By Reynaldo Mena
Teddy Valenzuela: We always have to think about second or third chances. Not everything is over, there is always the opportunity for a new ‘Amanecer.’
And this is what drives Amanecer Community Counseling Services, the clinic that offers services on trauma, which, when unaddressed, can lead to higher rates of many social ills, including substance abuse, depression, poverty, anxiety, suicide, poor physical health, and even premature death.
“It is difficult, very difficult and exhausting. We deal with very serious problems of child abuse, domestic violence, and trauma, among others,” says Teddy Valenzuela, the executive director of the organization.
“We strive to provide them with care, to help them stand up, to start over again. That is our work, and for some, to get them off the streets,” Valenzuela adds.
The executive director explains that there is much to be done. The communities needs are many; more funds need to be sought for their care, starting from the fact that there are very few therapists to meet the growing demands of children and adults.
“There are many stigmas about the Latino community, about the idea that they do not seek help. But I don’t believe that. We fight against that; we start from the fact of educating the family, we insist that they give us an opportunity to help them, we will protect them. Many people in the Latino community worry about their immigration status; we make it clear that we have a system in place that guarantees that nothing will happen to them. That way, they are encouraged to come and then they can recommend us to others,” says Valenzuela.
Amanecer serves an average of 800 patients per week and has a staff of 135 people.
“We also have a group of volunteers who come to talk to the patients, they explain that they have been through the same thing and if they take one of the programs, it will serve them and they can help them,” she adds. “When Latinos find that connection, they like it.”
Amanecer’s Children’s Clinic offers a full range of compassionate, culturally competent mental health services to children (0-17) and transitional age youth (TAY), ages 18-26. Our cutting-edge individual, group, and family behavioral health care addresses a wide range of childhood behavior and emotional challenges, traumas, and community case management needs.
According to their website, the services are divided as follows:
-Birth to Five
Support for the developmental and emotional needs of infants and young children through their relationship with their parent(s).
-Wraparound
24-hour crisis intervention for children and transition-age youth at high risk for incarceration, school failure, and removal from their home.
-School-Based
Provides mental health counseling in sixteen elementary, middle, and high schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Services are provided primarily in the school setting and transition to the home/community when school is not in session.
-Unaccompanied Minors
Provides group support to unaccompanied minors to ease the stress associated with adjustment to living in a new country and work through the trauma associated with the journey to get here. Also assists clients with the preparation for legal hearings.
-CityScape
Our therapeutic arts program provides a safe, stimulating and creative environment for children who have experienced severe trauma. The program allows kids to express themselves through art, learn coping and communication skills through role-playing and group interactions, and expand their social and educational horizons through unique and engaging field trips, presentations, and curriculum.
-Multidisciplinary Assessment Team
Intensive assessment services for children at severe risk of losing home placement. The team assesses the child’s needs and current living environment, then links the child with mental health services – and/or medical, education, or special needs services, if necessary – and connects the child with an appropriate family member to avoid foster placement.
For Amanecer, taking care of their staff is of paramount importance.
“We deal with very serious issues that can break us. There have been staff members who have resigned because it is too much for them to face. We offer a comprehensive benefits program that helps our workers heal. We also have people they can talk to if they feel exhausted,” adds Valenzuela.
In 1975, Dr. Cecil Hoffman started Amanecer based on the simple belief that the life-restoring benefits of counseling should be available to all who needed them.
With the support of the United University Church at USC, which provided free office space and phone service, Dr. Hoffman launched Community Counseling Service of Los Angeles. Pastors and church members provided a strong volunteer base, along with enough charitable donations to make services available for as low as five dollars.
Is Your Verbal Abuser Likely to Change?
A person interested in treatment simply needs to call their offices at:
Intake Department:
Phone: (213) 416-1106
Online referrals:
https://amanecerla.org/online-referrals-v2/
To learn more, donate or get involved:
Amanecer Community Counseling Service
1200 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90017
website: www.amanecerla.org
Instagram: @amanecerla
