We learn about OCD, feed Los Angeles, and develop tools to manage social anxiety.
A Letter From Our Founder
Hi there,
I know that shock around the passage of time is a trope, but I’m going to say it anyway: I truly can’t believe that Halloween is just days away, and the holidays seem to be racing towards me. I’m both excited (I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Halloween is my favorite holiday hands down) and feeling the familiar uptick in anxiety that comes with this season.
This time of year, I notice my mind working overtime, weighing decisions about which candy to buy for trick-or-treaters (environmental impact), how to prepare for the holidays (personal impact), all of it. I often joke about being neurotic, but the truth is, there’s a big difference between general anxiety or perfectionism and something more clinical like OCD.
And that’s what this month’s blog article is on. OCD is a complex diagnosis that goes far beyond being particular about order or cleanliness. It’s characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause real distress and compulsive behaviors performed to get relief from that distress. Because we use “OCD” so casually in everyday conversation (“I’m so OCD about my kitchen!”), it makes it harder for people who are actually struggling with OCD to recognize their symptoms and seek help.
The article dives into what OCD really looks like, including the less visible presentations, and how it differs from general anxiety, preferences for order, or personality traits. If you or someone you love experiences intrusive thoughts that feel uncontrollable or finds themselves performing rituals to manage anxiety, I hope this article provides some clarity and a path forward.
You can always reach out to us at info@takeroottherapy.com or call/text us at (323) 388-5578.
Warmly,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
On The Blog
What Is OCD? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Beyond the Myths
After my second child was born, I began experiencing disturbing, intrusive images: vivid scenes of dropping her as I climbed the stairs, or her stroller breaking free and rolling into traffic. The thoughts felt so real that my body would flood with panic. I didn’t know what to do with the terror these images brought, so I developed strategies: I walked impossibly slowly up the…
How to Help
Love in Action: Volunteer Day at the Soup Kitchen
Join Selah Sounds for a day of heartfelt service on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at our local soup kitchen. Together, we’ll pour love into every plate and kindness into every moment blessing individuals and families in need.
Every meal served, every smile shared, and every act of compassion helps remind others that they’re not forgotten. This gathering is more than volunteering — it’s about building community, showing love in action, and being present for those who need it most.
Details:
- Adults only
- Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes
- All supplies will be provided
- Bring a joyful heart and readiness to serve
Let’s come together as a community of compassion — because love multiplies when shared.
Call to Action:
Register today to reserve your spot and be part of this meaningful day of service!
Together, we’ll make a difference one plate, one smile, and one act of love at a time.
WHEN:
Saturday, November 15th
10 AM – 2:30 PM
WHERE:
Monrovia United Methodist Church
140 East Palm Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016
SNAP Shutdown/Emergency Grocery Program
As many of you know, this Wednesday, the United States’ vital food programs, SNAP/EBT Benefits, are at risk of ending due to the ongoing government shutdown.
This will deeply affect many of our most vulnerable neighbors – especially children.
Here are the facts:
- In 2024, 5.8 million Californians relied on SNAP for food security.
- 1.5 million of those people live right here in Los Angeles.
- 19% of families with children in California benefit from SNAP.
- An overwhelming 36% of female-led single-parent households depend on SNAP to feed their families.
If these benefits are paused, the impact will be immediate and devastating.
How You Can Help
- Donate directly to our Emergency Grocery Program: www.FTKLA.org/Donate
- Send a grocery gift card (Ralphs, Albertsons, Food for Less, etc.) to Davida@FTKLA.org, and we’ll ensure it reaches a family in need.
- Volunteer to deliver food directly to families by emailing Davida@FTKLA.org.
- Purchase Groceries off our holiday wishlist for our collaboration with the Refugee Children Center.
Together, we can make sure children in Los Angeles don’t go hungry.
Thank you for standing with us,
The For the Kids LA Team
WHEN:
Inquire
WHERE:
Inquire
Community Events
ODDGIVES | FLOW FOR TRANS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Join our donation based ODDGIVES flow to support to uplift trans individuals during this challenging time
The trans community deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to thrive. In this challenging time, we’re coming together to honor the trans experience, uplift voices too often silenced, and offer our support through practice and presence. Join Eduardo Duran for a donation-based, open-to-all FLOW benefiting the LGBT Center’s Trans Economic Empowerment Program (TEEP), which provides vital career development, legal support, and community advocacy for trans and non-binary individuals.
If you can’t join in person, you can contribute at the front desk or via Venmo @onedowndog.
WHEN:
Sunday, November 15th
12:45 – 1:45 PM
WHERE:
One Down Dog – East Hollywood
5531 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner
✨🍂 Join Us for the 10th Annual ANE Foundation Community Thanksgiving Dinner! 🍂✨
📅 When: Thursday, November 27, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Where: San Julian Park, 312 E 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
🍴 What: A day of gratitude, community, and connection. Enjoy a FREE hot Thanksgiving meal, along with toiletries, clothing, blankets, baby supplies, canned foods, and more all provided with love for our neighbors in need.
❤️ Why: Because Thanksgiving is about giving back, lifting each other up, and spreading warmth and kindness to everyone especially those who need it most.
🤝 How to Help:
Donate essential items or gift cards
Volunteer your time and spread joy
Support by sharing this event with friends and family
📧 Contact: info@ane-foundation.org
📞 Phone: (424) 325-LOVE (5683)
💻 Donate / Sign Up / Volunteer: https://ANEThanksgiving2025.eventbrite.com
Let’s come together to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable for our community. 🧡
WHEN:
Thursday, November 27th
10 AM – 2 PM
WHERE:
San Julian Park
312 E 5th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Featured Publications
9 Thoughtful Gifts to Give Your Friend Who Has Lost a Pet
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
What Psychologists Say Really Works for Social Anxiety
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
