It’s time for some tough conversations

10.2023

Amplifying Voices

Fostering Conversation and Connection in the Inland Empire

Hello friends,

This month we’re focused on family, and on how difficult it can be to have really important conversations with those we love.

I had a wonderful discussion with Omar Gonzalez-Valentino stemming from the recent notification policies being enacted in our schools, where some children are essentially being “outed” at home before they’re ready. We talked about some tactics families can employ to ensure open lines of communication, and to help kids struggling to talk with us about delicate things feel more comfortable in doing so. Similarly, our board member, Evita Limon-Rocha appeared on Good Day LA to discuss how parents can communicate with kids about the current war in Israel/Gaza.

Reach Out’s mission is about building community, and we know that the most important bonds in our community begin at home. If you are ever interested in learning more about our work or would like to inquire about funding, I hope you’ll reach out.

Warmly,

Our Thoughts

Supporting Families

⏲ 4 minute read

Helping Families Talk About Gender Identity

This month, Diana had a conversation with Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, M.S., LMFT, LPCC about the recent policies hotly debated locally about gender identity notifications and our schools. These policies sparked a much broader conversation around the topics of trust and communications within families. There is a new blog on our site focused on this critical idea–and recognizing that conversations around gender identity and sexuality can be very complicated. Find some good advice and some critical resources on our site.

Read Now →

Supporting Families

⏲ 4 minute read

Perfect Parents vs. Nurturing Parents

This month the blog approaches the idea of becoming a “nurturing parent,” which is something we focus on in our Nurturing Families program. How can we rise to the challenge of being good parents? What does being a good parent even mean? Visit the blog, where we talk with Director Karen Nutt and Program Manager Alejandra Arias about the program and about some tips readers can apply immediately in their own parenting.

Read Now →

Supporting Families

⏲ 5 minute watch

Talking to Kids About the War in Israel & Gaza

The images of war and destruction are impossible to avoid online and on television right now. How does seeing these images affect our kids? Dr. Limon-Rocha, pediatric psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente and Reach Out board member appeared on Good Day LA to offer suggestions about how to talk with children about scary things going on in the world. Her main tip? To create space for these conversations and ask open-ended questions that let our kids tell us what they’re thinking about. Watch the interview here!

What’s stopping adoption of the Intervention Specialist program in local high school districts?

How do you build trust with your kids?

Program Spotlight

Children do not need perfect families, they need Nurturing Families. Our program provides family activities to allow them to bond in a positive and nurturing environment.

Reach Out offers a series of trusted evidenced based parenting programs with fun and interactive classes for parents who want to learn about:

Encouraging positive behaviors
Empathy
Empowerment
Respectful communication
and more!

“I’ve worked with Reach Out six years now, and I’m very passionate about the work that we do. I’ve been lucky to see the impact of this program because the families we work with remain part of the Reach Out family, and I get to see them through the years when they come to events and reconnect and see where they are now.”

Alejandra Arias

Program Manager

Partner Spotlight

Children’s Fund

Realizing that children "in the system" were not always getting their needs met, Children's Fund was created as a non-profit organization to be able to serve the children in our county who are in the most need of our support.

Children’s Fund works with Reach Out and the Nurturing Families program to offer additional support where needed. In the past, Children’s Fund has adopted families during the holidays, but they offer support to children year round, assisting with everything from housing and furniture for families to services and resources for children experiencing poverty and neglect.

Check out Children’s Fund

Other Happenings

This year, we welcomed more than 3,500 community members on Saturday, October 21 at Rancho Jurupa Regional Park for our annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. During this event, the park transformed into a vibrant tapestry of culture, remembrance, and community.

The 2nd Annual Dia de los Muertos Jurupa Valley was a family-driven, local event that provided space for the community to unite in celebrating the lives of their passed loved ones, and to commemorate Jurupa Valley’s rich history. Attendees enjoyed an exciting mix of activities at this year’s event including art exhibits, altars, food vendors, live music, Escaramuzas (female equestrian team), charros, Lucha Libre, Ballet Folklorico, Catrina fashion show, and more. Don’t miss the event next year!

Learn More

You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.