Upcoming Events for the Week of March 25th

March 25, 2024March 22, 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!

March is:

Ongoing Opportunities

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.

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.

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 of the decision-making process of seeking formal developmental screenings and early intervention services for their child. Participants will receive a $100 compensation.

Borrow a Free Hotspot & Connect to the Internet
LA County Library is offering Connect & Go Hotspot loans for up to six weeks at all LA County Library locations. Free internet connection wherever you go!

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.

Foster Youth Tax Credit Services
John Burton Advocates for Youth is offering free self-filing tax services and resources. They’ll help you identify if you qualify for a California foster youth tax credit.

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 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.

Help Me Grow LA Is Hiring Parents
Part-time Family Partner positions are available for parents in SPAs 1, 3, and 7. Family Partners help other parents navigate the system by giving practical advice and resources. They also advocate for improvements in their local communities. Here’s the link to apply, and here’s a flyer with details.

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 of 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

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Winter Shelter Program
Open Until March 31, 2024
Are you in need of shelter? Call the Winter Shelter Hotline at 800-548-6047 or visit LAHSA.org/winter-shelter to find a shelter near you.
Presented by LAHSA

Medi-Cal’s Medically Tailored Meal Program (MTM)
This program delivers groceries and meals to patients’ homes to help them meet nutritional needs and sustain healthy eating habits. This program provides services for up to 12 weeks. Eligibility and qualifications vary based on health care plan. Go here to learn how to access services.
Presented by Maternal and Child Health Access

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.

Full Spectrum Child Care
Provides parents and caregivers educational and behavioral support services for children impacted by autism and related disorders. They provide services to meet the child’s needs through individualized programs.

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 high school 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.

Metrolink’s 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 $15,000 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

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

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.

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 Winter 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 Carson Library for the next three years. If you are interested and want to make an impact in the Carson 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.

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

Monday, March 25

Child Health, Education, and Care Summit
March 25 – 27, Varies: Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Registration is closed. However, you can still join the waitlist.
Presented by First 5 LA

Webinar: Mastering the Potty: How to Help Your Child Use the Bathroom on Their Own
March 25, 12:00pm
Presented by The Motherhood and L.A.Times Journalist Jenny Gold

Tuesday, March 26

WIC 101 Information Session
March 26, 10:00am – 11:00am: Providence Wellness & Activity Center, 470 N Hawaiian Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
Session is available in Spanish.
Presented by Providence Little Co of Mary and WIC

Spring Festival at the Wilmington Certified Farmers Market
March 26, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Wilmington Certified Farmers Market, 470 N Hawaiian Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
Presented by Providence Little Co of Mary and Best Start

Virtual Training: Strength in Support: Strategies for Promoting Human Milk Feeding in Cleft-Affected Infants
March 26, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Presented by Inland Empire Breastfeeding Coalition

Virtual Training: When Trauma Reactions & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Overlap
March 26, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Presented by California Training Institute

Wednesday, March 27

Webinar: Building the Business Case for State Paid Family Leave: Lessons from Advocacy and Implementation
March 27, 8:00am
Presented by Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

Virtual Training: Brain Development, Trauma, and Attachment
March 27, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Presented by County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health 

From Piggy Banks to Portfolios: How to Teach Our Kids About Money
March 27, 9:00am – 9:45am
Part of the Women’s History Month Series
Presented by Women Talk Money and Fidelity

Webinar: Embedding Healthy Food Access in Food Banks & Pantries
March 27, 10:00am – 11:00am
Presented by More Than Food Consulting, LLC

Monthly Pregnancy Resource Event for Expecting Moms (Spanish)
March 27, 11:00am – 12:30pm: Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center, Labor and Delivery Entrance, 1720 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033
To register, click here. For more information, please contact Victoria at (323) 250-2694.
Presented by the Welcome Baby program at Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center

Webinar: Turning the Stress of Program Assessment into a Superpower for Teachers and Administrators
March 27, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Presented by ChildCare Education Institute and Engagement Strategies, LLC

Webinar Series: Using Health Literacy Principles in Early Childhood Programs
March 27, 10:00am – 11:00am
Presented by the Office of Head Start

Webinar: Impact of Doulas on Maternal and Child Health Outcomes
March 27, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality

Virtual Training: Intergenerational Communication Challenges
March 27, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Learning to Listen: Conversations for Change
March 27, April 17, & May 1, 12:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Feeding the Community Food Bank
March 27, 1:00pm – 3:00pm: St. Brigid Church, 5214 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062
Presented by The Therapeutic Play Foundation

AAIMM Policy and Advocacy Workgroup: Community Engagement Session to Support the Selection of the Motherboard
March 27, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Presented by South LA/South Bay African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team

Thursday, March 28

Webinar: In the Heat of the Moment: Understanding Escalating Behaviors in Early Childhood
March 28, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Presented by Second Step and Engagement Strategies, LLC

Webinar: Emerging Eye Health Issues in Young Children
March 28, 11:00am
Presented by Office of Head Start National Center on Health, Behavioral Health and Safety

Webinar: Supporting the School Readiness and Success of Young African American Boys
March 28, 1:00pm
Presented by Office of Head Start National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning

Webinar: See. Support. Report: Tools for Teen Suicide Prevention
March 28, 2:30pm
Presented by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others

Self-Care for Men: Health & Resource Fair 2024
March 28, 3:00pm – 5:30pm: Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center, 6335 Myrtle Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805
Presented by Behavioral Health Services

Village Wellness Event
March 28, 3:00pm – 7:00pm: Therapeutic Play Foundation, 236 West Mountain Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
Presented by Therapeutic Play Foundation

Can a Foodball Stadium Be a Black History Museum?
March 28, 6:00pm: SoFi Stadium, 1001 Stadium Dr., Inglewood, CA 90301
Presented by The Kinsey African American Art Collection and others

Tia Chucha’s Book Club: Funeral For Prado
March 28, 7:30pm – 8:30pm: Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore, 12677 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342
Presented by Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore

Friday, March 29

Webinar: When Breastfeeding Sucks: Breast Aversions (DMER, BAA, and Sensory Aversions)
March 29, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by BreastfeedLA

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Group Informational Session
March 29, 10:00am – 12:00pm: Service Area 6 Peer Resource Center (at Behavioral Health Center, MLK Campus), 12021 Wilmington Ave., Building 18, Los Angeles, CA 90059
The goal of WRAP is to teach participants recovery and self-management skills and strategies. For more information, please email adarden@dmh.lacounty.gov,rzandate@dmh.lacounty.gov, dgatlin@dmh.lacounty.gov or call (424) 454-5568.
Presented by Service Area 6 Peer Resource Center and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Saturday, March 30

15^th Annual Joe Tatum Memorial Father-Child Golf Tournament
March 30, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Maggie Hathaway Golf Course – Jesse Owens Park, 1921 W. 98th Street, Los Angeles, California 90047
Presented by A Forever Father

Resurrection Health and Wellness Fun Fair
March 30, 11:00am – 2:00pm: Bryant Temple AME Church, 2525 West Vernon, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Presented by South Central Prevention Coalition and others

Sunday, March 31

We don’t know of any events happening today.