Families gathered at Plaza Vaquero on October 24th, 2025 for Glendale Community College’s CalWORKs and CARE Halloween Party, a lively event filled with laughter, food, and family fun. The celebration, held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., brought together parenting students, their children, faculty, and community members for an evening centered on connection, care, and joy.

Organized by CalWORKs and CARE, the event offered an array of activities for all ages, including face painting, balloon artists, a puppet and magic show, and free meals and drinks. 

Guests enjoyed boxed dinners provided by Stonefire Grill and Two Guys from Italy, along with coffee and seasonal drinks from Carla’s Coffee Cart. Decorations, pumpkins, and glowing lanterns transformed Plaza Vaquero into a warm, family friendly Halloween space.

“This event is really about connection,” Karen Tu, Acting Director of CalWORKs Program said. “We want to create space for our students to rest, play, and feel seen, to know that GCC cares about them and their families.” She explained that CalWORKs focuses on building a community of care for parenting students, many of whom balance school, work, and family responsibilities.

Mirna Najera, Academic Counselor for CalWORKs added that the event’s purpose was to bring people together in a joyful, welcoming environment. “So many of our students work incredibly hard while raising children,” she said. “Tonight is about giving them a break, letting them enjoy time with their families, and showing that their efforts are valued.”

The Halloween Party marked the first major collaboration between the CalWORKs and CARE programs at GCC. Both programs support low income and immigrant parenting students through counseling, academic planning, and resource coordination. The event reflected the programs’ shared mission to foster belonging and help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Entertainment was provided by Party Creations, a local group that performed puppet and magic shows that kept children and adults laughing throughout the evening. “We wanted entertainment that was family oriented and inclusive,” Najera said. “Everything we do has intention behind it, from the food to the activities, it’s all about care.”

Tu shared that CalWORKs operates through a two generation approach, supporting parents as they pursue higher education while also empowering their children through positive experiences. “When parents succeed in their education, they’re setting an example for their children,” she said. “Events like this show that learning and community go hand in hand.”

Planning for the event began over a month in advance, with careful coordination of vendors and volunteers. The team prioritized accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all activities were free and open to GCC families and community guests. “We lead with compassion,” Tu said. “Building this kind of beloved community reminds students that they belong here.”

As the sun set, children dressed as superheroes, princesses, and ghosts danced to music and laughed as they posed for photos with their families. Parents shared stories, sipped coffee, and connected with staff who work daily to support them.

As families left the plaza carrying balloons and treat bags, the meaning of the night was clear. CalWORKs and CARE are more than programs, they are communities rooted in joy, connection, and the belief that every family deserves to feel supported.