Penny Lane’s Commerce office celebrated Valentine’s Day a little early on 2/13 with over 30 staff packed into the cafeteria! The 2 large conference rooms were being worked on by the IT department, so they were not available for this event. Staff did not mind sitting close to one another, and we all adjusted to our small cafeteria and staff all had a good time celebrating with pizza and cupcakes!
The Well-Being Committee wanted to spread some Valentine's Day cheer by treating every office to a fun and festive lunch of pizza and cupcakes. Each office manager took the reins to organize this special event for their teams, creating an atmosphere of love and connection across the agency.
For the North Hollywood office, Thea and Mayva worked together to plan the perfect "NoHo Love Lunch!" In addition to delicious pizza and sweet treats, they added a unique twist with a game of Loteria: Penny Lane Edition. Each card featured fun images of the NoHo staff and memorable office moments, like the chaotic Office Olympics and the notorious Fussy Gate/Door system (sorry, IT!). The event was a huge hit, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and lots of love!
Love (and the irresistible smell of pizza) filled the air on February 13 as our team gathered for a fun pre-Valentine’s Day celebration! The biggest surprise? Walking into our training room and seeing it completely transformed. What was once a regular meeting space had turned into a festive, love-filled wonderland with hearts, streamers, and the perfect Valentine’s vibe.
And then came the food! The pizza was a crowd favorite, but the real showstopper. The heart-shaped “chocoflan”! Not only was it beautifully crafted, but it also came in a variety of mouthwatering flavors—red velvet, strawberry vanilla, and coffee. Each bite was rich, creamy, and unforgettable. If there was any doubt about which dessert would steal the spotlight, the empty trays spoke for themselves.
Beyond the decorations and delicious treats, what truly made the event special was the laughter, conversations, and time spent together. Huge thanks to the AV team for helping bring the vision to life! And a special shoutout to Ingrid Soto, Gabriela Rincon, Aracely Cardoza, and Doris Guzman for their hard work in setting up and cleaning up the room—we couldn’t have done it without you.
Check out some more photos below!
As March begins, we reflect on the meaningful celebrations and recognitions that took place during Black History Month. While this month is often a time to acknowledge the incredible contributions of African Americans throughout history, we chose to also turn our focus inward, celebrating the remarkable individuals within our own organization.
This past month, we had the privilege of recognizing Ronetta Gandy, Cameron Martin, Alana McKinney, Melanie Aguilar, Janae Moronkola, Kim Savage, and Brenda Brown—individuals whose dedication and impact have left an indelible mark on PLC and the communities we serve. Their colleagues shared heartfelt words about the influence and inspiration each of these honorees has provided, highlighting their leadership, commitment, and passion for service. It was a true honor to acknowledge them and express gratitude for all they do.
Beyond individuals recognitions, we also took time this month to engage in Cultural Humility trainings across all offices. These sessions provided a space for reflection, learning, and meaningful conversations about how we can continue to foster inclusivity, respect, and understanding in our work and our communities. We learned that when we approach situations with humility, we come from a place of curiosity—asking questions rather than making assumptions. We also addressed our biases and explored ways to check ourselves, reinforcing that cultural humility is a lifelong journey of growth and learning.
Adding to the celebration, we brought in some fun with trivia through the WHO activity, which engaged our teams and sparked great discussions. Congratulations to our three winners: Sara Williams, Dunia Rafael, and Ranier Kenny! Their enthusiasm and knowledge made the activity even more enjoyable.
It is always an honor to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community. While the official celebration takes place in February, here at PLC, we are committed to uplifting and recognizing the achievements of all our staff year-round. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this past month so meaningful—your dedication to learning, growth, and inclusivity continues to inspire.
-Judy Grant, Penny Lane Centers
On February 26, our Relative Support Services Program partnered with DCFS to host this year’s Resource Parent Appreciation Event at LA Mission College, with a special focus on celebrating our Spanish-speaking community. It was a truly wonderful and heartfelt gathering, honoring the dedication and love of our resource families.
The event featured a special presentation by Senator Caroline Menjivar, as well as a vibrant Baile Folklórico performance by Quetzal de San Fernando, bringing cultural pride and joy to all in attendance. Music filled the air, and caregivers had the opportunity to visit our Bloom Bar, where they created unique flower bouquets to take home as a small token of appreciation. Guests also enjoyed delicious food catered by Magaly’s Tamales, adding a warm and familiar touch to the celebration.
Resource tables were available for both caregivers and workers, providing valuable information and support. Our Relative Support Services Program Supervisor, Christy Anaya, along with Resource Family Partners Maribel Klee, Cynthia Robles, Eline Bolainez, and Anna Macedo, engaged with families throughout the event, ensuring they felt welcomed, supported, and celebrated.
This event was a beautiful reminder of the strength, love, and commitment within our resource family community. We are grateful for every caregiver who opens their heart and home to children in need. Thank you for all that you do!
-Christy Anaya, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos below!
On February 14th, the AV TAY Center hosted a heartwarming self-love event to promote self-care and personal well-being. The celebration was made even more special thanks to the generous donation from Chick-fil-A, who provided delicious chicken sandwiches and cookies for everyone to enjoy. The event focused on creating a welcoming environment where all participants, regardless of gender identity, culture, or sexual orientation, are accepted and supported. At the TAY Center, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, valued, and encouraged to embrace their unique self-love journey. This event we wanted to come together to celebrate self-love and personal growth.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in activities that fostered mindfulness, self-reflection, and positive affirmations. We believe that self-love is vital for building confidence, resilience, and mental well-being, and our goal is to ensure that everyone leaves feeling inspired and valued. The event not only allowed for a deeper connection with oneself but also created a sense of community among those in attendance. The AV TAY Center remains committed to fostering a space where every individual can feel safe, celebrated, and encouraged to love themselves fully.
-Raquel Ruiz, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos below!
The YAYA! Award for February 2025 goes to Tommy Howard! Tommy receives the award for always having a positive attitude, a calm demeanor, and great communication with his team members. Tommy is a positive figure in our clients’ lives and guides them in processing past and present family trauma.
Tommy is open to hearing different perspectives and suggestions within the team to work together in supporting the stability of our clients and their families. Thank you for all that you do, Tommy, you’re appreciated!
Congratulations Tommy!
-Ermesto Campos, Penny Lane Centers
