“They were there for me, for my mom, for my kids.”

Through PLN’s Early Education program, Marisol’s sons thrived in the classroom while she built a network of support. When she expressed a need for mental health care, both she and Elias were referred to therapy services. When she disclosed that her family was facing possible eviction, PLN staff responded with compassion and connection, offering guidance and referrals during a time of deep uncertainty.

“They always listened,” she says. “Whatever I said I needed for my kids, they were on top of it.”

PLN’s early education model is grounded in the belief that a child’s development cannot be separated from the challenges facing their family. At our centers, we serve children from six weeks to five years through Head Start, Early Head Start, and California State Preschool programs. But our work does not stop there. Families also receive:

• Support from Family Specialists who help navigate housing, food, transportation, and more
• Access to mental health services for children and caregivers
• Developmental screenings, referrals, and early interventions
• Direct material support like diapers, groceries, and clothing
• Connections to legal services, job training, and public benefits

This wraparound model acknowledges the reality shown in LAHSA’s 2025 data [source]. Sixteen percent of all homeless families are chronically unhoused, meaning they face long-term, compounded barriers like mental illness, trauma, and systemic poverty.

PLN’s integrated services help families interrupt that cycle. By building trust and responding to the full scope of a family’s needs, we help create stability even when housing remains uncertain.

The Road Ahead

Recently, Diego and Elias transitioned from Cypress to another PLN center. The shift has been difficult. Elias, in particular, has struggled with the change: tearful drop-offs, disrupted sleep, and anxiety. But Marisol remains hopeful.

“Cypress was incredible,” she says. “I always felt heard. I could say what we needed, and they were on top of it. I’m hoping we find that same support at the new site.”

At Para Los Niños, we know that strong early education is not just about ABCs and 123s. It is about listening to families, responding to their needs, and standing beside them when systems fall short. As more families in Los Angeles face housing instability, our role becomes even more urgent.

Because families like Marisol’s are not just looking for shelter. They are looking for connection, for trust, and for the opportunity to build something better. For themselves and for their children.

***

At Para Los Niños, we remain deeply committed to ensuring children, youth, and families have the opportunity to thrive. This means providing space where our communities feel safe regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or immigration status.
 
Recent immigration enforcement actions near our schools, early education centers and clinical service offices undermine our ability to achieve this by creating an environment of fear and uncertainty for our staff, scholars and their families. In accordance with the law, all children in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a free and appropriate public education. We will continue to defend that right with all of the resources at our disposal.
 
Students deserve safety; communities deserve care. This is neither controversial nor negotiable.

Consider donating to The Para Los Ninos Staff & Family Emergency Support Fund which provides direct and immediate support to families impacted by immigration enforcement and the fear of separation. All donations will go straight to PLN families (or families of PLN Staff). Funds will be used for :