Upcoming Events for the Week of March 17th

March 17, 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!

March 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.

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 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.

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.

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! Look for a location near you via the Free Tax Prep LA website.

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. This service is 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 fee waiver! To schedule an appointment, call 323-224-9077 (English and Spanish) or 323-616-5696 (Korean).
Presented by the YMCA

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

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.

Pathways to Health Careers Academy
Application deadline: March 31, 2025
PHCA is a year-long academic enrichment program for high school students in South L.A. and the South Bay areas who are interested in community healthcare professions.

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.

FEMA Assistance for Residents Impacted by the LA County Wildfires
Application deadline extended: March 31
Residents seeking financial help after the devastation of the wildfires can request FEMA assistance here.

This Week’s Events

Monday, March 17

Webinar: Introduction to the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale
March 17, 6:00am – 2:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoint Center

Webinar: NBAS Advancing Training in the Assessment of Neurobehavioral Functioning in Infants
March 17 – 18, 6:00am – 2:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Virtual Training: Introduction to Case Management
March 17 & 18, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Breastfeeding Support Group
March 17, 10:00am – 11:00am: Antelope Valley Wellness Community, 335 East Avenue K 6, Suite B, Lancaster, CA 93535
Presented by Antelope Valley Wellness Community

Virtual Training: Addressing Behaviors that Challenge
March 17 – April 2, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Virtual Training: Boundaries & Ethics
March 17, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority

Tuesday, March 18

Virtual Conference: 2025 Maternal Mental Health Forum at the Intersection of Policy, Payment, and Practice
March 18 – 19, 6:30am – 1:00pm
A look at progress, roadblocks, and solutions to closing gaps in maternal mental health care
Presented by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

Webinar: Infant Mental Health: What You Need to Know
March 18, 9:00am – 10:30am
Presented by Zero to Three

Webinar: Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being
March 18 – September 21, Second to last Tuesday of the month, 9:00am – 11:00am
Presented by Vision y Compromiso

Webinar: Strengths Based Leadership
March 18, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by California Training Institute

Virtual Training: Sitting at the Crossroads: Cultural Sensitivity, Intersectionality, and Factors to Take into Consideration when Working with Marginalized Communities
March 18 & 19, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Los Angeles County Departmental Mental Health

Webinar: Dad Talks
March 18, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
To register email Chijoke Ndupu or call 323-895-4104.
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services

Wednesday, March 19

Seminario Virtual: Salud Mental y Bienestar Emocional
19 de Marzo – 22 de Octubre, tercer Miercoles del mes, 9:00am – 11:00am
Presentado por Vision y Compromiso

Virtual Training: Gender – Affirming Care with Trans and/or Nonbinary Communities
March 19 & 21, 9:00am – 11:00am
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Virtual Training: Underlying Needs: A Strengths/Needs-Based Service Crafting Approach
March 19, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Webinar: The In-Between: Using Reflective Practice to Bridge Evidence-Based Practices and Community Needs
March 19, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Webinar: Unlocking Early Brain Development: Insights & Resources with Dr. Ross Thompson
March 19, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by ZERO TO THREE

Webinar: Mass Deportation: What’s Happening to the Children?
March 19, 12:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Cooking with CinnaMoms
March 19, 1:30pm – 3:30pm: CinnaMoms Crenshaw, 3667 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
Presented by CinnaMoms

Seminario Virtual: Como Obtener su Certificado de Venta Ambulante
19 de Marzo, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Presentado por LA County Library

Lead 101 Workshop
March 19, 4:00pm – 5:00pm in English and 5:00pm – 6:00pm in Spanish: MLK Community Healing & Trauma Prevention Center, 11833 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059
Presented by Los Angeles Department of Public Health

Seminario Virtual: Ciudadania Estadounidense
19 de Marzo, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Presentado por LA County Library

Webinar: New Parent Engagement: Learn About Library Programs & Services
March 19, 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Presented by LA County Library

Webinar: County of Los Angeles CEQA Public Scoping Meeting
March 19, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Presented by LA County Office of Cannabis Management

Webinar: Children and War: Understanding and Supporting Young Lives
March 19, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Presented by California Association for Infant Mental Health (CalAIMH)

Thursday, March 20

Virtual Training: Attachment, Trauma, and Healing in Child Welfare
March 20, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Presented by Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Los Angeles County Women’s Health Equity Coalition Conference: Reproductive Justice and Community Resistance in Los Angeles County
March 20, 9:30am – 2:30pm: LA LGBT Center, 1118 N Mccadden Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Registration opens February 10
Presented by Los Angeles County Women’s Health Equity Coalition

Motivational Interviewing Full-Day Workshop
March 20, 9:30am – 4:30pm: TBA
Presented by Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority

Virtual Training: Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development
March 20, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Part of the Protective Factors Series
Presented by California Training Institute

Webinar: Supporting Safe and Healthy Child Care Environments with the Right Tools
March 20, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Office of Head Start

Webinar: Author Talk: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America, with Clara Bingham
March 20, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by LA County Library

Understanding Credit & Credit Reports
March 20, 12:00pm
Presented by DCBA’s Center for Financial Empowerment (CFE)

Webinar: Nurturing Preschoolers’ Creative Minds
March 20, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Presented by Office of Head Start

Virtual Training: Strengths-based Family Engagement Workshop Series
March 20 – April 17, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Webinar: Spotlight on Women’s History
March 20, 4:00pm
Presented by LA County Library

Webinar: Trailblazers in Conversation with Ask Bubbie, aka Dr. Florence Rosen: A Conversation About Parenting (& Grandparenting!) in the Age of Social Media
March 20, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Presented by LA County Library

Friday, March 21

Webinar: Reframing Latinx Family Traditions Toward the Preservation of Culture and Resilience for Bicultural Children & Families
March 21 & 28, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Presented by Latinx Parenting

Saturday, March 22

Simposio Multicultural
22 de Marzo, 9:00am – 2:00pm: East Los Angeles College, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez., Monterey Park, CA 91754
Presentado por NAMI California

March Community Meeting
March 22, 10:00am – 12:00pm: Crossroads United Methodist Church, 2354 N Wilmington Ave. Compton, CA 90222
Spanish translation provided
Presented by Best Start Region 2

Sunday, March 23

Stand Out! Speak Out! Forum: California Youth for Social Justice
March 23, 3:00pm – 8:00pm:UC Davis Conference Center: Ballroom, 550 Alumni Ln, Davis, CA 95616
Presented by UC Davis School of Law and Elevate Youth California