Healthy California Families Program

Our Healthy California Families Program began in November 2007 with initial funding from the Josephine Gumbiner Foundation.

    This new program utilizes some of the same program design components from our very successful Healthy Hispanic Families Program with additional services and needs addressed as the program continues to operate and grow. The program serves low income ethnic minority families in Long Beach and surrounding communities in Los Angeles County and focuses on the most pressing health related concerns. Healthy California Families Programs is currently exceeding its goals and objectives. It has the funding of the Josephine Gumbiner Foundation and Kaiser Permanente Foundation. In-kind contributions of food, clothing, hygiene items, blankets and quilts have been received from churches, women’s’ groups, Thrivent, and individual donors. We are in the process of submitting grant applications to several private and secular foundations.

    We see an increasing number of African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans each day struggling with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, obesity, and mental health issues in Long Beach and surrounding communities in Los Angeles County. The Healthy California Families Program provides education and support for low income minority clients and their family members about their healthcare risks, the healthcare system, available resources, and how to effectively access them. Program participants benefit from peer support as they make lifestyle changes to improve their individual and family health.

The program consists of five primary components including:

    Family Assessment & Case Plan Management – Participants are interviewed through the intake process and will receive a comprehensive case plan including information, referral, and follow-up to monitor goals, progress and outcomes. We work closely with a network of community agencies and will make referrals to local clinics, the Cambodian Association of America, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, drug and substance abuse programs, parenting and family counseling organizations, and mental health services
    Educational Workshops – Monthly workshops are offered on topics including accessing healthcare services, communicating with healthcare providers, nutrition and obesity, preventative healthcare, chronic illness/disease management (diabetes, asthma, etc), depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the impact of illness on the family. Representatives from participating agencies will make presentations at Workshops and distribute information regarding services available in the community.    
    Support Groups – Weekly groups offer a forum for participants to focus on specific health related issues and concerns in a smaller group setting. Participants support one another as they learn they are not alone in their struggles. This alleviates isolation and depression, provides motivation and increases self-esteem.
    Literacy Training and ESL – Designed to improve access to healthcare and communication with healthcare providers, literacy training in English (reading, writing and language) are provided both individually and in group classes.
    Advocacy – Focus groups and meetings will assess pressing health related needs in the community, solutions, and effective methods to advocate for change. Minority participants will learn to improve their health and quality of life by advocating for nutritional improvements in the public schools (free/reduced lunch program); improved opportunities for exercise in public schools and in the community (safer parks and walking paths); improved community healthcare, better access to healthcare; and opportunities for free healthcare education programs (in partnership with community schools and agencies).

Ruth Foelber

562-599-1321

1611 Pine Avenue

Long Beach, CA 90813

Mon-Thu 8:00 am - 4:00 pm