The critical need for essential health services remains a top priority within our LAUSD Community Schools Initiative (CSI), as revealed by both comprehensive site-based assets and needs assessments and real-time feedback loops with students, families and school staff. Collected insights underscore the pressing necessity for seamless service delivery, prompting focused efforts to address existing gaps. In September, UNITE-LA launched the Alliance for Opportunity (AFO), a collaborative committee dedicated to enhancing comprehensive support for students and families across the CSI.

The AFO is committed to reviewing assets and needs assessment (ANA) data from school sites to identify trends and develop targeted solutions. By leveraging resources and partnerships with local agencies and organizations, we ensure our support meets specific school needs. The AFO meets quarterly and reports to the Community Schools Steering Committee to facilitate collaboration and accountability.

Currently, ANA data highlight a need for increased awareness, access to, and utilization of resources among parents, students, and the community. Data also underscores the need for effective strategies to address chronic absenteeism, particularly for foster youth and homeless students. Dental and vision services are also critical for many students. During the first AFO meeting, members from key student support departments within LAUSD shared initiatives, strategies, and resources targeting specific needs, including campaigns to reduce chronic absenteeism, provision of specialized student counselors to directly support foster and homeless students, the establishment of regional clothing boutiques, and a pilot laundry truck at two local locations this year. Additionally, the vision and dental departments are collaborating with vendors to offer services in high-need schools, prioritizing Priority Schools and BSAP designated Schools, along with providing immunizations and telehealth services for students. UNITE-LA is currently working with the CSI Director to connect our schools to services. 

Cross-functional collaboration and interdepartmental coordination through the AFO marks a significant step forward in our mission to support the integrated and comprehensive health and well-being of our students and families. Our aim is to continue working together to create a more supportive educational environment,championing the success of every child in our community schools. 

The 2024-25 AFO Members:

• LAUSD
  • Denise Miranda, Director of Student Support Programs
  • Elsy Rosado, Robyn Friedman, Mery Hernandez, Pupil Services and Attendance
  • Ron Tanimura, Director of Medical Services (Office of the Chief Medical Officer)
  • Elva Cortez, Administrator of Operations, Medical Services Division
• Regional Partners
  • LACOE - Michael Santiago & Ezequiel de la Torre, Community Schools-RTAC Division
  • DMH - Rebeca Hurtado (Mental Health Clinical Program Manager I) and Katryna Rangel (Mental Health Clinical Supervisor)
  • LA Trust - Lizette Patron, Community Schools Director

For more information, please reach out to Jenny Vu, Director of Education Systems Strategy, at [email protected].