Celebrating Social Work Month: Honoring Natali’s Impact at The Village

I have been employed with the Village for six years as a Foster Care Social worker. Prior to that, I worked as a Foster Care Social Worker with Nuevo Amanecer Latinos.

Being a former foster youth provided me with an understanding of the challenges and experiences that foster children face which inspired me to become a foster care social worker. My siblings were also my greatest motivations in pursuing an education that would empower me to support and advocate for foster children.

“Natali understands the pain our youth come with. She goes above and beyond, especially for her older foster youths by taking them on college tours and encouraging them to pursue higher education.” – Madalena Cooper, Director of Foster Care and Adoption Administrator

I find it deeply meaningful to advocate for foster youth. One such experience was being able to advocate for a child to stay with their caregivers, ensuring that their needs were met, and working toward permanency when reunification was not possible.

Social workers are deeply committed to helping families, often with limited resources.

I practice self-care by going on walks and spending time with loved ones which helps to clear my mind and to recharge me.

I hope to make a positive impact by helping families, providing stability in children’s lives and making a difference in their overall well-being.

Thank you to all of our social workers who dedicate their careers to helping others. In fact, in celebration of National Social Work Month, all of our social work staff were honored with Certificates of Appreciation from the City of Los Angeles and the Seventh Council District. Presented on behalf of Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, the certificates recognized their “exemplary efforts on behalf of the most vulnerable in our community.” We’re so proud to join the Councilwoman and the City in celebrating the compassion, dedication, and impact of our exceptional social workers!