Parent Workshop Assignment
Alejandra Romo
Department of Counselor Education, California Lutheran University
EDCG 533 Field Studies 1
September 9, 2025
Topic of Meeting:
Supporting Families During Times of Stress: Immigration Challenges
Date/Time:
September 15, 2025
Location:
Vista Middle School – Panorama City
Facilitator:
Alejandra Romo/ School Counselor Intern
1. Introduction:
The idea of the workshop came from the parent representative at Vista Middle School because she
knew many families in the community were facing stress due to the new immigration policies in our
nation. The workshop was designed to support families experiencing stress related to immigration
challenges. The goal was to create a safe space for parents to learn about resources, ways to reduce stress,
and strengthen the communication skills within their families.
Although no parents attended the session, the planning process was deeply meaningful. Preparing for this
workshop allowed me to collaborate closely with my site supervisor and the school social worker to
research and gather resources available to families in the community. This preparation also highlighted
the importance of having alternative ways of meeting with families in these communities for them to get
the information while feeling safe.
2. Key Topics Covered:
a. Understanding Stress & Its Impact on Families
● Emotional, physical, and behavioral signs of stress.
● How stress related to immigration affects children’s school performance and family well-being.
b. Immigration-Related Stressors
● Fear of family separation.
● Uncertainty about immigration status.
● Barriers to accessing basic services like healthcare, housing, and mental health support.
c. Emotional Support for Families
● Active listening and validating children’s emotions
● Creating safe spaces for conversation.
● Building trust to protect against long-term stress.
d. Creating a Family Emergency Plan
● Discussing possible scenarios.
● Identifying trusted adults and safe spaces.
● Preparing legal documents in case of detention or deportation.
e. Self-Care for Parents
● Taking breaks, building healthy routines, staying connected, and seeking community support.
3. Resources Available to Parents and Students:
School-Based Resources
● School counselors and social workers for guidance and emotional support.
● Parent Center workshops and information sessions.
● After-school programs provide academic and social support.
Community/Agency Resources
● USC Telebehavioral Health Clinic: Free, bilingual online therapy services.
● BrightLife Kids & Soluna: Free virtual mental health support for children, teens, and families.
● TRC@USC: Free trauma-informed mental health services.
● Friends of the Family (Van Nuys): Counseling, parenting, and family support.
San Fernando Valley Child Guidance Center (Northridge): Child-focused counseling and
family services.
● Valley Women’s Center (Canoga Park): Mental health and family counseling.
● West Valley Counseling Center (Tarzana): Sliding-scale counseling services.
Hotlines & Online Resources
● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 confidential support.
● United We Dream (www.unitedwedream.org): Advocacy and resources for immigrant youth.
211 LA County: Central line for food, housing, health, and immigration resources.
4. Parent Feedback:
Unfortunately, I had no parents attend my workshop but the conversations with the parent
representative highlighted the importance of these types of workshops. Many families within the
panorama city community are fearful of attending school events due to the risk of being detained my
immigration enforcement (ICE). Families are in need of the resources available to them but are terrified to
leave them homes. It is important to reassure our families that our school is a safe and supportive space.
In addition we need to think of alternative ways to deliver the information to parents so they feel safe
while being informed.
5. Reflection:
Creating a parent workshop was a valuable learning experience because I had the opportunity to
collaborate with other members of the school community to select a topic and to create the presentation.
Although I was disappointed when I realized no parents had shown up to my workshop, the experience of
preparing for the workshop was amazing. The preparation phase deepened my awareness of the unique
barriers faced by immigrant families in the community. The collaboration with my site supervisor and the
school social worker helped me gather a list of resources that could be used by the families.
I realized that trust-building will be an important component in my future as a school counselor.
In order to have families attend workshops we need to be aware of the barriers that families face so we
can think of ways to overcome them. In this community, offering virtual workshops would be beneficial
since many families fear attending in person events.
6. Conclusion:
The parent workshop highlighted the urgent need for schools to address not only educational
support but also the immigration-related stressors affecting families. Even without parent attendance, the
process itself was valuable in strengthening my collaboration skills as I was able to meet with different
staff members to identify resources. Moving forward, it will be important to create different ways to reach
families, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and empowered to engage with their children’s education.
7. Resources List:
Mental Health & Emotional Support
● USC Telebehavioral Health Clinic :Free online therapy in English and Spanish for ages 12–92.
Weekly video sessions with licensed providers or MSW interns.
Website: USC Telehealth
● BrightLife Kids & Soluna:Free bilingual virtual coaching and mental health support for ages
0–25. Includes apps with stress management tools.
Website: Soluna App
● TRC@USC (Trauma Recovery Center): Free, culturally sensitive mental health services for
individuals affected by crime, violence, or trauma.
Phone: 213-821-6252
● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional
distress or suicidal crisis.
Phone/Text: 988
Community Agencies (Local)
● Friends of the Family
15350 Sherman Way, Suite 140, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Phone: 818-988-4430
● San Fernando Valley Child Guidance Center
9650 Zelzah Avenue, Northridge, CA 91325
Phone: 818-993-9311
Website: Child Guidance Center
● Valley Women’s Center
22110 Roscoe Blvd, Suite 204, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Phone: 818-713-8700
Website: Valley Women’s Center
● West Valley Counseling Center
18226 Ventura Blvd, Suite 202, Tarzana, CA 91356
Phone: 818-758-9450
Website: West Valley Counseling Center
Immigration & Legal Support
● CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) – Legal services, community education,
advocacy. www.chirla.org
● CARECEN (Central American Resource Center) – Legal help, DACA services, parent
workshops. www.carecen-la.org
● Immigrant Defenders Law Center – Deportation defense and legal aid. www.immdef.org
● United We Dream – Advocacy and “Know Your Rights” resources. www.unitedwedream.org
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