HPAL is proud to partner with the schools of Social Work from California State University of Long Beach & Northridge and USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work by hosting interns who provide mental health and case management services to the families of Boyle Heights. Read more about the Interns pursuing Master’s and Bachelor of Social Work degrees at Hollenbeck PAL in 2022.
Evelyn Avila
My name is Evelyn Avila. I’m a second-year Master’s student at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on the macro perspective, which works on tackling systematic and organizational oppressive factors that negatively impact minority groups. I am pursuing a career in social work because I am passionate about working with youth and families to change policies that directly affect their lives. In addition, I plan to work within the community to understand the needs and challenges of its members and help minority communities voice their views and experiences.
I was placed at HPAL for my first-year internship and advocated to complete my second year here after I grew to love the agency and the services provided for youth and families in the Boyle Heights area. I have always felt strongly about collaborating with the criminal justice system in advocating and servicing youth to provide rehabilitation through an individualized plan. At HPAL, I provide therapy and case management services to Spanish-speaking clients, which has helped me grow professionally in my social work practice. I hope to continue accomplishing HPAL’s mission to uplift and empower youth to reduce delinquency involvement/incarceration.
Lucy Balian
My name is Lucy Balian, a Master of Social Work student at California State University, Northridge. My experience providing administrative support in different fields, such as healthcare, law enforcement, and academia, exposed me to societal injustices. At the time, I was limited in my administrative role and could not make an impact on correcting the injustices I saw. I had no advocacy leverage, so I decided to pursue a degree in social work to become a leader and mental health advocate in my community. My career change took effect four years ago when I volunteered for the Los Angeles Police Department and participated in several “ride-alongs.” Soon after this experience, I was inspired to research career paths linking law enforcement and social work. I realized that public safety and mental health treatment are essential for my community, and I wanted a career focusing on forensic and corrections social work and juvenile justice; however, CSUN was not contracted with agencies working with underserved youths at risk of entering the system. So, I researched agencies partnered with law enforcement and discovered HPAL. Through my advocacy efforts, CSUN is now contracted with HPAL, and now other CSUN MSW students with similar career interests have the opportunity to intern here. My post-graduation career aspirations include being an LAPD police officer and clinical social worker.
While at HPAL, I 1) provided Therapy and case management services to youth and families in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, 2) Worked collaboratively with HPAL staff to assist with parenting classes and skill-building activities for families by improving communication and emotional regulation, and 4) ensured a healthy functioning family system by linking them with available community resources. Reflecting on my experiences at HPAL, I especially feel proud when I see my clients incorporating healthy coping skills learned in sessions when presented with life challenges. I am thankful for my experiences at HPAL; I feel more knowledgeable and better prepared to serve my community proactively.
Autumn Abary
My name is Autumn Abary, and I am currently working on my BASW in the School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach. The program focuses on generalist social work practice at the Bachelor’s level, primarily training students to engage in micro or mezzo practice ranging from caseworker to community outreach at various settings and agencies. I decided to pursue social work as a career because of my personal history and upbringing. However, I also have a strong interest in sociology and social justice, so the intersection of interests brought me into a field where I could apply my passion and desire to help others meaningfully and directly. What I enjoy the most about interning at HPAL is the ability to connect, support, and help individuals and families at risk of or are currently entangled in the juvenile justice system or the Department of Children and Family Services. Professionally, I would like to advocate for inmates and individuals reentering society from confinement, working with diversion clients is one way that interning with HPAL has brought me a step closer to that goal
Catherine De La Torre
Hi Pals! I am Catherine De La Torre, pursuing my Bachelor’s in Social Work at CSU Long Beach. As a first-generation Latina growing up in Los Angeles, navigating academia was challenging. Aside from this challenge, life on its own was very tumultuous. Fortunately, several extraordinary individuals provided support and guidance throughout my journey. My reason for pursuing a degree in Social Work is to help and support the youth just like others did for me. My goal is to work with families and young individuals stigmatized due to past mistakes that led to placement within the juvenile justice system. During my time as an intern at HPAL, I have enjoyed working with LAPD officers, parents, and youth in the Boyle Heights community. I have learned effective communication skills through presentations, discussions, and practices, which help empower and serve our community. I look forward to leaving my footprints for others to follow to continue empowering our youth.
