May 2026 Newsletter - Mental Health Month
- May 7
- 4 min read
May 2026 Newsletter Topics
Executive Director's Statement
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
LARCA’s New Satellite Office Space - Willow Brook Collaborative
2026 NAMIWalks Greater LA County Mental Health Festival
Free Food and Community Resources
Member Feedback: Did Your Facility Receive CCE Funding? Please Share Your Operations Status - Do You Have Any Vacancies?
Upcoming Events Across Los Angeles County
Executive Director's Statement
As we welcome Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to each and every one of you for serving our community and caring for some of our most vulnerable residents, while balancing your personal and professional lives.
We want to ensure that we hear from you and advocate for you as effectively as possible. We seek your feedback and participation in our ongoing efforts to advocate on behalf of you, your residents, and staff.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Let’s have "More Good Days, Together" by connecting with others, sharing support, and resources to help create more positive days. Let’s reduce the stigma by speaking up against stigma, creating supportive spaces, and fostering empathy for everyone.
Days of Awareness
Mental Health Awareness Week: May 11–17, 2026
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day: May 7, 2026
World Maternal Mental Health Day: May 6, 2026
National Prevention Week: May 10-16, 2026.
LARCA’s New Satellite Office Space - Willow Brook Collaborative
Willow Brook Collaborative is a living model of resource sharing in action. We were founded in November 2025 by six non-profits (& one consultant!) with similar missions.
By sharing administrative costs, our resources can do more in the communities we serve. Visit our website at www.willowbrookcollaborative.org for more information.
Together, we’re cultivating a vibrant community of collaboration and social connection in Los Angeles. Please join us on Fridays for wellness activities such as music, painting, dancing, and arts and crafts! Members, staff, residents, and volunteers are welcome to join us! For more information, please email Salaneka Smith, Director of Member Services, at Salaneka.Smith@larcala.org.
NAMIWalks Greater L.A. County Mental Health Festival
Event Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Location:
Time: 8 a.m. Registration & Resource Fair 9 a.m. PST
Contact: NAMI GLAC, 515 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Gigi de Pourtales, Walk Manager, 213-386-3615, or gdepourtales@namiglac.org
Free Food and Community Resources
Take Action LA County: Let's Take Action For Mental Health Together
Coming together in support of our mental well-being is important. That's why the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) is working to help LA County residents proactively get support for their mental health. See below, the events calendar and link for more information!
Families Dance and Move for May Mental Health Month
Event Information
Families Dance and Move for May Mental Health Month
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 2 PM–5 PM
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park, 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746
Cost: Free
Get your groove on and boost mental health with fun moves for the whole family this May!
Join us for a fun, in-person event in honor of May Mental Health Month, designed for youth and their families. This uplifting experience is all about relieving stress, boosting your mood, and spending meaningful time together through music and movement.
No experience or fancy dance skills needed, just bring your energy, your loved ones, and your best vibes. Free entry for all attendees, plus enjoy a complimentary snack bag and helpful resources to support your wellness journey. Free parking available in Lots 10 & 15. Let’s come together, get moving, and support our mental health as a community! 💚✨
Free Food Near You!
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Phone: (323) 234-3030
Website: https://www.lafoodbank.org/
Click the button below to locate a Partner Agency near you.
Enter your address on the website to find your local food pantry. You can select local food pantries within a 5 to 100-mile radius of your address. Note: Pantry distribution dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the agency directly to confirm distribution times.
Member Feedback: Did Your Facility Receive CCE Funding? Please Share Your Operations Status - Do You Have Any Vacancies?
Facilities Who Were Awarded CCE Funds
Please share your feedback! We want to hear from you on the status of your operations and the impacts on your residents and staff.
Facilities With ERC and / or ALW Residents
Please share your feedback! We want to hear from you on the status of your operations and the impacts on your residents and staff.
Upcoming Events Across Los Angeles County
Caring for the Caregiver: Resiliency & Mental Health Wellness Event
Event Information
Host: Ryder's Room
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 12 PM–4 PM
Location: 11355 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Take a breather and boost your mental wellness with tips and support for all the amazing caregivers out there. Caregivers give so much of themselves every day, it's time to pour back into them.
Ryder's Room is proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health & CalMHSA to present 'Caring for the Caregiver', a community event focused on caregiver mental health, wellness, and resiliency. Expect meaningful conversations, wellness activities, and community resources designed to support those who support others.
Thanks for reading. Have a comment or a question? Email LARCA using the button below.
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