Upcoming Events for the Week of December 16th
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!
December is:
- National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
- National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
- World AIDS Day (December 1)
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3)
- International Volunteer Day (December 5)
- Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week (December 1 – 7)
- National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 2 – 6)
- National Handwashing Awareness Week (December 5 – 11)
See the CDC’s “Life is Better with Clean Hands” national campaign on best practices for handwashing. - Human Rights Day (December 10)
Ongoing Opportunities
Opportunity for Families to Serve on California’s NICU Family Advisory Council
Application deadline: January 31
Have you had a baby in the NICU? Are you passionate about making the NICU journey better for others? Requires a 2-year commitment, with $2,000 compensation to family members who participate by responding to emails and attending meetings.
Coordinated by California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC)
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
Through January 8, Wednesdays, 5:45 pm – 7:00pm: location provided after registration
Participants can openly discuss experiences of loss with others who are navigating similar challenges.
For more information, contact Fallynne Usher FUsher@ph.lacounty.gov.
Presented by the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) and the L.A. County Dept. of Public Health’s African American Infant & Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative
Pregnancy Research Project
The PRO-Health research team at California State University, Long Beach, is studying the experiences of parents and their babies during pregnancy and after birth. They are recruiting participants who are pregnant and at least 18 years old. Gift cards provided. See their flyer (English/Spanish) here. To sign up or learn more contact 562-285-7074 or prohealth@csulb.edu or visit bit.ly/Interest-RFBH.
The L.A. County Arts Internship Program is Still Available!
Over 200 paid internships for college students available at more than 160 arts organizations across L.A. County. Both full-time and part-time opportunities. Learn more and apply at www.LACountyArts.org/internships.
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.
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
Apply to Be a Bus Driver or Mechanic With LA Unified School District (LAUSD)
View qualifications and details at LAUSDJobs.org.
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.
CSU Dominguez Hills Study: Seeking Participants Who are Expecting Their First Child
Are you currently 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
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
Decolonized Nonviolent Parenting: A Practice for Raising Empathetic, Grounded, & Socially Conscious Kids (6-Week Course)
Receive support in developing a parenting style that acknowledges your children’s journey and develops them to be empathic, grounded, and socially conscious via the lenses of familial decolonization, nonviolence, reparenting, and conscious child development.
Presented by Latinx Parenting
Participate in Research Study on Breast Milk
The Lundquist Institute is conducting a breast milk research study. Participants (who are currently breastfeeding) will conduct a 4-hour study visit and will receive a $100 gift card. Learn more here or contact MacKenzie Cervantes at breastmilk@lundquist.org or 310-974-9538.
The California Abundant Birth Project
This guaranteed income program will provide monthly cash assistance for people who are 8-27 weeks pregnant and at a higher risk of preterm birth.
Learn STOP THE BLEED®: Save a Life
2nd Friday of every month, 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Leavey Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90015
To register, email Jessica.Brase@commonspirit.org
Presented by Dignity Health — California Hospital Medical Center
Just Drive: Take Action Against Distraction2nd Friday of every month, 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center, 1401 S. Grand Ave. Leavey Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90015
To register, email Jessica.Brase@commonspirit.org
Presented by Dignity Health — California Hospital Medical Center
Stress and Wellness Survey for Teens
California teens ages of 12- to 17-years old are invited to take the Youth Mindful Awareness Program’s survey about their health and well-being. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Participants are eligible for a $10 gift card. Complete the survey here.
Clothing Assistance Program
The National Council of Jewish Women LA’s Clothing Assistance Program supports individuals and families living under or near the poverty line by providing gift cards that can be redeemed for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Gift cards can be used at any of their seven Council Shops.
Pregnant people are invited to participate in the HOPE THRIVE study!
To qualify for the study, participants must be pregnant, reside in California, and have Medi-Cal health insurance. Additional requirements include being comfortable reading and writing in English. For full eligibility requirements, click here. Participants will receive $250 for their time. Additional compensation will be available for those who also participate in focus groups.
Presented by Health Outcomes of Pregnancy for Everyone and the University of California, San Francisco
Seeking Participants for a Caregiver Study
Researchers at Endicott College are studying ways caregiver’s (i.e., parents, grandparents, etc.) interactions impact their baby’s language development. Participants will receive a $70 gift card. Interested in participating? Email Eilis O’Connell-Sussman at EOConnel@endicott.edu for more details.
Seeking Black/African American or Latina/Latinx Birthing People with Physical Disabilities to Participant in a Study
Black people and Latinxs/Latinas with physical disabilities have unique experiences during pregnancy. To learn about these unique experiences, Brandeis University is conducting a study to better understand how race and disability can affect pregnancy. If you are Black/African American and/or Latinx/Latina or Hispanic, have a physical disability, and have given birth in the last ten years, they’d like to interview you. Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
To participate, email Janelle Mills at pregnancystudy@brandeis.edu or call 781-736-3928.
Los Angeles Rental Housing Habitability Program
In November, Los Angeles County will start a new proactive rental housing inspection program called the Rental Housing Habitability Program (RHHP) in the unincorporated areas of the County. The goal of RHHP is to ensure that rental housing properties and units maintain the minimum habitability standards required by law. Check out these English and Spanish flyers and these FAQs for more information.
Fall Classes for All Ages
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting classes for children and adults during the fall, including basketball, softball, tennis, dance, swimming, arts, and more.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s Winter Shelter Program
The program is held annually to protect people experiencing homelessness during the colder months. Meals, showers, and case management services will be provided. Shelters are located across LA County, and will operate 24/7 until March 31, 2025.
Join the LA County Youth Commission
The Youth Commission was established to assist the Board of Supervisors in leading transformative change in LA County’s youth facing departments, programs, and policies. They are seeking applicants who are at least 18 years old and have lived experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, probation, kinship care, and adoption.
Youth @ Work Program
The program is for ages 14 – 24 and will provide access to paid work-based learning, work readiness, personal enrichment training, academic and career development, and advanced career services.
Parents and Family Cafés
Parents and caregivers raising children with developmental delays and special health needs can share experiences and receive emotional support. Presented by Help Me Grow LA. Call for more information: 1-888-903-3972.
Winter Wonderland
December 6 – 21, Times Vary
The Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation department will be having a Winter Wonderland throughout different parks across LA County. To find a participating park, click here.
Healing Library Kits at L.A. County Libraries
These kits help families who are dealing with divorce/separation, the death of a loved one or pet, or other difficult situations. Kits include books and guides with activity ideas to facilitate the healing process. Visit a participating library to borrow a Healing Library Kit.
Paid Full-Time Internships for Classroom Aides
Interested in the field of early childhood education? Options for Learning is offering full-year, full-time paid classroom aide internships starting in early 2025. At the end of this program participants can earn their associate teacher permit. Apply here.
Free Nalaxone (Narcan) at L.A. County Libraries
Anyone can attend a free workshop to get this easy-to-use life-saving nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. Get details and find a library near you.
This Week’s Events
Monday, December 16
Parent and Family Engagement Conference
December 16 – 19, TBD: San Diego, CA
Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into a variety of new resources and innovative ideas on important topics in early childhood development.
Presented by National Head Start Association
Virtual Training: Grief & Loss in Case Management
December 16, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Explore how grief and the grieving process affects case management and identify some of the variables that shape personal experience of client related loss.
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Virtual Training: Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Training
December 16 – 20, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Presented by Maricella Mendez-Sherwin, Ph.D.
Aislamiento Social
16 de Diciembre, 10:00am – 11:30am: 11833 S. Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059
Para inscribirse, llame al (213) 655-0696.
Presentado por Los Promotores Unidos de Salud Mental del Condado de Los Ángeles
Webinar: Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges
December 16, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center
Virtual Training: Engaging Latina/o/e/x Communities in Street Outreach
December 16, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Through real-world scenarios and stories, explore the unique cultural and lived experiences of unhoused Latina/o/e/x individual, and learn new engagement strategies that are specific to Latina/o/e/x communities.
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Tuesday, December 17
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Los Angeles
December 17, 9:00am – 12:00pm: Citrus College Educational Development Building, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd. Glendora, CA 91741
Participants will gain a detailed understanding of the practice of FGM and how to undertake a culturally sensitive risk assessment for women and girls.
Presented by Ayaan Hirsi Ali (AHA) Foundation
Virtual Training: Workplace Safety and Communication
December 17, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Understand how culture and intersectionality affects workplace communication and explore different communication practices that promote healthy workplace culture.
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
¿Cómo solicitar el Certificado de Registro para la Venta Ambulante?
17 de Diciembre, 10:00am – 11:30am: Malibu Library, 23519 West Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Presentado por Los Angeles County DEO Office of Small Business
Virtual Training: Using Solution-Focused Interviewing to Support Client Change
December 17, 10:00am – 12:00pm
This training will focus on the principles and techniques of solution-focused interviewing, which emphasizes finding solutions rather than solely focusing on problems when providing therapeutic support.
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center
Webinar: The WHO Code: History, Relevance, and Responsibilities
December 17, 10:00am – 12:30pm
Explore the Code’s history, purpose, and continued relevance in addressing the impact of formula marketing on infant and maternal health.
Presented by Breastfeed LA
Webinar: A Two-Generation Approach to Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth
December 17, 11:00am
Presented by Children’s Bureau’s Learning & Coordination Center
Webinar: Introducing the Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships (CMMP)
December 17, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
The CMMP aims to strengthen partnerships and guide coordination between Medicaid, CHIP, and Title V programs in states and US-affiliated jurisdictions.
Presented by Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships (CMMP)
How to Apply for the Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate
December 17, 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Malibu Library, 23519 West Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Presented by Los Angeles County DEO Office of Small Business
Webinar: LGBTQIA+: Connecting With Queer Community & Working with Clients who Identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ Community
December 17, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Learn about the unique trauma and strengths the LGBTQIA+ community has experienced historically and currently, and apply knowledge to case management practices working with LGBTQIA+ identified clients.
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Webinar: Social Connections
December 17, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Part of the Protective Factors webinar series
Presented by the California Training Institute
Wednesday, December 18
Webinar: Multidimensional Family Therapy: The Proven Family-Centered Treatment for Youth
December 18, 9:00am – 11:00am
Presented by the California Training Institute
Virtual Training: Boundaries & Ethics
December 18, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Apply the Case Management Code of Ethics to situations, understand the difference between legal and ethical duties.
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Webinar: Physical Activity Is Good for the Mind and Body!
December 18,10:00am – 11:00am
Join this webinar to learn how Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs) can help programs plan for movement throughout the day to support child development and learning.
Presented by Education Development Center
Webinar: Imbedding Infant-Parent Mental Health Concepts in Child Welfare Safety Practice and Policy: ABC 123 DCFS’s Young Children In Care (YCIC) Birth to Five Program
December 18, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Webinar: ASQ Online Live Demo
December 18, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Ages & Stages Questionnaires
Webinar: Understanding the Complexities of Grief and Loss for Fathers During the Holidays
December 18, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Participants will be able to identify warning signs of intense grief and loss and the skills to support those experiencing such emotions and empower them to take control of their emotional well-being.
Presented by National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
Webinar: Mind Your Carbohydrates During the Holiday Celebrations
December 18, 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Register by emailing Ann Lin at Ann.Lin901@commonspirit.org
Presented by Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Thursday, December 19
Learning Circle
December 19, 9:00am – 12:00pm: Homeless Healthcare LA, 1282 W. 2nd St. LA,CA 90026
Designed to assist case managers and service providers with assessing challenges and difficulties in problem solving, boundary setting, and trauma informed stewardship.
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Virtual Training: Behavioral Health – Understanding & Respond
December 19, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Free Legal Clinic
December 19 (third Thursday each month), 10:00am – 2:00pm: KYCC FamilySource Center 1230 Menlo Ave., Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90006
Walk-ins welcome or call (213) 365-7400 to make an appointment
Presented by Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and Koreatown Youth + Community Center
Diaper Giveaway
December 19, 3:00pm: Helen Rosas Center, 22150 Wardham Ave., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
First come, first served. Diaper sizes 2 – 6 available.
Presented by LA Food Bank
Friday, December 20
Virtual Training: Enhancing Depression Treatment with Behavioral Activation
December 20, 9:00am – 12:00pm
This workshop will cover the rationale and elements of behavioral activation and then practice using this strategy with real client scenarios.
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center
Webinar: Your Guide to Small Claims Court
December 20, 10:00am – 11:00am
Presented by Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs
Holiday Toy Giveaway
December 20, South Whitter Community Resource Center: 10750 Laurel Ave., Whittier, CA 90605
Registration required, register here
Must live in unincorporated Whitter
Presented by Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs and the County of Los Angeles Supervisor – Fourth District Janice Hahn
Social Isolation Workshop
December 20, 10:00am – 11:30am: 11833 S. Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059
To register or for more information, call Deidra McAlpin at (213) 655-0472
Presented by MLK Center for Public Health & United Mental Health Promoters
Saturday, December 21
Christmas Giveaway
December 21, 11:00am: Iglesias El Nuevo Nacimiento, 1600 S Broadway., LA, CA 90015
Presented by Iglesias El Nuevo Nacimiento
Sunday, December 22
We don’t know of any events happening on this day.