The East L.A. Community Resource Center is a vital hub for expectant parents and their families in the East Los Angeles neighborhood. When Stephanie Juarez walked into the center, she was part of a vibrant community that provided more than just a baby shower.
- Free baby essentials, including diapers, wipes, and baby gear
- Connection and education for expectant parents
- A sense of community that can help new parents navigate challenging times
These community baby showers, hosted by the East L.A. Resource Center since May 2024, have become an integral part of the center’s mission to support families in need. A visit to the center on a recent morning revealed a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with papel picado, white and yellow tablecloths, and a photo backdrop that read: “A little honey bee is on the way.”
The event featured raffles for postpartum kits, diaper bags, and a Hatch sound machine alarm clock. Each guest departed with a basket full of baby essentials, including diapers, wipes, swaddles, shampoo, teething toys, and more. But what makes these baby showers truly special is the sense of community that they foster. Expectant parents like Selena Campos, 26, of Maywood, who were expecting their third child, found the free goodies to be a godsend. “Diapers and wipes…. We go [through] them so quickly, especially in the first months,” Campos said, highlighting the practical importance of the resources provided by the center. These community baby showers are open to up to 25 expecting parents in their third trimester who pre-register for the event. In addition to gifts, attendees enjoy a healthy brunch and hear from community partners like Whole Child, WIC, the office of L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and Talking Angels. “The parents can connect with each other and really find people who they can build that support network with,” said Iris Gómez, manager of the East L.A. Resource Center. Juarez echoed this sentiment, noting that the community built during these events is just as valuable as the resources provided. “You do build community where you see people,” she said. “I think it’s something that needs to be put more out there.”
The East L.A. Community Resource Center is one of 14 centers across Los Angeles County that operate under the L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan.
| Center Name | Location | Programs and Services |
|---|---|---|
| East L.A. Community Resource Center | East Los Angeles | Community baby showers, Storytime for Tots, and other programs |
| Maywood Community Resource Center | Maywood | Health and wellness programs, job training, and education |
| Bell Gardens Community Resource Center | Bell Gardens | Job training, education, and cultural activities |
But what really sets the East L.A. Community Resource Center apart is its commitment to building a support network for families in need. “Parents can connect with each other and really find people who they can build that support network with,” said Gómez. “It’s a place where they can come and get the resources they need to thrive as families.”
As Juarez noted, this community is just as valuable as the resources provided. “You do build community where you see people,” she said. To learn more about the East L.A. Community Resource Center and its programs, visit their website or stop by in person.
“Every child deserves a chance to thrive. At L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, we are committed to providing the resources and support that families need to succeed. The East L.A. Community Resource Center is an important partner in this effort.” – Iris Gómez, manager of the East L.A.