How El Nido Volunteers Support Families Through Change

April 16, 2026 

Our volunteers show up in many ways: tutoring students, facilitating arts & crafts projects at the El Nido Farmers Markets, leading financial literacy workshops, organizing food drives, and working directly with youth and families in our 12+ programs across LA County.

However they choose to get involved, El Nido volunteers play a critical role in helping our community access resources, build stability, and move forward.

The Rose Norton Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes exceptional volunteers who embody that commitment. Named in honor of Rose Norton—El Nido Family Centers’ first Board President and a lifelong advocate for youth and families—the award carries forward her legacy of service. Rose often described herself as a “professional volunteer,” dedicating thousands of hours to causes she believed in and helping shape El Nido into the organization it is today.

This year’s recipient, Michelle Lieber, has been volunteering as a Family Visitation Coach for more than a decade.

We are proud to recognize her, an incredibly deserving awardee who reflects Rose’s spirit of service, dedication, and compassion. We presented the award to Michelle as well as honored all El Nido volunteers at our 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Saturday, April 11, which we hosted at the El Nido Farmers Market. See photos from the event by clicking here.

Michelle’s work offers a closer look at how volunteers support families during important moments in their lives.

The Family Visitation Program

As a Family Visitation Coach (FVC), Michelle volunteers with El Nido’s Family Visitation Program, which supports families who have been separated because of abuse or neglect, often due to domestic violence, substance use, or other serious challenges.

In many cases, children are temporarily placed with a relative, friend, or another caregiver while families work through court processes and receive support to stabilize and, when possible, reunify.

During that time, families participate in supervised visits designed to be safe, structured, and meaningful, giving parents the opportunity to strengthen their parenting skills and work on connecting with their children. 

Visits typically last about two hours and take place in community-based settings, including churches across the San Fernando Valley. Families are referred by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or the courts. 

This is the environment Michelle steps into each time she volunteers. 

The Role of a Family Visitation Coach 

Family Visitation Coaches, like Michelle, are a critical part of this program. During visits, they: 

• help create a calm, safe environment

• support parents in real time through coaching and encouragement

• observe interactions and offer guidance when needed

• document what happens during visits to support court and case planning decisions

Their role is both relational and practical. They are there to support families in the moment and help ensure progress is tracked over time. 

Q&A with Michelle Lieber 

We spoke with Michelle about what this work looks like in practice and why she continues to show up every week. 

What first drew you to this work? 

“I wanted to do something personally meaningful. I grew up in a home with domestic violence and child abuse, so I understand the long-term impact they can have on people’s lives. I had a difficult relationship with my father that ultimately, we weren’t able to repair, so being able to help other families repair their relationships is very rewarding.” 

What are families going through when they enter this program? 

“Families are dealing with a lot. There’s stress within the family, and there can be shame about this disruption in their parenting, and outside stressors. At the same time that they’re trying to rebuild a relationship with their child within the constraints of 2-hour visitations. That’s not easy. It takes intention, patience, and support.” 

What does a visit actually look like? 

“Visits are usually about two hours. Families might play games, talk, or cook together. My role is to support the parent. I might suggest activities or offer feedback, but a big part of it is pointing out what’s going well. Many of the parents we work with don’t hear that often.” 

What has kept you involved for more than 10 years? 

“What never gets old is witnessing the moments when families connect, laugh, enjoy each other’s company, and are fully present to one another. It’s really meaningful to witness that.” 

How does this work help prevent child abuse? 

“By providing a safe environment for families to spend quality time together without the distractions of cell phones and television. By offering parents acceptance without judgment, empathy and knowledge about child development. These parents have already heard a lot of negative feedback about what they’re doing wrong. This is an opportunity for them to hear feedback on what they do well and how positively their child responds to their attention when they are fully present.” 

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering? 

“You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need a specific background. You don’t need to be a parent yourself. Just being willing to show up, care, and be present is enough. After you finish the training, you can shadow other coaches until you feel more comfortable.”

Interested in Becoming a Family Visitation Coach? 

Volunteering as a Family Visitation Coach is a direct way to support youth and families during a critical time.

Like Michelle, volunteers typically commit a few hours each week, supporting visits that last about two hours, along with time for preparation and documentation. Training and ongoing support are provided, and volunteers are never navigating situations alone. Before being matched with a family, volunteers complete on-site training and have opportunities to shadow experienced coaches and staff.

This role is a good fit for people who are patient, observant, and comfortable supporting others in structured environments. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up consistently and being present. 

To learn more about becoming a Family Visitation Coach with El Nido, visit our website or contact our team at volunteer@elnidofamilycenters.org.