Help pregnant immigrant and refugee women connect to the support they and their families deserve.

Immigrant and Refugee Support

City of Los Angeles

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Immigrants and refugees arrive every day into the Los Angeles area, many pregnant, and do not know where to turn for important services like medical, legal or financial. Most are afraid to approach government or community offices due to their immigration status. Providing guidance, material assistance, and emotional support from an organization staffed by immigrants is extremely helpful. Knowledgeable and dedicated personnel who have personally navigated the system and are familiar with other non-profits who offer vital services to immigrants in a sensitive and confidential manner has made a big difference for immigrants and refugees in their capacity to thrive. We serve families primarily in person but also help women and families who contact us via phone and email.

This project will provide the staff (two experienced advocates, immigrants themselves) and funds for emergency grants to help 500 immigrant and refugee women connect to vital services especially financial, legal, and medical for their pregnancy and beyond. Our advocates who have more than 10 years' experience each, help pregnant women on a daily basis connect with services like WIC, MediCal, and other non-profits like Carecen and CHIRLA who also do strong work to help immigrant and refugee families with essential services like legal help. One of the groups that often need guidance are TPS recipients. Our staff is familiar with the procedures related to TPS and successfully refer women to the appropriate groups and resources regularly. One of our staff is a "TPSer." When they arrive at our offices or call us, we are able to guide them to reputable resources because sadly, many immigrants are swindled by fraudsters who take their money and do not resolve their issues. When they arrive with us, we open up a solid and complete horizon of support. A significant number of clients are also victims of abuse like domestic violence. We are able to encourage them to seek legal help and have accompanied some to the police department, as some have requested. We provide much-needed items like diapers and clothing as well as small grant for rent and bills. Diapers alone can cost a family up to $100 a month. We help provide diapers for a year and beyond if needed.

Our project will make a difference in the lives of at least 500 newly arrived immigrant and refugee families in their ability to connect to critical services they might be afraid to seek out or whose existence has not been brought to their attention. We currently serve approximately 300 new clients a year in person and via phone/email. We would like to increase our visibility with other community partners so that they know that the immigrants and refugees they serve can find additional support with us, especially those who are mothers and facing a challenging pregnancy situation. Funding this project will make Los Angeles a more welcoming city for the many women who arrive here and are seeking pregnancy support which they deserve to receive.

We keep track of our client visits and pertinent data in our electronic database. We also do optional interviews with clients who share with us through surveys and letters, the impact our program has on their lives. 80% of the women we serve are immigrants or refugees. Here are just a few recent testimonials (translated from Spanish) "You helped me and my baby when I didn't know where to turn. I only knew a cousin and a friend here. You explained to me the different resources that were available to me. I discovered so much financial help and also emotional support. You were a great help for me during my pregnancy. - J.C "I was given so much help especially financial and help with my medical needs. I am grateful for my advocate Beatriz for all the help and information she provided for me and my child." - D.B "From the very first day I arrived here I felt so supported. You helped me talk through my problems and helped me find the help I needed. I feel so blessed!" - Y.C.