October was filled with fall festivities, meaningful connections, learning opportunities, and plenty of community spirit across Penny Lane Centers' Community and Family Resource Centers! From colorful pumpkin painting parties and a spooktacular Trunk or Treat celebration to cultural festivities honoring Latino Heritage and Día de los Muertos, our CFRC teams brought families together for a month full of creativity, celebration, and fun. But the excitement didn't stop there! Our teams also focused on empowering individuals and families through hands-on budgeting workshops, earthquake preparedness training, community safety education, caregiver appreciation, and self-care activities. Add in a food bank event supporting 100 local households, an inspiring workshop on healing and transforming trauma, and engaging Youth Empowerment activities, and it's clear that October was all about supporting families, celebrating diversity, and building stronger communities!
Whether families were decorating pumpkins, learning how to stretch their grocery budgets, preparing for emergencies, honoring loved ones, exploring the importance of self-care, or simply enjoying time together, each event offered something meaningful. These experiences remind us that community support comes in many forms, from providing essential resources and practical life skills to creating welcoming spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected. A huge thank you to our incredible CFRC teams and community partners for another month of dedication, creativity, and compassion. Take a look back at the wonderful moments, inspiring stories, and lasting connections our CFRC teams created throughout October!
On September 29, our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) team hosted a wonderful Latino Heritage Celebration honoring the rich cultures, vibrant traditions, and meaningful contributions of Latino communities. The event brought families and community members together for an afternoon filled with delicious food, beautiful folklórico dancing, cultural pride, and plenty of smiles! It was a joyful opportunity to celebrate the diversity that makes our community so special while creating lasting memories and meaningful connections.
CFRC was thrilled to welcome 75 community members who joined us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! In addition to enjoying the festivities, attendees had the opportunity to connect with our CFRC team and representatives from CCRC and the International Institute of Los Angeles, who were on hand to share valuable resources and information. Their participation added another meaningful layer to the celebration, connecting families with supportive services while strengthening relationships throughout our community.
Throughout the afternoon, families had the chance to meet new friends, build supportive relationships, and celebrate the traditions and cultural experiences that bring us together. One particularly special highlight was the distribution of bilingual books to children, featuring influential Latino figures who have made significant contributions to history and culture. These thoughtful gifts offered families a wonderful opportunity to continue learning, sharing stories, and celebrating Latino heritage long after the event ended.
Events like these remind us of the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and connected. At CFRC, we are committed to bringing culturally enriching experiences to our community that celebrate diversity, encourage learning, and foster a strong sense of belonging. We look forward to continuing these meaningful celebrations and creating even more opportunities for families to come together!
A very special thank you to our incredible CFRC team, along with our amazing Maintenance Team, Front Desk staff, and Safety personnel, for their hard work and dedication in making this event such a success. From coordinating logistics and preparing food to setting up and breaking down the event, your teamwork and commitment helped bring this beautiful celebration to life. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our community partners and everyone who joined us for this memorable afternoon.
Thank you for helping us celebrate culture, honor heritage, and strengthen the connections that make our community so special!
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Sometimes, the most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom, and our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) team recently demonstrated just how powerful hands-on learning can be! On October 6 and October 13, CFRC hosted two Successful Budgeting Life Skills Workshops at Penny Lane's Metamorphosis site in Sylmar, bringing practical financial education and much-needed grocery assistance to ACOF/Penny Lane residents. These interactive, one-hour workshops focused on helping participants develop essential budgeting skills, make informed purchasing decisions, and discover simple ways to stretch their grocery dollars. Through realistic examples and engaging discussions, participants learned how to plan weekly meals, create grocery shopping lists, identify healthy and affordable food options, and prepare budget-friendly breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for themselves and their families.
But the learning didn't stop in the classroom! Following each workshop, participants received grocery shopping incentives ranging from $200 to $240, giving them the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills into action. Accompanied by CFRC staff and their on-site case managers, residents headed to a local Vallarta Supermarket for a hands-on shopping experience. Armed with calculators, grocery lists, and their new budgeting knowledge, participants practiced comparing prices, identifying essential household needs, making cost-effective purchasing decisions, and staying within their assigned budgets. Rather than simply talking about financial responsibility, residents were able to experience firsthand how thoughtful planning and smart shopping choices can make a meaningful difference in their everyday lives.
Ten residents successfully completed their grocery shopping experience, leaving with groceries, valuable new skills, and a greater sense of confidence in managing their household expenses. Beyond the practical lessons, the workshops created opportunities for residents to connect with one another, ask questions, share experiences, and strengthen their independent living skills. For individuals and families working toward greater financial independence and long-term housing stability, learning how to manage a grocery budget is an important step toward building a stronger foundation for the future. Participants expressed their appreciation for both the financial guidance and grocery assistance, highlighting the meaningful impact of combining education with concrete support.
What made these workshops especially successful was the collaboration between CFRC, ACOF/Penny Lane staff, and the dedicated case managers who supported residents throughout the experience. By bringing together financial education, practical resources, and personalized guidance, the teams created an opportunity for residents to learn, practice, and build confidence in a supportive environment. This partnership is a wonderful example of how working together across programs can help individuals overcome everyday challenges while developing the tools needed for greater self-sufficiency. It also reinforces the importance of meeting people where they are and providing meaningful opportunities to learn skills they can carry with them long after the workshop ends.
A very special thank you to CFRC team members Odalys Esquivel and Livida Alas for their outstanding efforts in organizing and facilitating these workshops! Their dedication, patience, and commitment to empowering residents were instrumental in making this experience such a success. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Maggie Williams and Jennifer Barraza-Garcia for their invaluable support throughout the workshops and grocery shopping activities, as well as the entire CFRC team and ACOF/Penny Lane case managers who helped bring this initiative to life. Your teamwork and willingness to go above and beyond demonstrate the incredible impact of collaboration and the importance of providing both education and tangible resources to those we serve.
At Penny Lane Centers, we know that building independence happens one step, one skill, and sometimes even one grocery trip at a time! Through programs like the Successful Budgeting Life Skills Workshops, CFRC continues to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to make informed decisions and work toward a more stable future.
Because when we combine education, compassion, and concrete support, we're doing more than teaching people how to budget; we're helping them build the foundation for lasting success!
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Spooky season is here, and the ghosts, goblins, and wandering witches are out in full force! But there's no need to be frightened when our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) team is here to help! This October, CFRC brought together Antelope Valley families for a fun and educational Pumpkin Paint Night, combining Halloween creativity with important lessons on community safety and violence prevention.
Thankfully, the Advisory Bureau came to the rescue! Dr. Jorge De Jesus, Founder of the Advisory Bureau, and Sterling Watson, Director of Law Enforcement Consulting, joined CFRC to share valuable information on gun violence prevention, understanding risk factors, promoting safety, and accessing local support services. While families learned important ways to protect themselves and their loved ones, the CFRC team provided pumpkins and colorful paints for everyone to create their own festive masterpieces. It was the perfect combination of education, creativity, and a little Halloween magic!
The learning doesn't stop when Halloween ends! Families are encouraged to join the Advisory Bureau's ongoing safety workshops at Penny Lane's Antelope Valley office every first and third Wednesday of the month from 5:00–6:00 PM. These workshops offer valuable opportunities to gain knowledge, connect with resources, and help build a safer, stronger community.
A special thank you to Dr. De Jesus, Sterling Watson, the Advisory Bureau, and our wonderful CFRC team for making this event possible. Together, we're building stronger communities, one family (and one painted pumpkin) at a time!
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When it comes to earthquakes, being prepared can make all the difference! Our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) recently hosted an engaging Earthquake Preparedness Workshop, bringing together 21 participants, including four children, to learn valuable strategies for staying safe before, during, and after an earthquake. The workshop focused on empowering families with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to respond to unexpected emergencies.
Through informative presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive group discussions, participants explored essential safety topics, including earthquake preparedness, proper fire extinguisher use, emergency water storage, and the importance of developing a family emergency plan. CFRC case managers and Outreach & Engagement Specialists created a welcoming environment where families could ask questions, share personal experiences, and learn from one another. The workshop emphasized that even small steps toward preparedness can make a big difference when an emergency strikes.
And the learning didn't stop when the workshop ended! To help families put their newfound knowledge into action, participants received first aid backpacks and children's books to encourage continued learning and emergency readiness at home. These valuable resources provided families with practical tools to strengthen their safety plans and help children better understand the importance of being prepared. The workshop also reinforced the protective factors of Knowledge of Human Behavior and Development and Access to Care by connecting families with essential safety information and supportive resources.
At CFRC, we believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we can provide our community. By helping families develop emergency plans, practice important safety skills, and access valuable resources, we're empowering them to face unexpected situations with greater confidence and resilience. A special thank you to our dedicated CFRC team for creating another meaningful opportunity to educate, support, and strengthen the families we serve.
Because when the ground starts shaking, a little preparation today can make a world of difference tomorrow!
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A little kindness can go a long way, especially when it comes to helping families put food on the table! On October 26, 2026, our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) hosted a special Food Bank Event, bringing much-needed food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Through this meaningful community outreach effort, 100 households received food boxes, helping ease the burden of rising grocery costs and ensuring families had access to essential food supplies.
The event operated on a first-come, first-served basis, providing an opportunity for community members to receive assistance when they needed it most. For families facing financial challenges, access to nutritious food can make a tremendous difference in their overall health, well-being, and peace of mind. By helping address food insecurity, CFRC continues to reduce barriers to essential resources while creating a stronger sense of community and support.
At CFRC, we believe that building stronger communities begins with meeting people where they are and responding to their everyday needs. Events like this are about more than distributing food; they're about extending compassion, offering a helping hand, and reminding families that they are not alone. Providing access to basic necessities is an important step toward helping individuals and families achieve greater stability and focus on building brighter futures.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated CFRC team for their continued commitment to serving our community and making initiatives like this possible. Together, we're doing more than filling food boxes; we're filling hearts with hope and helping build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community, one family at a time!
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Being a full-time caregiver is one of the most meaningful and selfless roles a person can take on. It requires endless patience, compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional love. But even the most dedicated caregivers need time to rest, recharge, and focus on their own well-being. Recognizing the importance of self-care, our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) team partnered with Regional Center to host a special Caregiver Self-Care Day, dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the incredible individuals who devote so much of themselves to caring for others.
The event was filled with warmth, appreciation, and a little creativity! Caregivers were welcomed with delicious breakfast treats before participating in a beautiful flower bouquet workshop designed to encourage relaxation, reflection, and personal expression. Attendees were invited to create their own arrangements with one meaningful prompt in mind: "Create a bouquet with flowers that bring you joy and will ground you whenever needed." The results were as beautiful and unique as the individuals who created them! More importantly, the activity provided a peaceful moment for caregivers to slow down, connect with one another, and focus on something that brought them happiness.
Throughout the workshop, CFRC Outreach Specialist Maria Mora took a moment to recognize the hardworking women in attendance and remind them that their identities and personal needs are just as important as the care they provide to others. She shared a heartfelt message: "It's important to take care of yourselves much like you would take care of these flowers—with love, patience, compassion, and kindness. Never forget how important you are and never be afraid to ask for a break or help. We see you, and we are here for you." Her words served as a powerful reminder that asking for support is not a sign of weakness, but an important part of maintaining the strength and resilience needed to care for others.
Caregiver Self-Care Day was about more than flowers and breakfast. It was an opportunity to remind caregivers that they are valued, appreciated, and deserving of the same love and attention they so generously give to others. A heartfelt thank you to Regional Center, Maria Mora, and our dedicated CFRC team for creating such a thoughtful and meaningful experience.
Because those who spend their lives caring for others deserve to be cared for, too!
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Our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) had the pleasure of welcoming Corine Channell, author of the Beyond the Bolted Door book series, for an inspiring and heartfelt workshop titled When Trauma Is Transformed.
Throughout the workshop, Corine shared her personal journey and spoke openly about the impact of trauma, the importance of acknowledging our pain, and how difficult life experiences can lead to healing, growth, and renewed purpose. She emphasized that while we cannot always change what has happened to us, we can find strength in how we move forward and use our experiences to bring hope and comfort to others.
To make the experience more meaningful, Corine incorporated interactive exercises that encouraged participants to reflect on their own journeys, connect with the topics being discussed, and explore what healing and transformation might look like in their lives. These activities created opportunities for personal reflection and helped bring her powerful message to life.
One particularly special part of the presentation was Corine's use of butterflies as a symbol of transformation, growth, and hope. Just as butterflies go through stages of change before emerging, she reminded participants that personal growth can emerge from some of life's greatest challenges. Her message encouraged everyone to recognize their inner strength and embrace the possibility of finding purpose beyond pain.
All participants received a copy of her book, The Road Beyond the Bolted Door, allowing them to continue reflecting on the workshop's message and explore her inspiring story beyond the session.
CFRC extends a heartfelt thank you to Corine for sharing her journey, connecting with our participants, and creating a welcoming space for reflection and meaningful conversation. Her workshop served as a beautiful reminder that healing is a journey, transformation takes time, and even our most difficult experiences can become a source of hope and strength.
Learn more about Corine's book: Beyond the Bolted Door | Barnes & Noble
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On October 8, 2026, our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) hosted "Self-Care Starts with You," a special workshop for individuals working with children in LAUSD school settings. After all, those who dedicate their days to caring for and supporting children deserve a little care and attention themselves!
Facilitated by Leanna Robinson, LMFT, LPCC, the workshop provided a welcoming space for participants to pause, reflect, and prioritize their well-being. Through interactive activities and meaningful discussions, attendees explored practical ways to manage stress, recognize and express emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies. One important takeaway was that self-care doesn't have to be complicated or expensive! Sometimes, the small moments we create for ourselves make the biggest difference in how we feel and how we support others.
To encourage continued self-care beyond the workshop, each participant received a self-care journal to promote reflection, emotional awareness, and healthy daily habits. This thoughtful resource served as a reminder that prioritizing our well-being is essential to maintaining balance and resilience.
A heartfelt thank you to Leanna Robinson for generously donating her time, expertise, and passion, and to Francine Fernandez for welcoming CFRC into one of her locations and helping make this wonderful opportunity possible. Through meaningful partnerships like these, CFRC continues to promote wellness, strengthen families, and build healthier communities.
Remember, taking care of others starts with taking care of YOU!
Fall is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a little pumpkin painting fun? At our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC), we believe the more pumpkins, the merrier! With creativity and community spirit in mind, the CFRC team hosted a festive Little Pumpkin Paint Party, bringing Antelope Valley families together for an afternoon filled with colorful creations, laughter, and Halloween excitement.
Community members of all ages and backgrounds gathered to unleash their inner artists, transforming ordinary pumpkins into festive Halloween masterpieces! From spooky faces to colorful designs, every pumpkin was a unique reflection of its creator's imagination. And the fun didn't stop with pumpkin painting! CFRC also provided children's Halloween costumes to families, helping bring a little extra magic to the holiday and ensuring more children could enjoy the excitement of dressing up for Halloween.
Whether someone's pumpkin was worthy of a Picasso exhibition or it was their very first attempt at painting, the true beauty of the event wasn't found in the artwork itself. It was in the sense of belonging, connection, and support shared among families, friends, and neighbors. The celebration provided a welcoming space for everyone to express themselves, build relationships, and create lasting memories together.
Once again, the wonderful families of the Antelope Valley reminded us why community events like these are so special. A big thank you to our dedicated CFRC team and everyone who joined us for this festive celebration. Together, we're creating more than colorful pumpkins; we're creating joyful memories and stronger communities, one little pumpkin at a time!
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October was filled with fun, creativity, and meaningful experiences for our CFRC Youth Empowerment Group! Throughout the month, youth participated in two exciting activities that brought them together to celebrate the season, explore cultural traditions, and strengthen friendships while learning valuable life skills.
The Halloween excitement kicked off with a special shopping outing alongside Karla and Anna, where each youth had the opportunity to pick out their very own Halloween costume! Beyond the fun of choosing costumes, the outing provided valuable one-on-one time for staff to connect with each participant and discuss the importance of making safe choices during Halloween festivities. The youth especially appreciated the individual attention, meaningful conversations, and opportunity to express their personalities through their costume selections.
The group also came together to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), learning about the beautiful cultural tradition of honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed. Youth helped transform the Resource Room with festive decorations, created a special memory wall where they could share heartfelt messages and memories, and expressed their creativity by painting pumpkins and colorful Catrinas. The celebration provided a welcoming space for reflection, cultural appreciation, and personal expression.
Both activities offered wonderful opportunities for youth to connect, share their thoughts, and build positive relationships with one another. Through teamwork, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences, participants continued developing important communication and social skills while building confidence and creating lasting memories.
A special thank you to Karla, Anna, and our dedicated CFRC team for creating engaging experiences that encourage our youth to learn, grow, and thrive. Here's to another month of empowerment, friendship, and unforgettable moments!
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Halloween excitement was in full swing at Penny Lane Centers as our Community and Family Resource Center (CFRC) hosted its annual Trunk or Treat celebration at our North Hills location! The event welcomed approximately 300–320 community members, bringing families, children, and neighbors together for an evening filled with costumes, candy, laughter, and plenty of Halloween spirit.
Our amazing Penny Lane staff went all out, transforming their vehicles into creatively decorated Halloween displays, each featuring its own unique and festive theme! Families made their way from trunk to trunk collecting sweet treats while enjoying music, games, activities, and colorful decorations. The creativity and enthusiasm of our staff helped create a fun, welcoming environment where families could connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories together.
And what would a Halloween celebration be without some delicious treats? Guests enjoyed complimentary pizza, chips, drinks, and snacks throughout the evening. A very special thank you to El Milagro Baked Goods of Pacoima for generously donating delicious conchas for everyone to enjoy! Their thoughtful contribution added an extra touch of sweetness to the festivities and highlighted the wonderful impact of community partnerships.
This incredible event was made possible through the teamwork and dedication of staff across multiple Penny Lane departments. From decorating trunks and organizing activities to welcoming families and ensuring everything ran smoothly, everyone's contributions helped make the evening a tremendous success. Events like Trunk or Treat remind us that bringing people together, creating joyful experiences, and strengthening community connections are at the heart of what we do.
A huge thank you to our CFRC team, dedicated Penny Lane staff, community partners, and everyone who joined us for this unforgettable Halloween celebration. Here's to another year of spooky fun, sweet treats, and stronger communities!
Check out some more photos below!
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