For a century, El Nido Family Centers has been a lifeline for Los Angeles, helping more than 11,000 Angelenos annually navigate challenges and build pathways to success. But today, our mission is more urgent than ever. Established in 1925 by the National Council of Jewish Women as a small program providing meals and respite care for undernourished girls, El Nido has grown into a trusted leader in community support, offering over a dozen holistic, wraparound services that empower families at every stage of life.
You’ll find us wherever we’re needed most. We work across Los Angeles County, with current programs focused on high-need communities in South LA and the San Fernando Valley. As Los Angeles evolves, so do we, ensuring our services and programs meet the changing needs of the communities we serve.
From humble beginnings...
In 1925, the National Council of Jewish Women established a summer camp for undernourished girls in the rugged hills of Topanga 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 holistic, wraparound services that empower 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.
When LA calls, El Nido answers
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.
This year, as Los Angeles faced devastating wildfires, we expanded access to trauma counseling, distributed critical resources, and partnered with the City of Los Angeles to become a key co-location partner at the Impacted Worker & Family Recovery Center in Sylmar—a one-stop hub for recovery services. As one of four centers citywide, our Pacoima FamilySource team established an outpost in Sylmar, where they have been on the front lines—connecting individuals and families to income support, food assistance, job training, small business aid, educational programs, mental health counseling, and more.
When our city calls, El Nido answers—stronger than ever.
Emerge Strong – The Centennial Campaign
Emerge Strong: The Centennial Campaign is a critical call to action to support youth transitioning to into the workforce.
Growing sectors like healthcare, technology, and sustainable industries offer high-growth job opportunities that don't always require traditional four-year degrees, but Los Angeles youth from low-income communities face particular barriers in accessing these opportunities—including limited professional networks, fewer internship connections, and reduced exposure to career pathways. Without intervention, an entire generation risks being left behind.
El Nido is perfectly positioned to fill this critical gap. For 100 years, we've helped young people navigate transitions and overcome barriers. Now, we must expand our proven approaches to connect youth with opportunities that lead to living-wage careers
Provide Pathways to Success
Emerge Strong provides resources and support for hundreds of youth to youth rise from their circumstances by removing barriers to economic mobility.
Vocational Skills
Enhance our Community Cafe Job Training Program to teach both technical and soft skills through hands-on experience
Access to Higher Education
Since 1992, we’ve awarded 670 scholarships—including 28 in 2024—to help young people achieve their educational goals.
Job Preparation
Introduction to employers and workforce readiness skills to help youth on a path for to succesful employment.
Stories of Resilience
The families we serve demonstrate courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to creating better futures. Take Jacqueline’s story:
“My son and my community fuel my passion for service—both have given me so much, and I want to give back. With the unwavering support of my El Nido family, who believe in me every step of the way, I’m on the path to becoming a licensed social worker in California.”
Jacqueline joined El Nido as a teen mother determined to finish school. Through our Teen Family Services and educational resources, she graduated, pursued higher education, and today, with the help of an El Nido scholarship, is on track to earn her Master of Social Work. She also manages a resale shop at Pacoima’s Farmers Market—a project launched by El Nido in 2023 to address food insecurity and foster economic opportunity. Jacqueline’s journey reflects the power of resilience and the lasting impact of El Nido’s programs. With support, guidance, and access to opportunity, young people and families don’t just overcome adversity—they create the building blocks to help fortify themselves for the future.
Centennial Events
You are invited to honor this milestone with us all year long at a series of special events reflecting on 100 years of impact and community. Stay tuned for new events as we continue to commemorate this year!
Centennial Gala
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Location: Vibiana’s, Los Angeles
Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance and inspiration. Celebrate 100 years of El Nido’s impact with dinner, entertainment, and stories of transformation.
Thank You to Our Centennial Supporters
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