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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
'Magnolia Place' Opens Its Doors To West Adams Community, Offers Vulnerable Families Free Access to Family Services Under One Roof Through First-Of-Its-Kind Initiative
LOS ANGELES, CA - October 10, 2008
allChildren's Bureau, a nonprofit leader committed to strengthening at-risk families and young children vulnerable to abuse, announced today the grand opening of the Magnolia Place Family Center in the West Adams district of Los Angeles. Magnolia Place is at the heart of a broader initiative known as the Magnolia Place Network - which unites county government and community services in an effort to rebuild West Adams, a community which has long struggled with issues of poverty, crime, few medical resources, poor functioning schools and child abuse.
Initiated by Children's Bureau, Magnolia Place Network is designed to create sustainable change for families, build neighborhood resiliency and become a national model for other vulnerable communities to replicate across the country.
Made possible by a $23 million capital campaign, Magnolia Place will serve as a community hub for at-risk families and provide comprehensive programs and services in four areas which experts agree are key to strengthening families: nurturing parenting, economic stability, good health and school readiness. Magnolia Place will offer families access to quality medical and dental care; house a comprehensive child development center; host classes on parenting, child care, and family economics; provide mental health services; offer legal aid; and serve as a gathering place for an array of community needs.
'While social services are necessary to support struggling families and children, they alone can't create complete change or build resiliency at the community level,' said Alex Morales, president and chief executive officer of Children's Bureau. 'Most community services are scattered throughout our vast city which makes it difficult for community members to access them let alone know about them. By bringing them together under one symbolic roof and educating families to build support networks, we aim to achieve a well-rounded approach to the overall health of families and the surrounding community.'
The grand opening of the center included supporters such as Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton, Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Burke, Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes, Court TV reporter and child advocate Rikki Klieman and Children's Bureau board chairman, Chris Frank. They were joined by various members of Children's Bureau, partnering agencies and community members.
'I am extremely happy to have a community partner in Magnolia Place,' commented Chief Bratton. 'In policing, we see lower crime statistics in communities where there is a focus on education, prevention and intervention. Magnolia Place is helping to build a safe community in West Adams and will touch real people in a positive way that will empower them and help this community to thrive.'
Magnolia Place's reach, expertise and the impact of the Magnolia Place Network will serve families well beyond the walls of the center. The vast array of programs and services now offered at Magnolia Place include, but are not limited to:
- St. John's Well Child & Family Center: Provides primary preventive medical and dental services and including physical examinations, HIV and STD testing, dental hygiene, fillings and crowns and mental health services.
- Legal Services: Public Counsel and EDN (Eviction Defense Network) have teamed up to provide legal services for community members, including issues relating to housing/tenancy protection, immigration and domestic issues.
- Parent and Child Art Program: This free 8-week arts program allows parents and children to spend time together exploring art forms including crafts, drama, music and improvisation games.
- Family Services: An in-home/center counseling program that assists parents with resources, referrals and parenting education training.
- Infant/Toddler and Family Enrichment Program (0-5 years): A program for parents and children under the age of five to enhance relationships between parent and child, as well as strengthen parenting skills.
- Parenting Classes: The curriculum includes topics such as child development, discipline, health and safety, differences and diversity and communication.
- NuParent: Parenting education from the last trimester of pregnancy through 5 years of age. Topics are: bonding, communication, infant massage, child development, routines, guidance and discipline, getting ready to learn and also lots of fun activities.
- Health Program: This program utilizes promotoras, community liaisons, to emphasize the prevention of common childhood illnesses and the promotion of healthy habits.
- Early Childhood Care & Education Class: LA Adult School teaches early childhood development and child care techniques --- 20 credits toward certification and ECE degrees.
- Family, Friends & Neighbors: A program that provides training, resources and mentorship to increase non-licensed childcare providers' capacity to provide safe and nurturing care for children ages 05.
- English as a Second Language (ESL): Los Angeles Adult School teaches English as a second language.
- PACE Head Start & Children's Bureau Preschool Programs: Magnolia Place provides service to children 3 to 5 years old and their families to develop skills that will increase the children's success in kindergarten.
On Saturday, October 11, local families, children and neighbors are invited to celebrate Magnolia Place's grand opening which will take place at 1910 Magnolia Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 9007. Celebration festivities will include food, games and cultural entertainment. Additionally, families will be able to tour the new facility and visit program booths for additional information on various services available at Magnolia Place. For more information, please call (213) 342-0100.
About Children's Bureau
Children's Bureau is a 100-year nonprofit organization solely dedicated to strengthening at-risk families, especially those with young children vulnerable to abuse. More than 14,000 children and families are helped each year throughout Southern California with services that include school readiness, parenting classes, family resource centers, support groups, mental health counseling, foster care, adoption and more. Additionally, Children's Bureau conducts research and advocates for improved public policies. For more information about Children's Bureau, please call 213.342.0100.
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