Children at Laurel Canyon in 1927

El Nido Family Centers has come a long way from its modest beginning in 1925 as a camp for undernourished children in Laurel Canyon. Originally founded by the National Council of Jewish Women, and now a separate entity, El Nido provides a wide array of community-based services across Los Angeles County to those most in need. 

 

Guided by the philosophy that "a child cannot grow up twice," El Nido is
a safe haven for at-risk populations in L.A., providing critical services to over 10,000 children, youth and family members each year in some of the County's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. 

 

Throughout its 90-year history, El Nido has evolved to meet the emerging needs of L.A.'s diverse population as they:  

 

• Recruit multicultural professionals from neighborhoods we serve
• Train the next generation of culturally competent social workers
• Provide school-based counseling, parent education and support
• Help families in their homes, at housing projects, churches or other locations
• Develop specialized services for teen parents and their babies