Maryvale are beacons of hope in a society that increasingly recognizes the importance of mental health. By providing community-based services, they offer critical support and send a powerful message: everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through their dedication, Maryvale is helping to break down the barriers that have long hindered access to mental health services in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. As Maryvale enters its next chapter of service, guided by a new strategic plan, we have ambitious goals to serve more children and families with more services and an expanded reach.
Established in 1856 by the Daughters of Charity, Maryvale is Los Angeles’ oldest orphanage. Originally designed to house abused and neglected children, Maryvale has evolved into an agency that responds to the critical and changing needs of L.A.’s most traumatized children and their families. Today, Maryvale’s programs include a Residential Treatment Program for girls who have experienced severe abuse, a 24-hour emergency placement center, a Family Resource Center to strengthen families, two Early Education Centers in Duarte and Rosemead, and more.
The Maryvale foster care program provides loving and stable homes to children who have experienced abuse or neglect, offering them a chance for a brighter future. Maryvale prepares children to thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment through extensive mental health support, educational programs, and life skills training.
Vanessa provides therapeutic support for youth ages 2-18 and their families. She uses mindfulness, group therapy, and expressive arts to provide a warm and nurturing environment. She is committed to advancing equity and social justice and holds a Master of Arts from Naropa University.
The Maryvale community has many unique and diverse groups of people with varying needs. As a result, the village is very connected to the surrounding community through various citizen mobilization programs such as block watch groups and neighborhood associations. These groups are essential in maintaining safety and providing opportunities for residents to connect to promote a sense of community.
Our strategic plan also includes a commitment to engage the greater community. We understand that lasting change cannot occur in isolation, and we aim to collaborate with other organizations, schools, and local stakeholders to create a supportive ecosystem. By working together, we can address the diverse and complex needs of our community comprehensively.