Did you know that up to 27 million people are victims of human trafficking throughout the world? As we observe Human Trafficking Prevention Month, it’s crucial to shed light on this pervasive and devastating crime that affects millions of young lives. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, and understanding its dynamics is the first step toward prevention. 

Topics: Human Trafficking

January is Mental Wellness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting overall well-being. For families, this presents a unique opportunity to come together and prioritize well-being and healing. For families, this can be a powerful time to focus on open communication, connection, and creating a supportive environment for mental health at home and in relationships. Here are ten ways families can observe this special month.

Topics: mental wellness month

As the new year approaches, we have a unique opportunity to enjoy a sense of renewal and growth. It feels like standard practice for adults to set intentions or resolutions; goal setting is equally valuable for young children and teenagers. There are all kinds of benefits of instilling the habit of goal setting in the hearts and minds of the younger generation, fostering personal development, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. For starters, goal-setting provides young people with a...

The clock is days away from ticking down to the final moments of the year! As the anticipation of New Year’s Eve builds, we look forward to a shared atmosphere of celebration and reflection. For families with children, how will you make the transition to the new year memorable and safe for children? We’ve prepared some creative and child-friendly ideas to help you enjoy a joyous, child-safe New Year’s Eve celebration that the whole family can cherish.

Topics: Child Safety

As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement, warmth, and the promise of joy. Against this cheerful background, it is crucial to prioritize child safety, especially considering that December is also Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. Whenever you give gifts to young children this holiday season, keep in mind that the gift of safety is just as important as the joy a present brings.

Topics: Child Safety

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