March Program Agenda

The Council meets on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00am at the
Alpert Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted.

Program:

"Homelessness and Our Kids"

Speakers:

LeAnn Mora, MSW, PPS
School Social Worker for LBUSD's Bethune Transitional Center
Elsa Ramos
Dora Jacildo

Overview: Today, homelessness is still perceived as the veterans who have returned from fighting in a war, people who are mentally ill, and individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol.  I will bring light to another growing sector of homelessness: children.  Each year, The City of Long Beach identifies approximately 2,000 children living in hotels, motels, in cars, abandoned buildings, doubled-up with other families, and worst of all, on the streets.  Unfortunately, with California’s growing economic issues, the population of homeless children continues to grow at an alarming rate. I will share how the LBUSD Homeless Education Program collaborates with other agencies to provide services to our students experiencing homelessness.

LeAnn Mora
LeAnn Mora started her career in social services working as a treatment counselor for teenage girls at the Florence Crittenton Center in Los Angeles. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. In 2002, she earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. Upon graduation, LeAnn spent a brief time working in the Systems of Care program for Enki Youth and Family Services providing family and individual counseling to prevent the child from entering the probation or foster care system. In November of 2002, LeAnn joined the Long Beach Unified School District to be an integral part of the homeless education program, Bethune Transitional Center, as the School Social Worker.

Elsa Ramos
Elsa Ramos is the Multi-Service Center Coordinator for the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services for the past 2 years. She is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Multi-Service Center as well as the City staff located onsite.  The Multi-Service Center (MSC) is a collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services, its lead operator, and 12 nonprofit collocated agencies.  The MSC is designed to provide one-stop access to resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness within the City of Long Beach. The MSC mission is to provide comprehensive supportive services to promote progress towards permanent housing, self-sufficiency, by creating a community where health, safety, and well-being are established.  In 2008, the MSC served 7,370 contacts, a 35% increase from 2007.  Elsa Ramos has a BA in Sociology and is finishing her MA in Sociology.

Dora Jacildo
Dora Jacildo is the Executive Director of Children Today, a nonprofit agency in Long Beach dedicated to improving the care and development of young children experiencing homelessness.  The mission of Children Today is to provide community-based services to children and families facing homelessness, fostering long-term stability and success.  Dora has over 17 years of experience working with children and families in the capacity of caregiver, teacher, program coordinator, and administrator.  This May, she will receive her Master’s Degree in Human Development and Social Change.

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Opinions expressed are those of the speaker and not necessarily those of the Council and its membership.
For information about End Abuse Long Beach, please visit www.EndAbuseLB.org or contact the Program Chair:
Paul Sharpe (562) 434-1345 or email Paul@EndAbuseLB.org