DCBA Stories: Providing Hope
DCBA Stories is an ongoing series of articles showcasing the many ways the staff of the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs answer the call to help the people of Los Angeles County.
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has led the way in government sector service for and partnership with immigrant and undocumented communities. Here is a story of a family that was helped by Anai, a member of DCBA’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA).
The connection began when Ms. Picuru’s* dire circumstances were referred by the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis to OIA. A native of a Central American nation, she sought to provide for her family as best she could in the San Gabriel Valley. Reuniting with her teenage and adult daughters, as well as meeting her grandchild for the first time, was bittersweet. Despite working when possible, caring for her toddler, and lending her support to her recently arrived family, Ms. Picuru moved closer to homelessness.
Anai, a counselor with OIA, received the referral and immediately began to assess her client’s needs. She assisted the family with their application for CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal through the Department of Public Social Services. She also helped the family receive a cash assistance grant from Thai Community Development Center. Ms. Picuru used these funds to search for a more stable and habitable place to live. Anai also connected Ms. Picuru to a counsleor from the Department of Mental Health. The entire family is now receiving on-going counseling services.
In line with her commitment to service, Anai was determined to make the 2021 Holiday Season memorable for Ms. Picuru and her family so she organized an Adopt-a-Family project among her colleagues who were eager to support. On the week of Thanksgiving, Anai and her coworker Amy dropped off boxes of clothing, food, and gift cards. Ms. Picuru and her family were grateful for their unexpected gifts. So too was the entire OIA family for being able to serve in partnership with the Picuru family.
The Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs helps all immigrants learn about available services for them and their families. For more information visit immigrants.lacounty.gov. Counselors like Anai are ready to support by calling (800) 593-8222 or by appointment to have a counselor reach you at the best and most convenient time.
* Note: Some names and specific details of cases featured in DCBA Stories have been adjusted to respect the privacy of our team members and the people we serve.