At Penny Lane Centers, collaboration is more than a strategy—it is a shared commitment to meeting families and individuals where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way. Our programs are strongest when they work together, sharing knowledge, resources, and compassion to ensure no one falls through the cracks. When teams unite around a common purpose, the result is more comprehensive, coordinated, and meaningful support for those we serve.
In this month’s Collaboration Corner, Charito sits down with Christy Anaya to explore how collaboration between programs such as Kinship, Enhanced Care Management (ECM), and the Community & Family Resource Center (CFRC) strengthens our collective impact. Their conversation highlights how open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals help create a connected agency culture—one that prioritizes both client success and staff support.
Charito: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, Christy. I am so grateful for people like you who are not only willing to collaborate across PLC but also willing to share success stories so others can see the power of collaboration. To start, can you share why collaboration across multiple programs is so important within our agency?
Christy: Thank you for the opportunity, Charito. Collaboration is essential because the individuals and families we serve often have complex needs that don’t fit neatly into one program. They don’t always meet the requirements for just one specific service. When programs work together, we’re able to provide more comprehensive, coordinated, and effective support rather than fragmented services. Collaboration increases our ability to be creative and meet families “where they are.”
Charito: That’s a great point. From your perspective, how does collaboration improve outcomes for the people we serve?
Christy: When programs communicate and collaborate, it reduces gaps in care and prevents duplication of services. Families don’t have to repeat their stories over and over, and staff can align goals and strategies. This leads to stronger relationships and better long-term outcomes because everyone is working toward the same objectives. That’s why I was so excited to be part of the CFRC—our goal is to bridge gaps, support existing clients, and reach new families who need our services.
Charito: You’ve witnessed collaboration firsthand. Can you share an example involving the Kinship program?
Christy: Absolutely. I’ve seen the Kinship program work closely with other teams to ensure caregivers receive both emotional and practical support. By collaborating with care coordination and case management teams, our Kinship, ECM, and CFRC staff can connect families to resources more quickly and ensure caregivers feel supported rather than isolated. A great example is our Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, where staff from multiple programs referred families and showed up together to support clients.
Charito: That’s really impactful. How about Enhanced Care Management—what kind of collaboration have you seen there?
Christy: Enhanced Care Management is a great example of collaboration in action. ECM often works alongside programs like Kinship to address both immediate needs and long-term stability. Staff coordinate to share insights, align care plans, and make warm handoffs. This helps clients experience Penny Lane as one unified system rather than separate departments.
Charito: What do you think makes these collaborations successful?
Christy: Open communication and mutual respect are key. Each program brings unique expertise, and when that expertise is valued, collaboration becomes much more effective. It also helps when there’s a shared understanding that we’re all working toward the same mission—supporting families and improving lives.
Charito: Looking ahead, why is it important for us to continue strengthening collaboration across programs?
Christy: As needs become more complex, collaboration isn’t just beneficial—it’s necessary. Strengthening these partnerships allows us to be more responsive, innovative, and client-centered. It also supports staff by creating a network of shared knowledge and problem-solving.
Charito: Thank you, Christy. Your insights really highlight how collaboration across programs like Kinship, CFRC, and ECM strengthens our agency’s impact. In the past, you shared something with me that really inspired me. Do you remember what that was?
Christy: Yes, during your last visit to North Hills, we talked about the new level of energy there, especially over the past few months. More programs are working together than ever before. It’s amazing to see staff support one another—when someone needs a resource, a colleague often has an idea right away. It’s awesome. We are doing such great work at PLC.
We’ve also launched the North Hills Case Management Collaboration Meetings, bringing together coaches from CFRC, ECM, and the clinic. These meetings strengthen referral pathways and improve coordination of care. Our goal is to enhance communication, streamline services, and ensure families receive cohesive, well-supported care. Thank you, Charito, for giving us the opportunity to talk about such an important part of our work.
Charito and Christy’s conversation highlights how collaboration reduces barriers, strengthens relationships, and improves outcomes for families and individuals. From coordinated care plans to community-wide events like the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, their examples demonstrate how teamwork allows staff to respond with creativity, compassion, and efficiency. These partnerships ensure that clients feel supported, heard, and valued throughout their journey.
Looking ahead, the renewed energy at North Hills and the growth of cross-program meetings reflect the powerful momentum already underway at Penny Lane Centers. By continuing to invest in communication, shared learning, and collective problem-solving, we are building a stronger foundation for both staff and clients. This month’s Collaboration Corner reminds us that when we work together with purpose and heart, our impact reaches farther—and lasts longer.
If you are interested in sharing your own stories of collaboration, please email Charito Guerrero at cguerrero@pennylane.org. We are always looking for opportunities to highlight the great work happening across our many programs.
-Charito Guerrero & Christy Anaya, Penny Lane Centers
