Wellnest Emotional Health & Wellness

11/24/2025

Our Ask an Expert series continues with Betty Mendoza, LCSW, Director of Outpatient Services at Wellnest’s Leimert Park location. With 27 years at Wellnest, Betty leads Outpatient Services, Telehealth Services, and the Mind, Body & Heart Program at Adventist White Memorial Medical Center.
She shares powerful insights on expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care and how holistic practices, like art, yoga, and Zumba, are helping reach more clients. 🧠💛 Betty also discusses the challenge many therapists face in balancing professional demands with personal well-being. “We have to be intentional about maintaining balance and remembering why we chose this path,” she says.
Her advice to future professionals? Be patient, stay organized, and lead with empathy.
Read her full feature by clicking the link below - also, en Espanol!
https://www.wellnestla.org/askanexpert/

11/21/2025

Meet our 2025–26 Wellnest MSW Interns! From UCLA, USC, CSUN, CSUDH, APU, and Columbia! 💫
We’re excited to welcome these bright minds and warm hearts as we continue creating spaces of hope, healing, and belonging together. 💛✨

11/20/2025

Wellnest Emotional Health & Wellness stands with our transgender community! Today, an estimated 2 million transgender and non-binary people live in the United States (Mental Health America) a number that will likely continue to grow as younger generations embrace and affirm diverse gender identities. It’s difficult to feel mentally healthy when you don’t feel safe, seen, or respected so here are three meaningful ways you can support the transgender community:
• Be an ally; listen, stand up against discrimination, and show compassion.
• Educate yourself; learn about transgender experiences, terminology, and challenges.
• Respect each person’s identity;use correct names and pronouns and honor who they are.

Learn more about how you can help with mental health support by visiting mhanational.org

11/18/2025

Wellnest is joining the global movement! Giving Tuesday is on December 2nd, we’re celebrating the power of generosity! Starting in 2012 from the simple idea to encourage doing good, Giving Tuesday is now a worldwide campaign inspiring millions to give, support others and spread kindness! This year we will have a big announcement, so stay tuned and save the date for December 2nd!

11/11/2025

Today, as we honor Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank all who have served our country with courage, compassion, and resilience. Their dedication reminds us of the importance of service, both to others and to our communities.

At Wellnest, we’re proud to recognize one of our own, Marcelo, whose story embodies these values. Marcelo served in the California Army National Guard for six years and was activated during the 1992 Los Angeles Riots to help restore safety and stability in our neighborhoods. During that time, he was also among a small group of service members selected to provide protection during President George H.W. Bush’s visit to the area, a reflection of his commitment, integrity, and leadership under pressure.

Marcelo, thank you for your service and for continuing to make a difference every day here at Wellnest. Your courage and humility inspire us all.

In observance of Veterans Day, Wellnest will be closed today, November 11, and will reopen on Wednesday, November 12.

11/11/2025

To our Wellnest Community, With the recent SNAP benefit freeze affecting many families, we want to ensure everyone knows where to turn for help.

We’re sharing a comprehensive list of local food resources, including food banks, meal programs, and emergency distribution sites, to support families during this challenging time.

Click the link below for a list of resources. As more become available we will continue to update.

https://linktr.ee/wellnest_la?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnehuYWOnSDUQCdXB4XiiJIXyonzy13RayKjkK0KVtSUzLfRgO2Do6q-cCstg_aem_vsqUGisBqBJns9yzUlprfQ

11/07/2025

🎙️This past Wednesday a few members of the Executive Team attended the 2025 California-Mexico Business Forum, sponsored by the

Wellnest President and CEO Charlene Dimas-Peinado served as a panelist on the “Women in Business” panel. The event focused on strengthening economic and business relationships between California and Mexico.

As the climate around immigration continues to be uncertain, Wellnest has remained a vital partner for the community, providing compassionate support and care for children and families in crisis.

10/31/2025

🎃 Happy Halloween from all your friends at Wellnest! If you’re heading out to trick-or-treat tonight, here are a few important tips to help you stay safe:
1. Stick to sidewalks and only cross streets at stoplights or crosswalks.
2. Stay visible! Carry a flashlight or use your smartphone’s light to help drivers see you and to watch your step.
3. Never, ever go inside someone’s home - stay on the porch or steps when trick-or-treating.
4. Most importantly, have FUN and enjoy a safe and spooky night! 👻

10/30/2025

Wellnest is honored to be a recipient of a grant from as part of their $8M commitment to California communities. With this grant, we are helping children and families rebuild, stronger than ever. To learn more about Wellnest holistic, emotional health programs visit wellnestla.org or click the link in our bio!👆🏼❤️👆🏼

10/22/2025

We’re honored to be featured in L.A. TACO sharing guidance on how to talk to children about ICE raids and the fear that comes with them. Paco Retana, Wellnest Chief Programs Officer, offers 10 practical tips to help families support their kids through uncertainty, presented in both English y Español.
🧠💬 Let’s protect our children’s mental health with truth, care, and community.

Click the link below to read the full article!
https://lataco.com/kids-ice-talking-points

10/21/2025