Ana's Story: A Journey Through Motherhood and Recovery

When Ana walked into the City of LA’s Impacted Worker & Family Recovery Center in Sylmar, she wasn’t just looking for assistance—she was taking action for her family’s future. The recent wildfires had forced the closure of the recycling centers where she collected cans, disrupting a crucial source of income. At the same time, her partner, Jairo, who works in construction, was facing reduced work hours due to unpredictable weather. With an 8-month-old daughter, Leilani, to care for, Ana needed support to keep her family stable during this challenging time.

El Nido, a key co-location partner at the Recovery Center, was there to help. Our Pacoima FamilySource Center (FSC) team, onsite Monday through Friday, connected Ana to emergency relief resources for needs such as rent, utilities, and food. But beyond meeting immediate needs, El Nido provides something even more valuable: long-term support to help Ana and her family thrive, not just survive.

A Lifeline for Families: The Select Home Visiting (SHV) Program

Even before visiting the Recovery Center, Ana had already taken an important step for her family’s future by enrolling in El Nido’s Select Home Visiting (SHV) program in mid-2024. Initially uncertain about joining, she now embraces the program wholeheartedly. She never misses her monthly appointments and actively participates in monthly Group Connection events, which provide opportunities to learn more about financial literacy, and health and wellbeing while connecting her with other families and opportunities.

During her home visits, her case manager, Bianca S, conducts wellness checkups with Leilani, ensuring she meets her developmental milestones while also checking in on Ana and Jairo’s well-being. These visits reinforce that Ana and Jairo are their daughter’s first and most important teachers, equipping them with the tools and confidence to provide a strong foundation for Leilani’s growth.

Breaking Barriers to Success

Ana is also currently enrolled in CalWORKS, which provides financial and employment support for low-income families. However, like many parents, she faces a major barrier: the high cost of child care. The federal government defines affordable child care as costing no more than 7% of a family’s income, yet in California, the actual cost can consume up to 48% of a single-income household’s earnings (2024 California Children’s Report Card, Children Now, page 28). This makes staying home with Leilani not just a personal choice, but a necessary one.

With the wildfires temporarily shutting down her ability to collect cans and Jairo’s work slowing due to bad weather, Ana knew she needed additional support. Instead of giving up, she sought out resources, demonstrating strength and resilience in her commitment to her family. With the guidance of SHV, she is not only able to meet their immediate needs but is also preparing for a brighter future—one where she can return to work in the restaurant industry when Leilani turns two, confident in the foundation she has built for her daughter.

“I want to give Leilani the best possible start in life, and El Nido continues to help me do that. They’ve supported us in ways I didn’t even know we needed—making sure we have diapers, food, and even helping me understand how to be the best parent I can be. We don’t feel as alone in this,” Ana shared.

The Power of Home Visiting for Young Families

El Nido’s Select Home Visiting program is part of a broader movement to support young families by providing access to critical services that promote health, education, and economic stability. Home visiting programs like SHV are about more than just meeting basic needs—they ensure children and caregivers are equipped for long-term success. Research has shown that home visiting provides lasting benefits, helping families break cycles of poverty and creating stronger, healthier communities. These programs:

• Offer culturally competent support from trained professionals who listen to families’ aspirations and needs.

• Focus on early childhood development, ensuring children meet key milestones.

• Provide economic resources and connect families to essential services.

• Strengthen parent-child relationships and reduce stress for caregivers.

• Improve access to medical and mental health care, helping to eliminate racial and economic disparities.

California has made historic investments in home visiting programs, recognizing their impact. El Nido is proud to offer Select Home Visiting (SHV) programs at three sites in Los Angeles—South LA, Mid-City, and Panorama. The regular visits our staff make with clients are designed to build protective factors—such as parental resilience, knowledge of child development, social connections, concrete support in times of need, and social-emotional competence in children—while reducing risk factors that can hinder a family’s stability. Risk factors include financial insecurity, lack of access to quality healthcare, limited parental education, exposure to trauma or violence, and social isolation. By fostering strong parent-child interactions and empowering caregivers with education and resources, home visiting strengthens entire families and communities.

Looking Toward the Future

Ana’s story is one of resilience, love, and community support. She continues to make the brave choice to seek out the resources her family needs, ensuring Leilani has the best possible start in life. She continues to gain the tools to balance motherhood and her future career. Her journey highlights the diverse experiences of families who utilize these services and underscores the importance of continued investment in early childhood programs.

Every child deserves a strong foundation, and every parent deserves the support needed to build that foundation. At El Nido, we are committed to ensuring every family has the opportunity to succeed. Ana’s story is a powerful reminder of why this work matters—and why we must continue to uplift and support parents and caregivers, who are doing everything they can to build a better future for themselves and their children.

If you or someone you know needs support, El Nido is here. Visit our LA Wildfire Emergency Assistance page to learn more about the ways we’re helping LA rebuild—one family at a time.