A team of volunteers including a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, dentist, fitness coach, image consultants and entertainment professionals, teamed up with the San Fernando Valley based non-profit organization, Safe Passage, to provide complete makeovers to local domestic abuse survivors. Twelve women received makeovers that sought to help heal the emotional and physical wounds endured in the past, according to Safe Passage founder Trish Steele. The makeovers included removing scars that told stories of their abuse (one woman was shot on the shoulder, another burned). “These physical injuries are ever-present symbols of the past, which until recently, they relived every time they looked in the mirror,” said Steele. Skin treatments also helped remove skin pigmentation caused by stress, hormonal changes and acne, she said. The women all received dental treatments and were treated to new haircuts and styles among other things. As part of a national campaign designed to “break the silence” of domestic violence, and in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a reception will be held October 29 to celebrate these women and hear their testimonies. The event also will honor Councilman Dennis Zine, Dr. John Chaves and Producer Cheryl Hiltzik who helped with the transformation of the women. Champions for Families At their Third Annual Champions for Families Awards Dinner, El Nido Family Centers recognized three individuals and one business for contributing to the mission and vision of El Nido: to break the cycle of poverty, teen pregnancy, child abuse and juvenile delinquency. The honorees at the October 22 event held at the Skirball Cultural Center included Connie Rice, a prominent American Civil Rights Attorney. Rice was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized for conducting a landmark assessment of Los Angeles’ anti-gang programs and helping create a blueprint to keep kids out of gangs through a regional, multi-jurisdictional strategy that balances suppression and prevention. Rice is cofounder of Advancement Project, a public policy and legal action group. She also served as co-director of the Los Angeles office of the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. Xiomara C. Pena, a teen parent who beat the odds and is now a college student with an impressive resume, was recognized for “Leading the Way” and serving as an inspiration for teenagers. Pena entered El Nido as a pregnant teen faced with intense challenges, but was able to excel as a high school honor student who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. With help from the El Nido College Scholarship, she enrolled as a full-time student at Pierce College. She plans to transfer to a four-year university and continue her education in Business Administration or Political Science. Rose Norton, the first president of El Nido, and a dedicated volunteer for more than 50 years, was presented with the Rose Norton Volunteer Award. The professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers was recognized with a Community Impact award for its strong support of El Nido’s efforts throughout the years. El Nido Family Centers, an 84-year-old non-profit with offices in Mission Hills, last year assisted 16,800 children, youth and their family members, from households at or near the poverty level. Youth Grant In one of the largest grants to any entity in the state, The California Department of Education awarded the Youth Policy Institute nearly $26 million to provide afterschool academic and enrichment programs in twenty-one Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley K-12 schools. The Youth Policy Institute offers innovative educational, athletic, technology-based, and career-oriented programs at 56 afterschool sites in Los Angeles, serving over 6,300 students. YPI is the largest afterschool provider for charter schools in the U.S. and one of the nation’s largest afterschool providers for high schools. “This is a wonderful day for the Youth Policy Institute and the families of the Northeast San Fernando Valley. With this grant, YPI can continue the excellent work they do in our schools,” said Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes, who attended a check presentation ceremony on the steps of Pacoima Charter Elementary School October 20. Also present to announce the five-year grant were State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, State Senator Gloria Romero, LAUSD Board Members Nury Martinez and Tamar Galatzan, and many of the students and families that have benefitted from YPI’s programs. “It is an honor to receive such a significant grant award from the California Department of Education,” said YPI Executive Director Dixon Slingerland. “We gratefully accept it in recognition of YPI’s strong track record in afterschool programming, and are excited about the potential to serve thousands of additional students, families, and leaders of tomorrow.” Expanding care The Northeast Valley Health Corporation will receive product donations to benefit two of its dental clinics from the global social responsibility program of Henry Schein, Inc., the largest distribution of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners. The broad selection of healthcare products and supplies, valued between $5,000 and $25,000, will be awarded throughout the course of a two-year program cycle, and will enable NEVHC to serve more members of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, and expand its ability to provide dental care to low-income and underserved populations. “We are so thankful to Henry Schein Cares for their generous donation. The supplies will help us better serve our dental patients at both the San Fernando and Sun Valley dental clinics,” said Grace Hardy, DDS, Director of Dentistry for NEVHC. NEVHC is a private non-profit community health center that provides health services to the medically uninsured and underserved residents of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Programs and services include Dental, Pharmacy, Radiology, Women’s Health and Prenatal Services, Pediatric Services, and Immunizations. The donation comes as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association celebrates National Dental Hygiene Month. Upcoming The Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will hold its National Philanthropy Day Celebration on Thursday, November 5 honoring community leaders that exemplify the spirit of giving. The honorees include: Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year: Kitty and Don Cooper; Outstanding Volunteer of the year: Dave Hasson; Outstanding Professional of the Year: Susan Basler; Outstanding Corporation of the Year: Kaiser Permanente; Outstanding Foundation of the Year: The Sikand Family Foundation; and Outstanding Volunteer Organization of the year: Woodland Hills Rotary. The Association of Fundraising Professionals, founded in 1960, generates philanthropic support for a wide variety of charitable institutions through more than 200 chapters around the world with over 30,000 members. The event will be held at the Woodland Hills Hilton from 11:30-2:00. For more information visit: www.afp-gsfv.org This year’s Hands for Hope signature Jazz benefit concert will be held February 10 at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood. Every year, the starlight smooth jazz serenade raises funds for the non-profit organization’s after-school enrichment programs for underprivileged children in the Valley. The event features leading jazz artists and award-winning musicians, and is hosted by La Rita Shelby, entertainer and comedian, and Pat Prescott, KTWV radio host. Founded by Lydia Floyd, Hands for Hope hosts three after school programs for underprivileged children that are designed to uplift the spirit and provide enrichment opportunities. Hands for Hope also hosts quarterly single parent forums that provide valuable information on free child care resources, home purchasing opportunities, credit repair and job training assistance. Child Care Resource Center’s 20th Annual Legislative Forum will be held November 20th at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills. This year’s event marks the kick off of a year-long book drive and literacy campaign to collect 100,000 books for distribution to low income families. For two decades, CCRC’s Legislative Forum has served as a “meeting of the minds” where key legislators take part in a serious and timely discussion with business leaders, community partners, child care professionals and parents. The Child Care Resource Center is a private not-for-profit agency dedicated to the promotion of higher standards in child care and early education. – Compiled by Andrea Alegria
