Say Something

by Dr. Donny Johnson

I am a psychologist. A doctor, in fact. In my lives as a performance poet and television showrunner, it doesn’t come up much. And, frankly, there’s no need for it to. On a day like today—which does not seem like a day at all, but a gasp in time—I believe that it is a must to share my thoughts from the point of view of a mental health professional. In that capacity, I’ve treated children and adolescents, families, including survivors and perpetrators of crime. The curse of a good memory is that I house all of their stories. Still. The blessing of that experience, however, is being unafraid to help people look for answers in scary places. In an afternoon text to a friend—the mother of school-age children—I declared today “unspeakable.” I realize that I was quite wrong; today is a day when we must speak up. A man who slaughtered 20 children and their guardian angels has asked the children in our lives a question. They are counting on us to answer. Every child who becomes aware of this event will ask. Some will ask out loud, others with the brutality in their play, the vanishing of their appetite, the impossibility of their sleep. Some will ask by saying nothing in a room that still echoes their voice from the day before. Every child wants to know. Assume this. The worst question I’ve heard so far is from a child who asked her father: “Is this going to happen again?” Not one of us would want to fill such a small life with an answer so massive it threatens to explode her. Yet, this child is the voice of millions of other children today. “Make sense of this for me”, they plead. Tell me the world has order. And, that you, adult who loves me, know the code. Tell me that I am safe. That the day after this day will not make you cry as it swallows me. Tell me that I can be happy.

And, here is where we must not lie. Here is where we prove that we are worthy to take care of them. I would not accept the invitation to call this act “evil.” Evil teaches us nothing; it is an enormity, an inhumanity that does not impel is to do, but avoid. Rather, I would focus on the essentially human of this day. Before he was a man that we do not understand, he was a teenager someone did not understand, a child not fully understood. Misunderstood people sometimes do bad things. Being misunderstood excuses nothing, but can explain much that can help us help the other misunderstood among us before they attack our lives. Consider telling the children in your life that trying to understand people is an act of love, and that the more we practice this act—an art, really—the fewer people there will be in the world who want to harm others. Tell them that, unlike the bad behavior of others, they have full control of their desire to understand others. They do not have to be passive and wait for the next time the day implodes. They have control of their generosity of spirit, and that such largesse changes people. And, that changed people change others. Tell the children in your life that you do not know what other people will do tomorrow, but that days like today are rare. Tell them that you do not understand these rare days either, but that you know exactly what will happen tomorrow and every new day after. Tell the children who love you that you will love and try with all that you are, to protect and understand them every day of your life.
When tragedy corrupts the day, the children in our lives have questions.
We are the answer.

Donny Jackson
December 14, 2012

Watch More News Videos at ABC | 2012 Presidential Election | Entertainment & Celebrity News

SHIELDS Holiday Party 2012

Photography by Jake with AlbaVisuals

SHIELDS' Directors, Board, Development Department and Holiday Party Planning Committee would like to thank each and every one who attended our Annual Holiday party and helped make it one of the most ambitious and extraordinary affairs we have ever presented!

THANK YOU
We also want to give special thanks to Malcolm Cooper, Kelly Johnson, Stacy Mercado, Stephanie Moss, Phyllis Story, Kendra Wilkins, Jamaal Withers, SHIELDS Accounting Department, Executive Management Team, Angel at DJ Pro Events, Elena Morales & Hilton LAX, Jake with AlbaVisuals, Samay at Spring Flowers and Events, Laritha and Archie Shanklin Photography, Tony Livingston, David Whitman and Darrel Straight for all of you hard work and dedication into making the event a success!

SHIELDS Collaborates with Free Arts for Free Arts Day!

On December 1, 2012, SHIELDS' Family Support and PIDP programs, in collaboration with Free Arts for Abused Children, invited families to engage in various art activities including animation pictures, improvosational acting, NASA discovery, graphic design, and flamenco dancing! 

As you can see from the pictures below, we had a great turnout and everyone had a ball!We thank Free Arts and all of the participants for making the event such a success!

Join Community Coalition’s 2nd People Power Assembly

How can we make 2013 really count for South L.A.?

Let your ideas and your voice be heard at Community Coalition’s 2nd People Power Assembly on Dec. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The PPA is an exciting chance for Community Coalition supporters and members to set our priorities for building power in South L.A.

Next year will offer huge opportunities -- in L.A. mayoral and other local elections, immigration reform, implementation of Obamacare, and statewide criminal justice reform.

Express your ideas on how to seize these opportunities and others to continue to build power in South L.A.

Saturday, December 8th, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Community Coalition
8101 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90044

Obamacare to Provide Help to Mental Health Patients

Monica Rodriguez, Daily News Los Angeles, Staff Writer

Obamacare will allow thousands of California adults to gain access to mental health services starting in 2014, according to a study released Wednesday.

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that about a half-million adults in need of mental health treatment will be able to access it through various means, including Medi-Cal and the California Health Benefit Exchange.

About 1.6 million California adults reported having symptoms of severe psychological distress and had problems that interfered with their daily activities, according to the center's 2009 California Health Interview Survey.

One-third of those who took the survey, or about a half-million people, were uninsured for all or part of the year when the data was collected.

"Health care reform has the potential to dramatically increase the number of Californians who can access mental health services," said Imelda Padilla-Frausto, the study's lead author.

Where those residents currently receive care is difficult to say because of the unavailability of data, Padilla-Frausto said.

Based on anecdotal information, "many people are going without or going to community clinics that may or may not have the capacity" to provide the necessary care, she said.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, or Obamacare, aims to decrease the number of uninsured Americans and reduce the overall costs of health care.

Community clinics are overburdened with uninsured clients, but health care reform is expected to bolster community clinics and provide resources to treat at least some problems, Padilla-Frausto said.

"The upside (of health care reform) is 90 percent of those uninsured are going to have access to services," she said.

Agencies such as the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health are preparing for an increase in clients.

Most of those seeking services will be people with less severe problems that the department hasn't been able to assist, said Marvin Southard, director of the L.A. County Department of Mental Health.

They are clients who were told they couldn't receive service from the county because their problems weren't severe enough, he said.

Now, those same people will be able to receive care early on, "which is a good thing because it gives us an opportunity to intervene before they become disabled," Southard said.

The county has started enrolling tens of thousands of mental health clients for Medi-Cal through a special waiver in preparation for the 2014 implementation of the Affordable Care Act, he said.

In addition, various programs have already started operating that are part of an effort to provide clients services.

Among the programs is placing Mental Health Department personnel in county health clinics to make it easier for people to access services and to provide a way that takes away the stigma of seeking mental health services, Southard said.

Instead of going to a location that offers mental health services, those services simply become part of a person's overall well-being, he said.

Another program involves the creation of mobile teams that go and make contact with the homeless population and make services available to them, Southard said.

Those and other programs will probably became part of of a multi-prong strategy, he said.

Each program will be used in a different part of the county based on what works best in each area, he said.

Of the half million people discussed in the study, about a third will be residents of Los Angeles County, Southard said, and about 75,000 will seek care through the Department of Mental Health.

About 30,000 of the half million will be residents of San Bernardino County, according to that county's Department of Behavioral Health.

Of those, about 3,000 will have severe problems or have the potential for severe problems, said Michael Schertell, deputy director of the department.

Of the 30,000 people, most will have mild to moderate mental health problems that will be handled through managed care health service providers on an out-patient basis, Schertell said.

Most of the more severe cases will be addressed through the Department of Behavioral Health, he said.

It's going to be important for the county to work with health care providers in order to ensure clients receive "the right level of care at the right time," said Michelle Dusick, program manager for the San Bernardino County agency.

Prevention and early intervention programs as well as other programs to address the stigma of mental health that can keep people from seeking mental health care are in place and will continue, Dusick said.

Campaigns and programs that are designed to reach minority residents are also in place, she said.

Providing mental health services before problems become severe has many benefits because it addresses a situation before some people land in a hospital emergency room seeking treatment, Schertell said.

Other organizations such as the Pomona Community Health Center are working toward offering some mental health services, said Carmen Ibarra, the center's chief executive officer.

Ibarra said many of the center's clients need some type of mental health service.

In the center's plans are starting a program, possibly within a year, that will have mental health professionals providing short-term services monitored by a physician.

Should a patient need longer term services, then the person would be connected with the appropriate provider and follow-up to make sure the patient is receiving the necessary care.

Giving Tuesday Is Today: 5 Ways To Give Back

Remember last Thursday? As a nation, we collectively gathered, sat down, feasted together, and celebrated in gratitude for all that we have, be it family, friends, loved ones, a warm home, a good job, our health. And then we continued onto Black Friday and Cyber Monday, their "must have" sales giving us more to celebrate (and have---let's face it).

Now, it's Tuesday...Giving Tuesday, that is. Making its debut thanks to an initiative by New York's 92nd Street YMCA, Giving Tuesday seeks to start a holiday tradition that brings us back to the roots of the season: giving, compassion, appreciation, and unity. Meant to empower not just those who would be on the receiving end of Giving Tuesday, this particular day, which kicks off giving all season long, is also meant to empower those of us who want to be of help to others in any way we can, no matter how small the gesture.

Click HERE to see 5 ways you can help give back and support our communities!

 http://bit.ly/ftNgCa
Giving Tuesday Is Today: 5 Ways To Give Back

#GivingTuesday

 YOU CAN CHANGE LIVES

SHIELDS has been winning the battle against poverty and substance abuse since 1991. A leader in the child welfare and substance abuse fields, our programs change and save lives.

But we can't do it alone. We need your help. 

Free Upcoming California Thanksgiving Events

FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner (RIVERSIDE)

Central Community Christian Fellowship will be hosting their 25th Annual FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 22, Thanksgiving Day! Everyone is invited to join us for a free Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. We are serving dinner from 12pm-2pm at 5623 Arlington Ave. in Riverside, CA. If you are unable to come eat with us, we will be happy to deliver a hot meal to your home for FREE! You must call 951.689.5806 to reserve your meals. Volunteers & donations welcome! We are in need of turkeys and pumpkin pies! We accept volunteers on November 21 & 22, 2012. Call 951.689.5806 to sign-up to volunteer or for more information.
Sponsored By: Sugar Foods & Muffin Top Bakery

Where: Central Community Christian Fellowship, 5623 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92504
Date: November 22nd
Time: 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Website: http://www.centralcommunity.com
Email: eric@centralcommunity.com
Phone: 951-689-5806

Salvation Army of Southern California
A warm, free Thanksgiving meal will be served to individuals in need.
The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter and their families will feast on a gourmet sit-down Turkey
November 22, 212

The Ventura Corps' "One City One Meal"
Date: November 22, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m.

This Thanksgiving Day affair will be offering a warm meal and community camraderie for all to enjoy.
Who: General public.
Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds - 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA, 93001
Time: TBD
Contact: Lt. Vanessa Jensen - (805) 659-3598

The Salvation Army Glendale Thanksgiving Meal
The Salvation Army in Glendale will be hosting a Thanksgiving Day meal for those in need. The dinner is estimated to serve 800 people.
Location: The Salvation Army Glendale 320 Windsor Rd., Glendale, CA 91204
Date: November 22, 2012
Time: 11:00-2:00 PM
Who: this event is open to the public.
Contact: Captain Rio Ray (818) 246-5586 ext. 122

Anaheim Temple's Community Thanksgiving Dinner
A warm, free Thanksgiving meal will be served to individuals in need.
Who: This event is open to the general public.
Location: Anaheim Temple - 201 E Cypress Street, Anaheim, CA 92805
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Contact: Major Carlos Bravo or Matilde Esparza - (714) 778-5462

The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter Thanksgiving Feast
Hundreds of residents from The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter and their families will feast on a gourmet sit-down Turkey dinner compliments of The Cheesecake Factory and their volunteers. The Haven, Zahn and Hope Harbor clients are also invited every year to enjoy this exceptional event. This is the Cheesecake Factory's 11th year of service during Thanksgiving Day.
Who: Bell Shelter homeless residents
Location: Bell Shelter - 5600 Rickenbacker Road, Bell, CA 90201
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Contact: Alexandra Tostes - (323) 263-1206 ext. 204


The Salvation Army Oxnard Community Corps' Thanksgiving Dinner
A Thanksgiving meal will be served to 300 individuals in need.
Who: This cost free event is open to the general public.
Location: Oxnard Community Corps - 622 West Wooley Road, Oxnard, CA 93032
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Contact: Jeannie Pizano - (805) 383-9235

The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter Thanksgiving Feast
The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter's residents and their families will feast on a gourmet sit-down Turkey dinner, (including pumpkin cheesecake!) compliments of The Cheesecake Factory and their volunteers. Clients from the Haven, Zahn and Hope Harbor will also attend this exceptional event. This is the Cheesecake Factory's 11th year of service during Thanksgiving Day.
Who: Individuals in need.
Location: Bell Shelter-5600 Rickenbacker Road, Bell, CA 90201
Time: 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM
Contact: Alexandra Tostes - (323) 263-1206 x 204

The Salvation Army Santa Maria Corps' Thanksgiving Lunch
The Santa Maria Corps will be serving a Thanksgiving meal for 500 families in need.
Who: This cost free event is open to the general public.
Location: The Salvation Army Santa Maria Corps- 402 South Miller Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Time: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Contact: Maria Ramirez-(805) 349-2421

The Torrance Community Corps' 5th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
The Torrance Corps will be serving a warm, Thanksgiving meal to those in need.
Who: Individuals in need.
Location: The Salvation Army Torrance Corps- 4223 Emerald Street, Torrance, CA 90503
Time: 11:30 AM
Contact: Rubina Navarro - (310) 370-4515

The Salvation Army Pasadena Thanksgiving Day Dinner
The Salvation Army in Pasadena is hosting its Annual Thanksgiving Day dinner for those in need. The dinner is estimated to serve 800 people.
Who: This event is open to the public
Location: The Salvation Army Pasadena 960 Walnut St., Pasadena CA 91106
Contact: Pat Riley (626) 773-4404

The San Pedro Community Corps' Thanksgiving Lunch
The San Pedro Community Corps will be opening its doors to host a warm Thanksgiving lunch for those in need.
Who: Individuals in need.
Location: San Pedro Corps- 138 S. Bandini Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Time: 12:00 PM
Contact: Capt. Ligia Ambriz & Araceli De Leon - (310) 832-7228

Westside Thanksgiving Celebration
Thanksgiving Day, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. | info 310-394-3153
The Westside Thanksgiving Celebration at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is open to everyone. Guests will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. The Vision Project and the Westside Thanksgiving Day Dinner Committee will also provide the homeless with flu shots and basic medical care, eye drops, glasses, clothing, blankets and haircuts. The turkey feast will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is located at 1855 Main St. http://www.westsidethanksgiving.org

Riverside County Thanksgiving Baskets
Assistance League; Holiday Baskets
Program provides Thanksgiving and Easter baskets to local needy families
Address: 180 N. Girard Street Hemet, CA 92544 view map
Phone: (951) 652-8307

Assistance League; Operation School Bell
Operation School Bell provides new school clothes, hygeine kit, and backpacks to children in need as recommended by various school districts. The ultimate goal of this project is to help a child establish good self-esteem.
Address: 180 N. Girard Street Hemet, CA 92544
Phone: (951) 652-8307

God's Helping Hand; Emergency Assistance
Provides emergency food, clothing, rental and utility assistance provided when funding is available. Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets provided to those in need. Please call for information on the rental and utility assistance to see if funding is available.
Address: 1040 Tepee Lane Perris , CA 92570
Phone: (951) 657-3041

God's Helping Hand; Perris, Emergency Assistance
Provides emergency food, clothing, and rental assistance provided when funding is available. Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets provided to those in need. Please call for information on rental assistance to see if funding is available.
Address: 1040 Tepee Lane Perris , CA 92570
Phone: (951) 657-3041

Lighthouse Community Church Survival Ministries
Emergency food assistance is provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9:00am - 12:00 noon. Please bring picture ID and utility bill to show proof of residence. Holiday assistance with food baskets are available for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Clothes are also provided to needy (when available)
Address: 23100 Betty Rd. Perris , CA 92570
Phone: (951) 657-8810

Riverside City Mission
Program provides approximately a 10-day supply of food. Assistance is limited to once a month. Orders are taken on the 3rd Friday of the month and delivered on the following Saturday. Free clothing assistance. During holidays, Thanksgiving/Christmas meals are served as well as holiday baskets.
Address: 3787 Sixth Street Riverside , CA 92501
Phone: (951) 341-5055

Norco: Free Holiday Dinners
10 years of Free Thanksgiving, Christmas Dinners & Entertainment for everyone!!
Free Thanksgiving Dinners & Christmas Day with Santa - Entertainment for Everyone! Celebrating 10 years!!

10th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner at Silverado Burgers 1091 6th Street Norco,CA 92860 11am - 3pm 11-22-12 . Everyone invited!! Hillbilly Reign to perform!! For more information contact Brent at (951)545-3697

Volunteers & donations of items welcome!!

Jackson Limousine Service Annual Turkey Dinner Give-Away
DATE: Tuesday, November 20, 2012
TIME: 8:00 a.m. – until approx. 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: The Jackson Limousine Service fleet yard
ADDRESS:  3669 West Slauson Ave, Los Angeles (btwn West Blvd & Deane)
WHAT:  See over 10,000 people (senior citizens on fixed incomes and the needy families) lined-up for the 24th Annual  Jackson Limousine Service Turkey Dinner Give-Away +  Celebrities and community leaders bring greetings and assist in the dinner give-away
WHO: EJ Jackson, founder and president of Jackson Limousine  Service – the successful company and chauffeur service  to the stars in Los Angeles
PURPOSE:  To put the “Happy” back into Thanksgiving for senior citizens on fixed-incomes and the needy families, by giving them a turkey and all the dinner fixings- cornbread, greens,  yams, cranberry sauce and more- to prepare and enjoy a  traditional Thanksgiving dinner at their home.
CONTACT: Lyn Tavai – (800) 522-9955



***   ***   ***

References brought to you by
                

 



Talia Wesley
Workforce Development - Customer Service
Career Coach
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 110, Riverside, CA 92507
office: 951.955.3623   
fax: 951.955.3131
email: TWesley@rivcoeda.org
web: www.rivcojobs.com

Patricia McKenna Featured on Exitos 93.9 Los Angeles

Radio station Exitos 93.9fm interviewed SHIELDS' Court Liason Patricia McKenna about Domestic Violence, its prevalence within the Latino population, and the available services in our community. Listen to the interview here (in Spanish) http://www.mediafire.com/?2dxaec4josgfzgs Also, plan to attend a FREE forum on Domestic Violence on Saturday November 17th from 8:30am – 3:00pm at the Mexican Consulate Building – Raul Anguiano Room, 2401 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90057 (RSVP via email andelgado@sre.gob.mx or pperez@src.gob.mx or call # (213) 351 – 6818 or # (213) 368 – 2732 Art activities for children 5+ years Transportation is not provided Spread the word!	La Estacion de Radio Exitos 93.9 FM entrevisto a la representante de Shields for Families en la Corte, Patricia McKenna, acerca del problema de Violencia Domestica que prevalece en la comunidad Latina y los servicios que estan disponibles dentro de esta Comunidad. Puedes escuchar esta entrevista (en Espanol) http://www.mediafire.com/?2dxaec4josgfzgs Ademas, habra un foro gratis de Violencia Domestica el dia Sabado, Noviembre 17th de las 8:30am a las 3:00pm en el Edificio del Consulado Mexicano – Oficina Raul Anguiano. La direccion es 2401 W. 6th Street, en la Ciudad de Los Angeles, CA 90057 (Reserva via email a andelgado@sre.gob.mx o pperez@src.gob.mx o tambien llamando al (213) 351-6818 o (213) 368-2732. Habra actividades para ninos de 5 anos en adelante No se proveera transportacion ¡Pasa la voz!

SHIELDS Encourages You To Vote Today!

This 2012 election represents a pivotal turning point in our history. The outcome will determine the direction of California and our nation, specifically around issues of education, the economy, immigration and healthcare.

Election day is today, Tuesday, November 6, 2012 and SHIELDS for Families encourages all registered voters to participate in the electoral process and VOTE.

Join Community Coalition for an election night watch party, November 6th, to watch the live results of the 2012 election. To RSVP go to http://bit.ly/StQy2m

Online Resources
California General Election Official Voter Information Guide
http://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/

Research campaign contributions and lobbying activity
http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov

View voter guides in other languages
www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov

Find your polling place
www.sos.ca.gov/elections/find-polling-place.htm

Obtain vote-by-mail ballot information
www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_m.htm

Get helpful information for first-time voters
www.sos.ca.gov/elections/new-voter

Watch live election results after polls close on Election Day
http://vote.sos.ca.gov

Kathryn Icenhower discusses impact budget cuts have on child welfare

Published on First 5 LA (http://www.first5la.org)

CBOs Working to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Impacted by Budget Cuts

Community-based organizations working to prevent child abuse and neglect get hit hard in times of financial strain, according to Dr. Kathryn Icenhower, chief executive officer of SHIELDS for Families.

"Whenever there is a budget deficit, prevention goes out the window - that's the first thing that gets cut," Icenhower said at the Sept. 28 First 5 LA Panel Discussion on Child Abuse Prevention. "It has impacted everything that we do."

Icenhower said the role of community-based organizations, or CBOs, is to be knowledgeable about its community's families, strengths, challenges, resources - among other things; to be flexible in integrating services, leveraging resources and responding rapidly and to be an advocate for policy and legislative change, especially concerning the child welfare system.

The budget deficit creates multiple challenges for CBOs, especially those dependent on one funding source, she said. Smaller agencies can't survive cuts that eliminate operational costs and do not have the resources to respond to audits, evaluations, outcome data and such, she added. Larger agencies end up spending less money on resources and more to justify expenditures and programming decisions. Icenhower criticized accountability requirements, which may be essential, but can overburden agencies with requisites - especially unfunded ones or those that force the use of evidence-based practices that may not reflect the needs of the community.

She recommends some changes for funders and government sources of money:

• Talk to each other. Stop working in "silos" and find out what others are doing to maximize resources.
• Creative funding. Develop ways to blend, match and integrate funding streams to decrease administrative costs and oversight and maximize resources.
• Sustain services. Instead of re-issuing requests for proposals, which carry a high cost and disrupt services, monitor the services already in place. Provide technical assistance or eliminate CBOs not performing well.
• Support accountability. Pay for evaluations and training if you require it and re-evaluate unrealistic expectations.
• Listen to the community. Develop services systems to match the needs expressed by community leaders, families and CBOs.
• Work with the community. Provide technical assistance and support to agencies instead of letting them fail, and encourage agencies to work together.
• Advocate for finance reform in child welfare. Let lawmakers know that a funding system based on removing children from their homes is not effective or appropriate.

Source URL:
http://www.first5la.org/articles/cbos-working-to-prevent-child-abuse-and-neglect-impacted-by-budget-cuts

Join the Black Star Project this Saturday for the Million Father March

The Power of Fathers Moving As One!
Leadership • Literacy • Legacy

Come Rock The March • Save-The-Date • Contact StreetPositive Today!

Are you a father willing and ready to step to the front and lead your
child's academic success?  If the answer is yes, then join us:

• Los Angeles • September 29, 2012 @ 7am • Click here for flyer.
 Mona Park • (Compton, CA) • Features Back-2-School Giveaway • Get your business in the march 

EVERYONE WELCOMED!
Men, Women and Children

Special Announcement
If your child's first day of school begins before the Million Father March in your community, first take your child to school and then join us on the march day scheduled in your area.

Help Make A Difference • Sign the Million Father March Petition On-Site!

For more info go to www.streetpositive.com
 

Notice of Community Meetings Regarding City's Planning Efforts for 5-year Housing and Community Development Plan

WHAT ARE THE NEEDS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE CHANGES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE?

• Businesses that create jobs
• Job training for adults and youth
• Neighborhood improvement projects
• Gang prevention programs
• Affordable housing
• Services for seniors and the disabled

Join the City of Los Angeles Commission on Community and Family Services (CCFS) and the Affordable Housing Commission in a discussion to plan and prioritize our goals. Help us create more vibrant and healthy communities where our families can thrive and our children be successful!

Click HERE for Consolidated Fact Sheet

EAST LA AREA Aliso Pico Recreation Center 370 S. Clarence Street Los Angeles, CA 90033 Monday, October 1, 2012 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.	HARBOR AREA Wilmington Senior Center 1371 Eubank Avenue Wilmington, CA 90744 Wednesday, October 10, 2012 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.	SOUTH LA AREA Constituent Service Center 8475 S. Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90044 Thursday, October 18, 2012 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
SOUTHWEST LA AREA Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 Wednesday, October 3, 2012 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.	WEST AREA Oakwood Rec Center 767 California Avenue Venice, CA 90291 Thursday, October 11, 2012 6:30-8:30 p.m.	WATTS AREA Bradlley Milken Family Source Center 1773 E. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90002 Tuesday, October 23, 2012 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
CENTRAL LA AREA Pico Union Branch Library 1030 S. Alvarado Street Los Angeles, CA 90006 Thursday, October 4, 2012 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.	VALLEY AREA Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91401 Wednesday, October 17, 2012 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

All sites are ADA accessible. Please contact the CCFS at (213) 744-9047 or CDD at (213) 744-7333 for additional information or to request language interpretation. If you cannot attend, email your comments to cdd.planning@lacity.org or send to: Community Development Department, 1200 West 7th Street, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017, Attention: Planning, Research and Evaluation Section

Obama Administration's Immigration Changes Begin

An undocumented UCLA graduate gathers with others near the campus to have their own graduation prior to the schoolwide ceremony. Many were happy to hear President Obama's announcement of an executive order paving the way for young undocumented people to remain in the country legally. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times / June 15, 2012)

By Brian Bennett 

WASHINGTON -- Immigration authorities are bracing for a deluge of applications Wednesday, August 15, 2012, the first day when more than 1.2 million young illegal immigrants who were brought to America as children can seek to legally stay and work in the country under a policy change by President Obama.

Even before the first request is filed, critics and advocates alike are warning of potential budget shortfalls and a logjam of paperwork that could mar the initiative, delay processing and facilitate fraud.

Advocacy groups have planned public celebrations, legal aid seminars, and other events in major cities to herald a program that has sparked rejoicing and relief in immigrant communities, and anger among Republicans who view it as a White House ploy for Latino support in an election year and a backdoor amnesty that usurps congressional authority.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which will review the applications, is expecting about 1.2 million applications on top of the 6 million applications it normally adjudicates for citizenship, residency and work visas every year, officials said.

Advocacy groups estimate more than 1.7 million undocumented children and young adults may be eligible, although it's unknown how many will apply or how quickly. Those granted approval will be given a two-year deferral from deportation and legal authorization to work.

Application forms are available at www.USCIS.gov/childhoodarrivals.

"While individual processing times may vary, individual requests will take several months to process," Alejandro Mayorkas, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said.

Some activists worried that a future president could overturn Obama’s order, and that undocumented immigrants who come out of the shadows and turn over their paperwork have no guarantees that they will not be deported if their applications are rejected.

“The undocumented youth I’ve met are so excited about finally being able to be counted, there will be a push to apply on the first day,” said David Leopold, an immigration attorney in Cleveland.  “But I think people should take a breath and make sure they do it right, not right now.”

Under the program, officially known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, undocumented immigrants younger than 31 who came to the United States before the age of 16 are eligible if they are enrolled in school, graduated from high school or served in the U.S. armed forces, and have no criminal record, among other criteria.

When he unveiled the plan at the White House in June, Obama said his order did not offer amnesty or immunity, and did not create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. He called it “a temporary stopgap measure” because Congress had failed to act.

Since then, critics have focused on apparent short-comings in the program.

No new workers have been hired to review the school records, sworn affidavits and other documentation each applicant is required to file. And no funds have been appropriated to pay added processing costs by immigration authorities. Officials said the initial budget will be covered by the $465-per-application fee, and as more fees are collected, new staff will be hired.

A similar application for undocumented farm workers to apply under a 1986 amnesty program costs the immigration agency $1,130 to process, two members of Congress wrote in an Aug. 7 letter to Janet Napolitano, secretary of Homeland Security.

In the past, not charging enough to review applications has “resulted in an enormous backlog of legal immigration benefits applications and very long processing wait times for legal immigrants and aspiring U.S. citizens,” wrote Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa).

On Tuesday, Smith denounced the new program as a “magnet for fraud and abuse” designed to win votes for Obama. “There seems to be little if any mechanism in place for vetting fraudulent applications and documentation submitted by illegal immigrants,” Smith said in a statement.

Applicants must mail completed forms and documentation to one of four immigration service centers: in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; Burlington, Vt.; Dallas, Texas; or Lincoln, Neb.  Applicants may follow the progress of their application online.

Officials said application fees will be waived in extreme circumstances, including children living in foster care or in acute poverty.

Among those waiting to apply is Manuel Bartsch, 25, who came to the U.S. from Germany with his parents when he was 11. He says he only learned when he took college placement exams in 2005 that his family never applied for legal residency. He has faced the threat of deportation ever since.

Now Bartsch is collecting transcripts and class schedules from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, to submit with his application. If he receives a work permit, he wants to be an intern in a politician’s office, a job he can’t apply for now.

“With this immigration issue, politics has caught my interest,” Bartsch said in a telephone interview.

Ivan Maldonado, 17, who arrived from Mexico when he was 6, will apply so he can finish high school and become a licensed electrician. A resident of Painesville, Ohio, he was ordered deported last year but was allowed to stay because his mother is ill, and needs his help looking after his 5-year-old brother, who is a U.S. citizen.

“They’ve given us hope,” Maldonado said.

brian.bennett@latimes.com

SHIELDS Helps Adults with Mental Illness Using IPS Employment Model

People with mental illness have many strengths, talents, and abilities including the ability and motivation to work.  Work is an important part of the recovery process for many clients.  Research has shown that 70% of adults with a severe mental illness desire work and 60% or more of adults with mental illness can be successful at work with support.  Supported employment (SE) for people with severe mental illness is an evidence based practice approach to vocational rehabilitation that has consistently proven to be more effective than traditional approaches.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a supported employment model (developed by Robert Drake and Deborah Becker from Dartmouth College) that gives people with mental illness the help needed to work successfully at competitive jobs. 

There is strong evidence that Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is the most effective method of helping people with severe mental health problems to achieve sustainable competitive employment. It consists of intensive, individual support, rapid job search followed by placement in paid employment, and time-unlimited in-work support for both the employee and the employer.

There are 7 basic principles of IPS supported employment model:

1. Zero Exclusion: Clients with any type of condition may be successful at work.  Symptoms, work history, substance abuse, cognitive impairment and legal history do not inhibit a client from being successful at obtaining work.  The only criteria necessary is that the client states that they want to work.
2. Integration of Mental Health and Employment Services: All staff including, GAIN workers, provide services as a team including weekly meetings to discuss employment for IPS clients as well as  clients’ applicable employment benefits. 
3. Employment Needs To Be Competitive: Part time or full time, jobs must pay at least minimum wage with the same pay and benefits as anyone else in that position.
4. Benefits Planning: A main concern of clients wanting to take advantage of IPS is the loss of social security and/or Medicaid benefits. SHIELDS encourages our clients to discuss how employment will affect their cash disbursement with their GAIN and EW workers.
5. Rapid Job Search: SHIELDS encourages quick initiation of face-to-face contact with potential employers. A notable difference between SE and regular vocational support is that the worker meets with employers and develops a network of contacts to connect clients with possible job opportunities.  It is based on client interests, and not on the idea of “I just want a job, any job.”  This is what really sets SE apart from other vocational models.  In fact, a lot of the SE training is focused on how to talk with employers, to gather information on local businesses, see what they need, and be able to have the relationship to contact the employer and let them know that when we might have a good fit. 
6. Follow Along Supports: Once a client is hired by an employer, follow along supports are initiated.  These include any support a client may need in their employment. (i.e., transportation issues, special circumstances, more job training, certification needs, etc.)
7. Client Preferences Are Honored: A paramount aspect of the IPS component, SHIELDS focuses on finding employment based on the preference of the individual and not on a “I’ll take any job” paradigm. While preferential employment opportunities might be limited, the ideal is for participants to acquire employment in a field of their own choosing or successful enrollment in GAIN approved certification classes that will help them reach their employment goals. 

Research has shown that with the right type and amount of support, people with mental illness can work successfully.  However, for many, the support needed has not been available so employment rates for people with mental illness are low.  Nearly 70% of people with a serious and persistent mental illness want to work.  But nationally, only 10-20% of people with serious and persistent mental illness have paid, competitive jobs.

SHIELDS CalWORKS Mental Health and General Opportunities for Work (GROW) programs are dedicated to helping individuals affected by mental illness gain competitive employment by supporting the seven basic principles of IPS and developing relationships with local employers as well as identify individuals that might be a good fit for potential openings. SE Specialists focus on interviewing skills, creating individualized job plans, contacting employers and follow-along support as well as helping people successfully enroll in GAIN approved certification courses. Additionally, keeping in line with SHIELDS commitment to Family Centered Treatment, SHIELDS focuses on incorporating family members into client’s SE component of treatment.

For more information about Individual Placement and Support (IPS), CalWORKs Mental Health or GROW programs, please contact Jonathan Ousley at jousley@shieldsforfamilies.org

LAschoolreport.com Launches in Los Angeles: Dedicated News Site to Focus Exclusively on Los Angeles Public Schools

By LA School Report
Published: Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 - 7:33 am

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- LA School Report, a new website devoted to reporting on the Los Angeles public school system, is launching at LAschoolreport.com.

LA School Report's mission is to publish original news, analysis, and commentary, as well as act as a hub for today's most important education-related issues. "This is a watershed moment in Los Angeles when it comes to education," says founder and publisher Jamie Alter Lynton, who is a board member for the Los Angeles Fund for Public Education and longtime civic activist. "We all agree that our children deserve the best, but there is little agreement on how to deliver it. We want to provide a one-stop shop for citizens to learn about these enormously important issues which affect all of our lives."

Featuring a morning roundup of news items and deeper original reporting on an array of public school issues in Los Angeles, LA School Report covers developments within LAUSD and the School Board, as well as the intersections of politics, education and the reform movement. "These issues are complicated, controversial, and too often overlooked," says Lynton, "but we consider it a civic duty to peek behind the curtain and provide as much information as we can to the public."

LA School Report takes an honest look at the challenges facing Los Angeles' public schools, as well as the debate about potential solutions. Recent blog posts include news about the delay of API scores until October 3, a report about the possibility of a "parent trigger" effort in LAUSD, a look at the implications of Prop. 32 on LAUSD, interviews with Green Dot founder Steve Barr and former UTLA head AJ Duffy.

The website is edited by nationally recognized education writer Alexander Russo and features original reporting by Los Angeles reporter Hillel Aron. Other cities with independent education sites include New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

Email us at info@laschoolreport.com; follow them on Twitter @laschoolreport; "Like" us at facebook.com/LASchoolReport.

SOURCE LA School Report

School Readiness and Health Fair

California State Senator Roderick D. Wright - District 25 Senator Roderick D. Wright represents the communities of Alondra Park, Athens, Compton, Gardena, Florence-Graham, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, Lawndale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro, Watts, Westchester, Westmont, and Willowbrook. Web site: http://www.senate.ca.gov/wright E-mail: Senator Roderick D. Wright

Capitol Office State Capitol, Room 5064 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-4025

Inglewood District Office One Manchester Blvd., #600 Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 412-0393

Social Security Direct Deposit Survey

Due to the changes to Social Security, beneficiaries will receive their benefits to a prepaid debit card called Direct Express. Benefits are directly deposited to bank accounts or beneficiaries receive a debit card rather than receiving a paper check. Congressman Becerra has asked us to reach out to social security beneficiaries to survey their thoughts and feelings toward this change. If you know how seniors (beneficiaries) in our community feel about this change please share them with us. Congressman Becerra is specifically interested to know if/how it will negatively affect the those in this area.

Thank you for taking the time to assist us with this survey and data collection. We look forward to seeing the information you gather.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FORM: http://bit.ly/NXOCOO

8th Annual Rainbow Youth Festival will take place on Saturday, August 11th 2012

 

It is time for the next Rainbow Youth Festival!

The Rainbow Youth Festival is an outreach event and resource fair that provides a safe and healthy place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, ages 15 to 24, and people who love them, to learn about community resources, socialize, meet friends and make new friends. Last year’s event was a great success with 15 service providers. Over 200 youth attended.

This year’s event, the 8th annual will take place on Saturday, August 11th 2012, at the Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, in Hollywood. The event will start at 12:00pm and end at 4:00pm. Attractions will include resources tables, games, a live DJ, dance  and youth entertainment.

As in previous years, we are asking service providers to become sponsors to assist us to put on this Hawaiian themed event. Sponsors will  host a table and bring games to engage youth. We look forward to seeing all the service providers from last year’s event plus some new sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please complete the attached sponsor form and get it back to us.

For more information please contact James Moran at 323-860-2285 and jmoran@lagaycenter.org

African American Family Studies Program Information Session

Based on the principle of Ujima, this one-of-a-kind African American Family Studies Program utilizes the strengths of the African American family-centered culture as its basis for a collective learning experience and pedagogical model for culturally relevant curriculum. The program seeks to recruit, educate and develop mental health professionals who will possess cultural sensitivity and a clear, in-depth understanding of the specific mental health needs of the African American community. PLEASE RSVP AT Online: PacificOaks.edu (Under Events) Phone: (800) 684 0900

PROGRAM FEATURES One-of-a-kind Master's Degree Program 62-units, including California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) MFT Trainee requirements Culture-centered Ujima Cohort Model Classes Friday, Saturday & Sunday, (approx. 6 weekends per semester) Full accredited by WASC and CA BBS Courses Include: African American History and Culture; Evidence Based Practice; Substance Use, Co-Occurring Disorders and Addictions; Clinical Skills in Family Therapy; Advocacy in the African American Community; African American Families, Historical Trauma & Recovery; Theories of Marital and Family Therapy; Psychopathology of the Adult.

13th Annual Healthy Start Baby Shower Celebration

“Precious and Priceless”

SHIELDS for Families Healthy Start Program
Healthy Start provides services to the communities most at-risk in order to lower high rates of infant mortality and low birth weight while improving the health of pregnant and parenting women with children 0-2 years of age.

SHIELDS for Families was granted a Healthy Start Program in 1998 and is now one of 105 programs in the nation. SHIELDS Healthy Start program is unique due to the fact we are the “only”

Healthy Start program that specifically serves substance abusing pregnant and parenting women.

SHIELDS Healthy Start has also made significant strides in decreasing disparities in the health of mothers and infant that have experiences racial and ethnic challenges faced in urban communities.

Healthy Start core services include:

• Outreach and Recruitment
• Comprehensive Case Management
• Depression Screening
• Health Education
• Child Development Services
• Community Consortium

SHIELDS Healthy Start Program also provides an on-site early intervention substance abuse treatment program and child development center.

The Baby Shower is an annual SHIELDS Healthy Start event to honor and celebrate the Healthy Start clients that have remained compliant during the last program year. Working with their Case Manager all clients strive to attend their prenatal and post-partum appointments, regular well-women health appointments, ensure their children receive their immunization schedule (on time), complete their family service plan, attend all mental health appointments, participate in the Edinburgh Depression Scale, participate in administering the Denver II and Ages & Stages developmental screenings, in addition to many other services.

This year 40 clients were “showered” with gifts, individual trophies & plaques, gift baskets, and a special “SHIELDS for Families” Baby Bag filled with goodies.

A wonderful meal was enjoyed by all with fun-filled games and certificates awarded as part of the festivities. 

Kudos to the entire Healthy Start Staff! Thank you for your ongoing commitment and dedication for our families!

Jordan Downs Update: SHIELDS Helps Families

We want to thank you for your support and to bring you good news regarding new HACLA leadership as well as progress on Jordan Downs Redevelopment.


Master Developer Selected

 

Reaching a major milestone in Jordan Downs Redevelopment, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has entered into a Master Developer Agreement with The Michaels Organization and BRIDGE Housing Corporation.  Both entities are industry leaders.  The Michaels Organization has worked with 20 public housing authorities on large-scale transformations of distressed public housing into modern, sustainable, mixed-income communities affordable to families.  BRIDGE Housing Corporation is a premier nonprofit developer of affordable housing, creates and manages a range of high-quality, affordable homes for working families and seniors.

This is a significant accomplishment.  For several years, HACLA has engaged residents and stakeholders in developing the plans for transforming Jordan Downs.  This nationally recognized team, with a proven track record of successful public housing redevelopment and affordable housing development, will implement the plan.

For more information, please visit http://www.hacla.org/attachments/wysiwyg/10/MDA.pdf .

On the Road to Economic Self-Sufficiency: SHIELDS for Families at Jordan Downs 

The cornerstone of our investment in Jordan Downs residents, SHIELDS for Families (SHIELDS) was selected to provide a one-stop shop for services to help residents become more economically self-sufficient.  With a consortium of agencies, SHIELDS works with Jordan Downs residents to increase family self-sufficiency and to improve academic achievement.  Specifically this consists of: (1) comprehensive family needs assessments, (2) development of family action plans and (3) coordination of services and tracking of progress.  Incorporated in 1991, SHIELDS For Families is a non-profit agency dedicated to developing, delivering and evaluating culturally sensitive comprehensive services models.

New HACLA President & CEO
After a national search, the HACLA Board of Commissioners selected Doug Guthrie to serve as HACLA’s President & CEO.  Doug had been serving as Interim President and CEO of HACLA since December 2011.  He joined the City as the General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department in December 2009.  In that capacity, he managed the City’s primary affordable housing development programs.  Just prior, he was the President of Kimball Hill Urban Centers, a developer of large scale mixed use and mixed income housing developments in Chicago.  Doug also held various positions in the City of Chicago, including Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Housing Authority and Deputy Housing Commissioner.

For more information, please visit http://www.hacla.org/attachments/wysiwyg/10/HACLA_CEO.pdf

For more information about any of the above, contact john.king@hacla.org/213-252-5464 or Susan Kim at susan.kim@hacla.org/213-252-1873.

And remember, WATTS IS WORTH IT!!!

 

Please visit KPI's website at www.kidsprogressinc.org

 

Kids Progress, Inc. ensures that high-risk children, youth and families living within the city’s public housing developments receive the full social, health, safety, educational and work opportunities to which they are entitled. The goal is to give children and youth the tools to develop stable and productive lifestyles and to offer them a chance at a positive and rewarding future.       

 

SHIELDS Kathryn Icenhower Starts LA Galaxy Game

On Saturday June 23, LA Galaxy teamed up with First 5 California to sponsor ‘Healthy Kids Night Out”, a celebration to help curb childhood obesity by sharing ways to get kids eating healthy and staying active. In addition to distributing “Healthy Kids Night Out” souvenirs a “Hands-On Health Express” bilingual children’s exhibit that inspired families to eat right and stay physically active was available for all families on the main concourse in Soccerfest.

The LA Galaxy played the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and SHIELDS Chief Executive Office, Kathryn Icenhower was on hand to represent First 5 California and to flip the coin to determine which team would kick off the beginning of the game. There were over 21,000 fans in attendance and First 5 California was able to share helpful tips and information about living healthy lifestyles with them all.

Kathy’s grandson Dillion was also in attendance to help show the audience one of the fun ways to keep kids active in a game of musical chairs.

We salute the LA Galaxy and First 5 California for their efforts in keeping families healthy, safe, and strong.