August was a busy and inspiring month across Penny Lane Centers’ Community and Family Resource Centers! As summer came to a close and families prepared for a new school year, our CFRC teams created meaningful opportunities for children, youth, caregivers, and community members to learn, connect, celebrate, and grow. From sending students back to school with new backpacks and supplies to encouraging creativity through art, strengthening digital safety skills, and reminding caregivers to make their own well-being a priority, each event was designed with the unique needs of our communities in mind.
Throughout the month, our teams also helped youth build valuable skills in time management, etiquette, confidence, and communication, while community members explored practical strategies for budgeting and making healthy financial choices. Whether participants were creating art, sharing a meal, learning how to stay safe online, preparing for school, or simply connecting with others, these gatherings demonstrate what the CFRC Corner is all about: meeting families where they are and providing resources, education, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Take a look back at some of the wonderful moments and connections our CFRC teams created throughout August!
Children recently gathered for a vibrant and engaging art workshop designed to inspire creativity, self-expression, and connection. Through painting, drawing, crafting, and collaborative projects, participants explored their artistic talents while developing important life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
The workshop, led by instructor Anthony Campos from XIM Clothing & Art, LLC, provided more than just an opportunity to create art. It served as a space where children could build confidence, strengthen social connections, and develop emotional resilience. The children were given inspiring T-shirts featuring empowering messages such as, “I’m strong, soy fuerte” and “I’m courageous, soy valiente.” Guided by a caring facilitator, participants were encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through creative activities, helping them gain a greater sense of self-awareness and accomplishment.
Activities like this art workshop reflect the CFRC’s commitment to creating welcoming spaces where children and families can learn, connect, and grow together. By combining creativity with positive messages of strength and courage, the workshop gave participants an opportunity to celebrate what makes each of them unique. Most importantly, the children walked away with more than their artwork and a new T-shirt—they left with encouragement, confidence, and a reminder to believe in themselves.
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In preparation for the new school year, the AV CFRC Team had the opportunity to organize a special Back-to-School Celebration for the community. Whether children were beginning their educational journey or entering the final years of high school, families were given the chance to come together and celebrate these important milestones alongside their children. Our Outreach Specialists and Case Managers combined their creativity and efforts to create the perfect day for our community. Designated stations were set up where families could select a backpack of their choice, along with a lunchbox, notebooks, and a pencil box. Once they had gathered their new school supplies, families headed to the crafting tables to personalize their pencil boxes and add their own creative touch.
Roaring laughter and radiant smiles filled the room as families mingled with one another, captured memories in our complimentary photo booth, and showed off their creative sides. Raffles added even more excitement to the festivities, with many children heading home with wonderful prizes. After pouring their hearts into their crafts, families were treated to savory tacos and sweet mini pancakes. A special thank you goes to our wonderful food vendors, Tacos Mi Gueritos and Sweets by Diana, for not only providing delicious food but also for being part of this joyous day and cooking with love.
More than simply providing school supplies, the celebration was about helping children and families begin the new school year feeling supported, prepared, and excited for what lies ahead. Events like these embody the heart of the AV CFRC by bringing families together, strengthening community connections, and ensuring young people have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. As backpacks were filled with supplies and families headed home, they also carried with them plenty of smiles, special memories, and a little extra confidence for the school year ahead.
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As summer break ends and a new school year begins, we wanted to remind our community caregivers of something equally important: making time for their own well-being. On August 19, CFRC and RSS hosted Cuida Tu Piel, Nutre Tu Alma (Take Care of Your Skin, Nourish Your Soul) in a beautifully transformed resource room designed to feel warm, peaceful, and welcoming.
Facilitator Maribel Klee, RSS, created an inviting space where caregivers felt comfortable participating, connecting, and sharing. The session focused on self-awareness, stress management, resilience, self-compassion, and the importance of staying connected with others. Participants learned not only from Maribel but also from one another as they exchanged ideas and shared the self-care routines they practice at home.
Each caregiver left with new self-care tips, meaningful connections, and a goodie bag filled with items to help them continue practicing self-care and self-compassion at home.
For caregivers who spend so much of their time and energy supporting others, opportunities like this serve as an important reminder that caring for yourself is just as valuable as caring for those around you. By creating a space to slow down, connect, and recharge, CFRC and RSS encouraged participants to make self-care a regular part of their lives—not simply something saved for when they have extra time. Cuida Tu Piel, Nutre Tu Alma was a beautiful reminder that when caregivers nurture their own well-being, they are better able to continue bringing strength, compassion, and care to their families and communities.
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CFRC Engagement Specialist Anna Macedo hosted a Spanish-language workshop for adults and seniors, “Conéctate con Confianza” (Connect with Confidence), focused on internet safety and digital literacy. Participants learned practical ways to safely navigate the internet, recognize online scams and fraudulent messages, protect personal information, create stronger passwords, and use social media and online services with greater confidence. The workshop helped participants build digital skills and independence while reducing the risk of identity theft, online fraud, and unauthorized access to their accounts. Each participant received a notebook to help organize and keep track of passwords and important account information, along with reminders to keep it in a safe and private place. A laptop was also raffled to encourage continued digital learning and engagement.
At the same time, Planned Parenthood, together with CFRC Engagement Specialist Karla Lopez, hosted a youth workshop, “Think Before You Scroll,” focused on social media safety. Youth discussed the impact of cyberbullying, how to respond to hurtful or inappropriate online behavior, and ways to identify and avoid scams on social media. The workshop encouraged youth to think critically before sharing information, clicking links, or interacting with unknown accounts. A laptop was also raffled for the youth, providing an additional opportunity to practice safe and positive digital engagement.
As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in our everyday lives, digital safety education is valuable for every generation. By offering workshops tailored specifically to adults, seniors, and youth, CFRC helped community members develop the knowledge and confidence needed to make safer choices online. Whether learning how to recognize a suspicious message, protect personal information, respond to cyberbullying, or simply think twice before clicking, participants walked away with practical tools they can use every day. Together, these workshops reinforced an important message: staying connected online can be empowering when we have the skills to do it safely and confidently.
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The August Youth Empowerment Group focused on two important life skills: Time Management and Etiquette. Youth discovered how good manners and respectful communication can help build confidence and create positive connections with others. They also learned the importance of managing their time and differentiating between what needs to be done now versus what can be saved for later. Facilitators introduced several types of calendars and to-do lists that youth can use to stay organized at home, at school, and in their everyday lives.
Developing social and emotional competence is an important protective factor that strengthens healthy relationships, improves decision-making, and helps youth navigate challenges with confidence. Throughout the group, participants had opportunities to practice etiquette and communication skills that can empower them at school, at home, and throughout their community.
CFRC made sure there was also plenty of fun! Youth put their newfound etiquette and time-management skills into practice while enjoying a catered Olive Garden dinner together. The group was made even more special by youth visiting from Taiwan, who joined in the activities and are heading home with some wonderful memories created at the CFRC Youth Empowerment Group—making this month's gathering international!
Beyond calendars, to-do lists, and table manners, the group gave youth practical tools they can carry with them as they grow. Learning how to prioritize responsibilities, communicate respectfully, and confidently navigate different social settings can make a meaningful difference in the classroom and far beyond it. Most importantly, the Youth Empowerment Group continues to provide a welcoming place where young people can learn from one another, build friendships, try new skills, and have a little fun along the way.
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This month, our Community and Family Resource Centers (CFRC) had the opportunity to host a budgeting workshop for tenants of Sun Commons in North Hollywood. The one-hour workshop provided participants with practical tips and strategies for saving money, managing expenses, and making smarter financial choices. Participants worked on developing simple, realistic strategies to gain greater confidence and peace of mind when it comes to their finances. By breaking down monthly expenses and exploring alternative spending habits together, tenants also learned about valuable community resources that can provide additional support.
As part of the experience, participants were given a $200–$250 grocery budget to use during a scheduled visit to Food 4 Less. This hands-on activity gave participants an opportunity to put their new budgeting skills into practice while also considering healthy and affordable choices for themselves and their families. Staff members were on hand to help participants plan their purchases, compare options, and make the most of their grocery budgets in a practical, supportive setting.
The workshop also strengthened the Protective Factor of Concrete Supports in Times of Need by connecting families with essential resources, helping alleviate financial stress, and providing practical tools they can use in their everyday lives. Workshops like this go beyond teaching the basics of budgeting—they empower community members to feel more confident about their financial decisions and more connected to the resources available around them. CFRC looks forward to continuing to provide opportunities that give individuals and families the knowledge, tools, and support they need to thrive.
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