1125 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Presented by Black Emotional + Mental Health Collective

32^nd Annual Malcolm X Festival
May 18, 10:00am – 1:30pm: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd., #101, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Presented by The Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership & Innovation (FAMLI, Inc.)

19^th Annual Celebrating Words Festival
May 18, 2:00pm – 7:00pm: Vaughn G3 Academy, 11200 Herrick Ave., Pacoima, CA 91331
Presented by Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore

Sunday, May 19

Symposium: Raising Child Care, Raising America
May 19 – 22, Arlington, VA
Presented by Child Care Aware of America

Generational Wellness Carnival
May 19, 10:00am – 6:00pm: Crenshaw Yoga and Dance Studio, 5426 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043
Presented by The Association of Black Social Workers, Greater Los Angeles

Take Action LA County Event
May 19, 11:00am: Corner of Markey St., & Manchester, Inglewood, CA 90301
Participants can enjoy a variety of activities such as skateboarding, meditation, on-site haircuts, health care opportunities, entertainment, and more!
Presented by Take Action LA and L.A. County Department of Mental Health