L.A. CADA Hosts First Community Roundtable

The Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) hosted its first community roundtable at the El Rancho Unified School District (ERUSD) Student Service Campus in Pico Rivera. The gathering brought together District officials, neighboring community-based organizations (CBOs), and local service providers with the shared goal of strengthening resources for families, youth, and the broader community.

As students return to school, the roundtable provided a forum for open dialogue and collaboration. Partners brainstormed strategies to expand access to services, bridge existing gaps, and better support parents and youth. A recurring theme was the importance of offering workshops and resources for parents, paired with childcare opportunities to increase participation. By removing barriers such as scheduling conflicts and accessibility issues, parents would have greater opportunities to receive the help they need to support their families.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of youth leadership. One idea that gained momentum was the proposal to host a youth-led resource fair. Such an event would provide young people the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills, share their perspectives, and voice what they consider the most pressing needs within their community.

The inaugural meeting was attended by a wide range of community partners, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), AltaMed, the Department of Children and Family Services, Boys and Girls Club, ERUSD School Police, Spiritt Family Services, Soledad Enrichment Action, El Rancho Adult School, and ERUSD Student Services, among others. L.A. CADA will continue to host these roundtables, building on the momentum of this first discussion. By fostering stronger alliances and open communication, the organization aims to ensure that parents, youth, and community members have access to stable, supportive, and responsive services. The El Rancho roundtable represents just the beginning of what community partners hope will become an ongoing effort to work collectively in addressing challenges and creating meaningful opportunities for the families of Pico Rivera.