AP-OD Family Connections Issue 2

Family Connections – issue 2 is here! This month, we honored Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing helpful tips, uplifting reminders, and hosting three powerful Instagram Live sessions with LMFT Silvia Esqueda—because caring for your mental health is a sign of strength. Don’t miss our guided meditation video to help you pause and recharge—you deserve it. Looking ahead, our June edition …

Father and daughter smiling at each other.

Your Mental Health Matters: Resources for Parents and Families

Parenting can be stressful and overwhelming, and kids can experience stress and challenges too. It is important for both caregivers and children to practice self-care and stress management to find balance. When you feel your best and take the time for yourself, you are modeling healthy practices and helping your little ones feel their best, too.  This Mental Health Awareness …

AP-OD Family Connections

Stay connected with the latest updates, resources, and stories from AP-OD. Our Family Connections Newsletter offers valuable insights and support for families, empowering them with tools and inspiration to thrive together. Full download here

Pictured: Angélica Rodríguez Granados with Principal Matt Diggle, Director Linda Ledesma, and School Superintendent Tom Rooney

Parent Success Story: Angélica Rodriguez Granados

Empowered by Knowledge, Strengthened by Love At AP-OD, we believe that parents are their child’s first and most powerful teacher. Every time we meet a parent like Angélica Rodríguez Granados, we’re reminded of the strength, resilience, and love that lives within our community. Angélica is a proud mother of three and a recent graduate of the AP-OD program. She joined …

Facilitator Spotlight: Florencio Guerra-Lindsay Unified School District

Building Bridges, One Family at a Time In the heart of Tulare County—an area known for its agricultural roots and resilient spirit—Lindsay Unified School District (LUSD) stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when schools invest in family partnerships. With nearly 4,000 students, 95% of whom are Hispanic and over 30% English Learners, Lindsay Unified understands firsthand the challenges …

Free Tax Filing for Families

Tax Day is looming, and let’s be honest, it can feel overwhelming. Are you worried about making mistakes? Wondering if you’re missing out on potential refunds? You’re not alone! Millions of people struggle with tax preparation each year. But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify the process and potentially put more money back in your pocket? …

El grupo de Abriendo Puertas parados afuera para la foto.

New Look, Same AP-OD

Our refreshed brand and what it means for partners and families  Over the past several months, AP-OD has been working on a refresh to our brand—one that reflects the diversity, strength, and vibrancy of the families and communities we serve. We’ve listened to you, our partners, and know how important it is for AP-OD’s brand to be as inclusive and …

Junta de Padres

Know Your Rights

Navigating life for families with young children can be both exciting and challenging. Children who live in households with people of mixed immigration status may face additional fears and challenges in everyday life that can cause stress for children. At AP-OD, also known as Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors, we believe in the power of knowledge and community for families to overcome …

5 people standing in front of UPLAN backdrop

A Year of Growth and Collaboration: Celebrating the Achievements of the AP-OD National Parent & Caregiver Co-creation Advisory Group

As we close out 2024, we want to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the Abriendo Puertas-Opening Doors (AP-OD) National Parent/Caregiver Co-creation Advisory Group. Now in its second year, we had the opportunity to collaborate with parents and caregivers from California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts who have all participated in local AP-OD programs.This dynamic group continues to demonstrate the power of …

Hands in the shape of a heart and banner stating breaking through the barriers of self-care.

Breaking through the barriers to self-care: Effective Strategies for Parents & Caregivers

Written by Silvia Esqueda, M.S., LMFT As parents and caregivers, we’re often juggling countless responsibilities—work, family, and everything in between. But what about taking care of ourselves? Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s necessary for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as a multifaceted practice that impacts every part of our lives—from personal …