On Wednesday, March 19, Penny Lane Centers’ Relative Services Programs attended the Resource Family Support (RFS) Staff Appreciation Event, hosted by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) at the First United Methodist Church in Pasadena. This event was a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of family support staff who tirelessly support our Resource and Kinship Families.
The event focused on honoring the contributions of the DCFS Family Support Division and various community-based organizations such as Penny Lane Centers that collaborate to strengthen the care system for children and families. Penny Lane Centers had the privilege of hosting a resource table, where our staff were able to connect with DCFS social workers face-to-face. These in-person interactions were invaluable, providing an opportunity to build stronger relationships and enhance the collaboration between our teams, so essential for ensuring the best possible outcomes for children in care.
While the event highlighted the hard work and dedication of family support staff, it was also a chance for everyone to unwind and celebrate. The day featured great food, lively music, raffles, and fun games, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. For the staff who work hard day in and day out supporting Resource and Kinship Families, it was a much-needed opportunity to unwind and recharge.
This event underscored the value of coming together as a community of professionals who are deeply committed to supporting families in need. Whether it's providing resources to kinship families, offering emotional support to foster parents, or helping navigate the intricacies of the foster care system, the work of family support staff is critical. The opportunity to gather, reflect, and rejuvenate with colleagues is not only important for personal well-being but also helps to strengthen the effectiveness of the services we provide to the families we support.
Penny Lane Centers is grateful for our continued collaboration with DCFS and other community-based organizations. Together, we work to ensure that children in care receive the love, safety, and stability they deserve, while providing much-needed support to the families who open their hearts to them.
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On March 20, 2025, clients from the Witherbee Transitional Housing Program took part in a heartwarming initiative that beautifully blended creativity, compassion, and community. Together, they donated over 65 handmade beanie hats to the North Valley Caring Services Safe Parking Program, offering warmth and hope to those currently experiencing homelessness.
Each beanie was carefully handcrafted by the clients themselves, showcasing not only their talent and dedication, but their desire to give back to others in need. The beanies were lovingly placed into thoughtfully curated care packages, which also included snacks and a personalized, heartfelt letter written to bring comfort, encouragement, and a sense of connection to the recipients. The letters were designed to uplift spirits and remind the individuals receiving them that they are not alone—and that hope is never out of reach.
This act of kindness was more than just a donation—it was a deeply moving experience for our clients, many of whom have faced similar challenges in their own lives. It provided an opportunity for them to reflect on their personal journeys and recognize the power they now have to make a difference in the lives of others. For many, it was a full-circle moment—an embodiment of empathy, resilience, and growth.
We are incredibly grateful to Penny Lane Centers for their continued support and contributions, which make meaningful efforts like this possible. Their commitment to community healing and empowerment is felt not only in the lives of those we serve, but throughout the broader community as well.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible staff at the Witherbee, whose dedication and boots-on-the-ground mindset ensure the safety, well-being, and growth of every client they serve. Their compassion and leadership played a vital role in bringing this initiative to life.
And finally, a huge thank you to the Witherbee clients who participated in this effort with open hearts and willing hands. Your generosity, creativity, and empathy are what make this community so special. Your contributions matter—and they are deeply appreciated.
Together, we’re not just making beanies. We’re making an impact.
-Sheila Cano, Penny Lane Centers
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This March, the AV-TAY Drop-In Center in Lancaster served up slices of fun, learning, and connection in celebration of Pi Day—March 14th (3.14)! The day was the perfect opportunity to blend a little math with a lot of joy as we honored the mathematical constant π (pi) in the best way possible: with actual pie!
Our Pi Day festivities brought together TAY participants for a cozy day of movies, laughter, and of course, delicious pie. From sweet classics to creative kitchen creations, everyone enjoyed indulging in tasty treats while bonding with peers and staff.
In addition to the fun, the event also included a quick and engaging moment to learn about the meaning behind Pi and why it’s celebrated. It was the perfect mix of education, community, and celebration—proof that learning can be fun and flavorful!
We’re so glad to have shared this memorable day with our TAY family, and we’re already looking forward to continuing this Pi Day tradition next year. Because when you mix math, movies, and pie—you really can’t go wrong!
-Alyssa Humphrey, Penny Lane Centers
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This past March, Penny Lane Centers turned an ordinary workday into an extraordinary celebration of team pride, good vibes, and delicious food with our much-anticipated "Wear Your Favorite Jersey to Work Day!" From football fanatics to die-hard basketball devotees—and even a few classic baseball lovers—the energy across all our offices was nothing short of electric.
Employees came dressed head to toe in their favorite team colors, proudly representing hometown heroes and national champs alike. Whether you were repping the Lakers, Dodgers, 49ers, Rams, or even your favorite soccer club, the enthusiasm was contagious. Some even brought team-themed accessories, face paint, or coordinated with coworkers to represent as a unit. Every hallway felt like game day, and the sense of community and camaraderie was everywhere you looked.
But what’s a celebration without some serious snacks? Offices across Penny Lane Centers pulled out all the stops to keep spirits (and energy levels) high. Pizzas, sandwiches, and a spread of sweet treats brought people together for some well-deserved mid-day indulgence. From savory slices to sugary bites, the food was as much of a highlight as the team spirit itself. There were even impromptu lunch chats about favorite players, recent games, and unforgettable sports moments—proving once again that food and fandom make the perfect pair.
The day wasn’t just about showing off a favorite jersey—it was about creating space to unwind, connect, and have fun. These moments of levity are a big part of what makes Penny Lane Centers such a special place to work. It's events like these that remind us of the power of community, the importance of work-life balance, and the joy of coming together over shared passions (and really good pizza).
A huge shoutout goes to our amazing Well-Being Committee, whose thoughtful planning and creative energy brought this event to life. Their commitment to making our workplace more vibrant, engaging, and supportive continues to shine through in every event they organize.
If the smiles, selfies, and full bellies were any indication, “Wear Your Favorite Jersey to Work” Day was a major win. We’re already looking forward to what the Well-Being Committee has in store for us next. Until then—go team!
-Cameron Glasgow, Penny Lane Centers
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