Riverside Health WIC staff member Tolena Le helps families with nutrition, breastfeeding support, and health resources. She plays a key role in improving the well-being of mothers and children in the community.
Stay tuned with us as we dive into the inspiring work of Riverside Health WIC staff Tolena Le. From family support to community care, there’s so much to learn about her impact and dedication!
Who Is Tolena Le?
Tolena Le is a member of the Riverside County WIC staff, where she provides direct services to eligible participants — from nutritional consultations to education and program coordination. Her daily interactions with families, children, and expectant mothers go far beyond the typical public health checklist. She is known for her ability to:
- Connect with participants on a personal level
- Offer bilingual and culturally sensitive guidance
- Promote confidence and independence in mothers and caregivers
- Ensure that clients leave with knowledge, not just resources
Working behind the scenes and in face-to-face settings, Tolena represents the type of health professional every community needs: one who listens, understands, and takes action.
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What Is the WIC Program and Why Does It Matter?
A National Lifeline for Families
The WIC program was established in 1974 as a federal assistance initiative designed to safeguard the health of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. It is administered at the federal level by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented at the state and local levels.
- Monthly benefits for nutritious food (e.g., milk, fruits, vegetables, cereal, baby formula)
- Breastfeeding support and peer counseling
- Nutrition education and personalized coaching
- Health screenings and referrals to medical care and community services
For thousands of families in Riverside County, WIC is more than just a benefit — it’s a lifeline that fosters health, security, and empowerment.
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The Day-to-Day Work of Tolena Le:
So, what does a typical day look like for someone like Tolena Le? While every day is different, here are some of the roles she regularly fulfills:
Nutrition Education
Tolena counsels mothers on how to feed their families healthy, affordable meals. Her approach is never preachy; she offers practical, culturally appropriate advice tailored to each family’s lifestyle.
Breastfeeding Advocacy
Breastfeeding is a major pillar of WIC, and Tolena is passionate about providing nonjudgmental support for nursing mothers. Whether someone is struggling with latching, milk supply, or social stigma, Tolena offers both science-based solutions and emotional encouragement.
Community Outreach
Tolena often participates in local health fairs, pop-up clinics, and school events to educate the community about WIC and how to apply. She helps combat misinformation and remove barriers to access.
Participant Follow-up
She doesn’t just meet clients once and send them on their way. Tolena follows up regularly to track progress, answer questions, and adjust plans as needed. This kind of ongoing support builds long-term trust.
Tolena Le’s Community Impact:
In a county as diverse as Riverside, building strong relationships is critical. Tolena’s cultural competency and deep knowledge of community needs allow her to foster these relationships effectively.
Positive Community Outcomes Linked to Her Work:
- Higher breastfeeding initiation rates
- Improved child nutrition and developmental outcomes
- Reduced food insecurity in vulnerable populations
- Increased health literacy among non-English speaking families
Parents often refer to Tolena as a “lifesaver” — not just because of the food vouchers, but because of the confidence and dignity she restores in those who feel overwhelmed or unheard.
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How to Qualify for WIC in Riverside County?
If you or someone you know could benefit from WIC, it’s important to know the eligibility criteria. Here’s what families typically need to qualify:
Basic Eligibility:
- Must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child under 5 years old
- Meet income guidelines (usually at or below 185% of the federal poverty level)
- Be a California resident
- Be at nutritional risk as determined by a WIC staff member
Families receiving Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs are typically automatically eligible.
Note: Fathers, grandparents, and legal guardians can apply for WIC on behalf of children under their care.
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The Future of WIC — Technology & Telehealth!
As WIC continues to evolve, technology is becoming more central to how services are delivered. Tolena and her team have adapted quickly by offering:
- Video consultations and virtual nutrition classes
- Text and phone support
- Online appointment scheduling
- A convenient WIC app for managing benefits
Tolena is often involved in testing and refining these tools, ensuring they remain user-friendly and accessible to every community member, especially those with limited digital literacy.
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Inspired by Tolena? Here’s How to Join WIC!
Inspired by Tolena’s story? Many people who work in WIC have backgrounds in:
- Public health
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Social work
- Community outreach
- Maternal-child health
To pursue a career in WIC, you generally need a degree in a relevant field and a passion for service. Bilingual skills, cultural awareness, and strong communication are also highly valued — all qualities that Tolena exemplifies.
If you’re interested in applying, visit:
👉 rivcowic.org/employment
Testimonials – Real Families, Real Impact!
Let’s hear from a few Riverside families who’ve been impacted by Tolena Le’s work:
- Tolena helped me understand what to feed my baby when she transitioned to solids. I was so nervous, but she made me feel like I could do it.” – WIC mom in Perris, CA
- She didn’t judge me when I said I couldn’t breastfeed right away. She just supported me where I was. I’ll never forget that.” – New mother from Moreno Valley
- We live on a tight budget, and I didn’t think WIC was for us. Tolena explained everything and now my daughter eats better than ever.” – Grandparent caregiver in Riverside
Public Health Heroes Deserve Recognition:
Public health work is often done quietly, behind the scenes — yet its impact is enormous. Celebrating staff like Tolena Le not only boosts morale but also highlights the ongoing importance of local health initiatives.
Whether through newsletters, social media, or community awards, recognizing team members reminds everyone that people matter most in any system of care.
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Quick Profile — Meet WIC Team Member Tolena Le!
| Category | Details |
| Staff Member | Tolena Le |
| Position | WIC Program Staff |
| Location | Riverside County, CA |
| Languages Spoken | English, Vietnamese (and potentially others) |
| Specialties | Nutrition Counseling, Breastfeeding Support, Community Outreach |
| Organization | Riverside University Health System – Public Health |
| Website | rivcowic.org |
| Phone | 1-800-455-4942 |
| Availability | In-Person & Virtual Appointments |
FAQ’s
1. Can WIC staff like Tolena Le assist undocumented immigrants?
Yes. WIC does not require proof of citizenship or immigration status to apply. Many WIC staff, including Tolena Le, are trained to work respectfully with all families, regardless of their immigration status, as long as they meet residency and income requirements.
2. Does WIC offer mental health referrals for overwhelmed mothers?
Yes. While WIC itself doesn’t provide therapy, staff members like Tolena Le often refer clients to trusted community partners for mental health services, postpartum depression screenings, and emotional support programs.
3. What kind of training do WIC staff like Tolena Le receive?
WIC staff typically undergo training in nutrition science, breastfeeding support, cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed care, and client communication. Many also pursue continuing education to stay updated with public health guidelines.
4. Can WIC help with children who are picky eaters or have food allergies?
Yes. WIC staff can offer customized nutrition advice and food package adjustments for children with allergies or picky eating habits. Tolena Le often works with parents to develop realistic meal plans based on their child’s dietary needs.
5. Are there special WIC services for teen moms in Riverside County?
Absolutely. Teen moms are a high-priority group for WIC. Staff like Tolena provide age-appropriate support, guidance on parenting, and connections to educational resources to help young mothers thrive.
Conclusion:
Tolena Le and the Riverside Health WIC team help families every day with care and kindness. They give support, answers, and food help to moms and kids who need it. Because of their hard work, many families feel better, eat healthier, and grow stronger. They truly make a big difference.
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