COVID-19 Support
From Dr. Heather Banis, Victims Assistance Ministry (VAM) Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, on behalf of the VAM team, including Dr. Teresa Celada-Dalton, Ms. Martha Gutierrez, and Ms. Christie Lara:
Thank you for coming to the Victims Assistance Ministry webpage – we have just updated our site with additional resources and will continue to do so in the days and weeks to come. We are working remotely, and that is a new adventure for many of us, so please be patient with us as we work through the challenges of that, but be assured we are available by phone or email to hear what it is you need to share with, or report to us.
To those of you already connected to our office, know that we have been thinking of you during this difficult time and are available to you, should you need to connect. If you are currently receiving ongoing services through VAM and need to discuss something related to those services, please contact us directly via the contact information below.
To those of you perhaps just now trying to connect with our office for the first time, or perhaps for the first time in a long time – thank you for reaching out to us. We are “here” to respond to you should you have something you need to report to us – please leave us a phone or email message regarding the matter and we will reach out. Please also contact law enforcement and/or child protective services if you need to make a report of sexual misconduct involving someone in the church.
Be safe – stay strong and well.
Heather T. Banis, Ph.D.
Victims Assistance Ministry Coordinator
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Resources and information relative to COVID-19
American Psychological Association – for information on a variety of topics related to mental health, stress, coping, and more…
National Association of School psychologists – for information on a variety of topics related to mental health, stress, coping and more, particularly as it relates to children and families
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – for information on COVID-19 and safe practices
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/los_angeles_catholic_charities.html
Catholic Charities Los Angeles – for information on short-term assistance programs
For information on resources for men who have been sexually abused as children including online support groups and more
https://spiritfirelive.wordpress.com/
For information and resources for clergy-abuse victim-survivors
For information and resources for clergy-abuse victim-survivors
For information and resources regarding suicide prevention, mental health and substance use
For information and resources on mental health and COVID-19 in Los Angeles County
For information and resources on mental health and COVID-19 in Ventura County
https://www.countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness
For information and resources on mental health and COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County
https://lacatholics.org/emergency/
For information from Archbishop José Gomez and links to online streaming of masses throughout the Archdiocese
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
National Institute of Mental Health – for information and resources on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health