Los Angeles,CA

WHAT’S THE 2-1-1? National Caregivers Month💙📞 Happy National Caregivers Month from 211 LA! November is National Family Caregivers Month, but 211 LA and our partners work all year to raise awareness about caregiver needs and services in Los Angeles County. Caregivers often help their loved ones with tasks like dressing, bathing, cleaning, going to doctor’s appointments, giving medicine, and handling money—in addition to handling personal responsibilities. Without the proper support, these responsibilities can cause physical and mental strain. We know that Latino caregivers face special challenges. Many spend the most time each month caring for loved ones but are the least likely to ask for help. Some don’t know about available resources, while others worry they won’t find the right support or feel unsure about reaching out. Compared to other caregivers, Hispanic and Latino caregivers experience the highest financial burden, with Latina women spending the most (56% of their annual income) on caregiving duties. To address these needs, AARP teamed up with 211 LA and the USC Family Caregiver Support Center (FCSC) to launch Ayudando a Quien Ayuda (Helping the Helper) in 2019. In 2023, 211 LA helped 1,657 caregivers through this program. Helping the Helper is a bilingual program that connects Latino caregivers with ongoing assistance, guidance, and essential resources to help them manage stress and maintain their health while caring for loved ones. Start by calling 211 LA to speak with a bilingual operator. They will tell you more about the program and connect you to helpful services like the Family Caregiver Support Center (FCSC). A skilled Family Care Navigator will follow up within a few days to create a plan that meets your unique needs. Taking care of a loved one also means taking care of yourself. Discover how you can find support below. Who is eligible?  Caregivers must be assisting a family member or close friend over the age of 50 who is living with one or more health conditions. Caregivers must reside or provide care within Los Angeles Supervisorial District 1 (Click here to see a map of District 1) This program also serves family caregivers who care for a person of any age with a brain or neurological impairment diagnosed after age 18, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or stroke. AARP membership is not required Connect with help and learn more:  Dial 2-1-1 and ask for Helping the Helper to learn how they can help you Additional information in English: aarp.org/helpingthehelper  Additional information in Spanish: aarp.org/ayudandoaquienayuda FIND FAMILY CAREGIVER GUIDES    Every Day is a Great Day to Quit Smoking Kick the habit with #LennytheLungs. Did you know that quitting nicotine can lower stress, anxiety, and depression in the long run? The CDC says many adult smokers don’t get the help they need to quit for good. That’s where Kick It CA (KIC) comes in. With more than 30 years of clinical research and proven behavior change methods, KIC is a free tobacco cessation program that uses a personalized, one-on-one approach to help Californians quit nicotine. Since April 2021, 211 LA has made over 70,000 referrals to KIC! When you call 211 LA for help quitting, we’ll first check if you qualify for the program. If you do, we’ll ask if you want KIC to call you and offer help to quit nicotine. If you agree, we’ll collect your information and securely send it to KIC. Within two business days, KIC will call you to sign you up. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes, and you can either start coaching right away or pick a later date. A Quit Coach will talk with you one-on-one to learn your reasons for quitting and your goals. Together, you’ll create a plan that fits your needs. This may include nicotine patches or gum, self-help guides, and tips to change your habits. Your Quit Coach will also check in with you during the first two weeks to help you prevent relapse and assure you’re never alone. They can adjust your plan if needed. Get ahead of your New Year’s resolution because everyday is a great day to quit nicotine. Complete your first coaching session and earn a $20 gift card as a reward! Who’s eligible? This program is for individuals who are 18 and older who smoke cigarettes, vape, or consume other nicotine and tobacco products. You may be qualified if you live with someone who uses tobacco products.  How to apply?    Click here to submit our online form, or visit kickitca.org for more information. If you do not have access to the internet, dial 2-1-1 for assistance.  LEARN MORE  211 LA in the News! Last month, the Los Angeles Sentinel’s Billy Montgomery sat down with Yolie Anguiano, 211 LA’s Director of Anti-Hate Programs, to discuss the role of CA vs. Hate in our community. CA vs. Hate is a statewide program designed to support victims of hate, whether it is physical or verbal hate. Its network comprises many partnerships, namely 211 LA, the California Civil Rights Department, CA 211 Providers Network, and Community-Based Organizations.  Support from CA vs. Hate can look like victim services, legal aid, and mental health resources, Montgomery writes. The program also takes proactive measures by improving hate incident and crime reporting, and gathering data to enhance hate crimes prevention and response.  Anguiano and our partners understand that callers may be reluctant to report hate, especially if they are undocumented individuals or have a history of trauma. In order to establish trust and build culturally competent support, Montgomery says, CA vs. Hate collaborates with community cornerstones that already serve targeted groups like faith-based organizations. Anguiano assures readers that through the program’s commitment to inclusivity, individuals who report hate to CA vs. Hate will be heard and supported. CA vs Hate is not run by the police, and your report will not be shared with law enforcement without your consent. We will only connect you with law enforcement if you request it.  “We want the person to know their options and feel empowered. If they want to file a police report but don’t know where to start, we’ll help them. We’ll even call the precinct with them and make sure their identity is respected.” — Anguiano to the Sentinel Thank you to Billy Montgomery and the Los Angeles Sentinel for spotlighting the work that makes CA vs. Hate possible for our Care Coordinators and individuals in need of support! Discover how we’re building bridges and read the full story below. Any victim of or witness to a hate incident or crime in California can report it and receive support any time. If you are outside of Los Angeles County, please dial (833) 866-4283 (833-8-NO-HATE) to receive support. If you are within Los Angeles County, please dial 2-1-1 to receive support. READ THE FULL STORY   Celebrating I&R Providers Everywhere #NationalIRDay Information and Referral (I&R) providers are crucial to the inner workings of every community. Every day, I&R providers nationwide make a profound difference by connecting individuals and families to essential resources. From mental health services and support for aging or disabilities to housing assistance and food resources, I&R providers tackle the wide spectrum of the human experience with empathy and nuance.  These providers include government agencies at the entry level, faith-based organizations, libraries, and nonprofits, including Los Angeles County’s own 211 LA! As a leading I&R provider, 211 LA is here to support millions of residents. In fact, our team provided information and referrals to more than 1.3 million people in 2023 through multiple access points, including phone, website, email, online chat, text chat, and community outreach.  Earlier this year, 211 LA was awarded Accreditation with Honors by InformUSA, the professional credentialing organization for the I&R sector. This was the first time an accreditation was given with an “Honors” distinction. InformUSA sets the industry standard, and through their evaluation of our services, they have recognized 211 LA’s excellence in call quality, resource database maintenance and submission, and the efficiency of our referrals.  As the driving force behind program accreditation and practitioner certification for I&R services, InformUSA helps ensure that I&R providers nationwide deliver the highest resource referral and connection services standards. We are honored to receive this accreditation and will continue our commitment to exemplary service for LA County’s residents. Information and Referral Day is a reminder that no one should have to face these everyday challenges alone. We celebrate I&R providers across America for working compassionately and tirelessly to help members of their communities live their best lives. On behalf of 211 LA, thank you to the individuals who look to us for positive change in their lives. Your trust is invaluable and the foundation of our relationships.  Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month On Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month, 211 LA is thinking of the thousands of individuals who face hunger and homelessness every day, as well as the resources and services that can make a difference in those communities. We want to take this opportunity to share with you the state of hunger and homelessness in Los Angeles County, where you or a loved one can find help, and how you can do your part this fall season.  How does hunger impact Los Angeles County? *A USC Dornsife study found that young adults (individuals 40 and under) were 5 times more likely to be both nutrition and food insecure than older adults (individuals 65 and older) Latino and Black communities are disproportionately impacted by hunger in Los Angeles County, according to a Public Exchange study from 2023 The USDA cites lack of nutritious food is a leading cause of death in America  *The USC Dornsife study was conducted among 1,000 adults in LA County between December 2022 and January 2023.  How does homelessness impact Los Angeles County? *Compared to last year, homelessness in the county has decreased by 0.27%, while the city of Los Angeles has experienced a 2.2% decrease in homelessness, reports the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) *In the same LAHSA report, a majority of people (54%) who became unhoused in the last year cited economic hardship as one of the main reasons for losing their housing The population of unhoused individuals in the city of Los Angeles only is roughly equal to the population of Palm Springs, California (45,000+) *The 2024 LAHSA Homeless Count was conducted between January 23 – 25, 2024.    Community Resources & Opportunities Looking for ways to get involved with your community this November and beyond? 211 LA has compiled a list of resources to receive assistance and provide assistance:  Where do I find support for myself or someone else?  LA Food Bank: To locate a food pantry near you, click this link to use LA Food Bank’s pantry locator.  For bathing and hot meals:  Resource: The Midnight Mission Phone: (213) 624-9258 Address: 601 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90014  For clothing, laundry, showers, and charging stations: Resource: Skid Row Community Refresh Spot  Phone: (213) 207-6889 Address: 544 Towne Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013 For women’s only services: Resource: Downtown Women’s Center Phone: (213) 680-0600  Address: 442 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 For hygiene services, laundry, and clothing: Resource: St. Francis Center Phone: (213) 747-5347  Address: 1835 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90015 Please dial 2-1-1 for additional resources and services related to hunger and homelessness.  How can I support my community?  To learn more about helping the Los Angeles Regional Bank glean, sort, and box food:  Resource: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank  Phone: (323) 234-3030 Address: 1734 East 41st St., Los Angeles, CA 90058 To learn more about donation appointments for clothing, essential items, or baggage: Resource: Downtown Women’s Center Email: Donategoods@downtownwomenscenter.org.  Address: 442 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 To learn more about helping with food preparation and donations:  Resource: Our Big Kitchen Phone: (213) 213-5961 Address: 8657 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035 To donate clothes:  Resource: The Midnight Mission Phone: (213) 624-9258 Address: 601 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90014   RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT Want to quit smoking or vaping? Kick It California can help! Kick It California offers services, from one-on-one Quit Coaching to text programs and self-help materials. You can quit smoking; Kick It California will show you how. Dial 2-1-1 to learn how to get your free Quit Plan and an extra $20. Click here to get started. Did you happen to know? SoCalGas can help with your next bill through available Assistance Programs. Apply Today to See if you qualify! Through the CARE program, you may be eligible for 20% off your monthly natural gas bill. 211 LA is a core service partner of the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). Are you or someone you know an older adult or someone who identifies with a disability and needs help connecting to services? Dial 2-1-1 and ask about ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Connection) services.       You have received this email because of previous connections to 211 LA. WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU. 211 LA County | San Gabriel, CA | 211LA.org 211 LA County | P.O. Box 726 | San Gabriel, CA 91778 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice