May is Mental Health Awareness Month

April 29, 2023

Mental Health Awareness Month at Penny Lane Centers

Mental health is a topic that affects many people, but unfortunately, is often stigmatized or ignored. By raising awareness about mental health we can all work together to break down barriers and support those in need.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. In fact, the two are often intertwined. Poor mental health can lead to physical symptoms, and vice versa. So taking care of your mental health should be a top priority. One way to do this is by seeking help if you're struggling. Whether it's talking to a friend or family member, seeing a therapist, or joining a support group, there are many resources available to help you manage your mental health.  It's also important to take care of yourself on a daily basis. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. These simple steps may seem small, but they can have a big impact on your overall mental health and wellbeing. As much as you can, try to keep a routine. This includes waking up and going to bed at the same time each day, incorporating some activity, setting boundaries with others and making healthy choices in how you nourish your body.

Knowing when to seek help (and we all need help at times) is key. Some factors to consider is, "is how I'm feeling affecting my relationships?" Or "is how I'm feeling affecting my work or my grades in school?" It is HARD for most people to seek help. It's our goal to normalize the importance of recognizing when things aren't going well and take steps, without shame, towards getting support.

Finally, it's important to remember that mental health is a journey, and everyone's experience is unique. It's okay to have good days and bad days, and it's okay to ask for help along the way.  By raising awareness about mental health and taking steps to prioritize our own mental wellbeing, we can all work towards a healthier, happier future.

-Kristin Malka, Penny Lane Centers


What are you doing to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month?

We want to know what you are doing in your community to support the Mental Health needs of those around you. Support the journeys of others and share with us what you are doing to help fight this stigma. We want to hear from you! Send us your photos, the ways you plan to help, and what it means to you to be healthy mentally and physically.

Mental Health Awareness Photos in May

Send us photos of the activities you and your family are doing this month and we will post them to our social media!

-Penny Lane Centers Marketing Team


Penny Lane Celebrates National Foster Care Month

May is Foster Care Awareness month! For over 28 years,  at Penny Lane Centers we have been committed to find loving, nurturing, and caring foster families for the most vulnerable children and youth in Los Angeles County. There are thousands of children and youth in care, and we are so privileged to have families that care for them every day.  Currently we have over 150 children in care across our three locations in Commerce, North Hills, and Lancaster, and over 150 families meeting their needs.  We have families willing to care for children in traditional foster care, Intensive Services Foster Care for children with Severe Emotional and Behavioral Needs, and Intensive Services Foster Care for children with Special Health Care Needs. We also have families that are willing to provide permanency to children and youth by either committing to long term foster care, legal guardianship, and/or adoption.  May is the time to recognize the AMAZING work of not just our families, but our committed staff who continue to provide ongoing support and guidance to our children, youth, foster families, and birth families.

Thank you all for the blessings and the constant support that you have for our foster children and youth.

Below are some important facts for you to be aware of...

FACT:

Our foster families go above and beyond to meet the demands of our agency as well as our partner agencies including DCFS and Community Care Licensing.

FACT:

Our foster care staff, including social workers, office managers, support staff, therapists, behavioral health specialists, and administrators are incredibly committed to this work and ensuring the safety and well being of children.

FACT:

We need to take time this month to celebrate foster care, our families, and staff!

-Charito Guerrero, Penny Lane Centers