This guide includes brief descriptions of each organization to help you quickly understand what support they offer and how they serve South LA’s communities of care.
Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, raising toddlers, or parenting older kids, South LA has community-rooted support for you. Below is a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate list of resources: mental health, doulas, childcare, diapers, food, legal aid, and more.
Mental Health Support
Support for emotional wellness, trauma recovery, and navigating stress. This section includes free therapy, support groups, and hotlines tailored for mothers of color. Many accept Medi-Cal or offer services in Spanish.
Kedren Behavioral Health Clinic (South LA)
A full-service mental health agency offering therapy, crisis stabilization, medication management, and community wellness programming.
Website: kedrenhealth.org | Phone: (323) 233-0425
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
Provides culturally responsive therapy, suicide prevention, and recovery services, with several sites in and around South LA.
Website: didihirsch.org | Phone: (888) 807-7250
NAMI Urban LA
The local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offering free peer-led support groups and mental health advocacy in communities of color.
Website: namiurbanla.org | Phone: (323) 294-7814
Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Phone: 1-833-943-5746
Postpartum Support International
Website: postpartum.net | Phone: 1-800-944-4773 | Text: “Help” to 800-944-4773
CinnaMoms
A WIC-based initiative uplifting Black mothers through breastfeeding support, parenting circles, and culturally affirming maternal health education.
Website: cinnamoms.org
Doula, Midwifery & Birth Support
Care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. These programs offer free or low-cost doula services, birth planning, lactation support, and culturally rooted midwifery care for Black and brown birthing people.
AAIMM Free Doula Program (LA County)
A no-cost doula program for Black birthing people in LA County providing prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum care.
Website: blackinfantsandfamilies.org | Email: aaimmdoulas@ph.lacounty.gov | Phone: (213) 639-6448
Frontline Doulas
A community-rooted collective of Black birth workers offering culturally grounded birth and postpartum support through the AAIMM initiative.
Website: frontlinedoulas.com
Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance
A multicultural network of doulas supporting birthing people with trauma-informed, affordable, and multilingual doula care.
Website: motherbabysupport.net | Phone: (626) 388-2191
Black Infant Health Program (South LA)
Provides culturally centered group sessions and individual case management for Black women to improve birth outcomes and reduce stress.
Website: publichealth.lacounty.govpublichealth.lacounty.gov
MAMA’s Neighborhood (MLK, LAC+USC, etc.)
A county-run prenatal and postpartum care model offering team-based support, education, case management, and referrals to help parents navigate pregnancy and beyond.
Website: dhs.lacounty.govdhs.lacounty.gov
Kindred Space LA (Leimert Park)
A Black-owned birth and wellness center offering midwifery care, childbirth education, lactation services, and events focused on reclaiming birth for communities of color.
Website: kindredspacela.comkindredspacela.com
BreastfeedLA
Provides advocacy, education, and professional lactation support training to improve breastfeeding equity in LA County, especially for underserved families.
Website: breastfeedla.orgbreastfeedla.org
Parenting Support & Early Childhood
Home-based and community support for raising children. These resources offer parenting classes, home visits, early education, and developmental support for families with kids from birth to 5 years.
Welcome Baby (South LA hospitals)
Offers free home-based support for pregnant people and new parents through local hospitals, including check-ins, education, and free baby items.
Website: first5la.orgfirst5la.org
Home Visiting Programs (NFP, HFA, PAT)
These evidence-based programs pair families with trained visitors who support child development, parenting, and maternal well-being from pregnancy to age 5.
Directory: homevisitingla.orghomevisitingla.org
Shields for Families
A South LA-based organization providing family-centered services, including home visiting, substance use recovery, parenting classes, and youth programs.
Website: shieldsforfamilies.org | Phone: (323) 242-5000
El Nido Family Centers
Supports low-income and teen parents through case management, counseling, early childhood education, and youth development.
Website: elnidofamilycenters.org | Phone: (818) 830-3646
Children’s Institute
Provides trauma-informed care and early childhood programs, including Head Start, mental health services, and support for families impacted by adversity.
Website: childrensinstitute.orgchildrensinstitute.org
FamilySource Centers
Neighborhood hubs that offer parenting workshops, youth enrichment, financial coaching, and referrals to housing, employment, and benefits.
Directory: ewddlacity.comewddlacity.com
Childcare Assistance
Help finding and affording childcare. These programs offer subsidized daycare, referrals to trusted providers, Head Start preschool, and free after-school care to support working and low-income parents.
Crystal Stairs
Crystal Stairs is the largest child development service provider in South LA. They offer subsidized child care, including Head Start and Early Head Start, as well as training for providers and advocacy for quality care.
Website: crystalstairs.org | Phone: (323) 299-8998
LAUSD Early Education Division & LA’s BEST
LAUSD offers free or low-cost early education through its Early Education Centers and the State Preschool Program. LA’s BEST provides no-cost afterschool care at over 200 LAUSD elementary schools with activities in academics, arts, and fitness.
Websites: lausd.org, lasbest.org | Phone (LAUSD ECE): (213) 241-0415 | Phone (LA’s BEST): (213) 745-1900
Drew Child Development Corporation
Provides subsidized child care assistance for children 0–12 (up to 21 with special needs), support for finding licensed care, and operates its own child development centers.
Website: drewcdc.org | Phone: (323) 249-2950 | Toll-Free: 1-800-504-3739
Crystal Stairs
Administers child care voucher programs and operates 16 Head Start/Early Head Start centers across South LA and Compton.
Website: crystalstairs.org | Phone: (323) 299-8998
YWCA Greater Los Angeles
Runs infant, toddler, and preschool programs at early childhood centers in South LA, Compton, and surrounding areas, including full-day care.
Website: ywca.org | Main Office: (213) 516-3575 | Angeles Mesa: (323) 295-4280 | Compton: (310) 763-7906
Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA)
Offers Early Head Start and Head Start programs in Compton, Lynwood, Paramount, and South LA, including prenatal services, toddler care, and preschool.
Website: voala.org | Phone: (844) 340-9140
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)
Provides Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Care Partnership services at several centers in South LA and adjacent neighborhoods.
Website: maof.org | Main Line: (323) 890-9600 | Central Avenue Center: (323) 846-8511
Children’s Institute, Inc. (CII)
Operates Early Head Start and Head Start centers across South LA with wraparound support services, mental health care, and home visitation.
Website: childrensinstitute.org | Main Line: (213) 260-7600 | Main St. Center: (323) 242-7683 | South Vermont: (323) 242-9126
All Peoples Community Center
Offers extended daycare and State Preschool programs in partnership with IILA for families in the Vernon-Central neighborhood.
Website: allpeoplescc.org | Phone: (213) 747-6357
LAUSD Early Education Division
Runs free California State Preschool Programs (CSPP), Early Education Centers, and Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) in public schools.
Website: lausd.org | ECE Division: (213) 241-0415 | Main Line: (213) 241-1000
Food, Diapers & Housing
Support for your most essential needs. This section connects you to programs offering groceries, baby items, housing referrals, and financial relief so you and your family can stay nourished, clean, and safe.
WIC
The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program provides free food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant people and families with children under 5.
Website: wicworks.ca.gov | Phone: 888-WIC-WORKS
Baby2Baby
A nonprofit that supplies diapers, baby formula, hygiene items, and clothing to families in need through a network of local partners.
Website: baby2baby.orgbaby2baby.org
CalFresh & CalWORKs
Government programs that provide food (EBT) and cash aid to low-income families. CalWORKs also offers diaper stipends and employment support.
Website: dpss.lacounty.govdpss.lacounty.gov
Food Pantries & LA Food Bank
Access free groceries and hot meals through community distributions across LA County. The LA Regional Food Bank partners with churches and nonprofits.
Website: lafoodbank.org | Call 2-1-1
Emergency Shelters / DV Hotline
Call 2-1-1 for shelter referrals if you’re experiencing homelessness. If you are experiencing domestic violence, confidential support and placement are available 24/7.
Phone: 1-800-978-3600 | Call 2-1-1 for placement
Culturally Specific Programs
Programs that reflect and respect your cultural experience. These services are led by and for Black, Latinx, and immigrant communities to provide healing, empowerment, and affirming support during motherhood.
California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP)
The only statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of Black women and girls in California through advocacy, education, and community leadership. CABWHP addresses mental health, reproductive justice, violence prevention, and trains advocates through initiatives like Sisters Mentally Mobilized.
Website: cabwhp.org | Phone: (310) 412-1828 | Email: wellwoman@cabwhp.org
Black Infants & Families LA
A countywide initiative connecting Black families with culturally affirming birthing support, community events, and advocacy for birth justice.
Website: blackinfantsandfamilies.org | Text: 323-745-2771
CinnaMoms
A PHFE WIC initiative that creates sacred space for Black mothers to heal, build community, and share resources through support circles, especially around breastfeeding and parenting.
Website: cinnamoms.org | Phone: (323) 971-3930 | Email: CinnaMoms@phfewic.org
Black Women for Wellness
A reproductive justice organization in Leimert Park advocating for Black maternal health through policy, education, and access to culturally informed care.
Website: bwwla.org | Phone: (323) 290-5955
Esperanza Community Housing
A grassroots nonprofit uplifting South Central families through Promotora-led health education, housing justice, and environmental advocacy.
Website: esperanzacommunityhousing.org | Phone: (213) 748-7285
Clinica Romero / Clinica Monsenor Romero
Bilingual community health centers offering affordable medical, prenatal, and pediatric care for immigrant and low-income families.
Website: clinicaromero.com | Phone: (213) 989-7700
East LA Women’s Center
Supports Latina women and families through trauma recovery services, domestic violence prevention, and youth education rooted in cultural humility.
Website: elawc.org | Phone: (323) 526-5819 | 24/7 Crisis Line: (800) 585-6231
Legal, Immigration & Reentry Support
Free legal support and advocacy for mothers navigating complex systems. Includes help with family law, custody, immigration status, reentry after incarceration, and accessing benefits.
A New Way of Life
Provides housing, legal services, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated women, with a focus on reunification and long-term stability.
Website: anewwayoflife.org | Phone: (323) 563-3575
CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)
Provides immigrant families with legal representation, education, and organizing support around DACA, TPS, deportation defense, and worker rights.
Website: chirla.org | Hotline: 1-888-624-4752
CARECEN (Central American Resource Center)
Offers immigration legal services including asylum, green cards, TPS renewals, and naturalization support, with a focus on Central American and Latino families.
Website: carecen-la.org | Phone: (213) 385-7800
LAFLA (Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles)
Free legal aid for housing, custody, public benefits, domestic violence, and eviction prevention. LAFLA serves low-income and underserved Angelenos.
Website: lafla.org | Phone: (800) 399-4529
Public Counsel / NLSLA
Public Counsel offers pro bono legal aid for youth, veterans, and families navigating education or civil rights issues. NLSLA provides help with housing, public benefits, and family law.
Websites: publiccounsel.org, nlsla.org | NLSLA Phone: (800) 433-6251
Maternal and Child Health Access
Connects pregnant people and families to Medi-Cal, WIC, and CalFresh. Offers case management and systems navigation to improve health equity in LA.
Website: mchaccess.org | Phone: (213) 749-4261
If/When/How
A confidential legal helpline for people facing criminalization related to pregnancy or abortion. Offers guidance and connections to defense resources.
Website: reprolegalhelpline.org
Need Help Navigating?
Call 2-1-1 LA
Available 24/7 in multiple languages to connect you to any service listed above.
Website: 211la.org
You are not alone. Support lives here, in your community.
