At the request of the Bellingham Primary Center School in North Hollywood, The Village Family Services is currently conducting weekly parenting classes for the parents of the school’s students. In an informal group setting facilitated by an agency staff member who is a master level student trainee, parents learn about appropriate discipline, setting rewards and consequences, dealing with homework issues and sibling rivalry, and how to improve communication with their child. Other issues and topics are also covered, based on the needs of the participants.
The one-hour sessions are conducted in Spanish and are open to any parent with a child attending Bellingham. Groups meet for 12 consecutive weeks.
If you are interested in attending the Parenting Classes or would like to inquire about setting up a similar program at your school, please contact Helena Cerny at 818-755-8786.
Agency Selected as 1st 5 LA Grantee
The Village Family Services was awarded a capacity-building grant from 1st 5 LA in November 2008. The grant, which totals nearly $150,000, will be used to upgrade the agency’s financial,  human resources and payroll systems.
“Our goal in applying for this funding was to help secure the agency’s long-term stability and success,” explains CEO Hugo Villa. “This upgrade will be a significant step towards achieving this goal, as well as ensuring continued service to our clients.”
“Our funding partners expect the highest level of financial management accountability from us, and their ongoing support is critical,” Hugo continued. “This grant will put into place the operational systems we need to manage and grow with confidence and stability.”
Funding is expected to be available March 1, 2009, although the agency has already begun the extensive planning and research involved in such a complex project. “Much work has already been done,” Hugo said. “Our team is excited and ready to go!”
The grant was awarded during the second cycle of 1st 5 LA’s Community Opportunities Fund. The intent of the fund is to strengthen programs and improve systems to provide long-term support for children and families. The agency is aligned with many of the fund’s goals, especially in the area of developing supportive parents and caregivers. Programs such as the Parenting Journey and Parent-Child Interactive Therapy were highlighted in the proposal.
The highly competitive process attracted nearly 140 nonprofit organizations throughout LA County. The Village Family Services was one of 15 agencies selected.
At The Village Family Services, we want every child to experience the joy of the holiday season. That’s why our Holiday Toy Drive is a year-round event!
Donations of toys and gift certificates are collected year-round for distribution to clients at our annual holiday event. The holiday season is an especially difficult time for the families, as they have no resources to put towards the holidays. For the children, this party and the gifts they receive are their only opportunity to experience the holiday season.
Please consider participating by donating unwrapped toys for children (ages 0-17) and gift certificates (e.g., Target, Toys-R-Us, Costco, etc.), or making a tax-deductible donation. Drop off items at our office anytime during office hours; or call us and we will arrange a pick-up.
All children and families who receive services from the agency were invited to enjoy an afternoon of ice-skating, bowling, pizza, holiday treats, and, of course, gifts from Santa. Hundreds of clients attended the party held in early December. For most, the agency party is their only opportunity to enjoy the holiday season. And, for the children, the gifts provided during this event usually are the only ones they receive. The Village Family Services is grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s Holiday Toy Drive.
To learn how you can help, click here.
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