Upcoming Events for the Week of May 5th

May 5, 2025 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, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

May is:

Ongoing Opportunities

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.

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.

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.

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 started 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.

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.

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.

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.

Medical Debt Relief Program
The Department of Public Health has partnered with Undue Medical Debt to provide low-income L.A. County families with debt relief. If eligible, families will receive a letter notifying them of their debt cancellation.

Become a DIY Workshop Instructor
LA County Parks and Recreation is looking for instructors to lead DIY workshops at LA County Parks. Could be a good money-making opportunity! Apply here.

Earn Learn Play: Find Youth Programs and Services Near You!
The Los Angeles Youth Development Department offers recreation activities, employment programs, tutoring services, leadership opportunities, and many more free and low-cost City of Los Angeles services to earn, learn, and play throughout the year.

Free Tax Prep Help
File taxes for free! Go to FreeTaxPrepLA.com/help to find a location near you.

Free Services and Permit Assistance for Sidewalk Vendors in the City of LA
Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (Icon CDC) in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) launched the Sidewalk Vending Technical Assistance Program. Through this program, ICON CDC provides the one-on-one guidance and resources needed to navigate the permit process and set up or continue a successful sidewalk vending operation. To request support, submit the English or Spanish intake form.

Virtual Mental Health Services for Youth, Families, and Young Adults
BrightLife Kids, a CalHOPE program by Brightline, provides free behavioral health coaching to all California kids ages 0–12. Soluna, a CalHOPE program by Kooth, is an all-in-one mental health app for California youth and young adults to destress, reset, and seek support.

Free Telebehavioral Health Services
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is providing free one-on-one support to individuals who live in California. Services provided in Spanish and English. Fill out the interest form here.

Free Trauma Recovery Services
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is providing mental health supportive services for individuals who have been victims of a crime. Services are available in-person or online. View the flyer in English and Spanish. Fill out a consultation form here.

Know Your Rights Workshops
The L.A. County Office of Immigrant Affairs is hosting monthly Know Your Rights workshop presentations. For additional resources click here.

Free Citizenship Clinic
Through December 15, by appointment only: Locations vary
Receive free assistance with the citizenship application and a fee waiver. To schedule an appointment, call 323-224-9077 (English and Spanish) or 323-616-5696 (Korean).
Presented by the YMCA

Visit our Support Resources for Immigrant Families in L.A. County to stay up-to-date on events and the latest information!

Know Your Rights: Pick up a Red Card
The L.A. County Department of Public Social Services is giving out “red cards” that list basic rights people have when dealing with ICE. Get these cards from a DPSS district office near you. More information: 800-593-8222 or OIA.LACounty.gov

Metro’s LIFE Program
Qualifying L.A. County residents can receive 20 free rides on the L.A. Metro every month or a discounted pass from other transit agencies.

Rent Stabilization Program
The Tenant Right to Counsel Program provides free legal services to eligible tenants living in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County during eviction proceedings. Apply here.

City of Los Angeles Needs Assessment
May 29 – June 28
The City of Los Angeles is conducting a Park Needs Assessment. Share your feedback on L.A. parks by attending an upcoming community event, taking the online survey, or by writing to the team directly.

Join LA County Parks Spring Classes
Los Angeles County Parks are offering a wide range of spring classes for all ages. Find classes and sign up today.

Application Period for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Extended
Application deadline: June 10
Los Angeles County workers, business owners, and self-employed people affected by the California firestorms now have until Tuesday, June 10, 2025, to apply for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Learn more.

LA County Listening Session
April 17 – May 8
LA County wants to hear from you about how to achieve a more transparent and representative governance model. Come and share your experiences and ideas for enhancing County services and ensuring inclusivity and transparency.

Our Voice, Our County: Countywide Survey
The LA County Chief Sustainability Office is requesting community members to share their input on how to build a more sustainable LA County.

General Relief Program
LA County created this program to help eligible participants avoid homelessness. It provides cash aid if you are an adult without any income or resources, and children in certain special circumstances who are ineligible for federal or state programs may also be eligible. Check the eligibility requirements here.

The Class Womb
Application Deadline: May 14
Black pregnant and postpartum mothers living in L.A. County are invited to participate in Spirit Fruit Root’s next Class Womb cohort. The program is grounded in a holistic practice philosophy that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of Black mothers by integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbalism, mindfulness, and ancestral healing. This is a hybrid program, with 11 virtual sessions and 3 in-person gatherings.

Wildfire Relief Cash Aid Fund: Support for Pregnant & Postpartum Families Directly Impacted by the Fires
Application Deadline: May 10, 11:59pm
The minimum grant award from this Mama2Mama program is $500. View the eligibility requirements here.

This Week’s Events

Monday, May 5

Webinar: Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care: An Overview
May 5 & 6, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Webinar: The New Tobacco? A Conversation About Ultra-Processed Foods
May 5, 12:00pm
Presented by Berkeley Food Institute

Webinar: LGBTQ2IA+ Families: Navigating Schools as LGBTQ+ Family
May 5, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Part of the LGBTQ2IA+ Families: Love is Love Series
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Tuesday, May 6

Webinar: Essential Employee Conversations
May 6, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by California Training Institute

Getting a Strong Start with Breastfeeding
May 6, 10:00am – 12:00pm: Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center, Family Birth Center Multipurpose Room, 4th floor, 1404 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Free for anyone who is pregnant and lives in L.A. County. Learn about breastfeeding and various resources available to you and your family. Will be conducted in English and Spanish.
Register by calling 323-612-7939 or email MelinaR@MCHAccess.org.
Presented by Maternal and Child Health Access

Virtual Training: Strengths-Based Family Engagement Workshop Series
May 6 – June 3, Tuesdays,11:00am
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Webinar: Office of Head Start Webcast: Spotlighting Programs: A Panel Discussion on Exceptional Nutrition Service Delivery
May 6, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Presented by Office of Head Start

Wednesday, May 7

Virtual Conference: The Social Care Summit
May 7 – 8, TBA
Presented by Findhelp

Virtual Training: Touchpoints: The How of Child and Family Engagement
May 7 – June 25, 7:00am – 9:00am
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Webinar: Document Acquisition/Preparation for Housing Opportunities
May 7, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Presented by LAHSA Permanent Housing Department

Webinar: Seeking Safety for Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Model for Trauma and/or Substance Abuse
May 7, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Breastfeeding Basics
May 7 & 14, 10:00am – 11:30am: Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness, 123 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301
Expectant mothers will receive a $20 Mastercard gift card after attending both sessions.
Presented by Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness

Self and Community Care Open Session
May 7, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Webinar: Document Acquisition/Preparation for Housing Opportunities
May 7, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Presented by LAHSA Permanent Housing Department

Thursday, May 8

Webinar: What 2,000 Immigrants Are Telling Us Now
May 8, 10:00am
Presented by Noticias Para Inmigrantes and the Immigration Research Initiative

Virtual Training: Writing for Understanding Level 1
May 8, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Presented by Literacy Works

Friday, May 9

Webinar: Moving Stillness: Grounding in Times of Chaos
May 9, 10:00am (every other Friday until June 20)
A virtual space to find solace and be supported during times of uncertainty.
Presented by Protecting Immigrant Families

Saturday, May 10

NAMI Walks Greater LA County Mental Health Fest
May 10, 9:00am – 2:00pm: Los Angeles Historic State Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Presented by NAMI

Fire Service Day & ECWA Wellness Event
May 10, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Fire Station 94, 4400 Coliseum Street, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Presented by Empowerment Congress West Area Neighborhood Development Council

Parent & Family Café – SPA 8
May 10, 1:30pm – 2:30pm: Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness, 123 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
Parents and caregivers raising children with developmental delays and special health needs are invited to join to share experiences and receive emotional support in a non-pressured environment. Here are the registration links: English and Spanish
Presented by Help Me Grow LA

Sunday, May 11

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