Press Releases from Hillsides (107 total)
Two Los Angeles Child Welfare Agencies Announce Official Affiliation
(PASADENA, CA, July 6, 2016)—The boards of directors of Hillsides and Bienvenidos announced the creation of a parent-subsidiary relationship as of June 30. Both Hillsides and Bienvenidos will retain their individual names with Bienvenidos becoming the subsidiary and an affiliate of Hillsides.
Prompting this initiative is recent legislation, the Continuum of Care Reform (AB 403), that calls for providers like Hillsides and Bienvenidos to develop a comprehensive array of services…
Individualized Engagement is Key to Reducing Medicating Children in Foster Care
(PASADENA, CA) Medication should never be used to manage a child but rather to assist with a clearly diagnosed psychiatric disorder, according to Hillsides Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Costa. “More often than not, what helps reduce the utilization of medication is a greater level of individualized engagement, which includes educating the child and the family on the specific effects of any medication. Education, behavioral supports, and constant monitoring…
Hillsides Encourages the Reduction of Medication for Children and Youth in Foste …
(PASADENA, CA) Hillsides encourages the reduction of medication for its clients, Hillsides Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Costa said in response to an article in the Los Angeles Times addressing the over medication of children in the Los Angeles County foster care system. “The introduction of positive behavior reinforcement, an engaging individualized routine, strengthening of social skills, and cognitive therapies usually result in lessening the need for medication…
Hillsides Gives Thanks to Its Nursing Staff in Honor of National Nurses Week
(PASADENA, CA) Hillsides Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Costa used National Nurses week as an opportunity to thank the Hillsides nursing staff, acknowledging the tremendous contribution they make to assure that those Hillsides cares for are empowered and prepared to make better, healthier choices after experiencing trauma.
Costa noted that many children in Hillsides Residential Treatment Services are admitted with some sort of psychotropic medication. A number of effective medications…
Hillsides Education Center Graduates Largest Senior Class in the School’s Hist …
On May 28, Hillsides Education Center (HEC) graduated 11 seniors – the largest graduating class in the 32-year history of the school – during an emotional commencement ceremony held in the auditorium on Hillsides main campus in Pasadena.
An overflow crowd including family, friends, students, Hillsides volunteers, and representatives from school districts and other charitable organizations were in attendance to celebrate the 2014 graduating class.
The 11 graduating…
Singer Lisa Donahey to Perform Broadway Standards on June 25 to Benefit Hillside …
Singer Lisa Donahey will perform songs from her new CD, LISA DONAHEY: Takes on Broadway, during an album launch event and charity benefit concert to be held on Wednesday night, June 25, at the Wells Fargo Theater at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hillsides.
Donahey, a Southern California native, has been singing and performing since she was 10 years old and…
Hillsides is the Winner at the Guild ‘A Day at the Races’ Fundraiser
The annual Guild “A Day at the Races” fundraiser held on Sunday, April 27 was an across-the-board success for Hillsides. Supporters of the Pasadena-headquartered charity raised more than $12,500 for the agency while enjoying a beautiful day at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA.
The event was organized by the Hillsides Guild, a volunteer arm of the charity that has been in existence since 1987. …
Local Psychologist Receives the Red Carpet Treatment through Hillsides Gala
Annette Ermshar, Ph.D., is a busy neuropsychologist who doesn’t take a lot of time to pamper herself. But that changed when she was the winning bidder of “The Art of Glamorous Living: Being Susan Pinsky” package auctioned off at Hillsides annual gala held in Pasadena in February. As the winner, Ermshar received the royal beauty treatment from head to toe and the opportunity to walk down the red…
Hillsides Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for Recreation Equipment
Hillsides has launched a campaign through the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to raise $5,000 to furnish the charity’s recreation center with sports and entertainment equipment. The campaign, “Recovery through Recreation,” aims to provide a fun, engaging, and safe environment for the children and youth of Hillsides in the Residential Treatment Services program.
Currently, the recreation center is bare bones, containing only the most basic equipment. The campaign is asking…
USC’s Trojan Affiliates ‘Get Crafty’ with Hillsides on March 22nd
On Saturday, March 22, the Trojan Affiliates, a University of Southern California alumnae organization, will hold an art supply drive from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. for the children who reside at Hillsides. The organization is asking community members to drop off needed art supplies, such as paints, drawing pads, markers, pastels, and modeling clay, to Hillsides’ main campus, which is located at 940 Avenue 64, Pasadena, CA 91105. Volunteers…
Susan Pinsky Selected as Chair of Hillsides Gala
) The Los Angeles County charity Hillsides has selected podcast host and popular social media personality Susan Pinsky as the chair of its annual gala. The gala, “A Celebration of Art,” will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena.
“I am deeply honored to be this year’s chair,” said Pinsky, who is married to radio and TV celebrity Dr. Drew Pinsky. “My husband and…
Local Schools, Businesses, and Organizations Provide Holiday Cheer to Hillsides …
(PASADENA) Ella and Josh Gardner, 10 and 6 respectively, could easily spend all their allowances on candy, toys, and treats. Instead the two students at Campbell Hall, an Episcopal day school in North Hollywood, saved 25 percent of their allowances all year long and used the money to buy holiday gifts for the children of Hillsides. They wound up with a total of $123, and spent it on…
Participants in Local Football Camp Help Make Holidays Bright for Hillsides Chil …
(PASADENA) The 80 or so boys who attended a local two-day football camp conducted by former NFL player Chris Rix on December 14-15 brought more than their cleats and their grit to the field. They also each delivered a present for the children who reside at Hillsides.
This is the third year that Rix, founder of the Champion Training Academy, has run a holiday camp for boys from…
Fandango Combines Its Annual Holiday Event with a Party for Children of Hillside …
A set of hot pink fuzzy dice. A green sticky hand. Or a mini squishable basketball.
These were the choices a 10-year-old resident of Hillsides was mulling over at the prize counter at Jillian’s, a restaurant and arcade, in Universal Studios City Walk. She’d just hit the jackpot of 350 tickets on an arcade game, and was narrowing down her final prize picks. After much deliberation, the…
Associate Executive Director Susanne Crummey Retires from Hillsides Charity afte …
Associate Executive Director Susanne Crummey has retired from the Los Angeles County charity Hillsides after 43 years. Her last day was November 30.
“We will miss Susanne terribly as no one can ever take her place,” said Hillsides Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Costa. “Her leadership abilities, her tireless energy, her empathy, and her role as a mentor helped shape Hillsides into the multi-faceted organization that we are…
Pasadena Charity Hillsides Gala Set for February 22, 2014
Hillsides, a premier provider in Los Angeles County dedicated to improving the overall functioning and well-being of children, youth, and families in crisis, will be hosting its annual fundraising gala. The gala, set to be held on February 22, 2014, is being chaired by Susan Pinsky. She and her husband Dr. Drew Pinsky have been involved with Hillsides for over 10 years.
This year’s gala theme is “A Celebration…
Teen Gifts Needed To Fulfill Holiday Wishes at Hillsides Charity
(PASADENA) Sarah*, 16, never had a real childhood. The eldest of four, she was thrust into the “mom” role at age 10 when her father abandoned the family and her mom went to work full-time. Sarah took care of her siblings -- making dinner, giving baths, and changing diapers. Money was tight, and there was no cash for extras, such as holiday gifts.
When Sarah came…
Hillsides Charity Announces Holiday Toy Drive at 46 Local Starbucks
Residents throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County can help brighten a child’s holiday season by donating new, unwrapped gifts and toys at select local Starbucks stores. Beginning Thursday, December 5, 2013 Hillsides, a premier provider creating lasting change in the lives of children, youth and families in need, will be placing in-store donation bins at 46 local Starbucks.
“Working together with business partners gives us an opportunity to…
Rusnak Auto Group Revs Up Holiday Giving with a Toy Drive for Hillsides Charity
(PASADENA) The holidays just got brighter for children and families in need thanks to Rusnak Auto Group. For the 10th year in a row, the Southern California luxury auto dealer is sponsoring a holiday gift drive for the Los Angeles County charity Hillsides. Beginning December 3 through December 24, patrons can drop off gifts at five dealerships: Rusnak/Pasadena Audi, Rusnak/Pasadena Jaguar, Rusnak/Pasadena Porsche, Rusnak/Pasadena Volvo, and…
Hillsides Charity Hosts Holiday Celebration on Dec. 3 at Parkway Grill in Pasade …
(PASADENA, CA)--The Hillsides Guild, a support group of the Los Angeles County charity Hillsides, will host a holiday celebration at the Parkway Grill in Pasadena on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. This annual event includes cocktails, dinner, and a performance by the renowned Citrus Singers from Citrus College in Glendora.
During the dinner, guests will also get the chance to participate in an opportunity drawing, which includes…
Hillsides’ Volunteer Group Announces Plan to Support Charity’s Teens during …
(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…
Hillsides Charity Distributes More Than 100 Baskets of Food for Needy for Thanks …
(PASADENA) Due to the generosity of four local organizations and businesses, Hillsides, a Los Angeles County charity, has collected 102 food baskets to distribute this Thanksgiving season for families in need. The bins, filled with staples such as rice, potatoes, cereal, canned vegetables and canned fruits, were donated by the Pasadena area chapter of the National Charity League (NCL), the Pasadena Lake Avenue branch of the Bank of America, and…
Hillsides H100 Volunteer Group Hosts Farm to Table Dinner
(PASADENA, CA)—Amongst the citrus and Zen gardens to the infinity pool overlooking the Colorado Bridge, two family-style tables were adorned with simple, lemon bouquets waiting to welcome guests at Hillsides’ H100 Farm to Table dinner. Set at the home of Mark and Phaedra Ledbetter, the grounds of this magnificent estate illustrated the volunteer group’s philosophy of providing the charity’s guests with an evening that supported a food culture made up…
Hillsides Kids & Volunteers Build Educational Garden with Armory
(PASADENA, CA)—Through Hillsides’ art program, children living at the children’s charity are helping to build The FARMory, an educational garden. Partnering with Armory Center for the Arts, Hillsides children and members of Hillsides volunteer group, H100, worked side by side to transform their community.
In addition, volunteers from the Arroyo Timebank joined the others to work on preparing the empty Pasadena city lot, located at 747 North Fair Oaks Avenue, to…
H100 Volunteer Group Hosts Hillsides Farm to Table Dinner
(PASADENA, CA)—Hillsides philanthropic support group, H100, will host this year's Farm to Table dinner on Sunday, June 24, at a private estate in Pasadena. The grounds of this magnificent estate illustrate the volunteer group’s philosophy of providing the charity’s guests with an evening that supports a food culture made up of fresh, locally grown, seasonal items.
Alexandra Poer Sheridan of Alexandra's Table is creating a feast incorporating many…
Mercedes-Benz Hosted Tennis Tournament to Benefit Hillsides
(ARCADIA, CA)—Rallying support for the services provided by Hillsides, a Pasadena charity, Rusnak/Arcadia presented the Mercedes-Benz Local Dealer Tennis Tournament. The tournament offered players an opportunity to serve both on the court and for the charity. Funds raised benefited Hillsides, a premier service provider offering behavioral health care and education services to vulnerable children and families in Los Angeles County.
“A tennis tournament geared for women in our community is a…
Hillsides Foster Care Children’s Charity Event “Road to Emerald City” Sche …
(PASADENA, CA)—The much-anticipated annual benefit, “Road to Emerald City,” will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Chaired by Pasadena resident Cathy Brennan, also a Hillsides Guild member, the annual benefit is expected to raise monies for Hillsides’ programs and services for vulnerable children, youth and families.
The theme “Road to Emerald City” was chosen because in the Wizard of Oz, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and…
Pasadena Starbucks Partners with Hillsides, a Children’s Charity
(Pasadena, CA)— The amount of support Hillsides, a Pasadena foster care children’s charity, receives from the community at this time of year is a tremendous help in creating a memorable holiday season for all those the charity serves. To start off the holiday season, Starbucks stores in Pasadena, La Canada, Sierra Madre, La Crescenta, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Glendale and Sunland have found a way to reach customers and appeal…
Renowned Artist Phoebe Beasley Leaves Imprint on Hillsides Foster Care Children
(PASADENA, CA)--Renowned artist Phoebe Beasley visited Hillsides’ campus to share with guests her experience teaching a two-hour workshop to vulnerable children, who are in foster care or suffer from severe emotional challenges.
“Phoebe is someone who has come to Hillsides as a volunteer. She helped our children see beyond this particular, intense time in their lives—away from family, away from things that are familiar,” said Joseph M. Costa. He told guests…
Santa and Donors Fulfill Holiday Wishes for Hillsides Children and Families
(PASADENA, CA)—With help from Santa Clause and donors, Hillsides, a Pasadena children’s charity, hosted its annual Hillsides Christmas for children living at its campus prior to some of them going on home visits for the holidays. Bringing holiday cheer throughout the campus, Santa Claus and his elves made an early visit to children living at the residential treatment facility.
“The holidays are really special times for the children living at…
Hillsides Children’s Library Receives Literacy Grant
(PASADENA, CA)— Hillsides, a Pasadena children’s charity, is a proud recipient of a $15,000 grant from the “Los Angeles Times Family Fund, a fund of the McCormick Foundation” in support of the charity’s Lynn Angell Memorial Children’s Library. The grant will help the children’s charity maintain a vibrant, well-stocked library that supports a wide range of literacy activities.
Located on Hillsides’ main campus in Pasadena, the library serves children in Hillsides’…
Donors and Volunteers Honored at Hillsides Children’s Charity Event
(PASADENA, CA)-- For Hillsides, a foster care charity serving children and families living in Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, volunteers continue to support the charity through time, talent, and treasure. At its first annual Circle of Excellence Dinner, Hillsides honored its donors and celebrated volunteers who have exceeded the agency’s expectations and contributed so much of their resources to ensure that the mission of creating safe places continues for vulnerable…
Comedian John Caparulo & Others Raise $13,600 to Benefit Hillsides Kids
(PASADENA, CA)--Marking its 51st anniversary, The Ice House’s All Star Comedy Show to benefit Hillsides raised $13,600. Hillsides Volunteer Network, a volunteer support group for the Pasadena foster care children’s charity, was the recipient of the funds that will be used to offer hands-on activities for the children living at Hillsides.
“We are so fortunate to have generous supporters in our community like Bob Fisher and the Ice House,” said…
Hillsides Children’s Charity Announces Holiday Toy Drive
(Pasadena, CA)—Beginning Friday, December 3, Pasadena area residents can help brighten a child’s holiday season by donating new, unwrapped gifts and toys at select local Starbucks. Hillsides, a Pasadena children’s charity, will be placing in-store donation bins in select Pasadena Starbucks locations in an effort to make the upcoming holidays brighter for the children and families it serves.
“Working together with business partners gives us an opportunity to reach new…
Hillsides Children Charity Brings Thanksgiving Home to Families
(PASADENA, CA) -- As the economic landscape still looks barren, more families will be turning to charities for support during the holidays. One organization is making a difference for children and families served by Hillsides, a Pasadena foster care charity that serves 6,900 children and families living in Los Angeles County. The National Charity League Chapter of Pasadena is making Thanksgiving dinner a reality for Hillsides Family Center clients.
The…
Hillsides Children Charity Needs Help with Adopt-a-Family Program
(PASADENA, CA)— During the holidays, the financial challenge of meeting a family’s needs are greater. With support from the community, Hillsides Family Center is able to provide relief to families struggling during the holidays. At seven years old, Sarah was falling behind in school. She needed support and found it at Hillsides Family Center.
While Sarah, her siblings and parents access many resources that the Hillsides Family Center offers, from family…
Tournament of Roses Queen and Court Visit Hillsides Children
(PASADENA, CA)— Scheduled to attend over 150 public and media functions, the Tournament of Roses Queen and Rose Princesses took time to enjoy afternoon tea and crafts with young girls living at Hillsides, a Pasadena foster care children’s charity. The royal court introduced themselves to the young girls.
“I think it’s really emotional knowing that young kids have to live in a different place without their parents,” said Rose Queen Evanne…
Jay Leno, Brad Garrett & Gabriel Iglesias Headline at Ice House
(Pasadena, CA)— Jay Leno, Brad Garrett, Gabriel Iglesias are among the celebrity headliners to mark The Ice House’s 50th anniversary. The Ice House prepares for another All Star Comedy Show to benefit Hillsides’ children on Sunday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Pasadena’s legendary comedy nightclub, The Ice House will begin selling tickets through Ticketmaster on Friday, August 27.
Additional comedians include “SNL” and “Wayne World’s” Dana…
The Ice House All Star Comedy Show to Benefit Hillsides Charity
(Pasadena, CA)— Marking its 50th anniversary, The Ice House prepares for another All Star Comedy Show to benefit Hillsides’ children on Sunday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Pasadena’s legendary comedy nightclub, The Ice House will begin selling tickets through Ticketmaster on Friday, August 27.
The oldest operating comedy club in America, The Ice House Comedy Club has continuously run stand-up comedy for 50 years, featuring such…
Chef Roy Yamaguchi at Roy’s in Pasadena to Benefit Hillsides
(Pasadena, CA)—Chef Roy Yamaguchi will make a special appearance at Roy’s Restaurant in Pasadena during a four-course dinner on September 14 to benefit Hillsides. Donating partial proceeds from the evening to the children’s charity, Roy’s will take table reservations for seating between 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“Having partnerships with businesses like Roy’s Restaurant in the community is significant to our mission,” said Joseph Costa, Hillsides chief executive officer. “Community donations…
Hillsides Special Education School Celebrates Six Graduates
(PASADENA, CA)--Graduations can be viewed as the end of a major milestone for students. Graduations can also be viewed as the beginning of a new journey. For graduates at Hillsides Education Center, graduation is a moment to reflect on the previous years of challenges and accomplishments, while looking toward a future that can be bright, filled with hope, and success.
Hillsides Education Center, a special education school in Pasadena serving…
Pasadena Children’s Charity’s Benefit Takes Gold at Annual Benefit
(PASADENA, CA)— Hillsides, a foster care children’s charity, takes gold at its annual gala, netting $375,000 for programs and services to benefit vulnerable children and their families. With an All-Star Honorary Committee bringing golden accolades to “The Midas Touch,” the children’s charity’s anticipated annual benefit reached the gold standard, again.
Honorary committee included Chairman and Emcee Fritz Coleman of NBC, Elizabeth Rusnak Arizmendi, Peter Arkley, Frank and Penny Burkard, Rosemary Casey…
Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Kimmel Kick Off Charity’s Foster Soles
(PASADENA, CA)— Celebrity talk show hosts Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Kimmel, along with Dr. Drew Pinsky of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” kick off the Second Annual Hillsides Foster Soles in Los Angeles, an online auction of celebrity autographed shoes and celebrity photograph. Held during Foster Care Awareness Month in May, the online auction raises awareness of national foster care issues and the plight of children and youth in the…
Pasadena Foster Care Charity Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
(PASADENA, CA)— Pasadena foster care charity, Hillsides, announces the appointment of its new chief executive officer, Joseph Costa, who comes to Los Angeles from another multi-service children’s charity in Northern California.
“We selected our final candidates from over a hundred applications from across the country. We feel with absolute certainty that Joe Costa is the right individual to serve the needs of Hillsides as he begins his tenure in…
Youth Philanthropists Tour Pasadena Special Education School
(PASADENA, CA)—For Jeremy Ramirez, a student who was unable to find a comfortable learning environment to achieve academic successes, Hillsides Education Center was the perfect fit. Over the course of two years, Ramirez delved into the vocational program at the special education school in Pasadena and worked on projects he enjoyed, which gave him, for the first time, the confidence to be successful in school.
This confidence crossed over…
Payless Shoes 4 Kids Donates 100 Shoes to Los Angeles Charity
(PASADENA, CA) – Selected as a partner in the Payless Shoes 4 Kids program, Hillsides received one hundred $15 gift certificates for shoes to give to families living in Los Angeles County that are in crisis and have financial hardship.
“Each Holiday season, Hillsides provides support, relief and safe places for children and youth,” said John Hitchcock, the foster care children’s charity executive director. “Through the support of our friends and…
Visiting Artist Program Launches at Pasadena Special Education School
(PASADENA, CA) – While visiting Hillsides Education Center, a special education school in Pasadena, Kendall and Suzana Roclord believed it would be inspiring and exciting if students could be exposed to a steady stream of people who are creative in various fields. pizZazZ at Hillsides was born. A program designed to introduce students to new visiting artists, pizZazZ was launched in December featuring Cartoonist Cathy Guisewite, known for her comic…
Knockouts for Girls Brings Toys & Tips to Los Angeles Foster Care Children
(Pasadena, CA)—While some businesses are scaling down their philanthropic giving this year, one Los Angeles charity is going the distance by bringing toys and self-defense tips to a local foster care children’s charity. Knockouts for Girls wanted to give back to the community and reach out to those who are underprivileged, and chose Hillsides, a foster care children’s charity, as their perfect fit.
Organizing the toy drive and the self-defense workshop…
Pasadena Foster Care Charity Celebrates Season at Parkway Grill
(PASADENA, CA) – With the economy still in a downturn, the holiday season can be a time to lift everyone’s spirits, bringing together family and friends while celebrating the meaning of Christmas. Guests at Hillsides Guild’s annual holiday celebration at the Parkway Grill in Pasadena took time to mingle with friends while also bringing joy to many deserving foster care children and families in need. Raising over $5,000 to benefit…
Children’s Charity Needs Help with Adopt-a-Family Program
(PASADENA, CA)—At seven years old, Daniel* was feeling the burden of trying to replace the responsibilities of his late father, who died tragically in a random act of violence. Seeing that his mother was struggling with the loss and the task of being the sole provider, Daniel constantly thought about how he could help his mother and brothers, ages 3 and 1. Daniel was having trouble concentrating in…
