The result was a facility with three 3-bedroom apartments and a shared laundry and community room. Westminster TLC provides up to 12 months of transitional housing for eight formerly homeless families of women and their children. 

The passing of Vera Davis in 2000 resulted LIEUCAP closing its doors, deeding an adjacent property on Westminster to VCH. VCH and Housing Options for People to Excel (HOPE) - a separate but related nonprofit entity of Brentwood Presbyterian Church - have continued to operate Westminster TLC in partnership ever since.

Dianne Berman first became involved with the HOPE Board in November 1993, just after the opening of Westminster TLC. As a member of the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, she was initially invited to a HOPE Board meeting to investigate whether an on-site child care center could be a viable part of the TLC program, however she has continued her involvement ever since. 

Dianne continues her work with the HOPE Board because she wants to be a part of assisting mothers and children reach their full potential and move into permanent housing - reducing homelessness one family at a time. Dianne recalls her favorite memory of a past resident who was working to earn to her cosmetology license. The Board helped the resident finance her classes and state license tests. After program completion and when her license arrived, she ran down the stairs to show Dianne the address on her license- the TLC address. 

Dianne hopes that the TLC will allow mothers to be able to provide a better life for themselves and their families- That mothers will have higher paying jobs, save money, and gain the confidence they need to lead self-sufficient independent lives. She is so proud of the past residents' accomplishments and hopes for many more! 

The Topanga Women's Circle is an organization of volunteer women who graciously prepare the TLC's rooms before a family is ready to move in. Organized by Karen Sherwood and Linda Ilsley, volunteers provide new and like-new necessities like bedding, clothes, toiletries, food, and toys for our TLC families. Each room is customized for the family moving in, providing a caring and comforting environment for our residents. Many new residents have been brought to tears by the impact of seeing their rooms. The Topanga Women's Circle makes the TLC a place our residents can proudly call home. 

VOLUNTEERS & PROS FINALIZE VDS EVENTS 

Planning Committee, Volunteers Lynne Southerland, Susan Moore and Barbara Milliken and Pros, Linda Lucks and Barbara Baumann, stay in close touch to "get it right" for the inaugural 5-event Venice Design Series to benefit VCH.  41

Other volunteers make calls/send emails to sell sponsorships/tickets, solicit in-kind donations, distribute/mail post cards and invitations, prepare media communications and jump in wherever needed.  Volunteer positions are filled at this time; a wait list is being kept.  Some events are still open; call Linda Lucks at 310 526-3857 for tickets.  If you are interested in helping with the next series, contact Barbara Milliken at  the email address below.

            VCH extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers who are giving their time, expertise and hard work to help those in out community who need it most.  

 

Lynne Southerland, Barbara Milliken, Barbara Baumann, Susan Moore, Linda Lucks, Jaryn Kile putting final touches on VDS events.  Not pictured:  Jay Griffith, Sylvia Aroth, Michele Blackmon, Patti Choate, Sheila Goldberg, Nancy Griffin, Claire Hirsch, Jennifer Hughes, Donna Manders, Tom Paris, Tiffany Rochelle, Laura Alice Scaturro

 

 

If you're interested in volunteering, learn more about our volunteer opportunities by clicking

Until next month,

~ VCH