Making An Impact Together
As we head into the final weeks of 2020, we do so with gratitude for all of you whose unwavering support enables us to provide vital services to the children, youth and families who look to us daily. And while this year has had more than its share of challenges, we are proud to shine the light on two important — and positive — milestones that have occurred:

The Village Family Services was named the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year for the 39th District by Assemblymember Luz Rivas and the California Association of Nonprofits (calnonprofits.org). This award recognizes outstanding nonprofits that are making a difference in their local community. Thank you Assemblymember Rivas for nominating us!

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of our founding. As we commemorate two decades of providing life-changing services, The Village continues to deliver a full-spectrum of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed programs to help struggling children, youth and families live happier and more fulfilling lives. With more than 145 dedicated staff, we remain fully committed to ending youth homelessness and to serving Los Angeles County’s most under-resourced and overlooked communities. 
Helping Anne Help Herself 
A warm and energetic woman in her mid-50’s, Anne has seen more than her share of hard times and trauma, including homelessness. She had been living in another person’s car in a parking garage and her health was deteriorating.

Last year, Anne was referred to The Village by the County’s Department of Mental Health so that she could access our comprehensive, community-based services for adults who need intensive therapy and support.

Upon meeting Anne, The Village’s Full-Service Partnership program team set to work to ensure that she received the full-range of services she needed to address her immediate and longer-term challenges. Our therapists and case managers worked tirelessly to provide life-changing support, including helping her search for a safe and permanent place to live.
“Anne remained resourceful and proactive. You could see there was a strong motivation to help herself and to find a permanent home,” said Elizabeth Ortiz, Intensive Care Coordinator.

Recently, good news arrived! Anne moved into her own one-bedroom apartment. And, through the generosity of a Village donor who wanted to help, she received a new bedroom set, sofa, lamps and a refrigerator to furnish her new home.

“If it wasn’t for The Village, I would not have an apartment of my own,” said Anne. “Now I can focus on making it to all of my medical appointments and getting better.”

Adults who are enrolled in The Village’s Full-Service Partnership Program have access to therapy, case management, and medication support services. Through the program, individuals like Anne also receive help with securing housing, employment, education, and substance abuse treatment. 
Village Spotlight
Teaching the Power of Positive Parenting 
Raising children is both rewarding and challenging. Participants in The Village’s Positive Parenting Workshop share a strong desire to build parenting skills that will help their children learn self-discipline, feel confident, and create lasting, loving bonds.
Just ask Roman Flores, AMFT, The Village’s Positive Parenting Facilitator (pictured left). On Tuesday evenings, you’ll find Roman on Zoom with a group of parents who are all committed to parenting in positive way.

“Although the workshops are free to the public, the discussion and guidance that is shared is invaluable,” noted Roman.
“Every week we covered a different topic and provided practical tools that parents can use such as giving effective instructions, encouraging desirable behaviors, and productively managing situations when children misbehave.”

“Participants say they find the workshops are really informative, helpful, and interesting,” added Flores. “They often leave with advice that they can use immediately.”

The 10-week series ran through the end of October. A new series will start in January. Updates will be posted on our website.
Events & Trainings
Welcome new foster families! If you’re considering providing a loving home for a child, we invite you to learn more by attending one of our online orientations.

Upcoming Orientations on Zoom
  • Thursday, November 19, 6-7:30pm
  • Saturday, November 21, 12-1:30pm
  • Or by Appointment

To RSVP for an orientation or for more information, please email fostercare@thevillagefs.org
Help End Youth Homelessness

The number of chronically homeless youth in Greater Los Angeles is up a staggering 68% since last year. Your support will ensure that our Drop-In Center for Homeless Youth remains open so we can continue providing hope to young people who have nowhere else to turn.
Giving Tuesday is December 1! Watch for our Facebook campaign!