Being a teen is complicated. Adolescence is a time when self-identity and self-esteem are in constant flux, and the intertwining issues of bullying and body shaming have emerged as critical concerns. The teenage years are marked by vulnerability and a quest for acceptance and can be marred by the harmful effects of these interconnected problems. At the root of this is a profound link between bullying and body shaming, which has a severe impact on teens.

Topics: Bullying, Body Shaming

It’s officially the holiday season! At Maryvale, we love feeling the joy, celebration, and spirit of giving that comes with December, Advent, and the Christmas holiday. We also take this time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to provide meaningful programs and services to Los Angeles’ vulnerable communities. 

Topics: volunteers

Tanya was born and raised in New York. She did not have a relationship with her father, and her mother was an addict who was incapable of caring for her and her siblings. When Tanya was just 7 years old, she and her siblings became wards of the court and were placed into the foster care system. Tanya battled with her own drug addiction and spent time in juvenile detention centers. When she became an adult, Tanya moved to California to escape a very volatile domestic violence situation, she...

There is no doubt that homelessness is a crisis and is reaching a fever pitch in Los Angeles. However, the situation’s causes and impacts are less readily understood. Some influential reports share how well-to-do Californians are creating ‘home invasion plans’ to survive a spike in crime. Our Governor blames political stagnation for the ‘disgrace’ that is California homelessness. 

Topics: Homelessness

Do you experience a blend of joyful anticipation and dread around the holidays? If the season feels complicated to you, or if you feel stressed, anxious, and depleted all December, you aren’t alone. While it may not be talked about as often as gift-buying or attending holiday parties, it is essential for families to prioritize mental health to make this time as positive and enjoyable as possible. 

Topics: Holiday Stress

November is National Homelessness Month, a time to dedicate ourselves and our communities to raising awareness about the issue of homelessness and its impact on individuals and communities. This observance is significant to Maryvale, where we have made it our mission to protect and care for unhoused people – especially mothers and children – for over 165 years. National Homelessness Month asks us all to recognize that homelessness is a significant issue affecting many individuals and families...

Topics: Homelessness

Emotional wellness is a practice and a process that is worth taking time to explore, no matter your age. With more than 50 million Americans dealing with some sort of mental illness, it is vital to consider the practices people can incorporate into their daily lives to promote positivity, feelings of joy, connection, and strength. Culture can often focus on the many things going wrong in the world, and it takes a dedicated practice of cultivated care to prepare people of all ages and with all...

Topics: Emotional Wellness

Halloween is just a couple of weeks away! We love this holiday for all its fun, spooky wonders – children get to explore their creativity through costumes and Halloween crafts, and families can create special rituals, from trick-or-treating to block parties to decorating their porches. 

Topics: Halloween Safety

If you injure your leg and need crutches, there is no question that it will take you longer to get around and that you’ll need to rely on loved ones to help you with day-to-day tasks. While mental health disorders tend to be less evident than physical injury, they deserve our attention and our willingness to slow down and ask for help. Depression is the most common mental health disorder, with more than 280 million people worldwide who have had documented instances of depression and many more...

Topics: Depression

Did you know that 1 in 700 children is born with Down Syndrome? Maryvale is proud to honor Down Syndrome Awareness Month, observed in October each year. This special moment is an opportunity for you, your family, and our entire community to raise awareness about Down syndrome, promote inclusion, and support individuals with Down syndrome. 

Topics: Down's Syndrome