SAN FERNANDO VALLEY REFUGEE CHILDREN CENTER INC

The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes, specifically to secure legal representation and social services for children and their families who have come to the United States seeking refuge from the violence in their countries of birth. Organization Mission: Part III Statement of Program Service AccomplishmentsMission:The Refugee Children Center (RCC) provides a healing embrace and dignified welcome to refugee children and families who journeyed from Meso and South America through the U.S.Mexico border. RCC supports their transition to life in the United States through a holistic, trauma-informed approach that addresses legal, social, and emotional needs while fostering resilience, belonging, and community connection.Program Accomplishments for 2024:RCC continued to serve refugee and immigrant families in the San Fernando Valley through integrated legal, social, and educational support programs.1. Immigration Legal Services Under Department of Justice (DOJ) Recognition and Accreditation, RCC provided 216 immigration-related services, including assistance with asylum, SIJS, and related applications. Twenty-five participants received pro bono legal consultations, and six families secured representation through pro bono and low bono attorneys. RCC also supported 22 families in completing and submitting USCIS applications and translated 22 legal documents from Spanish to English.2. Social and Supportive ServicesRCC offered wraparound support such as mental health referrals, crisis intervention, Medi-Cal enrollment, rent and food assistance, and housing support. These efforts promoted family stability and wellness for 215 active participants, including 50 new families.3. Early Childhood and Family EnrichmentRCC launched Nuevos Comienzos (New Beginnings), an early childhood education drop-in program focused on play-based learning, parent workshops, and wellness support.4. Children and Youth ProgramsRCC hosted 12 art therapy and youth empowerment sessions, a week-long spring break program, and ongoing tutoring and music lessons to nurture self-expression and learning. Over 8,900 meals were served through partnerships with Nest Global and Go Campaign.5. Caregiver and Community Engagement Through Cooking for the Soul and wellness workshops, caregivers led sessions celebrating traditional foods and cultural practices. Over 200 caregiver sessions promoted leadership, mindfulness, and community connection.6. Healing and Wellness in the Community GardenLaunched in June 2024, RCCs community garden offers families a safe space for reflection and environmental education. Participants cultivate traditional crops, learn composting, and preserve heirloom seeds through RCCs Seed Library, fostering Indigenous food sovereignty and sustainability.Looking Forward:RCC remains committed to expanding its holistic model of care, deepening partnerships, and strengthening early childhood and garden programming to continue fostering hope, dignity, and belonging for refugee and immigrant families rebuilding their lives in Los Angeles.