Hillsides’ Volunteer Group Announces Plan to Support Charity’s Teens during Annual Fall Party

(PASADENA) H100, a philanthropic support group of the Los Angeles County charity Hillsides, will “adopt” the agency’s two teen group homes for the holiday season and beyond. It was announced during the group’s annual fall mixer held on November 14, 2013 at 168 Restaurant in Pasadena. H100, which is aimed at young professionals, will provide the 12 boys and girls in the homes with holiday presents and continue to support them in other ways in 2014.

The crowd of 40 to 45 in attendance enthusiastically “adopted” the idea. April Danz, president of H100, presented the group with a wishing tree filled with holiday gift wishes of the 12 teens. By the end of the evening, the tree was bare, signifying that all of the holiday wishes would be granted.

“I was so humbled and grateful that every single wish tag was taken,” said Danz. “The H100 board and I are very excited about this opportunity to help these teens, and we truly believe we will be able to make a meaningful impact on their lives.”

Members who were not able to attend the mixer will be able to fulfill a holiday wish for the teens at a later date.

During the evening the director of the group homes, Ramona McGee, and therapist Amelia Abernathy talked about the hardships faced by the teens in the homes. McGee explained that because the children had such traumatic childhoods, often they are still experiencing a delayed childhood to compensate for the one they never received. “Usually they were the ones taking care of mom, with no one to take care of them,” she said. Yet, in other ways, she added, the teens are “way beyond their years” because of the challenges they have faced.
During the evening, Danz also announced the new H100 board for the 2013-2014 year, which is April Danz- president, Jennifer Brian - VP/treasurer, Kristin Thorell- communications, David Hitchcock – membership, Annie Brose - volunteer outreach,
Ava Herrera and Lauralyn Deringer – social, and Scott Steuber and Jeff Welch – founders.
“We are so thankful for the energy and enthusiasm of our H100 support group, “ said Joseph M. Costa. “The fact that they have chosen the teens of Hillsides to support is very impactful because often donors give holiday gifts and other resources to the younger Hillsides’ residents, and the teens go wanting. Now , through the generosity of H100, this will no longer be the case.”

Individuals who would like to also fulfill special wishes for the teens living at Hillsides can by calling Carrie Espinoza, director of development, at 323-543-2800, ext. 121. The charity’s other programs like Youth Moving On and Family Resource Centers also serve youth in need. People wishing to participate in Hillsides’ holiday giving program can do so by visiting our website or calling Laura Kelso, director of community resources, at 323-254-2274, ext. 251.

. H100’s adoption of the teens in the satellite homes is just one of many holiday activities at Hillsides. To learn more about the holidays at Hillsides or about HIllsides, please visit our website.

Hillsides is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families. Our vision is to create lasting change in the lives of at-risk children and youth we serve. We provide high quality care, advocacy, and innovative services that promote safe, permanent environments where young people can thrive.

Hillsides has four main programs:
Family Resource Centers, which offer numerous community based programs and services that provide parenting classes, mental health support and additional crucial resources for vulnerable children and families throughout Los Angeles County.
Residential Treatment Services, which provide a safe and stable environment where children and youths, who cannot live at home, suffered trauma, or have severe emotional or behavioral challenges, can thrive.
Education Center, a therapeutic residential and day school that offers individualized education for students with social-emotional, learning and/or behavioral challenges for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Youth Moving On, which provides former foster youth affordable quality housing and numerous support services to help them become responsible, self-sufficient adults.

Hillsides
940 Avenue 64
Pasadena, CA 91105
323-254-2274
Company Contact/Press Contact:
Marisol Barrios
mbarrios@hillsides.org
323-543-2800 ext 128
815 Colorado Blvd, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90041

This release was published on openPR.