Pacific Clinics’ Monrovia Outpatient Center welcomed clients, their loved ones and community members to its annual Noche de Familia celebration — an afternoon dedicated to connection, cultural pride and shared joy. This year’s theme, “Mario Brothers,” was enthusiastically embraced by both participants and employees. More than 200 community members joined, filling the space with energy, laughter and togetherness.
Throughout the afternoon, the team hosted numerous activities for attendees of all ages. Families enjoyed lotería, the beloved board game rooted in Latinx tradition, while others decorated visors and tote bags, made slime and got creative with arts and crafts. Children built their own coping toolkit by creating a worry stone, which involved taking a cast of their thumbprint and turning it into a keychain that could later be used to self-soothe when experiencing strong emotions. The face-painting and musical chair stations were crowd favorites, and youth looking for something more active joined a friendly basketball game in the back lot.
Adding a meaningful highlight to the celebration, a thoughtfully arranged ofrenda or altar, honored heritage, memory and the spirit of unity that Noche de Familia represents.
Some new and longstanding community partners tabled at the event, including:
- Monrovia Public Library: Showcased its new app-based checkout system, helping residents access resources more easily and efficiently.
- Monrovia Police Department: Joined as a valued ally, continuing their collaboration with Pacific Clinics to foster positive community engagement.
- Advantage Healthcare Services (ACHS): Provided insights into the specialized mental and behavioral health support they offer, especially for caregivers.
- Boys & Girls Club: Strengthened our partnership to support students and families, including outreach to parents during U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids to ensure access to resources.
- LA Galaxy: Promoted mental wellness among athletes and highlighted their commitment to community partnerships.
- Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA): Shared their mission to support children through presentations and court advocacy, gifting denim jackets with customizable patches.
- Los Angeles Department of Mental Health: Offered mental health education and support resources.
- LA Care: Provided information on free or low-cost classes for children and adults (no insurance required).
- El Monte-Rosemead Adult School (EMRAS): Highlighted accessible educational programs for all ages.
“It’s special because the team brings in the partners to connect clients with resources and to each other — it’s a great way to demonstrate our continued commitment to the Monrovia community,” said Pablo Anabalon, executive director of the Los Angeles – Central Region, West Valley and Asian Pacific Family Center Divisions of Pacific Clinics.
Noche de Familia was a culmination of community partners coming together with a shared mission — to support mental health, wellness and connection. This year’s event celebrated family and culture and strengthened the bond between Pacific Clinics and the community it proudly serves.
