Referrals

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs)

CalWORKs is a monthly temporary cash aid program and offers a wide range of services for low-income families with a child(ren) in the home. Cash aid can help pay for rent or housing, food, and other expenses.

For more information about CalWORKs, contact your county social services agency or apply online at www.benefitscal.com.

Medi-Cal Dental Program (Smile, California)

Medi-Cal Dental Program provides free or low-cost dental services to children and adults who receive Medi-Cal. You can get coverage for preventative services, such as check-ups and cleanings.

For more information about the Medi-Cal Dental Program, call toll-free 1-800-322-6384, or find a dentist near you.

Beyond Covered Grocery Support

Some Covered California members can get help buying groceries with a special debit card. The Beyond Covered Grocery Support Program supports families with chronic health conditions who need extra food assistance.

If you are an eligible Covered California member, look for an invitation by email, text, or phone to enroll. Learn how you may qualify for this program.

CalFresh

CalFresh can add to your food budget to help you put healthy and nutritious food on the table. If you qualify for CalFresh, you get monthly electronic benefits on a card. Use the benefits card to buy most foods at your local markets and food stores. Use your CalFresh and WIC benefits to shop for the foods you need.

For more information about CalFresh, call toll-free 1-877-847-FOOD (1-877-847-3663), apply online at www.getcalfresh.org or www.benefitscal.com, or contact your county social services agency.

California Association of Food Banks

Local food banks can help you when you are in need, to get access to fresh produce and pantry staples at no cost. Some food banks offer emergency food assistance through the Emergency Food Program for eligible low-income families.

For more information and to find a food bank in your area, call 2-1-1 to talk to someone about services in your local area. For the California Department of Social Services emergency food programs, visit www.cdss.ca.gov/emergency-food.

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal can help protect your family's health by providing important medical services, prescription coverage, and preventive care.

For more information about Medi-Cal, call toll-free 1-800-880-5305, or apply online at www.benefitscal.com, or contact your county social services agency.

Covered California

Covered California is a free service to help you find affordable health insurance options that meet your needs. They work with the Medi-Cal program and other companies to offer financial assistance for eligible health plans.

For more information about Covered California, call toll-free 1-800-300-1506.

Family Planning Clinic Locator

The Family Planning Clinic Locator is a resource to find clinics that provide family planning and preventive health services, as well as health screenings.

Use the locator to search your street address, city, or zip code to find a family planning clinic near you.

Black Infant Health (BIH) Program

The BIH program offers free group support services and life planning to empower pregnant and postpartum Black women and their families.

For more information, contact your local Black Infant Health Program.

MotherToBaby

MotherToBaby provides reliable and free information on the benefits or risks of vaccines, medications, and herbal products on maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The information is available in both English and Spanish and accessible to all.

To contact one of their information specialists, call toll-free 866-626-6847, or text 1-855-999-3525, or chat online at www.mothertobaby.org/contact/.

Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP)

The CHDP program provides health services for low-income children and youth. The program offers medical appointment scheduling, transportation, and access to diagnostic and treatment services.

To find a CHDP provider in your area,  call your local health department. 

Immunizations

Vaccines (shots) help protect children from serious and sometimes deadly diseases. Make sure your child gets the required vaccinations when needed. You may qualify for free or low-cost vaccines.

Contact your county social services office or local health department to find a doctor's office or clinic that offers vaccinations.

To learn more, visit the MyFamily Immunization webpage.

Early Head Start Programs

Early Head Start offers child development and family-centered support services to pregnant people and low-income families with infants and young children under the age of 3.

For more information about Early Head Start Programs, call toll-free 1-866-763-6481 or contact your local Early Head Start Center.

Head Start Programs

Head Start programs provide services to support early learning, development, health, and family well-being for children from birth to age 5. The services are free and available for eligible families, with preschool services for children ages 3 to 5.

For more information about Head Start Programs, call toll-free 1-866-763-6481 or contact your local Head Start Center.

The California Newborn Screening Program

The California Newborn Screening Program is a public health program that screens all babies for many serious but treatable genetic disorders. All babies born in California are required to get screened soon after birth. Learn more by visiting their information for families webpage.

To find an approved Special Care Center for specific disorders, search for a center in your area.

Parent and Caregiver Handbook for Sickle Cell Disease

This handbook provides resources and advice for parents of children diagnosed with sickle cell disease, covering children from birth to age 18 years old. The handbook is available in English and in Spanish.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Lifeline provides a free and confidential emotional support number for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can connect to a counselor in English or Spanish.

If you need assistance, please text or call 988.

BrightLife Kids

BrightLife Kids is a website that offers advice for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–12. You can get free support from trained coaches through live video calls or private chats. No insurance is needed.

Live Beyond

Live Beyond shares information about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. It offers tools and ideas to help young people feel better after tough times.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers 24/7, free, and confidential support for individuals before, during, and after pregnancy. Services include prompt responses, phone or text access to professional counselors, and culturally sensitive support in English and Spanish.

If you need assistance, call toll-free 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

Never a Bother

Never a Bother helps young people learn the warning signs of suicide. It shows them where to find help in a crisis. It also teaches how to support a friend during tough times.

Postpartum Support International 

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, the Postpartum Support International provides basic information, support, and resources for postpartum parents.

For more information about the Postpartum Support International, call toll-free or text “Help” to 1-800-944-4773.

Soluna

Soluna is a free and private app for youth ages 13–25 in California. Young people can chat with a coach and get help with stress or tough emotions. No insurance is needed.

Take Space to Pause

This resource helps youth understand what is going on in their body and mind when they feel strong emotions like stress, sadness or anger. It includes tools and tips to help them feel more in control.

Trauma Support Guide

This guide helps adults support children after scary or stressful events. It gives simple steps to help kids feel safe and manage fear or grief. It is available in 17 languages. This resource is from the Child Mind Institute.

Virtual Workshop: Helping Your Child After Wildfires

This free online workshop helps parents and caregivers support a child’s emotional recovery after wildfires. Learn how to spot signs of stress or trauma and get tips to help your child feel better. Available in English and Spanish. This resource is from the Child Mind Institute.

California Public Utilities Commission

Explore programs and services that help provide affordable utility services and discounts.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program

The CARE program provides a discount on electric and natural gas bills. If you have limited income or currently enrolled in a government program (like Medi-Cal or WIC), you may be eligible for this program.

For more information about CARE, you can contact your utility company or visit your utility company’s website to get an application.

Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)

The FERA program offers a discount on electricity bills to households with income a little above the CARE program income requirements.

For more information about FERA, you can contact your utility company or visit your utility company’s website to get an application.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP offers weatherization services and financial assistance to pay energy bills. Eligibility for LIHEAP services are available based on your household size, location of residence, income, and other factors.

For more information about LIHEAP, call toll free 1-866-675-6623 or find your service area to contact your local LIHEAP agency.

California LifeLine Program

The California LifeLine Program offers discounted home phone or cell phone services to eligible households with limited income or participation in government programs, like Medicaid, CalFresh, or WIC. One discount per household is allowed.

For more information about the LifeLine Program, call toll-free 1-866-272-0357 or contact your phone company.

Kick it California

Kick it California is a free program that helps people quit smoking and vaping. It offers support, advice, and strategies to help you and your family live without tobacco.

For more information to help quit smoking, call toll-free 1-800-300-8086.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential assistance, resources, and crisis support to those impacted by domestic violence to help them find safety and healing.

If you need assistance, call toll-free 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.

Start Your Recovery

Start Your Recovery is a website that helps people who use drugs or alcohol. It also has helpful tips for family and friends who want to support a loved one in recovery. The site shares information to help people learn what to do and where to get help.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24-hour a day, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service. It is available in English and Spanish for people facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

If you need assistance, call toll-free 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

211

211 is a resource telephone number to find information on local community services and obtaining referrals to housing, utilities, food, healthcare, mental health resources, substance use interventions, and suicide and crisis interventions. 211 can also provide information during declared emergencies.

If you need assistance to find local community services, call 2-1-1.

CalKIDS | College savings for your child

CalKIDS helps families save for their child’s future education by giving newborns and children a college savings account with money already in it. To see if your family is eligible, use the CalKIDS eligibility tool.

Child Support

California Child Support Services' programs help parents and guardians fulfill their child support requirements. If you think you should be getting child support and are not receiving CalWORKs, call your local child support agency or the California Department of Child Support Services.

For more information about Child Support Services, call toll-free 1-866-901-3212 or contact your county social services agency.

Paid Family Leave | Employment Development Department

Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides benefit payments to people who need to take time off work to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child (including adoptions and foster care), or participate in a qualifying event because of a family member’s military deployment. If you qualify, you can receive payments for up to eight weeks.

To see if you are eligible for PFL, visit their webpage for information in English or Spanish.