Message from the President & CEO

Dear Friends of Wellnest,

As unrest continues to unfold in Downtown Los Angeles and beyond in response to immigration policies and enforcement actions, we pause to center what matters most: your emotional well-being and the well-being of the children and families you care for.

Moments like these can be overwhelming; bringing fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, community leader, or ally, please know that you are not alone. At Wellnest, we are here to help, guide, and support you. 

For over 100 years, Wellnest has walked alongside our community through difficult and defining moments. We have been a consistent source of healing for generations of Angelenos, rooted in compassion, clinical excellence, and cultural understanding. Our legacy is one of showing up, especially when it matters most.

In response to the current unrest, our professional team of experts has prepared a guide to help children cope with crisis, offering practical and developmentally appropriate tools to help children feel safe, heard, and supported during uncertain times. We invite you to review and share this resource with anyone in your network who may benefit: “Supporting Children Through Crisis.”

We also encourage you to:

• Take care of your own emotional health, so you can continue to care for others.
• Create calm, open spaces for children to talk, ask questions, and process what they are feeling.
• Reach out to Wellnest if your family, school, organization, or community needs mental health resources or support, we are here for you!

As a trauma-informed agency, our commitment is not just to respond in moments of crisis, but to provide ongoing care that uplifts and empowers. We stand in unwavering solidarity with our community, especially with children and families who are navigating compounding fears and stressors.

Thank you for being part of our extended Wellnest family. Your partnership strengthens our work—and your compassion strengthens our shared hope.

With care and solidarity,

Charlene Dimas-Peinado

President & CEO