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Parents: It’s Time to Play!
“Play is the work of childhood.” – Jean Piaget My name is Guadalupe Navarro, a therapist at The Guidance Center. I am here to write about the importance of play and how we can encourage parents to explore their own inner child during playtime with their children. My...
read moreFight to End Human Trafficking
"If everybody had a perfect childhood…the world would be a nearly perfect place. And by 'perfect' I don't mean something you see on an old sit-com. A perfect childhood simply means experiencing unconditional love, having your basic needs met and having equal...
read moreIn My Backyard Podcast Update
The end of one journey is just the beginning of the next. -Joseph S. Marshall, III Three years ago, with the COVID-19 pandemic raging and the social unrest after the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, I created an outlet where I could speak with other experts...
read moreAdopt A Family Tribute Book 2023
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Adopt-A-Family program this year. Because of your kindness, you brought so much joy to our clients this past holiday season!
read moreNew Year’s Reflections for the Whole Family
The start of a new year is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set goals and intentions for the year ahead. We asked our wonderful therapists to suggest some reflection prompts for children and youth to foster healthy conversation and to create a sense of...
read more2023 Year In Review – A Letter From Our CEO
As I look back and reflect on 2023, I see a year filled with hope and determination. Hope and determination in our dedicated staff who created a safe and welcoming environment that uplifts children, youth and their families. They lend a hand and heart to help our...
read moreOne Gift Can Help Transform A Life – Let’s Get To $75,000 By Midnight On December 31!
“Helping one person might not change the word, but it could change the world for one person.” - Unknown It only takes one - one voice, one outstretched hand, one moment of courage – to transform the lives of the children and families we serve. In a world that...
read moreAdopt-A-Family Donors Bring Holiday Cheer!
"It's not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." - Mother Theresa Connecting our clients with community members and local businesses eager to make a positive impact remains the highlight of our year. The overwhelming generosity from our...
read moreHoliday Crafts for the Whole Family: Celebrate Self-Expression, Imagination and Confidence
Deck the halls with these festive DIYs! On today’s blog, we share holiday craft ideas that the whole family can enjoy. The following projects not only stimulate nimble fingers and creative minds but also enhance problem-solving abilities. They become a canvas for...
read moreGrateful for You
As we approach Thanksgiving, we’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made a positive impact on our community every day. The holiday season serves as a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the blessings we are thankful for, including...
read moreClassroom Activities Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
Let's redefine Thanksgiving in the classroom, making it a feast of diverse perspectives and cultural richness. Looking for enriching and fun activities to educate children on Native American Heritage? Head over to our TeachersPayTeachers page to find useful...
read moreFacing Men’s Mental Health This Movember
Since 2003, Movember has been advocating for men to grow mustaches throughout November to raise awareness about various men's health concerns, including mental health and the alarming rates of male suicides. This dedicated month for health advocacy focuses on...
read moreStress Awareness Day – Keeping Calm During The Holiday Rush
The holiday season, while magical, can also be overwhelming for some children and teens. This season brings its own set of stressors, including family gatherings, financial strains, academic pressures, seasonal affective disorder, and travel anxieties. National Stress...
read moreAdopt-A-Family 2023
The holiday season is fast approaching, but for many of the families we serve, this season can be a challenging time. Our clients often face complex hardships, which can make celebrating the holidays distressing and discouraging. Our Adopt-A-Family program gives...
read moreThe Guidance Center Observes National Bullying Prevention Month
Bullying is an issue that has plagued children and youth for generations, but in today's digital age, it has taken on a new and more insidious form - cyberbullying. This harmful behavior not only occurs in schools but also online, using technology to harass,...
read moreNurturing Young Minds: A Guide for Parents on World Mental Health Day
Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1992, World Mental Health Day (October 10) is an international campaign to raise awareness around mental health issues. This year, the WHO has chosen the theme, “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.” It serves...
read moreDomestic Violence Awareness Month 2023
In October, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This time is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, honoring survivors, and fostering a society where love and respect triumph over violence and abuse. Domestic violence, often referred to as...
read moreThe Guidance Center Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month!
Happy Latinx Heritage Month! The dates of this month-long celebration, spanning from September 15 to October 15, were thoughtfully chosen to coincide with the Independence Days of several Latin American countries. The first day of Latinx Heritage Month is the...
read moreThe Guidance Center Reaches Goal of Raising $55,000 Through Long Beach Gives 2023!
It was such an honor to be selected as one of the 240+ nonprofit organizations participating in the fifth annual, Long Beach Gives! Through the incredible generosity of our donors, staff, community members, and friends, you helped raise $58,585, exceeding our initial...
read moreSuicide Prevention Week – Time To Talk Away The Dark
Suicide Prevention Week, observed in the second week of September, provides a platform for communities, organizations, and individuals to come together and address this critical issue. It serves as a reminder that every life is precious and that we all play a role in...
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