Emerge Strong
The Centennial Campaign
"Since 1925, El Nido Family Centers has been creating pathways to lasting stability and well-being for individuals and families across Los Angeles. Over the next 3 years, with a goal to raise $6M, El Nido's "Emerge Strong" Campaign will chart a new path forward – built on our legacy of impact and support for families across Los Angeles, and inspired by the call to do more and innovate in ways we never have before."
- Liz Herrera
Chief Executive Officer
From Humble Beginnings...
In 1925, the National Council of Jewish Women established a summer camp for undernourished girls in the rugged hills of Laurel Canyon.
What began as a small sanctuary has grown into El Nido Family Centers—a cornerstone institution serving over 11,000 Angelenos annually across Los Angeles County.
Through comprehensive services, we create pathways to lasting stability and well-being for families at every stage of life.
...to lasting Impact
For a century, we've met Angelenos where they are—in homes, schools, community centers, and neighborhoods—delivering comprehensive, community-centered services that create pathways out of poverty and toward lasting stability and well-being.
From civil unrest and economic downturns to wildfires and a global pandemic, El Nido has stood with Angelenos through the crises that shape our city. When disaster strikes, we don't just respond—we step up, ensuring families have the resources, care, and support they need to rebuild.
We are Pioneers
Leading innovation in family services for 100 years
Leaders in providing teen parenting supportive services
For over two decades (1995–2020), El Nido was the largest provider of teen parent services in California.
Research-based Interventions and Techniques
Our work is grounded in evidence-based and data-driven social work practice, leading to lasting impact.
Vanguards in providing home-based services
Early adopters of home-based supportive services, meeting families where they are to ensure critical needs are met.
You'll find us wherever we're needed most
Serving communities across Los Angeles County
12+
Comprehensive programs across Los Angeles
150+
Highly skilled
professionals.
11k+
Thousands of Angelenos served every single year
88%
An industry leading amount of every dollar goes direct to services
In Their Own Words
"Getting to where I am today wasn't easy. But I was able to do it with the guidance, encouragement, financial support, and friendship from El Nido"
- Antonio
Antonio D.
"CSULA - Bachelor's in Biology, Spring 2021"
How We Meet the Moment
Government cuts, trust erodes
In times of deep uncertainty, many families can no longer rely on the safety nets they once trusted. El Nido is stepping in to fill those critical gaps.
We listen, then we act
While others debate, we're responding directly to the urgent mental health, housing, and affordability needs we're hearing from families daily as the cost of living continues to rise.
Your partnership breaks intergenerational trauma and poverty
When you ask "What can I do?" the answer is simple: support the trusted resource that's been meeting crises for a century.
We fill the gaps others can't
As public programs shrink, costs rise, and uncertainty grows, your investment ensures El Nido continues being the reliable ally our communities need most.
This moment demands more, not less
Partner with us over the next three years to prove that together, we don't have to be powerless—we can be the change our neighbors desperately need.
Emerge Strong: Centennial Campaign
At A Glance
3
Years
Our Centennial Campaign runs from 2025 to 2027
$6M
Goal
We aim to raise at least $6M to expand core programs and leverage opportunities
The Programmatic Impact
Fortify Core Programs
To expand services that stabilize families in dire need
Build More Educational and Career Pathways
Provide pathways to high-earning careers and higher education for youth
Enhanced Mental Health Services
Strengthen and expand our agency’s mental health services while developing the next generation of professionals.
Become a Centennial Partner
At 100 years old, our expertise, longevity, and role as a dependable resource for our City and her residents is unmatched. With our city and nation facing compounding challenges, El Nido's role serving vulnerable youth and families has never been more critical.
Contact Us
To learn more, discuss giving options, or make a gift, please contact: Carter Calhoun, Development Director,
at 818-830-3646 or ccalhoun@elnidofamilycenters.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Carter Ashforth, Communications Manager, at cashforth@elnidofamilycenters.org