The only way an organization can continue helping others and serving its mission is through support from others. Individuals, businesses and organizations in the community choosing to support the non-profit charity help make it possible for them to continue their work. Miracles for Kids is celebrating 20 years of community support that has helped the organization continue its mission of helping children with life-threatening illnesses. “The ongoing support we get from the community is everything,” explains Autumn Strier, co-founder of Miracles for Kids. “We could not do what we do without the ..read more

Friendship. When it’s right, our kids feel seen, supported and connected. But when so-called friendships veer towards jealousy, disrespect and manipulation, they can make children feel sad and inadequate. Watching our children go through tough peer relationships can be heartbreaking, while also evoking a sense of helplessness. We want our kids to move through life with confidence, connecting with their peers in fun and healthy ways as they build strong and mutually respectful relationships. But we don’t always know when to step in. I reached out to Suzanne Silverstein, a registered art therap ..read more

Thanks to a $10 million federal grant, Parents Anonymous, Inc. has expanded its ability to help parents and youth dealing with emotional and mental challenges. The organization’s National Parent & Youth Helpline is now offering immediate emotional support through calls, texts and chats answered by trained and caring staff 24 hours a day and seven days a week to parents, caregivers and youth up to 25 years old. The expanded services are supported by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a finan ..read more

My husband and I sat on the edge of our chairs, waiting for a pediatric neurologist to give us our 7-year-old daughter’s diagnosis. Seemingly oblivious to our nervousness, Lee slipped off my lap and let out a shriek of delight as she took in rows of little figurines and toys lined up on bookshelves. Darting over, she touched at least 200 toys in two minutes, her fingers flying over each item like someone playing rag- time on the piano. The author’s daughter, Lee, has long had a passion for nature, which helped guide her interests as she got older. PHOTO COURTESY JENNIFER GAY SUMMERS The neurol ..read more

Inclusion Matters, a local non-profit whose mission is to build inclusive, sensory- and literacy-rich playgrounds, is partnering with the LAUSD on a week-long program with the LAUSD for Inclusive Schools Week Celebration, Dec 4-8. The goal is to encourage schools to download the Inclusion Matters toolkit that promotes inclusive play and learning. While the LAUSD is a partner, the program is open to all schools. These photos are of a playground called Aidan’s Place built at Westwood Recreation Center. Founded in 1988, Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration runs education and c ..read more

As the seasons transition from warm fall nights to cool and wintry evenings, children with asthma often experience a rise in wheezing or chest tightness, because weather changes and cold temperatures are often asthma triggers. And for approximately 4.2 million children coping with asthma or other respiratory conditions, seasonal weather changes can pose severe, persistent, and potentially life-threatening risks. According to the National Institutes of Health, asthma is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease. Irina Dralyuk, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai Gue ..read more

Parents often miss the signs that their child has epilepsy, according to Deborah Holder, M.D., a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s and pediatric epilepsy expert. “Every day in clinic, I see children who have had for years what many people call ‘funny spells,’” Holder says. “Sometimes I start talking to a parent and find out the parent has had ‘funny spells’ for years, but had no idea they were epileptic seizures.” That’s because many people with epilepsy experience subtle symptoms, such as not being able to talk for a few seconds, Holder says. When the momentar ..read more

Since 2021, Gilda Evans has hosted and produced the Autism Resource Podcast while being a single mother of three. Through personal experiences and research, she has become an advocate for parents of children with autism. Now her platform has the opportunity to grow and reach a wider audience. With over 20 years of research, life experiences with her son of special needs, and helping fellow parents, Evans realized she could help on a bigger scale. The “self-taught advocate” took charge to create a platform to help many. Now reaching 100 episodes, Evans has covered an array of topics such as ed ..read more

Niagara Bottling, a family-run beverage company launched in 1963, in partnership with National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the nation’s leading advocate for parks and recreation, has announced the nine finalists for the 2023 Perk Your Park Project, and Las Flores Park in LaVerne is among the finalists. Members of the public are invited to select their top three parks to receive a grant. Each recipient will receive a $75,000 grant toward a park refresh. The submission period ends Sept. 18.  The Niagara Bottling Perk Your Park Project empowers communities to enhance their local ..read more

Q&A with Dr. Kami Hoss, CEO and founder of SuperMouth, a 2023 NAPPA Award winner Dr. Kami Ross with his family. What does “good oral hygiene” mean? Good oral hygiene is a comprehensive approach to oral health that goes beyond the cleanliness of teeth, gums, tongue and mouth. It’s about maintaining a harmonious balance within the oral microbiome, with a keen understanding of the billions of microbes residing there. It’s crucial to select age-appropriate oral care products that are customized for your child’s individualized needs. Additionally, adhering to a balanced diet and attending perio ..read more