About Les Amies
Mission
Les Amies supports Children’s Institute’s 30,000 children and families through fundraising and volunteer efforts.
History
Founded in 1962, by Los Angeles philanthropists Mrs. W. Tharpe Smith and Mrs. Homer Toberman, Les Amies began as “Friends of the Colleagues.” Les Amies became a small group of resourceful, influential women helping to generate funds for the Big Sister League, which would in 1977, later be renamed Children’s Institute, Inc. (CII). Our efforts have helped the most vulnerable children in Los Angeles County — harmed by family and community violence, or coping with the challenges of poverty. CII, with the support of Les Amies, helps more than 30,000 children and families each year through Mental Health Services, Child Welfare Services, Family Support Services, Youth Development Services, Early Childhood Care and Educational Programs.
Les Amies is a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) public charity with up to 60 Active members and a large group of Sustaining members. Their support for Children’s Institute is raised through various events.
About CII
Children’s Institute (CII) helps children in Los Angeles’s most challenged communities heal from the trauma of family and community violence, build their confidence and skills to break through the barriers of poverty, and grow up to lead healthy, productive lives. CII’s Integrated Service Model is designed to address the “whole child” as well as the entire family, and combines evidence-based clinical services, youth development programs, early childhood programs, and family support services. CII reaches more than 30,000 children and family members each year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities for Children’s Institute
Back to School for Early Childhood School (ECS) Volunteers are welcomed to support CII as they annually host a back to school event that provides the children of the ECS program access to essential school supplies prior to starting Kindergarten.
Fall Harvest Bags Volunteers help to collect non-perishable holiday foods and grocery gift cards in support of CII’s most needy families. Volunteers go to the Otis Booth Campus to help assemble Harvest Bags to be given to the families participating in a variety of CII’s programs.
CII Winter Festival CII hosts their all-day Winter Festival, where over 2,000 attendees come for a day of arts and crafts, fun activities, refreshments and gifts. Companies, volunteer groups and CII’s Board of Trustees are all in attendance. CII welcomes volunteers to host an activity table and sponsor a booth at this festive annual event.
Valentine’s Day - Power Up After School One-Day Program Volunteers are welcomed to host an enriching one-day afternoon program that educates and inspires the children, while they have fun and learn to create a festive Valentine’s project.
Mothers Day Celebration CII welcomes volunteers to help honor the mother’s in their Power Up! Or Early Childhood Programs by treating them to a lovely morning, afternoon or evening of fun filled activities and treats.
Dream Big Graduation This is a special ceremony and dinner for ITSP graduating youth and community members. Volunteers are welcomed to help support CII as they provide laptops, luggage, and caps/gowns to graduating seniors.
Support Us
Les Amies and Children’s Institute
Les Amies has donated nearly $1.6 million to Children’s Institute over the past ten years contributing to:
Early Childhood Education Programs: Services promote healthy development and school readiness for children from ages birth to five, as well as comprehensive support for parents and families through home visitation and center-based Early Head Start programs and center-based Head Start preschools.
Behavioral Health and Wellness: Clinical services support recovery from trauma and psychiatric disorders through mental health and wraparound services, including multiple evidence-based and culturally relevant practices.
Individualized Transitions Skills Program: Supports youth between the ages of 16 and 21 as they transition from foster care to becoming productive and self-sufficient adults.
Otis Booth Campus: Located in Central Los Angeles, the Otis Booth Campus serves as the operations headquarters for Children’s Institute. With more than 48,000 square feet of program and office space, the campus enables CII to bring clinical and enrichment services to thousands of children and families.
Parent-Child Interactive Therapy: Provides treatment for children ages two-seven. Treatment focuses on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship, teaching effective behavior management skills and changing parent-child interaction patterns.
Project Fatherhood: Provides comprehensive parenting skills to men in caregiving roles, engaging fathers to be loving, responsible parents and active participants in their children’s lives.
Watts Campus: Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Watts Campus is home to programming that enriches and empowers the children and families of the Watts community. The Les Amies Plaza, located at the campus’s entrance, represents Les Amies’ long-standing partnership with CII to invest in communities where support is needed most.
© Copyright 2024 Les Amies, Inc.
Since 1962 Les Amies has supported Children’s Institute founded in 1906. CII is the largest agency of its kind working to transform the lives of children exposed to adversity and poverty in Los Angeles.