Catalina Island Health and the city of Avalon will present the semi-annual Island Resident Resource Fair on Thursday, April 24, from noon to 6:30 p.m. at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Church. More than 30 organizations and agencies will participate. This free event is set up exclusively to help island residents learn about and navigate various assistance programs from agencies around Los Angeles County.
CIH’s Case Manager Pauline Acherman will share information about her role and the acute transition care program that is designed to help you recover closer to home. Primary care clinic staff, a social worker and other staff will answer questions about its services, charity care, how to access its Patient Portal, harm reduction information and to hand out free Naloxone and Fentanyl test strips.
The city of Avalon will provide information on city recreation programs, bike helmets and safety, solid waste, and more.
Other participating organizations and agencies and what they offer:
LA Care Health Plan – Info on Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment, benefits, and materials to help you understand your health coverage.
Elements Pharmacy – Vaccinations for children and adults: Flu, Covid, RSV, Pneumonia, Shingles, and others. (Insured and not insured.)
IDSGT Foundation – Supports low-income, homeless, and isolated seniors in LA County with inclusive programs, housing help, advocacy, and system navigation support.
Hemophilia Council of California – Promotes access to care and improves quality of life for those with bleeding disorders through advocacy, education, and outreach statewide.
Southern CA Association of Governments (SCAG) – Info on regional issues. This April they are focusing on broadband access with a survey to improve high-speed internet for Catalina Island residents.
LA County Department of Social Services – Supports island residents with vital services, including financial assistance, housing support, and access to essential resources.
LA County Department of Mental Health – Offers island residents in-person, phone, or telehealth therapy, case management, and medication support services.
Órale – An immigrant-led organization focused on justice, empowerment, and ending criminalization. They offer advocacy, leadership, and wellness for BIPOC and undocumented communities.
Centro Cha – Assistance with DACA and citizenship. They are taking appointments at City Hall on April 24.
LA County Registrar-Recorder and County Clerk – Offers island residents services such as marriage licenses, fictitious business name filings, and notary public registration.
Avalon Fire Department – Conducting a survey by the local hazard mitigation officer.
Pleitez Dental Corporation – Offers dental care support and will be assessing the local need for dentists and whether they can provide those services on island.
LA County Department of Aging & Disabilities – Helps older adults and people with disabilities access housing, transportation, caregiver support, and legal aid.
LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) – Coordinates housing, shelter, outreach, and supportive services to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – Provides crisis support, education, advocacy, and community programs to prevent suicide and support those affected.
The California Employment Develop.m.ent Department (EDD) – Provides unemployment, disability, and paid family leave benefits, job search assistance, and payroll tax services.
Worksite Wellness LA – Provides culturally tailored health education, insurance enrollment assistance including Medi-Cal, and referrals to improve access to care for underserved LA workers.
Housing Rights Center – Educates about and advocates for fair housing, helping all people access and afford the housing they choose – free from discrimination. They will be offering a “Know Your Rights” Workshop for renters and landlords from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. in a side room at the church.
Tarzana Treatment Centers – Offers substance use counseling, case management, and support groups in Avalon, plus virtual mental health support and inpatient treatment in Long Beach.
NAMI Los Angeles – Offers free mental health resources, support, education, and advocacy for families in crisis, with services in English and Spanish, including support groups.
Southern California Edison – Provides information and support on utilities and programs, helping customers access energy solutions, rebates, and assistance for a sustainable future.
Disability Rights California (DRC) – Offers legal help, abuse investigations, rights protection, referrals, outreach, and advocacy to support and empower people with disabilities.
CORE Center – Offers substance use disorder screenings, treatment referrals, prevention education (in-person/virtual), overdose education, and free Naloxone (Narcan).
Our House Grief Support Center – Offers hybrid Spanish grief groups, English online support groups, and grief education workshops for professionals and the community.
LA County Library, Avalon Branch – Books, digital media, public computers, creative programs, and information on other perks of your library card.
Tarzana Treatment Centers College – Offers training and certification for individuals with lived experience to be substance use disorder counselors or peer support specialists.
The Department of Rehabilitation – Helps disabled job seekers of all ages prepare for, find, retain, and advance in employment through vocational rehabilitation and support services.
Representatives from the offices of LA County Board of Supervisor Janice Hahn, Congressman Robert Garcia, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, Senator Lena Gonzalez, and Senator Adam Schiff will be on hand to provide information and support for County, State and Federal programs.
At City Hall: Centro Cha will provide assistance with DACA and citizenship forms for individuals and families by appointment on 4/24. Appointments should be made ahead of time by calling 562-612-1407. If there is enough interest, they may take additional appointments on Friday, April 25.
The Resident Resource Fair will also feature a variety of giveaways, a raffle by CIH, and food by Lupe from noon to 3 p.m.. Special thanks to Olivia and the team at Vons for providing water and other items for the participants and attendees.
Event details:
- Catalina Island Resident Resource Fair Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Noon – 6:30 p.m. with tacos by Lupe 12-3 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Grief support group by Our House Grief Support Center (Spanish only)
- 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. “Know Your Rights” Workshop with Housing Rights Center (English & Spanish)
St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 800 Beacon St. in Avalon
No registration or RSVP needed.
For more information, visit CatalinaIslandHealth.org/resident-resource-fair or call 310-510-0096.
