Dear CII Families, supporters and advocates,

For more than 100 years, Children’s Institute (CII) has been dedicated to supporting Los Angeles children, families and communities in achieving lifelong health through emotional well-being, educational success, and economic mobility. Our mission focuses on ensuring the safety, dignity and empowerment of marginalized communities across the County – so all children, families and community members can realize their full potential and achieve their dreams.

CII remains committed to partnering with our communities to develop solutions that address the social, health and economic challenges they face to build a more equitable society. Together, we rise to meet the challenges of today to create a better tomorrow.

Please review the information below if you are looking for support or information on any of the issues highlighted. If you would like to contact a member of our team directly, please contact our Family Engagement partners at 213-385-5100.

In partnership & community,

Martine Singer

President & CEO

 

Wellness Resources for Families

• Children’s Institute’s Health & Wellness
• APA’s Resilience Guide for Parents and Teachers
• Brightlife Kids App |  Soluna App for Youth & Young Adults

Immigration Services

• CHIRLA’s Immigration Assistance Line
• CARECEN Legal Services
• Benefits Access for Immigrants in Los Angeles

How to Talk to Children About Elections

• An Age-by-Age Guide to Talking About Voting With Kids
• Guidance for Speaking to Kids About the Election
• Talking with Young Kids About Elections, Democracy and Justice for All

Featured image: “Three Women” by Charles Dickson – 1966, Mixed media oil on canvas; learn more at CII’s Watts Campus Virtual Art Tour. 

Happy Black History Month!

Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a theme for Black History Month. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts. According to ASALH, “African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment.”

So, we wanted to call attention to opportunities for CII staff and community to engage locally, in the art and history of LA’s Black Community.

	Watts Towers Art Center – Black Brown Beige Exhibit In 1943, Duke Ellington performed the symphony Black, Brown and Beige at Carnegie Hall, the title of which referred to the mistaken assertion that African-Americans can be categorized by a single color. In light of the shared experiences between Black and Latino Americans and in an effort to share the various colorful stories that lie behind a label, WTAC has organized the exhibition Black, Brown and Beige. The artists in the exhibition follow the trajectory that Ellington’s symphony set out to cover; historical, transitional and contemporary narratives.
	Bahia Reverb: Artists and Place Bahia Reverb: Artists and Place presents the work of ten artists who are former fellows at the Sacatar Institute in Bahia, Brazil—all from North America and of African descent. The exhibition reflects on how Bahia, an epicenter of the African diaspora that is located in northeast Brazil, has fueled their  work and changed their understanding of themselves. Bahia was the first point of entry of enslaved Africans into the Americas and remains the center of Afro-Brazilian culture to this day.
	The Museum of African American Art The MAAA in Los Angeles educates visitors of all ages and identities about the arts through the lens of African American culture. Exhibits and programs at MAAA allow artists and their work to inspire new thinking about issues that intersect with the shared experiences of people across the African diaspora and beyond. The museum’s uniquely accessible art space allows us to exhibit the work of extraordinary local artists and bring meaningful art experiences to the public. MAAA proudly welcomes all visitors with FREE admission, serves as an important community gathering space, and creates educational experiences for students and lifelong learners.
	Skirball Cultural Center – This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement Find hope in our capacity for collective action. This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement showcases more than 150 photographs that reveal the vital work undertaken by a broad coalition of young organizers and everyday people who fashioned a movement that changed America. The exhibition highlights the work of nine photographers primarily affiliated with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s: Bob Adelman, George “Elfie” Ballis, Bob Fitch, Bob Fletcher, Matt Herron, David Prince, Herbert Randall, Maria Varela, and Tamio Wakayama.
	Los Angeles Public Library – Black History Month Event Series Engage in a number of artistic endeavors celebrating Black History Month with the LA Public Library. Activities include film screenings of Summer of Soul, Eve’s Bayou, and Black Panther. Engage in books discussions around “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson and “Kindred” by Octavia Butler. Enjoy a program showcasing African dance rhythms or take a fabric and painting workshop with the whole family.

GIVE TODAY 

Thank you in advance for your tax-deductible donation!

Dear CII Family,

My name is Anjelica and I want to share my story about how Children’s Institute (CII) changed my life.

My daughter was born during the pandemic and her whole world was me, her dad, and her brother. My son was at home doing virtual learning and my daughter became really interested in his lessons. I knew I had to look for opportunities for her to get a head start. That’s how I found CII’s Home Visitation program.

Our home visitor, Ms. Janet, taught me so much about healthy child development. Not only did she help my daughter learn to write, draw, and communicate her feelings, but she also taught her self-regulation skills. During frustrating times at home, my little one reminded me to relax and breathe.

So, I thought to myself, “She’s getting help. What am I doing to help myself?”

I spoke to Ms. Janet, and she told me about counseling services at CII. Together, we learned how to break the cycle of difficult emotional issues I grew up with and this gave me the confidence to go back to school to complete my GED. CII and Ms. Janet were with me every step of the way, encouraging me to achieve my goals.

I hope to be an example for my children. I want my children to be brave, to see the struggles that I’ve been through and say, “Mom did it, so can I.” I hope that they never stop learning, never stop helping others, and know that I never stopped, for them.

Your support for CII ensures parents like me can find the support they need for their whole family.

Please consider giving generously this holiday season.

With Gratitude,

Anjelica Luna

 

We wish you JOY!

JOY Is an essential companion of justice.
Your advocacy and support provides thousands of children and families across Los Angeles the opportunity to find their strengths, build networks of support and celebrate their progress.  Join us in creating a more just and joyful Los Angeles.

 

5 WAYS TO GIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON ONE |  Make a donation to CII and ensure 30,000 children and families have access to life-changing services this year. childrensinstitute.org/donate TWO |  Help us feed bodies and minds by purchasing items from our holiday registries for families. Target: tgt.gifts/CIIHolidays  |  Amazon: bit.ly/CIIWF THREE |  Host an end-of-year giving fundraiser on Facebook or Instagram. facebook.com/fundraisers FOUR |  Volunteer at CII’s holiday events. childrensinstitute.org/volunteers FIVE |  In lieu of receiving a holiday gift this year, ask your family and friends to support CII on your behalf.

 

“I spoke to my daughter’s teacher at CII about therapy, and she supported me every step of the way, including when I went back to school. I hope to be a positive example for my children, so that they never stop learning. It’s important for them to see that I never stopped, for them.”

Anjelica, CII Home Visitation Parent

 

 

Help Spread the Word on Social Media!  Download the graphics below and post them to your social media accounts.

“Imagination is central to recovery. Without an inner imagination of an alternative future, there is no place to go.”

Bessel van der Kolk, MD
2023 Keynote Speaker

 

Thank you to all who attended CII’s 2023 Trauma-Informed Care Conference, in partnership with the UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families! Your participation helps create awareness about the impact of trauma in the lives of children, families, and communities. We hope you’ll take the knowledge and insights from yesterday to inform and guide your practice and advocacy work.

Special thanks to this year’s speakers, including California Surgeon General, Diana Ramos, MD, UCLA Professor of Psychiatry, Eraka Bath, MD, and keynote speaker,  renowned researcher, and New York Times best-selling author, Bessel van der Kolk, MD. Conversations touched on valuable topics including investment in youth mental health, the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and imagining a path forward for Californians most impacted by toxic stress.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships on a child’s health,” said California Surgeon General Diana Ramos, MD. “California is making significant investments to providing more support for communities and families so that all children have an opportunity to lead healthy, thriving lives.”

“Childhood trauma is probably the largest single public health issue facing us as a nation.,” said keynote Bessel van der Kolk, MD, “Learning self-regulation through attuned interactions, play & awareness of self and others are at the core of any effective intervention in any system that deals with children & adolescents.”

Thank you to our conference moderators and panelists, including LAist Senior Reporter, Mariana Dale, the Lived Experience Panel, including moderator Jesús Parra, LMFT, and panelists Kahlila Williams, Clarissa Morales Hernandez, and Terry Hayward, in addition to all conference breakout session moderators: Ana Amador, LCSW, Evelyn Barycki, Jaicy Bautista Gonzalez, M.A., Jessica Cardenas, M.A., Charmaine Dorsey, MSW, LCSW, Dr. Jonathan Goldfinger, Rachel Gilgoff, MD, Monique Holguin LCSW PhD, Kelly Hwang, MA, LMFT, Stefani Marte, Kristin Miller, LCSW, Thresa Offord, MS, Ms. Chantel Palmer, Riley Solorzano, MAT, Demontea “Tae” Thompson, Nina Thompson, Marisela Villalobos-Jimenez, M.A., Tanya Marin-Lopez, Jamie Ruize, and Amy Shekarchi.  You all contributed to making this conference a renewing and enlightening experience!

 

Resources from Conference Presenters

How Trauma-Informed is your practice?

Presenters: Monique Holguin, LCSW PhD, Ana Amador, LCSW, and Charmaine Dorsey, MSW, LCSW – UCAAN

Cells to Solutions: exploring multidisciplinary, physiology-based healing strategies for toxic stress as part of routine clinical care

Presenter: Rachel Gilgoff, MD – UCAAN

Be THE Change…Join Us for The Power of Conscious Discipline!

Presenter: Jessica Cardenas, Jaicy Bautista Gonzalez, and Thresa Offord

Redefining Care with CalAIM: Exploring the intersection of trauma-informed care and healthcare systems

Presenter: Jesus Parra and Jonathon Goldfinger, CII

Implementing Trauma-Informed Tools to Change School Culture and Climate

Presenter: Riley Solorzano, Stefani Marte, & Kelly Hwang, CII

Children’s Institute (CII) in Los Angeles opened its new 20,000-square-foot campus designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry in summer 2022, becoming its first ever purpose-built home in the community of Watts. The $20 million Children’s Institute campus is a permanent investment and commitment to the community of Watts, an architectural landmark and a critical resource for families.

Maria Hall-Brown has a conversation with Martine Singer, President & CEO of Children’s Institute about their brand new facility. The new space will offer therapeutic programs, parenting workshops and after-school activities to serve a community still recovering from the pandemic.

LA CityView 35

 

“The Gehry building is intended to be an anchor to draw more investment into the community and help revitalize it, above and beyond the [Children’s] Institute’s purpose of assisting local residents.”
KTTV Fox 11

“Son bienvenidos en cualquier edificio de CII y estamos aquí para servirles”.

Telemundo52

“Child care, individual and group therapy, and other services at Children’s Institute now have a permanent home in the community.”

Spectrum News 1 

“However, it’s Gehry’s next-to-debut L.A. project that, although more modest in scale and less headline-grabbing in nature than the others, is poised to have the most meaningful impact.”
The Architect’s Newspaper

“Este hermoso edificio, diseñado por Frank con gran cuidado, generosidad y comprensión, nos permitirá ser un verdadero socio de la comunidad”.

ARQA

“I wanted this community to walk in and feel that we poured our hearts and souls into the design for them… I hope that this building can help facilitate nurturing, care, and healing. That’s what we designed it to do.”
Architectural Digest

“Choosing the corner of 102nd and Success for this beautiful new site is our way of saying that we keep our commitments, and we’re here to stay.”
LA Sentinel

“The new Watts campus is a beautiful symbol of Children’s Institute’s ongoing commitment to our city and this neighborhood in particular.”

Building, Design + Construction

“We are thrilled to increase our investment in the future of this extraordinary neighborhood in such a public way.”

Urbanize Los Angeles

 

 

Also Check Out: CII’s New Watts Campus In the News

On Saturday, June 25, more than 500 guests joined us in celebrating the grand opening of Children’s Institute’s new Watts campus.

The speaking program included celebratory remarks from CII President and CEO Martine Singer, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, CII Watts Building Committee Chair Bridget Gless Keller, LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides, President of the Watts Gang Task Force Donny Joubert, CII Board Trustee Gelila Assefa Puck, and world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Lovingly designed by Frank Gehry, this permanent commitment to Watts will be home to programming that enriches and empowers the children and families of the Watts community. A range of offerings for children and families include toddler socialization, individual and group counseling, youth development activities, parenting workshops, workforce development, and Project Fatherhood sessions.

CII, along with community partners—Watts Gang Task Force, the LAPD’s Community Safety Partnership, Watts Willowbrook Conservatory, East Side Riders Bike Club, Cedars-Sinai, Watts Leadership Institute, Sisters of Watts, Ted Watkins Memorial Park, Your Special Day, and St. John’s Community Health—showcased the new space with activities and learning opportunities for the whole family. Free food trucks—South LA favorites All Flavor No Grease, Wings n Waffles, Compton Vegan, and Coolhaus—provided delicious refreshment to attendees while they enjoyed music from Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca.

 

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The Watts Gang Task Force, formed nearly 15 years ago to broker peace in the community, will have it’s first-ever permanent home office in this building along with the LAPD’s Community Safety Partnership, a nationally recognized model for relationship-based policing. “The new Watts campus is a beautiful symbol of Children’s Institute’s ongoing commitment to our city and this neighborhood in particular,” said Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief and Children’s Institute Trustee, Emada Tingirides.

 

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Earlier this month, we celebrated the donors, community partners and artists who made our new campus in Watts possible. It is truly inspiring to see so many people from different walks of life, bringing their unique gifts together—whether that be food or art, connections or funds—to make a space like this possible. The art in CII’s new Watts campus was chosen specifically with the Watts community in mind and with the generous help of Watts Towers Art Center Campus Director, Rosie Lee Hooks, and Education Coordinator, Rogelio Acevedo.

 

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Thanks to all of our community friends, partners, elected officials, businesses and neighbors, this will be a place for learning, connection and healing.

 

Dear CII Family,

We begin this week with heavy hearts as we process the multiple mass shootings occurring across the country over the weekend, including at a nearby church in Laguna Woods. Forty-four people have perished or been injured in Buffalo, Houston, Milwaukee and Los Angeles.

Tragically, we are no strangers to gun violence in our city, but I want to acknowledge the particular terror inflicted in Buffalo through a pre-meditated attack by a self-proclaimed white supremacist with the express purpose of murdering Black people, as well as what the media is referring to as a “politically motivated hate incident” targeting Taiwanese-Americans at their place of worship in Laguna Woods. While these attacks cause immediate pain to the victims and their families, they also re-traumatize Black and Asian communities everywhere who are all too familiar with being the target of racist hate, violence and injustice.

If you, your neighbors, clients or students are experiencing this heartache, anger or fear, please consider these resources provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network:

• Important Information
  • Psychological Impact of Mass Violence
  • Coping After Mass Violence
• For Parents
  • Talking with Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism
  • Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence
  • Talking to Children about Mass Violence
• For Youth
  • For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence(En Español)
• For Professionals
  • Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas
  • Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource for Educators
  • Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after Mass Violence

I want you to know that we will stand with you, always.

Children’s Institute—through the passion and effort of our highly-qualified and compassionate staff—will continue to combat the traumatic impact of racist policies that have limited opportunity in our communities for far too long.

Together, we will advocate for a more equitable and just society.

With my sincerest regards,

Martine Singer

President & CEO

Dear CII Family,

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! It is a time for honoring the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched American society and continue to break barriers for their communities. The month of May was chosen in 1977 to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese person to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of workers who laid those tracks were Chinese immigrants. However, AAPI is a broad term encompassing a rich diversity of countries, cultures, languages and religions, each with their own distinct history of how they came to be in the United States.

In the 1960’s, a pivotal time for advocacy and social change, the Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA) was formed at UC Berkeley to unite people of Asian American heritage under this umbrella term in order to form more cohesive coalitions and to push for political action. The AAPA played an incredibly influential role in encouraging other Asian Americans to get involved in the larger civil rights movement.

Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continue to fight for their communities to be seen and respected, socially and politically. We have all witnessed how easily entire ethnicities can be not only disparaged but also put in harm’s way based on fear and inflammatory rhetoric, from Japanese internment during World War II to attacks on Sikh’s following 9/11 and most recently the rise of anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, the work that we do to is essential to addressing today’s trauma as well as the generational trauma stemming from histories of war and colonization in immigrant and refugee communities.

In addition to being AAPI month, May is also Mental Health Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Asian Americans have the lowest rate of seeking help for emotional wellness of any racial/ethnic group. This is due to the many systemic barriers to accessing mental health care and quality treatment, as well as stigma and lack of culturally or linguistically relevant care that addresses mental health in a more holistic way.

I thank our Asian American and Pacific Islander staff—representing 5% of team CII—for the work that they do, every day. Their visibility and expertise are paramount to communities getting the quality care that they deserve and working toward mental health equity.

With gratitude,

Martine Singer
President & CEO