April is a special time dedicated to celebrating and supporting children on the autism spectrum, as it marks Autism Awareness Month. This month-long observance is a chance for communities to come together, raise awareness, promote understanding, and show appreciation for the unique strengths and talents of children with autism spectrum disorder. There is no end to the ways communities can focus on children during Autism Awareness Month and create inclusive and supportive environments for them.

For decades, educators, parents, community groups, and government agencies have viewed drug and alcohol awareness as a priority for young people. Today, drug and alcohol use continues to loom large – and the stakes are higher than ever, with overdose rates at an all-time high. As guardians of their well-being, it’s imperative to equip young individuals with essential awareness about the risks associated with substance use. The team at Maryvale believes that drug and alcohol awareness is vital...

Topics: substance abuse

In the formative years of early childhood, from birth to five years old, children’s minds are like sponges, eagerly soaking up new information from their surroundings. In addition to learning how to make decisions and function socioemotionally, children begin to evaluate complex situations and lay the cognitive groundwork for early childhood education during their early development.  

Topics: Early Education

Calling all golf fans – there has never been a better way to give back to the community while enjoying a round of golf at the South Hills Country Club in sunny West Covina. 

Topics: Restoring Hope Golf Classic

Do you remember the days of sounding out words and reading aloud in class? Whether you’re a proud bookworm or casual reader, reading plays a powerful role in all of our lives. That’s why we’re thrilled to recognize Read Across America Day, an important touchstone that helps us reflect on the importance of books in children’s lives. Children can start to read independently by age seven or eight. Beyond these years, reading skills are important to a child’s ability to succeed in school and...

Topics: Read Across America

This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a time to confront pervasive issues around how food and body image issues impact people, especially teenage girls and women. Eating disorders are increasingly common among children and teens and can have devastating effects that start during youth and last a lifetime. Observing Eating Disorder Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together, raise awareness, and support those affected by eating disorders.

Topics: eating disorder

At Maryvale, we are proponents of a trauma-informed mental health approach and believe in the power of going beyond addressing symptoms to foster genuine empathy and understanding. We work with some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable populations, and we see firsthand the effect trauma has on people’s lives – especially for children. When a person is the victim of a violent attack, sexual assault, a traumatic accident, or the witness of a sudden, shocking event, it can be difficult to imagine them...

Topics: trauma informed care

Eating healthy food and enjoying a nourished, energetic body may seem like simple facts of life. Unfortunately, for many young people, having a straightforward relationship with food is difficult. Our culture puts outsized pressure on physical appearances, and unrealistic beauty standards abound. As a result, adolescents often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between self-acceptance and norms that are completely detached from reality. Unfortunately, many teens resort to eating...

Topics: eating disorder

As young people grow up, their mental wellness is constantly evolving and responding to the world around them. The challenges young people face are intricate and unique, shaped by a complex variety of societal, technological, and personal factors. For educators and caregivers, it’s important to note that mental health disorders can manifest at any stage of life, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In honor of Children’s Mental Health Week, we’re interested in deepening our...

Topics: Children's Mental Health Awarness

Every year, National Birth Defects Prevention Month reminds us to stay aware of birth defects – parents deserve to be empowered with information to promote healthy pregnancies. As we join in efforts this month to facilitate prevention and education, it’s crucial for parents to be well-informed about the factors that contribute to congenital disabilities and the steps they can take to increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. 

Topics: Birth Defects