November 2023 Newsletter

I was so excited to share with all our participants the progress Penny Lane and communities had made in decreasing racial and social injustices but then my light was dimmed by the horror of October 7. The Brutality, hatred, and suffering I saw was so overwhelming for me I could not find the words for my opening remarks.   And deep down I knew if I was so profoundly impacted, how were the people that had loved ones in the region feeling? Click to read more from our CEO.

Thanksgiving is a time of joyful celebration.  Penny Lane Centers is making plans once again to feed and provide our clients with a Thanksgiving meal box for them to prepare at home with their families.   Thanksgiving centers on that amazing meal, your family traditions, and the spirit of gratitude.  We have several different events happening this month if you are interested in joining the fun, so check it out and help those in need this Giving Season!

Rise Up: Be the Domino took place on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023.  Held at the California Endowment Centers, Penny Lane Centers invited 200 people to engage in conversations related to racial and social justice. The theme of the domino was a consistent thread throughout all presentations.  We found that that this theme allowed for personal accountability, while also resonating with attendees on a personal level.  Rise Up was a wonderful day where people of like mind could gather to address these difficult topics and work together to find solutions.  We all have the power to effect change, which was evidenced throughout the day. Click on the link to read about the highlights and watch the recap video!

In our monthly Wellness Corner our North Hills Family Center Clinic Regional Director, Caryn May, shares her thoughts on the Power of Giving People the Benefit of the Doubt. Imagine our world if we were able to give others the benefit of the doubt. Giving someone “the benefit of the doubt” means you don’t really know what the other person’s intent is, and you decide to assume that is its favorable. Studies show people who view the behaviors of others in a positive light are happier! Read the following article to learn more about the power of Giving People the Benefit of the Doubt.

Each year the Penny Lane TAY Drop-in Centers hold their annual TAYstock event at both the Lancaster and Commerce locations.  This event commemorates the anniversary of our grand opening by celebrating art, music, and community. It allows our young adults and community partners to gather and share resources as well as participate in fun and creative activities. Click on the link to learn more and join us this Saturday, November 4th!

October was really Spooktacular at Penny Lane. We hosted the Grand Opening of Abbey Road's newest Housing project- Sun Commons on October 2nd. We highlight an amazing article about the difficult transition for TAY youth to adulthood, celebrate a generous donation from the San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated, Halloween potlucks, Rainbow Day and so much more. So click on the link to check out all the photos of the past events this month!

This month you get to meet Nydia Barakat. Nydia is the Fund Development Director at Penny Lane Centers.  She has been working at Penny Lane since 2007 (16 years). "It feels like just yesterday that I walked through the doors." She was born on the Island of Enchantment (Borinquen – Puerto Rico), she is very proud of her ancestors, Tainos, Spanish and African.   Puerto Rico – Island of Enchantment is a U.S. territory of beautiful sandy beaches, lush rain forests and some of the happiest people in the world. Learn all about Nydia, her family and more this month!

In this month’s promotional employee spotlight, we are we are proud to feature Sue Moravec, Intensive Services Foster Care (ISFC) Clinical Supervisor, from our Lancaster office. Sue started her career at Penny Lane in May 2019 as an Outpatient Therapist, shortly thereafter became a STRTP Residential Outpatient Therapist, and then returned to the Antelope Valley as an Outpatient Therapist in September 2020. In June 2022, she was promoted to Quality Improvement Supervisor and in January 2023 transitioned to become the Clinical Support Supervisor. In September 2023, Sue was promoted again to the ISFC Clinical Supervisor.  Check it out to learn all about Sue this month!

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Check all the open positions at Penny Lane Centers this month!