Children and Youth Engagement Department

Our CYE team continues to provide weekly hangouts for children, youth, and adults. We create fun-filled and safe spaces for families to talk and connect around their socio-emotional health and learn healthy coping techniques. 

One of the highlights for October is our Pumpkin Painting Activity, where youth and families used their skills and creativity to paint unique pumpkins of all colors and sizes. Parents also had a series of hangouts in October where they created beautiful catrinas out of recycled materials in preparation for Dia de Muertos.

We also want to thank our partners, Elevate youth, for providing our participants with a trip to Disneyland. CYE took 38 youth leaders from our programs to Disneyland--for which, to many, this was their first time!

Noraima's Message

Lead Promotora of Education of the Emotional Wellness Team

You are probably very familiar with the phrase: "Mental health is as important as physical health," which is very accurate. Yet problems with our mental health are surrounded by shame, fear, stigma, and a lack of information.

Emotions that start small can become giant hurricanes in our lives. On one occasion, a group participant commented, "the day this all started, it was just a simple sadness, perhaps because it was a gray, cold day and I connected with the place where I grew up, which is a warm climate with lots of light and whom I miss a lot, then the sadness began to grow, and it went out of control and it trapped me. What a deep feeling to feel trapped. Imagine being trapped without being able to do your daily activities, and I couldn't leave my house, go to work, go to the supermarket, pick up my children from school, and have family activities".

Support groups and therapy sessions are for all those who courageously seek help and want to know themselves, and need a space to share what is happening to them; they are safe places because what is there Share is confidential, and judgments are not made because everyone has some connection with the history of others, everyone in the group understands each other because in one way or another they have had similar experiences. When seeking help for mental health problems, it's natural to worry about what others may think of you. But the ultimate act of bravery is admitting that you're struggling with something bigger than you can handle alone. We all help each other in our available groups; we help you find where those open doors are and how to close them.

Do not hesitate any longer; seek the help and support you need with courage and learn to face situations that come with practical tools. Here at Latino Health Access in the Department of Emotional Well-being, we can help you. Count on us!

For Inquiries about our Emotional Wellness Programs, contact us by phone at 714-694-3994.

or 

Josefina: jjimenez@latinohealthaccess.org

Noraima: nchirinos@latinohealthaccess.org

Community Volunteers

& Student Internships

Latino Health Access supports volunteer and internship programs that provide growth and learning opportunities to high school and college students, community volunteers, and company employee resource groups.

Students are involved in education or training programs designed to provide them with professional experience in furthering their education, a sense of community service, and the social skills to complement their academic journey.  Our interns are given the platform to work directly with our programs and provide them with exposure to the real-world community needs and the work ethics needed to kickstart their careers.

LHA works with corporate volunteers to give back to their neighboring communities and is a way for their employees to build camaraderie around a fulfilling mission.  

We have a role for you; please reach out to us and see how together we can help bring health equity to all communities. 

Fill out Volunteer Interest Form on the Latino Health Access website or contact our Volunteer Coordinator bcervantes@latinohealthaccess.org 

Get to know one of our volunteers

Why did you become a volunteer at LHA? 

I started coming to LHA for my health. I saw you were offering free Zumba classes, and I decided to join your Zumba classes every morning. As time went by, I saw all the work you did for the community. As a resident of Santa Ana, I would see all the positive work you were doing for residents in the community, which made me want to be a part of your mission, so I began volunteering at the Food Bank every Friday, which makes me feel good to help others. I love participating in LHA events that help our community. 

LHA's Toy Drive

Please help us bring holiday cheer to families by donating a new unwrapped toy for children ages 0-17. You can drop off a toy at our office at 450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana, CA, 92701

(Main entrance on 3rd St.) -OR- If you'd like to help us by hosting a toy drive at your location, please get in touch with Maria Cervantes at (714) 542-7792 Ext. 1040 or email at mcervantes@latinohealthaccess.org.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 🎄🎁

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