Just a few years before she accepted a position in the office of L.A. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Rebecca Gurrola found herself in need of family support. As a survivor of domestic violence, Rebecca connected with Child Care Resource Center to access the resources she would need to give her child a better life.
“I was in a domestic violence relationship, so I am a survivor,” shares Rebecca. “I decided to leave when my son was 3 months old. I wanted to break the cycle of domestic violence.”
Without consistent income or housing, raising a child as a young, single mother proved difficult.
“Before I had my son, I had my high school diploma and I wasn’t goal oriented at all. And after I had him, I wanted to be a positive role model. But it was really difficult to find child care. I also had to go to work because I had to provide for my son by myself.”
CCRC connected Rebecca with affordable child care, so she could work and provide for her child.
She earned her degree and began a career at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Rebecca spent six years at the Worksource/Youthsource Centers. Last fall, she accepted a job as the Homelessness Deputy and Caseworker with Councilman Blumenfield.
“I’m really happy to be a part of his team,” she says.
With a deep knowledge in homelessness and domestic violence matters, she connects unhoused constituents to the correct agencies while advocating on their behalf. She also serves as a liaison with City departments and members of the public.
“Now that I’ve been working with the unhoused for three years, I love it,” she says. “I feel anyone could be there at any given moment.”
Reflecting on her journey, surviving domestic violence, obtaining a degree, and going on to work within the city council, Rebecca is proud to be a mother her son can look up to.
“Through CCRC, I was able to make it to where I am today, and it wouldn’t be possible without your program,” Rebecca shares.
Learn more about CCRC’s programs: Head Start, Home Visiting, Help Me Grow LA, Family Resource Directory.