Our Approach
Our Vision
A community where every individual and family has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
Advancing the health, well-being, and economic mobility of Northern California’s diverse communities in need.
How We Work
Lao Family Community Development (LFCD) uses a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-community model grounded in evidence-based practices, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care.
Our approach is built to strengthen the 3Hs at the center of our mission:
Health • Housing • Human Services
Through integrated programs across these pillars, we help individuals and families achieve stability, opportunity, and long-term independence.
Core Elements of Our Model
Continuum of Care
As a multi-service provider, LFCD delivers a seamless progression of services—from crisis response and stabilization to long-term self-sufficiency. Individuals can access housing, employment, health navigation, economic empowerment, and youth/family support under one organizational umbrella, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
Trauma-Informed Care
We recognize the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities. Our staff integrates trauma-sensitive practices across all programs, creating environments that promote safety, trust, empowerment, and healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
Through evidence-based mental and behavioral health strategies, LFCD helps participants develop healthier thinking patterns, emotional regulation skills, and positive decision-making habits that support long-term well-being.
Individual Placement & Support (IPS) Employment Model
LFCD’s workforce development programs use the nationally recognized IPS model. Participants receive one-on-one job coaching, skills training, digital literacy support, and direct employer connections—helping them secure and retain meaningful, competitive employment.
No Wrong Door Access
Whether someone reaches us through housing navigation, workforce programs, CalAIM services, youth programs, or walk-in support, LFCD ensures they are connected to the right services quickly. No wrong door means every entry point leads to personalized care.
Client-Centered Support
Every individual’s story is unique. We tailor services to match each person’s goals, strengths, culture, and needs—ensuring they receive the right support at the right time for sustained success.
Comprehensive Wraparound Services
We address the full range of social determinants of health that influence stability and mobility:
- Housing and homelessness prevention
- Employment and career advancement
- Behavioral health and wellness
- Economic empowerment and financial coaching
- Digital literacy and education
- Youth, family, and immigrant/refugee services
This integrated structure allows LFCD to deliver stronger outcomes and long-term impact.
The CARE Model: Our Signature Framework
CARE — Community • Access • Resources • Education
CARE is LFCD’s integrated, community-centered model designed to deliver accessible, holistic services across the 3Hs.
CARE operates through two major service hubs:
CARE Campuses
Housing + Healing + Pathways to Independence
CARE Campuses provide transitional housing where participants live onsite while receiving wraparound services such as:
- CalAIM-informed health & behavioral health support
- Housing stabilization and reentry support
- Workforce development & IPS employment coaching
- Digital literacy & education
- Life skills and financial coaching
- Family strengthening
- Community-building and healing supports
The goal:
Healthier lives, stable housing, employment, and long-term independence.
CARE Community Centers
Education + Workforce + Community Empowerment
CARE Community Centers are non-residential hubs offering:
- Digital literacy & technology labs
- ESL & adult education
- Workforce development & career coaching
- Youth & family programs
- Financial literacy & economic mobility
- Community health navigation
- Resource access, classes & workshops
The goal:
Skills, opportunity, community connection, and long-term growth.
Why Our Approach Works
Our approach is successful because it is:
✔ Evidence-Based
We use nationally recognized frameworks like IPS, CBI, trauma-informed care, and wraparound principles.
✔ Culturally Rooted
Our staff reflect the communities we serve and speak 35+ languages.
✔ Multidisciplinary
Teams combine expertise in housing, health, workforce, economic empowerment, and behavioral health.
✔ Accessible
CARE Campuses and Centers reduce barriers and bring services into communities.
✔ Coordinated
Participants move smoothly through the Continuum of Care with a single integrated support system.
✔ Outcome-Driven
Across core programs, 75–100% of participants achieve positive outcomes—from stable housing to employment to improved health.
Changing lives since 1980
45+ Years of Impact
For more than four decades, LFCD has empowered hundreds of thousands of individuals and families to overcome barriers, achieve stability, and build thriving futures.
Our approach continues to evolve—with CARE as our signature model for the next generation of community development.