What a day to remember! Our Summer Carnival 2025 was a radiant celebration of togetherness, filled with sunshine, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of community. With over 400 attendees the event brought families, volunteers, staff, and supporters together for a joyful day that touched hearts and created lasting memories.
From the moment guests arrived at the park, smiles lit up the space, children’s laughter echoed through the air, and parents beamed with joy. The entire day was bursting with energy as families explored a wide array of games, art stations, live music, and hands-on activities, each designed to inspire creativity, connection, and pure fun.
We are deeply grateful to our generous donors Ares Management, Houlihan Lokey, and Wedbush whose support and sponsorship made this magical day possible.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible volunteers from our partner companies and our own dedicated staff. Their enthusiasm, hard work, and kindness were the heartbeat of the carnival. From greeting guests and leading arts and crafts to playing games with the children and ensuring every bounce at the inflatable station was safe and fun, your efforts were nothing short of inspiring. A special shoutout to Max from Amplified Entertainment, who turned up the volume on fun! His vibrant energy and engaging entertainment created a playful atmosphere that had kids dancing, singing, and laughing from start to finish.
This Summer Carnival was more than just an event; it was a beautiful reminder of the joy that blooms when a community comes together. We are so proud of what we have achieved and are already looking forward to more heartwarming moments in the future for our families.
On Saturday, May 31st, Penny Lane Centers’ Relative Support Services team proudly participated in the 20th Annual Celebrating Words Festival, hosted by Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural at Global Green Generation in the San Fernando Valley. This beloved community event, which draws hundreds of attendees each year, celebrates the power of literacy, creativity, and cultural connection.
Staff members Eline Bolianez and Anna Macedo represented Penny Lane’s Relative Services at our interactive resource table. Families who stopped by were welcomed with free books, art supplies, coloring books, and cuddly stuffed animals, resources aimed at nurturing creativity, supporting early learning, and sparking joy in children and caregivers alike.
The event was filled with vibrant performances, meaningful conversations, and a wide range of community services. Penny Lane was honored to be a part of such an impactful day, contributing to the collective mission of building a more connected, informed, and inspired community.
We are grateful to Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural for inviting us to be part of this celebration and look forward to continuing our efforts to bring valuable resources and support to families throughout the region.
Check out some more photos below!
At Penny Lane Centers we’re proud to support the LGBTQ+ community—especially during challenging times. Through programs like Embracing Identities and TSY, we offer important services to LGBTQ+ youth, including case management, support groups, and community education.
This Pride season we celebrated our clients and stayed true to our mission of creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for everyone. On June 4, we joined the Department of Children and Family Services for a Pride event, where county social workers and over 20 service providers came together to talk about the needs of LGBTQ+ youth and families. It was a great example of how working together makes a big difference.
Our team also joined Pride events in Monterey Park, Lancaster, Palmdale, and La Puente. We led bilingual workshops in Spanish and English to help people better understand and support LGBTQ+ identities. We shared information about the programs and services offered at Penny Lane Centers.
Finally, On June 28 we held our very own Pride at the PLC celebration. This special event brought Pride to our youth who may not be able to attend bigger events in places like West Hollywood or Long Beach. Clients from our TAY Center, Embracing Identities, and TSY programs came together in a safe space to celebrate who they are. We’re very thankful to Loving Hands Children’s Home for helping make the day extra special. They led fun workshops and provided tasty food and drinks. The day also included HIV testing, arts and crafts, raffles, and a game truck—making it a fun and joyful event for everyone.
We’re so proud of all we’ve done this season and remain committed to standing with and supporting LGBTQ+ youth in all our programs and communities.
-Rafael Lopez, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos of Pride Celebrations below!
On June 21st, the AV TAY Center, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health (DMH), proudly hosted a vibrant Pride Event centered around the theme: “Pride and Resilience – Strength in Every Step, Pride in Every Heart.” This special day was all about honoring the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrating the strength, joy, and unity that define Pride Month.
The event was a true celebration of community and connection! Guests enjoyed delicious tacos, danced to the beats of a DJ, and made lasting memories at the colorful photobooth. Local vendors from across the Antelope Valley came out in support, sharing vital resources and information to uplift and empower our TAY participants.
Thanks to the incredible support from Penny Lane’s TSY program staff, the day featured engaging workshops and fun hands-on activities like face painting and bracelet making—offering everyone a chance to express themselves creatively and authentically.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in making this celebration so meaningful. Pride is more than a month—it’s a movement. And together, we continue to step forward with strength, resilience, and pride in every heart.
-Raquel Ruiz, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos below!
UMCR received a call regarding an individual on private residential property who was ringing the doorbell and refusing to leave. Upon arrival, UMCR observed that the individual appeared disoriented and was shaking. UMCR thoughtfully approached the individual to engage and assess their needs.
UMCR invited the individual to sit in the vehicle to cool off, which the individual accepted. They were also offered some water and snacks, which they also accepted. Once the individual was able to relax and cool down, they shared that they lived nearby and wanted to return home.
During the conversation, it was revealed that the individual had left their home earlier in the day to run errands but became lost and tired. They mentioned that they had hailed a rideshare service to get back home, but for some reason, the rideshare driver abruptly canceled the ride and dropped them off where UMCR found them.
The individual had a phone and allowed UMCR to assist in contacting their caretaker. UMCR verified the address with the individual’s independent home manager over the phone.
After confirming the address, UMCR transported the individual safely to their home and ensured they were reunited with their caretaker, who expressed sincere gratitude for the assistance in getting the individual back home safely.
-Estephanie Martinez & Lori Reid, Penny Lane Centers
The YAYA! for the month of June 2025 is Diana Garcia Medrano! Diana was awarded the YAYA! by her peers for showing up every day with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication. Diana lifts others up with kindness and inspires others by simply being herself. Her presence makes the work that we do and our team brighter. Congratulations Diana and thank you for the great work!
Whether she's supporting a client, offering a listening ear to a teammate, or jumping in to help without hesitation, Diana brings heart and excellence to everything she does. Her authenticity, resilience, and positivity are felt across the agency, reminding us all what it means to lead with love. We’re proud to celebrate her this month and every month. Keep shining, Diana—you truly make a difference!
Congratulations!
-Ernesto Campos, Penny Lane Centers
