Children’s Institute’s Resource Guide for Immigrants

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Children’s Institute is committed to ensuring that all our community —regardless of immigration status—have access to the essential resources, guidance, safety, and support they need during these challenging times. In moments of fear and uncertainty, we stand firmly with our immigrant children, families, and neighbors, and our commitment to them remains steadfast.

We will continue providing mental health services, early childhood programs, and health navigation support to all those in need. In addition, we will share timely updates, resources, and announcements on our website and other platforms to support immigrant families in our programs. Please be sure to check for updates regularly.

Click links below for resources and information.

Preparedness:

Know Your Rights:

Legal Assistance:

Mental Health:

Additional Resources:

Community Resources & Support for L.A. Wildfire Victims

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Dear community,

We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe during these challenging times as our hearts are heavy for each Angeleno who has been impacted by the devastating wildfires. We are truly at a loss for words to describe the pain and suffering so many of us Angelenos are facing and while we realize that repairing and rebuilding will take a long time, we hope to continue supporting our friends and communities along the way.

Please stay safe and refer to this list of resources to be informed, to obtain the help you and your loved ones need as well as to help those around you. Let’s be LA Strong.

Tax Extension for Wildfire Victims:

The IRS and the State of California will provide a tax extension for individuals and businesses affected by the devastating wildfires. For more information on this announcement, please read here.

Physical Safety & Needs:

Comprehensive List of Resources – Mutual Aid

List of Food Pantries across LA County

Emotional & Mental Health Needs:

988 Lifeline – Suicide Hotline

Mental Health Resources for Natural Disasters – LACDMH

Dial 1-800-985-5990 – Disaster Distress Hotline

Tips for Survivors Stress (English & Spanish) – SAMHSA

Tips for Talking to Children After a Traumatic Event (English & Spanish) – SAMHSA

Tips for Families of Disaster Responders – SAMHSA

Children & Recovery from Wildfires – Burn Foundation

Financial Resources:

Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA

Inclusive Action – an emergency fund for outdoor workers (including street vendors, landscapers and recyclers affected by the wildfires)

Motion Picture & Television Fund – provides financial assistance to working and retired members of the entertainment community.

Musicares – providing financial assistance to members of the music community.

Air Quality Resources:

What is Mesothelioma? – Asbestos.com

Wildfires May Spread Asbestos – Asbestos.com

70% Discount Off Medical-Grade Air Purifiers (limited time offer) – Air Doctor (email enterprise@idealliving.com)

Information to stay up to date:

The Benefit Navigator – Imagine LA

Wildfire Information – NAMI California

Stay Informed! – LA Fire Department

Current Emergency Incidents – Cal Fire

Wildfire Preparedness Guide – Cal Fire

Prepare Your “Go Bag” – Cal Fire

If you are in a place to help others, please consider volunteering with the following organizations:

Volunteer with the Dream Center of Los Angeles

Volunteer for the L.A. Wildfires – L.A. Works

Volunteer with the Red Cross

 

Estimada comunidad,

Esperamos que ustedes y sus seres queridos se mantengan a salvo durante estos tiempos difíciles, mientras nuestros corazones están apesadumbrados por cada angelino que se ha visto afectado por los devastadores incendios forestales. Realmente no tenemos palabras para describir el dolor y sufrimiento que muchos de nosotros los angelinos estamos enfrentando y, aunque sabemos que la reparación y reconstrucción llevarán mucho tiempo, esperamos seguir apoyando a nuestros amigos y nuestras comunidades a lo largo del camino.

Por favor, manténganse a salvo, y consulten esta lista de recursos para estar informados, obtener la ayuda que ustedes y sus seres queridos necesiten, y ayudar a aquellos que los rodean. Seamos tan fuertes como LA Strong.

PrĂłrroga del plazo para declarar los impuestos para las vĂ­ctimas de los incendios forestales:

El Servicio de Impuestos Internos y el estado de California dispondrán una prórroga del plazo para declarar los impuestos para las personas y empresas afectadas por los devastadores incendios forestales. Para obtener más información sobre este anuncio, por favor, lean aquí.

Seguridad y necesidades fĂ­sicas:

Lista completa de recursos – Mutual Aid

Lista de bancos de alimentos del condado de Los Angeles

Necesidades de salud emocional y mental:

LĂ­nea 988 de PrevenciĂłn del Suicidio y Crisis – LĂ­nea directa de prevenciĂłn del suicidio

Recursos de salud mental en caso de desastres naturales -LACDMH

Llame al 1-800-985-5990 – LĂ­nea directa de socorro en caso de desastre

Consejos para sobrevivientes de un desastre u otro evento traumático – SAMHSA

Consejos para las familias del personal de respuesta a desastres que regresa a casa – SAMHSA

Recursos econĂłmicos:

Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias – FEMA

Inclusive Action – Un fondo de emergencia para los trabajadores al aire libre (incluyendo los vendedores ambulantes, jardineros y recicladores afectados por los incendios forestales)

Fondo de Cine y TelevisiĂłn – Proporciona asistencia econĂłmica a los miembros activos y jubilados de la comunidad del entretenimiento.

Musicares – Proporciona asistencia económica a los miembros de la comunidad musical.

InformaciĂłn para mantenerse al dĂ­a:

The Benefit Navigator – Imagine LA

InformaciĂłn sobre los incendios forestales – NAMI California

Stay Informed! – Departamento de Bomberos de Los Angeles (LAFD)

Incidentes actuales de emergencia – Cal Fire

GuĂ­a de preparaciĂłn para los incendios forestales – Cal Fire

Prepare su “bolsa de emergencia” – Cal Fire

Si usted está en condiciones de ayudar a otros, por favor, considere ofrecerse como voluntario para las siguientes organizaciones:

Ofrézcase como voluntario para Dream Center of Los Angeles

OfrĂ©zcase como voluntario para L.A. Wildfires – L.A. Works

Ofrézcase como voluntario para la Cruz Roja

30th Annual Winter Fest Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children & Families

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The holiday season just got a little brighter, thanks to the Children’s Institute’s 30th Annual Winter Festival in Los Angeles! Every year, this heartwarming event gathers hundreds of families for a day packed with joy, excitement and plenty of festive fun across the city. And this year’s celebration was no exception, with the support of amazing partners like the Los Angeles Rams, NFL Legend Todd Gurley, UNIFY, Starbucks, P.S. Arts and many more.

Winter Festival, a tradition for three decades, is all about giving back to the community. Families from across Los Angeles come together to enjoy a variety of activities that leave smiles on faces in time for the holidays. From arts & crafts and fun games to photo booths and live entertainment, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s not just about the fun – the event also provides essential resources, including free toys and access to support services that help local families thrive.

Martine Singer, President & CEO of Children’s Institute, expressed her excitement about the annual event, saying, “Our Winter Festival is a tradition that brings much-needed holiday cheer and resources to underserved families. We are thrilled to welcome our families every year, and this year’s event is sure to be a heartwarming experience for all.”

This year’s festival was even more memorable, thanks to two incredible partners: the Los Angeles Rams and UNIFY. The Rams added a touch of star power to the event with a special guest appearance by Los Angeles Rams Legend, Todd Gurley. He met with children, participated in a lively book reading, and created unforgettable memories with families at the Watts campus. Talk about a holiday surprise!

Molly Higgins, Executive Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement for the Los Angeles Rams, couldn’t have been more excited about the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with UNIFY and Children’s Institute to be a part of this wonderful event to spread holiday joy to kids and families,” she said. “At the Rams, we pride ourselves on partnering with purpose, giving back to the community, and supporting non-profits like Children’s Institute and the critical work they are doing.”

UNIFY also played a big role in making the festival a success. Natasha Ranchigoda, SVP of Marketing and CXO of UNIFY, shared their enthusiasm: “This event is the perfect opportunity for UNIFY to bring to life one of our core values, “Our Footprint Matters”. We are extremely excited to give back and serve our community to help make a child’s holiday brighter this season.”

With a mix of holiday cheer, community support, and unforgettable moments, Winter Festival was a true celebration of the season’s spirit.

Please click the links below to watch our Winter Festival featured on the news!

KTLA Weekend Evening News

NBC4 Los Angeles Evening News

We were delighted to include a photo spot provided by Showtime Photo Booth, the go-to photo booth rental. Their unique touch added an enjoyable element to our Winter Festival.