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 (ANA) and real-time feedback from students, families and school staff. These insights underscore the pressing need for seamless service delivery and focused efforts to address gaps. In September, UNITE-LA, as conveners of the Community Schools Steering Committee (CSSC), launched the Alliance for Opportunity (AFO), a subcommittee dedicated to enhancing much needed comprehensive support for students and families across the CSI.

The AFO subcommittee includes regional partners from LACOE, the Department of Mental Health and L.A. Trust, and LAUSD leads from pupil services and attendance, student support and wellness programs, and medical services.

ANA data highlight a need for increased awareness and access to resources among parents and students, as well as effective strategies to address chronic absenteeism, particularly for foster youth and homeless students. Dental and vision services are also critical. During the first AFO meeting, LAUSD leads shared initiatives targeting these needs. These include campaigns to reduce chronic absenteeism, specialized student counselors to support foster and homeless students, regional clothing boutiques and a pilot laundry truck at two locations this year. Additionally, the vision and dental departments are collaborating with more vendors to offer timelier services to high-need schools, including immunizations and telehealth services. UNITE-LA is supporting the connection of these resources to our most high-need CSI schools.

This cross-functional collaboration and interdepartmental coordination through the AFO mark a significant step forward in our mission to enhance the integrated and comprehensive health and well-being of our students and their families. Our aim is to continue to work together to create a more supportive educational environment that champions the success of every child in our community schools.