April 2025

abril 2025

Police Interactions Amongst Neurodivergent Individuals

Thursday, April 3

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Hear from self-advocate Thomas Iland, an award-winning author and human potential coach. Thomas, diagnosed with autism at 13, has inspired many with his journey and message of self-discovery. Thomas will be discussing tips and suggestions on police interactions amongst neurodivergent individuals.

Escuche al autogestor Thomas Iland, autor y coach de potencial humano. Thomas, diagnosticado con autismo a los 13 años, ha inspirado a muchos con su trayectoria y mensaje de autodescubrimiento. Thomas compartirá consejos y sugerencias sobre la interacción con la policía entre personas neurodivergentes.

This workshop will be presented in English with Spanish translation available.

Este taller se impartirá en inglés con traducción al español disponible.

For more information contact / Para más información, contacte a

Diana at diana.chulak@csun.edu

Register / Registrese HERE / AQUI

IEP Essentials: Empowering & Preparing Parents for their child’s IEP

Wednesday, April 9

12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

This monthly training will help parents learn basic information about the IEP, to more advanced strategies on steps you can take when you don’t agree with your IEP. Participating parents will receive a FREE digital download to help you create your IEP binder at home!

For more information, please contact Diana at diana.chulak@csun.edu

To register, please visit Here

Preparando y Empoderando a los Padres para el IEP de sus Hijos

Jueves, 10 de abril

12:00 pm a 1:30 pm

Esta entrenamiento mensual ayudará a aprender información básica acerca del IEP, al igual que estrategias más avanzadas sobre los pasos que puede tomar cuando está en desacuerdo con su IEP.  ¡Los padres participantes recibirán una copia digital GRATUITA para ayudarle a crear su portofolio

del IEP en casa!

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Fatima

maria.castaneda@csun.edu

Regístrese para este taller en Zoom Aquí

Parenting and Setting Healthy Boundaries

Tuesday, April 15

11:00 am

Join LCSW Ebony Wilson from Ebony’s Safe Space for this workshop for parents of children under age 5 that will help nurture your parenting skills and create safe and healthy boundaries for you and your family. This workshop will be presented in English with Spanish translation available.

For questions please contact Diana at diana.chulak@csun.edu

Register Here

•••

Acompañe a la trabajadora social con licencia Ebony Wilson, del Espacio Seguro de Ebony, en este taller para padres de niños menores de 5 años. Este taller les ayudará a desarrollar sus habilidades de crianza y a establecer límites seguros y saludables para ustedes y su familia. Este taller se impartirá en inglés con traducción al español.

Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Diana en diana.chulak@csun.edu

Regístrese Aquí

Generic Services 2025 Virtual Workshop Series

SSI Eligibility & Appeals

Monday, April 21

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Join FFRC and Disability Rights California as we present the 2025 Generic Services virtual workshop series. Attend one or attend the entire series! Please be aware of different start times for June IHSS series! 

For questions please contact Diana at diana.chulak@csun.edu.

Register Here

IEP Servicioa Genéricos 2025 Serie de Talleres Virtuales

Elegibilidad y apelación de SSI

Martes 22 de Abril

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Únase a FFRC y a Disability Rights California mientras presentamos la serie de talleres virtuales sobre Servicios Genéricos 2025. ¡Asista a uno o a toda la serie! Tenga en cuenta los diferentes horarios de inicio para la serie de IHSS en junio.

Para preguntas, comuníquese con Fátima en maria.castaneda@csun.edu

Regístrese Aquí

April Support Groups /

Abril Grupos de Apoyo

Armenian Parent Connection

Thursday, April 3

6:30pm via Zoom

Meet other parents and caregivers in the NLACRC area. Find out about Regional Center services and other family supports.

Topic: Summer Social Rec Activities, presented by Kristie Lacy, Community Navigator and Marine Topushyan, NLACRC Supervisor

Please register here: Armenian Parent Connection

El Poder Del Amor y La Paciencia - En Persona

Viernes, 11 de abril

9:30 am – 11:00 am

Grupo de Apoyo en persona para Padres con Hijos de Necesidades Especiales (español). Las reuniones son presenciales el segundo viernes de cada mes de 9:30 am a 11:00am.

Dirección: Community Resource Center LA Care 7868 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402



Para más información llame al (818) 677-6854 o rebeca.diaz@csun.edu

Parents of Adult Consumers

Wednesday, April 16

6:30 pm

Join us for a support group just for parents and caregivers of adult North Los Angeles County Regional Center consumers. This group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

To register please

contact Victoria at victoria.berrey@csun.edu

El Poder Del Amor y La Paciencia - De Zoom

Viernes, 25 de Abril

9:30 am – 11:00 am

Un grupo de apoyo para padres con hijos con necesidades especiales en español.Las reuniones son via Zoom el cuarto viernes de cada mes de 10:00 am a 11:00 am.



Para más información llame al (818) 677-6854 o rebeca.diaz@csun.edu

AV Together We Shine Support Group

Saturday, April 26

11:30 am

Join us to connect in-person with other families in a safe & supportive environment for families of children and young adults with disabilities. Together, we will share resources and experiences, creating an inclusive community for everyone.

This month we will have Ebony Wilson, LCSW presenting "Managing Anger, Healthy Coping Strategies and Creating a Safety Plan"

To register or for further questions, email Wendy at wendy.hall@csun.edu

April is Autism Awareness Acceptance Month...

In April we celebrate Autism Awareness Acceptance Month, and World Autism Day on April 2, 2025. If you have autism or love someone with autism, join us to help increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. A person with autism may also suffer from medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

The autism experience is different for everyone. It is called a “spectrum” because it affects people differently and to varying degrees. According to the CDC, autism has risen to 1 in every 44 children as of 2021. While there is currently no known single cause of autism, early diagnosis and intervention helps a person receive services and support that can improve their quality of life and provide the opportunity to live fully.

For more information, please visit helpful websites such as The Autism Society and Autism Speaks . If you suspect your child may have autism, please contact your local Regional Center and/or Family Focus Resource Center.

•••

Abril es el mes de la concientización y aceptación del autismo...

En Abril celebramos la Concienciación sobre el Autismo, la Aceptación del Autismo y el Día Mundial del Autismo el 2 de Abril de 2025. Si tiene autismo o ama a alguien con autismo, únase a nosotros para ayudar a aumentar la comprensión y la aceptación de las personas con autismo.

El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) es una condición de desarrollo compleja y de por vida que generalmente aparece durante la primera infancia y puede afectar las habilidades sociales de una persona, comunicación, relaciones y autorregulación. Una persona con autismo también puede sufrir problemas médicos como trastornos gastrointestinales (GI), convulsiones o trastornos del sueño, así como problemas de salud mental como ansiedad, depresión y problemas de atención.

La experiencia del autismo es diferente para todos. Se llama una "condición de espectro" porque afecta a las personas de manera diferente y en diversos grados. Según CDC, el autismo ha aumentado a 1 de cada 44 niños a partir del año 2021. Si bien actualmente no existe una causa única conocida para el autismo, el diagnóstico y la intervención temprana ayudan a una persona a recibir servicios y apoyo que pueden mejorar su calidad de vida y brindarle la oportunidad de vivir plenamente.

Para obtener más información, visite algunos de los sigientes sitios web como: The Autism Society y Autism Speaks. Si sospecha que su hijo puede tener autismo, comuníquese con su Centro Regional local y/o el Centro de Recursos de Enfoque Familiar.

Community Events/

Eventos Comunitarios

Antelope Valley Events

Santa Clarita Events

San Fernando Events

Birthdays / Cumpleaños

Spotlight / Destacar

March Events / Eventos de Marzo

Cultivar y Crecer Support Group

March 14

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the FFRC Cultivar y Crecer Support Group meeting on March 14, 2025! It was a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, share experiences, and find support in a welcoming environment. We’re grateful to all who attended and made the day so meaningful. We can't wait to see you at the next meeting!

AV All Abilites Resource Fair

March 15

Thank you to everyone who attended FFRC’s Antelope Valley All Abilities Resource Fair! The event was dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every family felt valued and supported. We were thrilled to offer a day filled with resources, vendors, therapy dogs, and activities for the kids, all aimed at empowering individuals of all abilities. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to discover, learn, and connect with the services they need to thrive. A huge thank you to our staff and volunteers for their hard work in making the event such a success. Your dedication helped create a meaningful day that truly celebrated all abilities. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Parental Joy- A Celebration

of Parenthood

March 15

Parental Joy - A Celebration of Parenthood was all about celebrating the amazing role parents play in our community. Hosted at the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, the event gave parents a chance to relax, connect, and access resources that helped them feel supported and empowered to advocate for their children. With a delicious catered luncheon, interactive workshops on everything from financial literacy to online safety, and a fun raffle, there was something for everyone. Plus, a special activity space for kids allowed parents to fully enjoy the event. Before heading home, parents received a curated self-care bag to keep the good vibes going!

Many Families, One Community – Family Resource Fair

March 15

This wonderful event was hosted by the Sulphur Springs School District with the goal of connecting families with valuable resources tailored to their needs. The fair featured a variety of community organizations offering support for both parents and students, as well as informative presentations and interactive sessions focused on strengthening family relationships. Additionally, families had the opportunity to learn about local services designed to assist parents in navigating their child’s academic journey.

Storytime at

Lake View Terrace Library

Fatima had a great time at the library meeting families with little ones and sharing how FFRC can help them! We love being out in the community meeting you!

New Horizons Walk-a-Thon and Resource Fair

March 15

The event included a short walk-a-thon featuring families and consumers, alongside the resource fair, where we offered FFRC literature and fliers and chatted with consumers and families before and after the walk. 

It was great to see our Star Wars friends from 501st Legion, in support of the community!

St. Patrick's Day

March 17

Our offices celebrated St. Patrick's Day and dressed up! Here is Tim and Fatima from our Chatsworth office being festive for the holiday.

CalTASH Conference

LA Marriott Burbank

March 28-29

Victoria, Wendy and Diana were able to attend the CalTASH conference in Burbank. This year's theme was "Rolling Out the Red Carpet: Celebrating Equity, Opportunity & Inclusion". They attended many great workshops on inclusivity, advocacy, employment, and disability rights.

Congratulations to CalTASH on another great conference! To learn more about this wonderful disability rights organization, visit here: CalTASH

St. Early Start Playdate

March 22

The Early Start Playdate was a wonderful collaboration with SLEA. They generously provided a variety of engaging toys for the children, including bubbles, play mats, books, and sidewalk chalk—all designed to support sensory, language, and motor skill development while encouraging interactive play.

One of the highlights of the event was the music class by Bunny Boogie, which the kids absolutely loved! It was heartwarming to see them so engaged and having fun. We sincerely appreciate all the parents who joined us and made this playdate so special. Thank you for your participation and support!

Don't miss out! / ¡No te lo pierdas!

Connect with us / Conecta con nosotros

Family Focus Resource Center 818-677-6854 | family.focus@csun.edu | www.csun.edu/family-focus-resource-center