September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide prevention begins with taking care of our mental and physical health. It’s important to recognize that nearly 90% of people who die by suicide have experienced symptoms of mental illness. By prioritizing self-care practices, such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, practicing mindfulness, and seeking therapy or counseling when needed, we can significantly reduce the risk of reaching a crisis point.

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health often prevents people from seeking the help they need. It’s crucial to change this narrative and encourage open conversations about mental health. Checking in on your loved ones, listening without judgment, and offering support can make a world of difference. Together, we can change the conversation about mental health and put a stop to this tragic loss of life.

At SPIRITT Family Services, we are dedicated to providing resources and support for emotional wellness. Remember, help is available, and taking the first step toward care is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a difference.

• If you or someone you know is in an emergency call 911 Immediately
• If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crises Lifeline

To learn more, please email us at

info@spiritt.org or call us at (855) 714-8000

National Recovery Month

September is National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to raising public awareness about mental health and addiction recovery. With nearly 60 million Americans identifying as being in recovery, this month is a powerful reminder to recognize and celebrate their strength and resilience.

At SPIRITT Family Services, we stand with those on their recovery journey by providing comprehensive Substance Abuse Treatment programs, essential mental health support, and case management and linkages. We are here to help individuals reclaim their lives and embrace a healthier future.

For more information about our programs, please reach out at

info@spiritt.org or call (855) 714-8800

Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the rich history, heritage, and contributions of the Hispanic community, whose ancestors came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The celebration begins on September 15, a date of great significance as it marks the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Following closely are the independence days of Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. The month also includes Dia de la Raza, or Columbus Day, on October 12, further highlighting the cultural and historical significance of this period

At SPIRITT Family Services, we celebrate and embrace diversity by offering a wide range of culturally inclusive services in both English and Spanish. In the Fiscal Year 2022-2023, 69% of our participants proudly identified as Latinx and this number grew to an impressive 81% in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Additionally, as of January 1, 2024, 71% of SPIRITT's Board of Directors and 82% of staff identify as Latinx, underscoring our unwavering commitment to serving and uplifting the vibrant Latinx community.

National Kinship Care Month

September is National Kinship Care Awareness Month, a time to honor and celebrate the unwavering commitment of those who provide around-the-clock support, protection, and care for their extended family members.

Kinship caregivers are indispensable when children cannot remain with their parents, offering a stable and nurturing environment within the family circle. Whether it's grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives, kinship care ensures that children and youth can maintain vital family connections, cultural traditions, and a sense of belonging, even during difficult times. At SPIRITT Family Services, we recognize the profound impact of kinship care, especially within diverse racial and ethnic communities, and are dedicated to supporting these caregivers as they continue their invaluable work in keeping families together.

To further this support, our Relative Support Services (RSS) program is committed to enhancing the resources available to kinship and non-related extended family members (NREFMs) who care for children under the supervision of LA County’s DCFS, Probation Department, and Juvenile Court. Through RSS, caregivers receive access to emergency assistance, case navigation, advocacy, support groups, educational resources, youth mentoring, legal aid, and more. We also host appreciation events and community resource fairs, ensuring that caregivers and children receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive.

For more information about the RSS program

please call us at (562)903-7000

Upcoming Community Events & Programs

Parenting Classes for Nurturing Families

We are excited to offer a comprehensive 12-week parenting course designed to empower families with new perspectives and essential skills. Through interactive sessions, participants will deepen their understanding of crucial topics such as bonding and attachment, healthy relationships, and emotional regulation. The course also covers vital areas like self-identification, self-worth, age-appropriate expectations, and dignified discipline alternatives, providing families with the tools they need to nurture and support their children effectively.

This course is available as a hybrid course (virtual and in-person), with required in-person sessions on the first Tuesday of every month. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate, recognizing their commitment to becoming more informed and compassionate parents.

Location: 7208 Garfield Ave Bell Gardens CA 90201 & Online

Date: Tuesday (August 27th - September 23rd)

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Register Today:(323) 407-8011

Ayurveda Wellness

SPIRITT is hosting Ayurveda at our Whittier Family Center (English) and our Bell Gardens Family Center (Spanish). Ayurveda is based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness, it encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.

SPIRITT ofrece Ayurveda en nuestro Centro Familiar Whittier y nuestro Centro Familiar Bell Gardens en español. Ayurveda se basa en la idea de que la enfermedad se debe a un desequilibrio o estrés en la conciencia de una persona, fomenta ciertas intervenciones en el estilo de vida y terapias naturales para recuperar el equilibrio entre el cuerpo, la mente, el espíritu y el medio ambiente.

Location: 7208 Garfield Ave Bell Gardens CA 90201

Date: Thursday, September 5th

Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: 8000 Painter Ave Whittier CA 90602

Date: Monday, September 9th

Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Register Today/Regístrese Hoy:

Whittier (562) 903-7000

Bell Gardens(323) 407-8011

Sweet Moments

(Ages 1 - 4)

Attention all parents & caregivers if you have children ages 1-4 join SPIRITT's Sweet Moments interactive play group and explore ways to connect and bond with your child.

Topics will include childhood development, parenting skill building, nurturing attachment, strengthening parental resilience and much more. This is an 8 week group and is currently being offered in English only. A Spanish language group will be offered next cycle.

Location: 2000 Tyler Ave. South El Monte, CA.

Date: Mondays (August 5th - September 23rd)

Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Register Today / Regístrese Hoy:(855) 714-8800

Immigration Workshops / Talleres de Inmigración

Are you curious about immigration laws and how they affect you or your loved ones? Join SPIRITT's FREE workshop series with attorney Cecilia Murillo Quintana, a California-licensed attorney with nearly 9 years of experience, to learn about asylum, family-based immigration, and navigating the immigration system. Gain access to vital community resources and get your pressing questions answered.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and empower yourself with essential immigration knowledge.



¿Tiene curiosidad acerca de las leyes de inmigración y cómo le afectan a usted o a sus seres queridos? Únase a la serie de talleres GRATUITOS de SPIRITT con la abogada Cecilia Murillo Quintana, una abogada licenciada en California con casi 9 años de experiencia, para aprender sobre asilo, inmigración basada en la familia y cómo navegar por el sistema de inmigración. Obtenga acceso a recursos comunitarios vitales y obtenga respuestas a sus preguntas urgentes.

No pierda esta oportunidad de aprender de un experto y adquirir conocimientos esenciales sobre inmigración.

Location /Ubicación: 2000 Tyler Ave. South El Monte, CA.

Date/Fecha: Thursday (August 29th & September 12th) / Cada Jueves (29 de agosto y 12 de Septiembre)

Time/Horario: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Register Today / Regístrese Hoy:

English (562) 447-4037

Spanish (562) 447-5015

Intimate Partner Violence Support Groups

Grupos de Apoyo Contra la Violencia de Pareja

SPIRITT is hosting Intimate Partner Support Groups at our Whittier Family Center (English) and our Bell Gardens Family Center (Spanish). Our groups provide a safe and inclusive space where you can begin your healing journey while connecting with other survivors of intimate partner violence.

SPIRITT ofrece grupos de apoyo para la violencia de pareja en nuestro Centro Familiar Whittier y Centro Familiar Bell Gardens en español. Nuestros grupos brindan un espacio seguro e inclusivo donde puede conectarse con otros sobrevivientes de violencia domestica.

English Group

Date: Every Monday

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Place: Whittier Family Center (8000 Painter Ave. Whittier CA. 90602)

Grupo en Español

Fecha: Cada miércoles

Horario: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Ubicación: Bell Gardens Family Center (7208 Garfield Ave. Bell Gardens CA. 90201

Register Today/Regístrese Hoy:

Whittier (562) 903-7000

Bell Gardens(323) 407-8011

Domestic Violence Support Group/ Grupo de Apoyo de Violencia Domestica

SPIRITT is offering a 20-Week Virtual Domestic Support Group, providing a safe, confidential, and inclusive space for survivors of intimate partner violence. In these groups, you can begin your healing journey, connect with others who share similar experiences, and find strength in a community all from the safety and comfort of your home.

SPIRITT está ofreciendo un Grupo de Apoyo Doméstico Virtual de 20 semanas, brindando un espacio seguro, confidencial e inclusivo para sobrevivientes de violencia de pareja. En estos grupos, puedes comenzar tu camino hacia la sanación, conectarte con otras personas que comparten experiencias similares y encontrar fortaleza en la comunidad, todo desde la seguridad y comodidad de tu hogar.

English Group

Date: Thursday

Time: 9:30 am-11:00 pm

Place: Zoom (Online)

Grupo en Español

Fecha: Miércoles

Horario: 9:30pm-11:00pm

Ubicación: Zoom (En línea)

Register Today/Regístrese Hoy:

Whittier (562) 903-7000

Fatherhood Support Groups (Ongoing)

Calling all father figures! Join SPIRITT's Fatherhood support group and cultivate healthy parenting relationships, strengthen bonds with your children, and engage in resource sharing with fellow fathers. Support groups are held via Zoom, at our South El Monte Family Center, and Bell Gardens Family Center.

Llamando a todos los papas! Unase al grupo de apoyo a la paternidad de SPIRITT y cultive relaciones de crianza saludables, fortalezca los vinculos con sus hijos y participe en el intercambio de recursos con otros padres. Los grupos de apoyo se llevan a cabo a traves de zoom, en nuestro Centro Familiar de South El Monte y en el Centro de Bell Gardens.

Zoom(English only/Solo Ingles)

Date: Thursdays

Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm

Register: (909) 630-6305

South El Monte Family Center

Date: Fridays / Viernes

Time/Horario: 6:30pm-8:00pm

Place/Ubicación: 2000 Tyler Ave, South El Monte CA 91733

Register: (562) 477-4037

Bell Gardens Family Center

Date: Thursday / Jueves

Time/Horario: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Place/Ubicación: Hybrid / Hibrido (7208 Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA. 90201 )

Register/ Regístrese (323) 407-8011

Fair Housing Workshop

Join SPIRITT for an impactful virtual workshop in partnership with the nation's largest non-profit fair housing organization, HRC. This free workshop is your opportunity to gain essential knowledge about housing laws, new regulations, rent increases, and available resources. Whether you're a tenant, homeowner, or simply interested in understanding your rights, this workshop offers valuable insights to empower you in today's housing landscape. Don’t miss this chance to connect with experts and protect your housing rights.

English Group

Date: Tuesday, September 17th

Time: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Place: Zoom - Link: https://bit.ly/3WfZscy



Register Today:

Bell Gardens(323) 407-8011