Free Online Support Groups for Ukrainians Every Friday
Join a Free Online Support Group for Ukrainians
If you have experienced traumatic events, are struggling to cope with anxiety and stress, and are looking for a safe space to heal, this group is for you. The International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA) and USC Trauma Recovery Center host free online support groups for Ukrainians.
In this group, you will learn practical skills for creating safety in everyday life, setting healthy boundaries, managing emotions, and taking practical steps toward stability and well-being.
When: Every Friday, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (PST)
Format: Online via Zoom
Language: Ukrainian
Cost: Free
Take the first step towards healing today. You deserve support! To register, please fill out the form.
Our services are available to Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees who entered the USA between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023, and residents of Los Angeles and surrounding counties, including Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside.
Групи підтримки для українців
Долучайтеся до безкоштовної онлайн-групи підтримки для українців
Якщо ви зіткнулися з наслідками травматичних подій і шукаєте безпечний простір для зцілення, ця група для вас. Міжнародний Інститут Лос-Анджелеса (IILA) організовує безкоштовні онлайн-зустрічі для підтримки українців.
Якщо ви зіткнулися з наслідками травматичних подій, намагаєтесь впоратись із тривогою та стресом, шукаєте безпечний простір для зцілення, ця група для вас. Міжнародний Інститут Лос-Анджелеса (IILA) та USC Trauma Recovery Center (Центр відновлення після травм USC) організовує безкоштовні онлайн-зустрічі для підтримки українців.
На цій групі ви навчитеся практичним навичкам для створення безпеки у повсякденному житті, встановлення здорових кордонів, керуванню емоціями та практичним крокам до стабільності та добробуту.
Деталі:
Коли: Щоп’ятниці, з 17:00 до 19:00 (за тихоокеанським часом, PST).
Формат: Онлайн через Zoom.
Мова: Українська
Вартість: Безкоштовно.
Зробіть перший крок до зцілення вже сьогодні. Ви заслуговуєте на підтримку!Для реєстрації, будь ласка, заповніть форму нижче
Our services are available to Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees who entered the USA between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023, and residents of Los Angeles and surrounding counties including Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside.
Apply to The DreamSF Fellowship before April 3
Apply to The DreamSF Fellowship before April 3
The DreamSF Fellowship is a paid San Francisco-based leadership and professional development program for immigrant students and aspiring professionals who seek to gain real-world experience with social justice change-makers in the Bay Area. The fellowship is open to applicants who meet eligibility requirements regardless of immigration status and strongly encourages applications from individuals with lived immigrant or undocumented experience.
Learn more and apply here.
World Relief Afghan Community Webinar Series
World Relief Immigration Legal Services are offering two types of webinars to the Afghan community over the next several weeks to keep them informed of significant policy developments affecting Afghans and protect their rights. Flyers are attached in English, Dari, and Pashto with complete information. Please consider sharing them with whomever you feel might benefit.
Each webinar will include a drawing, and one attendee will win a $50 Walmart gift card!
All of the information below along with registration links are also available in all three languages here on our webinar webpage.
Questions? Contact us: Dari: (916) 891-8002 / Pashto: (916) 270-3911
Additional information:
Webinar Type 1: Know Your Rights Webinars
We offer 1.5 hour Know Your Rights webinars in Dari and Pashto. These sessions include:
Immigration policy updates affecting Afghans
Important Know Your Rights and personal safety information
Family emergency preparedness guidance
A question-and-answer session with our legal team
Register now:
Wednesday, February 25, 10AM (Dari)
Thursday, February 26, 10AM (Pashto)
Wednesday, March 11, 10AM (Dari)
Webinar Type 2: 30-Minute Monthly Immigration Updates
Our immigration lawyers will explain the most important policy changes over the past month that directly impact Afghan SIV applicants, refugees, asylum seekers and asylee, and individuals with other immigration statuses. We explain what these updates mean for you and your family, highlight new opportunities or circumstances, and answer common questions so you can take your next steps with confidence.
Register now:
Thursday, March 5, 10AM (Dari)
Thursday, March 5, 11AM (Pashto)
Puerto Rico Health Centers: A Diabetes Community of Practice
This webinar series will be provided in Spanish only
Join Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN) in their upcoming community of practice series designed for health promoters, case navigators, patient support staff, community outreach workers, and health educators at Puerto Rico health centers, focusing on diabetes care. Across this four-part Spanish language series experts will cover diabetes management, nutrition, prenatal health, and mental and behavioral health for patients with diabetes.
In this four-session Spanish-language series, experts will address topics such as diabetes management, nutrition, prenatal health, and the mental and behavioral health of patients living with diabetes.
Register here.
The series will take place over four consecutive Tuesdays on the following dates:
Session 1: March 3, 2026
Session 2: March 10, 2026
Session 3: March 17, 2026
Session 4: March 24, 2026
Each session will last 60 minutes and will be held at the following times:
Pacific Time: 10:00 a.m.
Mountain Time: 11:00 a.m.
Central Time: 12:00 p.m.
Eastern Time: 1:00 p.m.
Atlantic Time: 2:00 p.m. (Session 1 only)
Webinar Series - Health Center Emergency Preparedness and Response Forum
Session 3: Workforce Readiness
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm AT
Duration: 1 hour
No cost for participation!
As new emergency events impact health centers, staff need to build their competence, skills, and knowledge on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. This Forum will identify, share, and promote promising practices while highlighting and addressing challenges related to the ongoing response and recovery from emergencies, with topics such as extreme weather, community partnerships, workforce development, and patient support.
For any access or accommodation requests, please contact mbeierschmitt@phmc.org.
Know Your Rights Workshop
BAJI, BRFN, and PTR are pleased to invite you to a virtual workshop on “Know Your Rights”.
Date: Monday, March 20
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Platform: Zoom (link/QR code to follow)
This workshop will focus on:
Travel restrictions and their implications
Current U.S. policies affect approximately 75 countries. Temporary suspension of immigrant visas for people from these countries
Updates for asylum seekers currently traveling domestically in the U.S.
The session is designed to inform, answer questions, and help participants understand their rights under current policies.
El Cajon Resource & Job Fair
The San Diego Workforce Partnership, in collaboration with the El Cajon Library, invites you to connect with job-ready candidates at the upcoming El Cajon Resource/Job Fair.
📅 Event Date: March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
🕛 Time: 12 pm-2 pm
📍 Location: El Cajon Library, 201 E Douglas Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020
We welcome businesses from all industries who are offering full-time, part-time, or seasonal positions and we are encourage resources (transportation, immigration services, English language classes, working with unhoused, etc.) to participate as well. Please participate if you are currently hiring, and we always welcome employers that are hiring on the spot. This is your opportunity to meet motivated job seekers and showcase your current openings—all in the heart of the El Cajon community.
Reserve your table: Employer and Resource registration link
Know Your Rights, Risks, & Resources: What do I do if ICE comes to my school?
Join us for an essential workshop designed to equip ALL communities, students, families, and educators with the knowledge and tools to navigate immigration-related challenges. This training is a critical resource for anyone seeking to strengthen community resilience against immigration enforcement risks while ensuring access to essential rights and protections for ALL.
Register here.
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Clients
Switchboard is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar open to all refugee service providers, whether working at state agencies, resettlement agencies or affiliates, or other organizations.
Cost: Free
Length: 90 Minutes
Level: Introductory
This event offers 1.5 ASWB ACE-approved CEs.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
10:00 – 11:30 AM PT
Register here
Newcomers often encounter complex, challenging situations as they adjust and integrate into society. Conversations with clients about these challenges can be particularly complicated, given past trauma exposure and cultural differences.
This webinar will offer best practices for navigating these sensitive conversations with a mutually respectful, trauma-informed approach. Participants will explore helpful communication strategies through case scenarios to develop skills for engaging clients supportively and effectively.
What I Will Learn
After participating in this event, you will be able to:
Recognize ongoing resettlement challenges, including employment and housing barriers, that require difficult conversations between clients and providers
Identify key communication skills and specific phrases for keeping conversations supportive and respectful for both clients and providers
Apply a trauma-informed and compassionate approach to current client and service provision challenges
Who Will Benefit?
Service providers who want to bolster their communication skills, particularly when discussing difficult topics with clients
Agency supervisors and organizational staff who interact with newcomers or support client-facing staff
Free Workshop on Applying for U.S. Citizenship
The San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative welcomes eligible green card holders to a free naturalization application workshop at the San Francisco County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States). Workshop participants will get free help with a step-by-step review of the naturalization process, assessment of eligibility to naturalize, and application preparation and documentation packaging, if eligible to naturalize.
Call and leave a message to start the appointment process.
English: 415-662-8901
Spanish: 415-662-8902
Chinese: 415-295-5894
Filipino: 415-498-0735
Russian: 415-754-3818
Vietnamese: 415-295-589
Learn more here.
2026 Multicultural Health & Resource Fair
We invite you & your community members to attend our upcoming 2026 Multicultural Health & Resource Fair. This entertaining and informative day celebrates the diversity of multicultural communities in Sacramento as well as wellness, in honor of Minority Health Month (April). This FREE health & resource fair features cultural performances, health screenings, resources, vendors, food trucks, and ultimately, FUN!
Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks and those who may benefit from attending. The event flyers are attached to this email, in both English & Spanish. If anyone attends, they are eligible for a chance to win a RAFFLE PRIZE, as raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Center for Spiritual Awareness - 1275 Starboard Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691
Free Training Series: Practical Skills for Difficult Times
IRC's Technical Training Unit is excited to offer a free training series, “Practical Skills for Difficult Times,” designed specifically for immigrant- and refugee‑serving behavioral health service providers.
This three‑part series offers practical tools to support staff wellness, strengthen trauma‑informed service delivery, and enhance our collective capacity to support clients during periods of uncertainty.
Training Series Overview
1. Psychological First Aid to Support Clients Impacted by Immigration Enforcement
📅 March 24 at 12:00 PM PST
🔗 Register: https://rescue.zoom.us/meeting/register/E-rXMORVQGunT7JiJVpKeQ
2. Trauma‑Informed Engagement & Assessments
📅 April 28 at 12:00 PM PST
🔗 Register: https://rescue.zoom.us/meeting/register/rldNJj2LSimuwLuJ6amzcg
3. Mitigating Vicarious Trauma and Burnout During Uncertainty
📅 May 26 at 12:00 PM PST
🔗 Register: https://rescue.zoom.us/meeting/register/4q8WjGn6R9Kmp-IjkFQCMg
What Participants Will Gain
Practical Psychological First Aid skills for moments of heightened fear or distress
Region-specific supports to share with clients
Tools to promote trauma-informed assessments and client engagement
Strategies to reduce burnout and strengthen resilience
Free, easy‑to‑use wellness resources for providers
Refugee Updates: Policy, Rights & Enforcement Risks
This webinar is designed for refugee resettlement agencies and community-based providers working with refugee populations across California. It will provide a practical overview of recent immigration policy developments affecting refugees, including enforcement trends, adjudication delays, and potential detention risks. The training will focus on recognizing warning signs, sharing tailored Know Your Rights information, understanding how enforcement actions may impact clients and staff, and identifying when and how to connect individuals with trusted legal service providers. Participants will also receive guidance on staying informed through reliable updates and resources.
Presenters: Elizabeth Taufa (Senior Policy Attorney and Strategist), Veronica Garcia (Senior Staff Attorney), and Jehan Laner (Senior Staff Attorney)
Register here.
UA Teen Hangout
This group is specifically designed for teenagers with Ukrainian Humanitarian Parole (UHP) status to provide them with a safe, fun, and supportive online community.
Event highlights:
Connection: An opportunity to meet and connect with other Ukrainian teenagers.
Activities: Real-time games, challenges, and the chance to win prizes.
Environment: A chill, safe space to relax and have fun.
Event Details:
Date: March 7
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Platform: Zoom
Interested families can reserve a spot by contacting us at (818) 334 4079 or emailing ostukalova@iilosangeles.org.
BHSA Update at North County Region Community Leadership Team Meeting
This meeting will provide an update on the region’s BHSA Integrated Plan timeline, outline recent efforts, and note upcoming opportunities for Public Comment.
Live Well San Diego North County Community Leadership Team | Engage Live Well San Diego
Accessibility & Support
Disability-related accommodations, language interpretation (including American Sign Language), and written materials in alternative languages and formats are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 72 hours in advance of the event to Engage.BHS@sdcounty.ca.gov or by calling (619) 854-1363.
Free Workshop on Applying for U.S. Citizenship
The San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative welcomes eligible green card holders to a free naturalization application workshop at City College of San Francisco - Chinatown Center (808 Kearny Street, San Francisco). Workshop participants will get free help with step-by-step review of the naturalization process, assessment of eligibility to naturalize, and application preparation and documentation packaging, if eligible to naturalize.
Call and leave a message to start the appointment process.
English: 415-662-8901
Spanish: 415-662-8902
Chinese: 415-295-5894
Filipino: 415-498-0735
Russian: 415-754-3818
Vietnamese: 415-295-589
Learn more here.
JFCS East Bay Afghan Community Legal Townhall
The next monthly JFCS East Bay Afghan Community Legal Townhall will be on February 26 at 5:30pm on Zoom at this link: https://tinyurl.com/AfghanCommunityTownHall
Pathways to Financial Stability: Credit & Banking Essentials
The Ukrainian Support Services program will be holding a free and informative session hosted in partnership with the IRC Sacramento Financial Empowerment Center!
Pathways to Financial Stability: Credit & Banking Essentials is designed to help community members better understand how credit and banking work in the U.S. Whether you’re new to the system or just want to build stronger financial habits, this session will give you practical tools you can use.
Session Highlights:
How credit works and why it matters
Loans, interest rates, and how to shop for the best options
Banking tools beyond checking & savings
How to avoid predatory lenders and debt traps
Session Details:
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: ZOOM
Language: English with Russian interpretation provided
Registration is required. Please scan the QR code on the flyer, click HERE, or contact us for help registering.
Webinar on Car Loan Refinancing in Ukrainian
Struggling with auto loan payments? Join the free online webinar to learn practical ways to reduce your transportation expenses!
Hosted by International Rescue Committee and Human Migration Institute, this is the first webinar in a new financial education series created specifically for Ukrainian clients 🇺🇦
To join the webinar, please fill out the registration form here.
Маєте труднощі з виплатами за автокредитом?
Приєднуйтесь до нашого безкоштовного онлайн-вебінару, щоб дізнатися про практичні способи зекономити на транспортних витратах уже сьогодні!
Це перший вебінар у серії фінансових заходів, створених спеціально для українських клієнтів 🇺🇦 за підтримки IRC та HMI.
Щоб взяти участь у вебінарі, будь ласка, заповніть реєстраційну форму за посиланням тут: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenkL-BVJc458UMSGsh2ttMUCMIAiD8aaWQR8lLlxYQW1MxnA/viewform
U.S. Healthcare and Benefits: From SSI and IHSS to Covered California and Wellness Support
The Ukrainian Support Service program will be holding a session focused on all things healthcare from navigating the healthcare system and understanding benefits to accessing health and wellness resources. The session will be in Ukrainian and Russian.
U.S. Healthcare and Benefits: From SSI and IHSS to Covered California and Wellness Support
Confused about Medi-Cal, SSI, IHSS, or Covered California? We’ve got you covered! Join our free session to learn how to apply, what you’re eligible for, and how to make the most of your benefits. Perfect for newcomers, families, and caregivers looking for clear answers and resources.
Session is designed to help newcomers and community members better understand healthcare and benefits in California. This presentation will cover key programs including Medi-Cal, Covered California health plans, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Participants will learn about eligibility requirements, application processes, and how to access essential services such as preventive care, mental health resources, and much more. Whether you are a client or caregiver, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate these programs with confidence.
When: February 5@ 2 pm
Where: Online!
Language: Ukrainian/ Russian
Click HERE to register
Охорона здоров'я та соціальні пільги в США: Від SSI та IHSS до Covered California та Wellness Support
Не розумієте, як працюють Medi-Cal, SSI, IHSS або Covered California? Ми вам допоможемо! Приєднуйтесь до нашої безкоштовної сесії, щоб дізнатися, як подати заявку, на що ви маєте право і як максимально використовувати свої пільги. Ідеально підходить для новоприбулих, сімей та осіб, які здійснюють догляд, які шукають відповіді та ресурси.
Сесія призначена для того, щоб допомогти новачкам і членам спільноти краще зрозуміти систему охорони здоров'я та пільги в Каліфорнії. У цій презентації будуть розглянуті ключові програми, включаючи Medi-Cal, плани медичного страхування Covered California, додатковий дохід безпеки (SSI) та послуги підтримки на дому (IHSS). Учасники дізнаються про вимоги до участі, процеси подання заявок і про те, як отримати доступ до основних послуг, таких як профілактична допомога, ресурси з психічного здоров'я та багато іншого. Незалежно від того, чи є ви клієнтом або особою, яка здійснює догляд, ця сесія озброїть вас знаннями, які допоможуть вам з упевненістю орієнтуватися в цих програмах.
Коли: 5 лютий о 2:00PM
Де: онлайн!
Мова: українська/ російська
Натисніть ТУТ, щоб зареєструватися
All Things Housing Office Hour
Switchboard is excited to announce it is hosting the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Headquarters’ Housing Team and Refugee Housing Solutions (RHS) to answer your housing-related questions. Whether you’re new to housing or an experienced housing practitioner, join us for free, informal housing support.
After registering, you will receive an email with the event link, a calendar invite, and instructions for joining the webinar.
Is this for me?
Drop by our All Things Housing Office Hour if you serve ORR-eligible populations in the U.S. and have questions like:
🔍 How can I find affordable units for clients in our program?
🤝 If a client's housing needs are beyond the scope of what we provide, what services can I refer them to?
🚩 What are some common red flags to look out for in lease agreements?
What can I expect?
Casual, drop-in format—join anytime during the hour
Direct access to housing experts
Practical solutions for your specific challenges
Follow-up support if needed
A judgment-free space to ask questions and learn, no housing expertise needed!
California Newcomer Project: Agency Learning & Support Series
Join a dynamic webinar series designed to inform, empower, and strengthen professionals and organizations supporting newcomers across California. Each session addresses timely topics shaped by agency feedback—equipping you with practical knowledge and resources to better serve ORR-eligible populations (refugees, SIVs, etc).
Hosted by Solvera, in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services’ Refugee Programs Bureau (CDSS RPB), these sessions may also feature guest experts who bring valuable perspectives and field insights.
The next session:
Date: Thursday, January 29 at 10:00 AM
Topic: Navigating Benefits: RCA & CalWorks
Link to Join: https://solveraconsult.zoom.us/j/99012283476
Please submit a webinar topic-related question in advance: https://bit.ly/CANPqs
Community Webinars for Afghan Immigrants
The Immigration Legal Services program at World Relief Sacramento is starting to run weekly, recurring webinars for the Afghan community on know your rights content and immigration policy updates. Community Webinars for Afghan Immigrants provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on current immigration news, policies, and announcements. Also, one attendee at each event will be picked at random to win a $50 Walmart Gift electronic gift card.
Topics covered include:
Guidance on Adjustment of Status, green cards, and citizenship timelines.
Important updates on processing pauses, travel restrictions, and government reviews.
Know Your Rights information for encounters with ICE, the FBI, or local law enforcement.
Family safety planning, detention preparedness, and fraud prevention.
Travel advisories, digital privacy, and conduct that may affect immigration status.
These sessions will be educational, followed by a question-and-answer session where attendees can ask questions of a licensed attorney.
Upcoming Community Webinars
We invite you to join our upcoming Dari and Pashto community webinars, designed to provide timely information and support.
Dari Webinars
Wednesdays, January 21 & January 28, 5:00–6:15 PMPashto Webinars
Thursdays, January 22 & January 29, 12:00–1:15 PM
Understanding Taxes in the U.S.: A Multilingual Series
Switchboard is pleased to announce an upcoming Facebook and YouTube Live event from Settle In, presented in collaboration with the IRC's Supporting Access to Financial Empowerment (SAFE) program. This session is designed for newcomers, refugees, and immigrants to learn about the U.S. tax system. Service providers are encouraged to attend to deepen their own understanding of tax basics and to share this resource with their clients.
Webinar Overview Part I:
In Part I, we will discuss different types of taxes, what taxes pay for, and how we pay taxes throughout the year.
What You Will Learn:
After participating in Part I of this series, you will be able to:
💰 Identify different types of taxes in the U.S. (income tax, sales tax, Social Security, Medicare, and property tax), and what tax revenue pays for at the federal, state, and local levels
📅 Explain how taxes are collected throughout the year
💵 Analyze pay stubs showing tax withholdings, including the difference between gross and net income
📝 Differentiate between tax obligations for payroll employees versus self-employed individuals
Part I: January 20, 2026
Please use a time zone converter to determine your local time for this webinar.
Dari: 3:30 P.M. EST
Spanish: 4:00 P.M. EST
Ukrainian: 4:30 P.M. EST
Haitian Creole: 5:00 P.M. EST
English: 5:30 P.M. EST
Webinar Overview Part II:
In Part II, we will explain how to prepare for yearly tax return filing, including who needs to file, what documents you should have, where to go to get your taxes completed, and how to avoid tax-related scams.
What You Will Learn:
After participating in Part II of this series, you will be able to:
📋 Identify who must file a tax return and the benefits of filing taxes even if not required
💸 Describe tax refunds, credits, and deductions
📑 List the necessary documents for filing (W-2, 1099, etc.)
🆓 Identify free and low-cost tax preparation resources (VITA, tax software)
⚠️ Recognize and avoid common tax scams
About this Webinar
Registration is not required.
Each live event will be recorded at the links below.
Each live event consists of five back-to-back sessions in different languages, including English.
Each language segment is at least 20 minutes long.
Part II: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Additional links to come on January 14, save the date and times.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Virtual Trainings & Events
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is committed to the prevention and eradication of human trafficking, and to providing ongoing support to survivors of human trafficking in California. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and for 2026, the Child Trafficking Response Team and the Refugee Programs Bureau’s (RPB) Asylee and Trafficking Unit are hosting an array of virtual events and other activities designed to raise awareness of human trafficking occurring across California, the nation, and the world. We hope you will join us this month in our efforts to boost system-wide knowledge, prevention and response efforts around the issue of human trafficking.
In 2025, human trafficking was once again the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world. Human traffickers continue to profit greatly from the exploitation of youth and adults within our most vulnerable populations. Sadly, many in California may not realize that human trafficking is taking place in plain view in many different settings, and across various industries in their communities. As a result, human trafficking remains underreported, and trafficking survivors frequently go unidentified. Males, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and related (LGBTQ+) youth, Tribal youth, and unaccompanied minors are disproportionately impacted due to systemic injustices and incorrect assumptions about who is affected by human trafficking.
CDSS invites you to participate in the following Human Trafficking Prevention Month activities:
“A Reclamation” Art Gallery to Uplift Lived Experience Voices
Beginning January 7, 2026, and running through the end of the month, CDSS will host “A Reclamation” Art Gallery, presented by Preventing and Addressing Child Trafficking (PACT). This art gallery features creative expression from California artists, leaders, and lived experience experts. Be inspired as the collection takes viewers on a journey exploring themes of healing, reclamation, and resilience through a variety of mediums including poetry, creative writing, graphic art, and photography. The collection includes submissions from the PACT Consultant Network and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Action Team Advisory Board.
The gallery will be viewable during business hours, located in the CDSS building at 744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, in the first-floor hallway of Office Building 8.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is on Sunday, January 11, 2026. To raise awareness of human trafficking, the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign has created an initiative on this day, called #WearBlueDay. Join #WearBlueDay by taking photos of yourselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and sharing these pictures on social media along with the #WearBlueDay hashtag. The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and to know how to appropriately respond to possible instances of human trafficking.
Live and On-Demand Trainings
Below are opportunities to participate in virtual events designed to raise awareness of Human Trafficking:
The following events are presented by the CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau, Asylee and Trafficking Unit:
Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program Information Session
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1:00PM-2:00PM PST
To register, please click here.
Within CDSS, the Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB) provides state-level leadership and coordination of programs and services to help vulnerable populations achieve successful resettlement and integration in communities throughout California. Through the Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP), the RPB works with all 58 counties in California to provide cash assistance, food benefits, health care, employment services, and other social services supports to eligible noncitizen survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes. This webinar will provide an overview of TCVAP, the application process, benefits, and services. We encourage you to attend this session to learn more about how this program supports noncitizen trafficking survivors.
Stop, Observe, Ask, Respond (SOAR) On-Demand Training
Sign up for the SOAR online training.
The Stop, Observe, Ask, Respond (SOAR) framework is a trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically appropriate response to human trafficking. The SOAR framework is designed to educate health care providers, social workers, public health professionals, and behavioral health professionals on how to identify, treat, and respond appropriately to individuals who are at risk or who have experienced human trafficking.
To access the SOAR training, please visit the SOAR training website and create an account. Access will then be granted to the catalog of SOAR trainings, including trainings on preventing and responding to human trafficking, trauma informed care, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
The following events are presented by our partners, the CDSS Safety and Early Intervention Bureau, Child Trafficking Program Support Unit:
Intersections of Trauma and Trafficking – Principles of Trauma-Informed Care and Practice Training Course
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 12:00PM-2:00PM PST
To register, please click this link.
This training is hosted by the CSEC Action Team in partnership with the National Center on Child Trafficking. The training presentation will include core concepts and principles of trauma and how they relate to trafficking, while providing real examples and strategies for working with young people and families. This session is relevant for anyone working with young people, including those experiencing trauma related to trafficking or other adverse experiences. The training session will also feature the two experts below who will share their experience and perspectives to guide our discussion.
Maria Contreras, Manager, Community & Policy, National Center for Youth Law
Kelly Kinnish, Director, The National Center on Child Trafficking, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
Hidden in Plain Sight – Child Labor Trafficking and Intersections with Commercial Sexual Exploitation Training Webinar
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 10:00AM-12:00PM PST
To register, please click here.
Preventing and Addressing Child Trafficking (PACT) a program of the Child and Family Policy Institute of California (CFPIC) will present this important webinar. Across the United States, including here in California, children are coerced, deceived, or forced into unsafe work. Some labor in fields, restaurants, or homes, while others are pushed into criminal acts like selling drugs or recruiting peers. Labor trafficking hides in plain sight and often overlaps with Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and forced criminality. Traffickers prey on vulnerable youth, especially those who’ve experienced foster care, homelessness, or juvenile justice involvement. This training shines a light on these hidden realities. Together, we’ll learn to spot the signs, respond with empathy, and connect young people to safety and support.
Best Practices and Tools for Child Welfare Professionals to Support Immigrant Child Victims
Thursday, January 27, 2026, 10:00AM-12:00PM PST
To register, please click here.
This training is presented by Leslye E. Orloff, Adjunct Professor and Director of the National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project (NIWAP) at American University, Washington College of Law. This course will introduce attendees to the Child Protective Services Toolkit which provides child welfare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the humanitarian immigration relief options available to protect abused and neglected noncitizen children and/or their noncitizen parents. Participants will learn about four key forms of immigration relief: (1) the Violence Against Women Act
self-petition, (2) the U visa for crime victims, (3) the T visa for human trafficking victims, and (4) Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
The presentation will also cover best practices for working with children from immigrant and mixed-status families. Topics include early intervention strategies, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches, and providing supportive services for abused children and their protective parents. Attendees will learn how to use the NIWAP’s public benefits map, charts, and infographic tools to look up which state and federal public benefits and services are available in California to assist immigrant children and family members that child welfare professionals encounter in their work.
California Department of Social Services Child Trafficking Response Team Virtual Panel Discussion on Community Drop-In Centers Serving Exploited and At-Risk Youth
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 1:30PM-3:00PM PST
To register, please click here.
Drop-in center directors in San Francisco and Orange County, their county partners, and panel members with lived experience - youth who have benefitted greatly from engagement with these drop-in centers will be part of this panel discussion. Plan to be inspired by moving success stories and expect to take away a practical sense of what goes into building an impactful drop-in center that reaches and serves the populations most vulnerable to human trafficking in your community.
Resources
The RPB has curated a list of recommended books, podcasts, films, and community events that foster awareness of human trafficking. Through the experiences of survivors, documentarians, journalists, novelists, and more, we hope these recommendations enrich your understanding of human trafficking and spark a call to action through the work that you do in social services. Visit the January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month webpage for more information.
Additional Resources
Do you have resources to share? Submit your favorite resource to be shared with the community. Submit by email to TCVAP@dss.ca.gov.
Schedriy Vechir Holiday Gala
Join on Sunday, January 11th as we cap the end of the holiday season with a traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner.
A magical day of entertainment awaits you with the choirs of Kobzar, Kolo and Blahovist, dance by Chervona Kalyna and the music of Vova z Lvova, Vsiudy Svoya and more!
Early Bird Pricing is now open and tickets available through Eventbrite.
Proceeds to benefit aid to Ukraine
Motivational Interviewing 101
California Newcomer Project Agency Learning & Support Series:
Date: Thursday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m. (PST)
Topic: Motivational Interviewing 101
Link to Join: HERE
This session will focus on an introduction to Motivational Interviewing and how it can strengthen client-centered service delivery.
During this session, attendees will:
Gain an understanding of Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Learn MI methods and how to apply them in immediate client interactions.
Enhance their confidence in supporting client autonomy and decision making.
Leave with concrete strategies and encouragement to implement in daily work
El Cajon Valley Resource Fair
The ECV Community Center Team is excited to announce that we are currently planning their second Resource Fair of the year, scheduled for Saturday, December 6th. This free, family-friendly event will offer resources, information, and tools to the families and community of El Cajon.
Family Preparedness Act (AB 495) and Local Childcare Safety Plans
You are cordially invited to an informative and lively presentation on the Family Preparedness Act (AB 495) and Local Childcare Safety Plans on Thursday, Dec. 4, from noon to 1:30. This webinar is sponsored by the Legal Aid Association of CA. Lawyers will receive free 1.5-hours general MCLE credits for attending.
Click this link to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5617611602731/WN_EEeSmEeVR0-ka9XjI74tpA
Presented by:
Rob Allen, Estate Planning Attorney, Santa Cruz County
Tanya Harmony Ridino, Harmony Law, Estate Planning and Family Law Attorney, Santa Cruz County
Miriam Stombler, Retired Deputy County Counsel Attorney, Santa Cruz County
Kellie Morgantini, Retired Legal Aid Attorney, Monterey County
Family Separation is not a new tool used by autocratic governments and is once again in the news in the context of brutal immigration practices.
This Legal Aid Association of California-hosted program will review the newly enacted Family Preparedness Act (AB 495) and how it supports our locally developed Childcare Safety Plan, which enables families to provide for the care of their children if they are not available. Please join our panel of attorneys who first developed the Childcare Safety Plan in 2017 to learn about this free toolkit which is shared by Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and Alameda Counties.
Learn about various community efforts to assist families with these plans and how you can get involved. We’ll talk about our "Train the Trainers" model working with schools, NGOs, healthcare staff, and community volunteers to provide support to families through trusted sources.
Informational Workshop on Low-Income Housing for Survivors
Narika is excited to host an informational workshop on low-income housing for survivors of domestic violence.
Day/Date: Thursday, December, 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: on Zoom, link to be sent after registration
Topics:
Searching for Low Income Housing
Low Income Housing Eligibility Criteria
Preparing Applying for Low Income Housing
Housing Protection for Domestic Violence Survivors
This is an informational workshop only and no legal advice will be offered.
Register by:
Completing this form: Registration Form
OR
Call our helpline at 1-800-215-7308
OR
Email us at: programs@narika.org
Standing in Solidarity: How to Support Your Clients, Families, the Communities You Serve, and Yourself when Impacted by ICE Raids and Deportation
Learn practical, culturally responsive strategies to support undocumented clients, their families, and your community while strengthening your own fortitude.
This training is designed for clinicians, school providers, social workers, peers, counselors, nurses, and behavioral health agency staff.
Course meets the qualifications for TBD hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. (Provider Number 70799) CIBHS is an approved provider for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) to sponsor continuing education LMFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. CIBHS maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
RN Credit: CIBHS is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 17140 for TBD contact hours.
CIBHS is an approved provider for California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP)continuing education credits. CIBHS maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. (Provider number 240) All activities in this training are offered for continuing education credit excluding any breaks. CE Certificates of Completion will be emailed within two weeks of processing your completed online evaluation. For questions, comments, or grievances about this CE course content or delivery, or to request special accommodations, please email rtexeira@cibhs.org
Register here.
Movement Lawyering 101: Prioritizing Community in a Time of Scarce Resources
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on movement lawyering — a framework that centers community power, collaboration, and long-term justice in immigrant advocacy. In a time of limited resources and growing need, this conversation will reflect on past experiences and explore how attorneys and advocates can work in solidarity with impacted communities to create lasting change. Our distinguished panelists include Efren C. Olivares, Vice President of Litigation and Legal Strategy at the National Immigration Law Center as well as Priscilla Olivarez Senior Policy Attorney and Strategist, and Carolina Canizales, Senior Texas Campaign Strategist from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
Register here.
El Cajon Job Fair
The San Diego Workforce Partnership, in collaboration with the El Cajon Library, invites you to connect with employers who are currently hiring at the upcoming El Cajon Job Fair.
📅 Event Date: November 6, 2025
🕛 Time: 11 am-1 pm
📍 Location: El Cajon Library
201 E Douglas Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020
Register here.
Addressing Mental Health of Refugee Children & Youth: Practical Strategies for Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Support
This training is intended for service providers working with refugee children and youth, including resettlement agencies, child welfare, schools, health and mental health providers, anti-trafficking organizations, and others.
Northern California Town Hall
You are warmly invited to join the upcoming Northern California Town Hall on The State of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, taking place virtually on Monday, October 27, from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM (PT).
This town hall offers elected officials' insights into the impact of immigration policy and enforcement on Northern California immigrant and refugee communities and implications/ripple effects on all Californians. Hear from cross-sector stakeholders about their communities' response and how state and local government can meet this moment.
Please register here to attend: https://shorturl.at/L0Qna
Please register before OCT 24. Registration is limited.
Elica Health Centers In-person Job Fair
Elica Health Centers is hosting an in-person Job Fair!
📆 WHEN: Monday, October 27, 2025
🕘 TIME: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
✅ Interested in attending❓
If interested in attending, please follow the link and click the apply button to fill out an application ⤵
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3658693
Your application will be reviewed, and if selected, you will receive a confirmation email with the location and time to attend the Job Fair.
📣Now Hiring:
✅ Care Manager Trainee - Provide a wide range of case management services for the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative.
JOB TYPE: full-time
COMPENSATION: $25.00/h-$26.00/h
✅ Care Manager - Provide case management support and coordination.
JOB TYPE: full-time
COMPENSATION - Depending on Experience: $27.00/h - $30.00/h an hour
✅ Housing Navigator - Help clients experiencing homelessness secure and maintain housing, and connect them with services.
JOB TYPE: full-time
COMPENSATION: $25.00/h
✅ Community Health Worker - Help people access healthcare and social services through outreach, support, and coordination with care teams.
JOB TYPE: full-time
COMPENSATION - Depending on Experience: $21.00/h
Basic Qualifications:
• High school diploma required; relevant experience or degree preferred
• Experience with vulnerable populations highly desirable
• Valid CA driver’s license required
• Bilingual and/or lived experience is a plus!
✅ What We Offer:
✔️ Supportive and friendly team
✔️ Competitive benefits and working conditions
✔️ Opportunities for professional growth
Learn more about Elica Health Centers ➡️ elicahealth.org
✅ Questions❓
Email our Recruiting Team at: 📩 recruiting@elicahealth.org
