"We are excited for this opportunity to create activities that will empower teen/young parents to have positive relationships with family and peers, create a community-wide support network, advocate for improvements in services within their community, and be a safe space for dialogue," states El Nido BSF Program Manager Saul Figueroa.

The activities of BSF will be sensitive to the skills of the young parents and provide customized support to each parent. Parent Circles, mentors for young parents, advocacy training, and community-based research are provided through this grant and will be parent-led and parent-driven.

Best Start Compton-East Compton focuses on children ages 0-5, the formative years during which long-term development is greatly impacted. El Nido's trained staff will provide Compton-East Compton children with the best start in life, ensuring they are healthy, are safe from abuse and neglect, and are ready to succeed in school and life.
El Nido is honored to be a part of this important community support network with Best Start Compton-East Compton and looks forward to a brighter future for all of the Compton families!

This last holiday season, over 215 toys were collected by Wilshire Boulevard Temple's Early Childhood Centers for El Nido's children. All types of games, dolls and gifts were dropped off at the Glazer/East and Mann/West Centers during December.

The Jewish traditions of Tzedakah (charity) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) are cornerstone values of the temple's nursery schools. "It's really an honor to do this and teach the next generation to give back," said Julie Edelstein, co-chair of the Tikkun Olam Committee, who works with other parents, teachers and faculty to oversee community drives and philanthropic activities involving parents and students.  "By buying toys to give to others, teachers and parents help educate their children about the true value of Tzedakah.

"We ask the parents to take their child with them to the toy store and for the child to help pick out a toy for a child less fortunate. The next day the child can bring the toy to school and put the toy in the bin for El Nido. It is never too early to learn how to give," notes Carol Bovill, Director, Early Childhood Centers, Wilshire Boulevard Temple.

El Nido's children and parents send big hugs to all the Wilshire Boulevard families that have made this Annual Toy Drive happen every year for the last 7 years.

To learn more about Early Childhood Centers of Wilshire Boulevard Temple please visit http://www.wbtecc.org/