Drew Furedi, Ed.D
Marjorie Ehrich Lewis
Ability to Thrive Through Hardship
Long before the pandemic, Para Los Niños established its approach to support the whole child within the context of the family. Accordingly, PLN social workers, case managers, therapists, occupational therapists, and other staff collaborate to prepare students and their families for success in the classroom and beyond. With this foundation in place, and a focus on amplifying comprehensive mental health care and social-emotional supports for students and families as they returned to in-person learning, PLN’s Charter Elementary School (CES) witnessed fantastic results for 3rd to 5th graders in math and English compared to schools across Los Angeles and the state.
We were ahead in so many ways before the pandemic to support our families with social emotional skills and resources, and when the pandemic started in 2020, PLN was ready to do a lot and mobilized fervently,” CES Principal Norma Silva says of PLN’s model and response to support students and families.
Despite PLN’s system of supports, returning to in-person learning after over 18 months of virtual instruction was challenging. CES fourth grade teacher Ms. Gabriela Cardenas remembers starting off the year feeling very anxious, “They [students] seemed behind, but we saw it as an opportunity,” she recalls. “You see where they’re at and where they need to be, and it frustrates you. ‘How can I best support them to get to where they need to be or at least close to where they need to be?’”
“Instilled in us from day one was [the idea that] we are moving forward,” says fellow CES fourth grade teacher Ms. Mayra Carrasco. Adopting a mindset among teachers and students that embraced growth was key to transitioning back into the classroom. Ms. Carrasco shares, “They came in with the mindset that they know they forgot this, or ‘I should have logged in more,’ but we wanted them to have more of a growth mindset.” So, teachers encouraged students to move forward without self-reproach, “‘You might not [know] yet, but we will work to learn.’ Adding that word ‘yet’ is very important,” says Ms. Carrasco.
Another key to enabling students to move forward was dedicating ample time and space to social emotional learning (SEL). PLN has always featured a comprehensive integrated SEL curriculum in its approach. In the 2021-2022 school year, students needed social emotional tools more than ever to help process their emotions and develop vocabulary to express themselves.
The benefit of meeting students at their level and prioritizing social-emotional needs was unmistakable: student welfare as well as test scores improved. “It’s not just test taking – we were striving for students to feel good about themselves,” says Ms. Cardenas. One of her students, Samantha (pseudonym), underwent a particular transformation. Samantha was not active in virtual learning; but when she joined Ms. Cardenas’s class on campus, Ms. Cardenas saw in Samantha a bubbly child eager to connect. “There was so much that was bottled up inside; and at that age, it’s hard to know how to share or express,” says Ms. Cardenas. With Ms. Cardenas’s support, the classroom became a space for Samantha to be open and heard. By the end of the year, Samantha was confident enough to share her poetry on stage at PLN’s annual benefit.
CES teachers shared they were still nervous at the start of the 2022-2023 school year, but the motivation of the students fills them with excitement and promise. “Do we have our work cut out? We certainly do, but we expect our students to have a growth mindset and as teachers, we will strive to be there as best we can,” says Ms. Cardenas.
Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade at PLN’s CES tested better in math and English than students in many schools across Los Angeles—and even the entire state. PLN’s focus on amplifying social-emotional supports for students and families while continuing to pursue academic excellence was a major contributor to students’ success.
Due to a pause in mandatory state testing because of the coronavirus pandemic, spring 2022 was the first time in three years that students in grades 3-8 and 11 were expected to take the annual California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The graphs below show our CES students’ test results compared to the average results of students across Los Angeles Unified School District and the state of California. The achievements of our CES students are remarkable, particularly in light of the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on our families, communities, and schools.
Mathematics 2021 CAASPP
In the midst of national declines in mathematics scores, 3rd and 4th graders at CES showed remarkable success even outperforming their peers throughout Los Angeles and the state of California.
English Language Arts (ELA) 2021 CAASPP
CES approaches language arts instruction with a focus on culturally relevant pedagogy and practices which resulted in increased student engagement and ownership. CES students demonstrated success at higher rate than 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in schools across Los Angeles and California.
Education
We provide high-quality academic and social-emotional education that fosters creative problem-solving and innovation in order to promote school readiness.
Support
We provide social-emotional wraparound support to parents and our communities to promote well-being, and support students’ academic and social success.
Partner
We partner with and uplift communities that connect children, youth, and families to education and resources to lead and succeed. We engage in advocacy and policy efforts to improve service delivery systems.
17,606
Hours of mental health sessions for children, youth, and families
100%
Of youth enrolled in case management completed job readiness training and financial education
~1 million
Dollars distributed to 144 youth through stipends and scholarships in our Angeleno Corps program alone
20,000+
Food boxes provided to families across our Best Start Region 1 and PILA initiatives
20%
Higher CAASPP Math scores for Charter Elementary School 3rd Graders than LAUSD
4,465
Children and families received education and support from our Student & Community Services teams
Highlights of 2021-2022
While the year posed new challenges, there were many moments to celebrate and opportunities to support our families like never before.
Para Los Niños Recognized by Congressional Leaders
Over the past 40 years, Para Los Niños has established itself as a trustworthy partner and notable leader in Los Angeles’s education and social service sectors. Nevertheless, it is a great honor to be recognized by members of the U.S. House of Representatives who work alongside us each day to improve the lives of our communities. In spring of 2021, PLN was selected to receive funding for two community projects: one in the 28th congressional district represented by Adam Schiff and one in the 34th congressional district represented by Jimmy Gomez.
Congress reintroduced community funding projects in 2021: “To meet urgent needs of communities across the United States, the House Appropriations Committee has invited Members of Congress to request funding for projects in their communities. These requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules.” From hundreds of submissions, each congressional representative selected 10 projects in their district to receive funding.
Representative Adam Schiff awarded PLN $350,000 to hire additional therapists for PLN Early Education Centers. In May 2022, Representative Schiff toured PLN’s Early Head Start Center on Vine in Hollywood, where he played with toddlers, learned about PLN’s early education model, and heard from PLN staff and families about how PLN has supported them throughout the pandemic.
Two months later, in July 2022, Representative Gomez held a press conference at PLN’s Youth Workforce Services (YWS) Center in MacArthur Park to formally present $350,000 in federal funding. The grant from Representative Gomez will be used to hire career advisors and enroll youth in workforce development courses at PLN’s YWS centers in MacArthur
Park and East LA. “As a soon-to-be dad, I want to see my child succeed in everything he does – and that all starts with ensuring he receives the support he needs to learn and grow,” said Congressman Gomez at the conference. “Para Los Niños has helped many young people stay in school and enter the workforce, and I’m proud to secure $350,000 in federal funding to expand their services to meet the needs of our community.”
These visits and grants are a testament to the remarkable work of PLN staff who maintain a high-level of excellence in preparing our children and youth for their future in school, work, and life.
“It’s become very apparent to me during the course of the pandemic, what an endemic we have of mental health challenges facing young people. Investing into children’s emotional well-being pays enormous dividends through the rest of their lives. I’m very grateful for the work that you do and valuing our younger children’s lives.”
–Congressman Adam B. Schiff Representative (D-CA 28th District)
Join the Para Los Niños Futuro Family
Donating real estate, stocks, or other assets in return for a series of regular payments, naming Para Los Niños as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or gifting other liquid or non-liquid assets are all powerful ways to benefit the future of Para Los Niños, and potentially receive generous tax benefits.
Joining the Para Los Niños Futuro Family ensures the sustainability of our organization in a way that affirms your values and introduces you to a society of fellow generous and forward-thinking donors. It’s easy to do, and all levels of giving are welcome.
Consult with your financial advisor to discuss your options and contact us at futurofamily@paralosninos.org to learn more. Your support of our mission will be long remembered and change the lives of children, youth, and families for years to come.
Join today!
The Cotton on Group (COG) fosters community partnerships that focus on global healthcare, community empowerment, and education and mentorship to drive positive change across the
globe. At PLN, COG works closely with Charter Middle School to host two of the most highly anticipated events of the year: Back to School Day and the 8th grade winter formal.
At Back to School Day, COG employees play games and participate in team-building exercises for prizes with students. In addition, COG offers incoming 6th graders backpacks brimming with school supplies. At winter formal, COG turns a conventional dance into a full-blown party, complete with a DJ, bubble machine, and refreshments. Jessica reflects, “The events that we are lucky enough to support year after year are something that we all look forward to and [we] hope to continue growing our relationship with the students, staff, and entire PLN family in the future.”
PLN was introduced to COG in 2007 by PLN board member and President and General Manager of Cotton On USA, Mark Pan. Since then, the impact of COG on our youth and families has been tremendous. We are incredibly grateful for the presence, heart, and financial support COG offers us year after year. Thank you, Cotton On Group, for your unfailing love and support for PLN’s mission and youth.
“Making a positive difference in people’s lives is our purpose at COG and that goes beyond our own. Everyone on our team that has had the opportunity to be a part of this partnership takes so much away from the experience personally.”
– Jessica Lawson, Cotton On Group, USA People Team
Donor Spotlight
Aviva Weiner started supporting Para Los Niños in its earliest days, bringing donations to Skid Row in the mid-80s. Over a decade later, Aviva spotted an ad for a PLN Charter School and was intrigued. With a little digging, she was pleased to confirm that the school was operated by the same Para Los Niños she knew, though it had grown to serve many more children and families. She made a point to give during PLN fundraisers and to stay in the loop on PLN’s continued growth and impact.
Several years ago, Aviva started volunteering in classrooms to read with students. “I love being with the kids and knowing I’m helping build their literacy skills,” Aviva shares, “I think literacy will change the world.” Students and teachers alike were touched by Aviva’s kind, supportive approach and eagerly await her classroom visits.
“When I walked through the school the first time and saw how focused all the children were, I was really impressed. When PLN does food bag distributions and all the outreach programs for families–they’re realizing children don’t live in a vacuum. You need to help children for the whole 24 hours. I love that PLN approaches it that way.
It’s so important to broaden a child’s world. PLN is always working to take children on trips and exposing them to the world of knowledge and culture–to help them see they have choices as adults, and not limit their aspirations.
These enlightened children will each help more children, and they will grow up to help even more. We can snowball caring about ourselves and others and being respectful of our world.”
– Aviva Wiener, Para Los Niños donor since 1984, volunteer, and Futuro Family member
Recently, Aviva also joined the PLN Futuro
Family—solidifying her commitment to PLN
children and families for years to come.
Angeleno Corps
We were honored and excited to help the LA mayor’s office launch Angeleno Corps during the 2021-2022 school year. As a longtime partner of the City of Los Angeles, PLN was an obvious choice to help the city execute its plan to support young Angelenos disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. In fact, PLN’s Youth Workforce Services team supported over one quarter of the corps’ inaugural class.
Angeleno Corps offers youth from underserved neighborhoods the opportunity to earn a paycheck, gain work experience, and serve communities in need. PLN’s Youth Workforce Services (YWS) team had the privilege of leading the Angeleno Corps program in Central and East LA, supporting 144 youths throughout the 10-month program. Consequently, YWS staff assisted youth in the work experience application process, encouraged educational growth through weekly workshops,
and offered individual guidance as many program participants navigated their first foray into the workforce.
Christopher was a member of the Angeleno Corps’ inaugural class assisted by PLN. He heard about the program at East Los Angeles College and was anxious but excited by the opportunity to obtain his first internship. YWS career advisor Giselle Hernandez-Alvarado (a PLN alum) helped Christopher develop his resume and secure a placement at PLN’s very own Gratts Primary Center.
Christopher was assigned to a 2nd-grade classroom, where he quickly noticed the impact he was having. “I felt that I made a difference with them and was able to see how they had grown through the work we had done,” he shares. Christopher knew his role was to support the class’s staff and students but was surprised to realize how much they impacted him in turn.
“The experience was very heart touching,” Christopher recalls. “Ms. Pineda, the second-grade teacher, helped me break out my shell and feel confident. The whole experience changed me and how I look and do things and changed the way I respond to things.”
Christopher’s experience was so profound that he is now considering changing his major from engineering to education. “It was amazing,” Christopher says of his time at GPC. “It was actually an hour away by bus every morning and I would wake up with a smile knowing I would be seeing those kids again.”
This experience was common according to YWS career advisor Giselle. The Corps enabled youth to expand their horizons but still stay on track after a tough transition from virtual experiences to in-person work and school, “A common theme I heard from my youth was that they felt supported. They felt that being a part of Angeleno Corps made the transition a lot smoother for them because they had someone to go to during this sudden transition ‘back to reality,’” says Giselle.
Each year, PLN finds new ways to connect youth to education and resources that nurture personal growth and inspire big dreams.
To learn more about our initiatives for youth, check out our YWS page here.
