Built By Families. For Families.
Every person on this team has been where you are.
We’re not coming from theory or training — we’re coming from lived experience. We’ve sat through the same meetings, faced the same confusion, and had to figure things out the hard way.
Why Families Trust Us
We don’t just explain the system — we’ve lived it.
We know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, to get denied, and to not know what to do next. That’s why everything we do is built around helping families move forward with clarity, not confusion.
Founder And Executive Director
Jose Antonio Sosa
I started Guided Families California after my own family was denied IHSS for my daughter. What we thought would be a straightforward process quickly turned into confusion, frustration, and a system that didn’t explain itself.
I had to learn everything on my own — what the county was actually looking for, how decisions were being made, and how to prepare for an appeal. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t something any parent should have to figure out alone.
That experience is what drives everything we do at GFC. I now help other families navigate that same process with clarity and direction, so they don’t feel lost or overwhelmed trying to fight for the care their child needs.
Secretary and Board Member
Noemi Nayely Castillo
I’m a mother who has lived through the challenges of raising a child with special needs and navigating systems that don’t always feel built for families like ours.
I understand what it feels like to sit in those conversations, trying to explain your child’s needs to someone who only sees a checklist. It can feel frustrating, exhausting, and at times, isolating.
At Guided Families California, my role is to make sure families feel supported from the very beginning — not just with information, but with understanding. Every family deserves to feel heard, respected, and guided through this process with care.
Treasurer and Board Member
Jazmine Ortiz
I grew up in a household with multiple siblings who have special needs, so I’ve seen firsthand what families go through — the appointments, the therapies, the constant advocacy, and the emotional toll it can take.
That experience shaped how I see this work. It’s not just about systems or services — it’s about families trying to do their best in situations that aren’t always understood.
As a student at UCLA pursuing a degree in history with plans to attend law school, I bring both a personal connection and a strong sense of responsibility to this role. At GFC, I manage our finances with the goal of keeping everything transparent and making sure our services remain free and accessible to the families who need them most.
Director of Community Outreach and Board Member
Eli Reyes
I’ve always been someone who connects easily with people, and I’ve built my career around communication, leadership, and helping others feel comfortable and understood.
With a background in management, finance, and hospitality, I’ve learned how to work with people from all walks of life — especially in moments where they need clarity, patience, and real support.
At Guided Families California, my role is to make sure families know they have somewhere to turn. Whether it’s connecting with schools, community organizations, or families directly, my goal is simple — no one should feel like they’re navigating this alone.
