Para Los Niños

Alexi Lalas was named president and general manager of the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2006. Lalas, who played for the Galaxy from 2001-2003, returned to the club as their top executive to oversee all business and soccer operations. Lalas spent three seasons as a player with the Galaxy during which he won the 2002 MLS Cup, the 2001 U.S. Open Cup and the 2000 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup. Following his retirement in 2003, he was president and general manager of the New York Red Bulls (formerly the MetroStars) as well as general manager of the San Jose Earthquakes from 2004-2005.

Lalas has long been one of the leading figures and most familiar faces in United States soccer. He cemented his place in MLS history by making five all-star appearances during his seven-year career, and garnering MLS Best XI honors in 2002. His MLS career began with the New England Revolution, who Lalas played with for two seasons and then moved on to the MetroStars in 1998. He spent one season with the Kansas City Wizards in 1999 before retiring for the 2000 season. However, he returned to MLS in 2001 and appeared in 59 games for the Galaxy over the next three years, capturing three championship titles.

Lalas served as the Quakes color commentator during the 2000 season and has served as a soccer announcer for NBC, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. He also sits on the board of advisors for the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Grants Committee and the Athletes Council. Lalas served on the board of advisors for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and in 2004 he joined the national advisory board for the Positive Coaching Alliance.

We salute Alexi Lalas and the Galaxy for being such generous and important parts of the Para Los Niños family!

As Mayor of Los Angeles and former Los Angeles Council member, Antonio has dedicated his life and career to public service and his community. Throughout his career, he has earned bi-partisan praise for his bold vision and leadership, his ability to bring people together to find common ground, and his proven record of achieving results for the people of California and Los Angeles.

Corina has spent over two decades educating mostly poor, English Language Learners in the Montebello Unified School District. A native Spanish speaker, she works with the district's English-learning students to ensure they receive appropriate academic support. Corina was recently appointed to the First 5 LA Commission.

Antonio, Corina and their children are long-time friends of Para Los Niños. As a part of the Villaraigosa family tradition, Corina and Antonio, along with their two children Antonio, Jr. and Natalia Fé, serve Thanksgiving dinner to Para Los Niños’ children and families at the annual Thanksgiving Celebration.

Antonio Cué Sànchez-Navarro is president and co-owner (alongside partner Jorge Vergara Madrigal) of Club Deportivo Chivas USA, the Los Angeles, California-based sister team of Club Deportivo Guadalajara, Mexico’s most beloved soccer club. Chivas USA, a truly visionary business venture of bicultural, bi-national and bilingual proportions, brings one of Mexico’s most powerful brands to the world of professional sports in the United States.

Based in Los Angeles, Cué oversees all aspects of Chivas USA’s business. A key investor-operator within Major League Soccer, he has also taken a leading role in MLS/SUM’s strategic alliances with Club Deportivo Guadalajara and the Federación Mexicana de Futbol, while attracting capital investment in MLS by several of Mexico’s leading corporations. Since his arrival in Southern California to set up Chivas USA in 2004 (“with nothing but my cell phone,” as he recalls), the club has grown remarkably, playing its first season in Major League Soccer in 2005, growing to more than 100 employees, setting the all-time standard for corporate sponsorship of an MLS team in 2005, and providing sporting and educational opportunities to thousands of young people through such initiatives as the Chivas USA Futbol Academies and the Fundación Chivas de Corazón USA, the team’s own 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Cué credits his sense of vision in great part to the fact that he hails from a renowned entrepreneurial family. Cué’s grandfather, the late Juan Sánchez-Navarro, one of Mexico’s most recognized and respected businessmen, was a founding partner and vice president of Grupo Modelo, the holding company that counts Corona Beer amongst its assets. It is fitting that today two of Mexico’s most powerful brands – Corona and Chivas – are products of this business dynasty.

Prior to founding Chivas USA, Cué was a founding partner of BCBA Impulse (Barrios, Cué, Belausteguigoitia, Aramburuzabala), today one of the leading private real estate companies in Mexico, specializing in residential and office projects across the country. He continues to sit on the board of several of Mexico’s leading corporations, including the venture capital firm Capital Integral, as well as Promotora ABC, Inmobiliaria Reforma, Metros Cubicos, Kio Networks, Grupo Ildomani and Grupo TMM.

With an avid passion for all sports, Cué has a special interest in soccer and the ways in which the sport can foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for children, while playing an integral part in the education process and bridging gaps between groups and cultures.

Cué currently resides in Bel Air California, with his wife Carla and their two sons, Antonio Jr. and Emilio.

We salute Antonio Cué and Club Deportivo Chivas USA for being such generous and important parts of the Para Los Niños family!

Bill and Victoria – a dynamic business duo – feel grateful for their success in life. Recognizing their good fortune, Guthy and Jackson make philanthropy a high priority. And, following in their parents’ footsteps, their three children have a passion for helping others.

Nineteen-year-old Evan, a college student, is a dedicated triathlon athlete who raises money for various organizations ranging from The Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation to Angel Food Projects.

Ali, a 12-year-old middle school student, has created her own charitable foundation. Selling lemonade and cookies, she raised over $2,000 during the last two summers. She has also just designed Bracelets of Hope and would love to sell some to the people here. Lucky for the children of Para Los Niños, Ali won't take no for an answer!

Nine-year-old Jackson volunteers his time as a mentor to younger kids, helping them to learn social skills to succeed in life. He also helps Ali selling Bracelets of Hope at his school.

Like some culinary greats, Carlos Haro is as complex as the succulent Mexican food he prepares. The owner of Casablanca Restaurant in Venice, California, Carlos’ résumé reads like a varied menu. A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, Carlos practiced law in Mexico, was a college basketball coach, and ultimately, a Los Angeles restaurateur and author.

And to the children and families of Para Los Niños, Carlos is the “Thanksgiving Chef” — and a hero.

Introduced to Para Los Niños in 2000 by one of our donors, Carlos learned about a small Thanksgiving dinner that the organization hosted each year. Immediately recognizing an opportunity to contribute, he offered to donate food to serve more than 600 people. “I must give of my time, money, whatever I can give to show gratitude,” says Carlos. “This is my philosophy.”

With support from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, ABC7 television station and Sav-on Pharmacy (now CVS/pharmacy), Carlos has grown a small event into the annual Thanksgiving Celebration serving a traditional dinner to thousands of impoverished families.

Carlos inherited his Renaissance-man tendencies from his immigrant father, who was a restaurant owner, rancher, deejay, and owner of a movie theatre. “People doubted his dreams, but he proved them all wrong,” says Carlos.

Borrowing a line from the classic movie his father loved, that inspired the name of his restaurant, we say: Here’s looking at you, Carlos!

Para Los Niños salutes Carlos Haro for being a hero to the children and families we serve. We sat down with Carlos to talk about his love for Para Los Niños.

What brought you to Para Los Niños?
I was introduced by Blythe’s mom, Cynthia Cotton. When Blythe told me about their hope to grow the Thanksgiving event, I immediately offered to help.

How has Para Los Niños changed you?
You cannot help but be changed when you see the impact of your contribution on the lives of the children of Para Los Niños.

What inspires you about Para Los Niños?
It’s all in the name, Para Los Niños, for the children. I love the fact that everything they do is for the children and is all about education. When I speak to parents and students and encourage them to stay in school, it is about so much more than money. It is about quality of life. With an education, you can appreciate art, history, travel, and more. Without an education, all of this means so little.

Why dedicate so much of your time?
Giving is a wonderful feeling. Being grateful for what you have is so much more than saying “thank you.” It is so much more than gratitude. I must give of my time, money, whatever you can give to show gratitude. This is my philosophy.

Any favorite memories or stories from your work at Para Los Niños?
It meant a lot to me when Para Los Niños gave me an award of appreciation.

How aware is your family about your work with our agency?
My entire family knows about my work because they are usually right there with me! Everyone helps with the food for the Thanksgiving event. I need my family to pull it off!

Which historical figure do you most admire?
I very much admire El Cid. His influence lived on after his death. It shows us that your life can be important even after death. Your life extends beyond you – you can help inspire others.

Which book has most influenced your life?
Interestingly enough, I developed my love of reading from reading comic books. There were no libraries in Nogales, Mexico, where I lived as a young boy. My mother bought comics and When I was about six years old, I formed a comic club of sorts with other children so that we could read and then exchange comic books.

What is the greatest challenge faced by children and families in LA County?
Families these days have little time to share important moments with one another. Families rarely eat together these days or have intimate time to talk and share stories or challenges.

Which living person do you most admire?
My mother. When my father left Mexico for California, we had very little. Until my father was established, my mother knew she had to do everything within her power to support her family. She often worked more than 12 hours a day as a waitress and still managed to keep the house, make food, and keep her children on track. She supervised our every move, no matter how busy she was. Thanks to her, all of my siblings have wonderful lives.

What achievement are you proudest of?
I am the first person in my family to have a college degree and higher education. It took a lot of hard work, but I am so glad I did it.

Who is your model?
My father. He passed away in May 2006 at the age of 74. People doubted his dreams, but he proved them all wrong. He was a restaurant owner, a rancher, a deejay, and owned a movie theatre. He was the most amazing listener; it takes someone very special to be a better listener than talked. He loved old movies. Every night after work he would watch a movie – one of his favorites was Casablanca.

If a picture says a thousand words, then Clifford Lester’s photographs speak volumes. Introduced to Para Los Niños in 1994 while doing photography for a marketing campaign for the anti-hunger organization Food For All, Clifford was immediately captivated by the children of Para Los Niños. Simply, their faces spoke to his soul. Clifford answered back with his heart – and his camera.

Since that day on Skid Row twelve years ago, Clifford has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to photographing the children of Para Los Niños, providing thousands of professional images that have been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for our organization each year.

Spending hours of time with Para Los Niños inspired Clifford to share his experience with another group that is very dear to him: his students. In recent years he has included his photography students at Cypress College on assignments. The response from the students was overwhelming. In fact, Clifford has incorporated Para Los Niños into several major class projects and all of Para Los Niños’ publications prominently feature the photography of Clifford Lester and his students.

Para Los Niños salutes Clifford Lester for being a hero to the children and families we serve. We sat down with Clifford to talk about his love for Para Los Niños.

How did you get involved with Para Los Niños?
My mother, a Holocaust survivor, and my father both spent an enormous amount of time throughout their lives giving back to others. As a child I was aware of their volunteer work and ultimately the desire to help others became a big part of me. As a professional photographer, I was asked to do photography for “Food For All”, a charity that has given grants to Para Los Niños and wanted to include children from Para Los Niños on their donation cards. This experience had an enormous impact on my life and I was so touched by the children that I offered to return and do more photography. This was over 12 years ago. Since that time I have made thousands of images of the beautiful children at Para Los Niños.

Why dedicate so much of your time?
When I was a child I remember asking my father what he wanted to be remembered for after he died. I recall him saying that he wanted to be remembered for “making a difference” in the world. My contributions to Para Los Niños come from the heart. Knowing that my photos have an impact on others who see them, making people aware of the wonderful work that Para Los Niños does for the kids, and their families is very inspirational. Every new photo shoot I do makes me more aware of all the services Para Los Niños provides and the lives that are touched. I find the opportunity to provide my images to be a true honor.

What do you feel has been one of your biggest accomplishments?
Four years ago, I accepted a job as a full time photography instructor at Cypress College. Shortly thereafter, I was asked to do the photos for 24 hours in the Life of Para Los Niños annual report, which called for an enormous amount of photos in many locations. Teaching along with this project proved to be more than I could handle, but then I thought that I could include my own students in the attempt to tackle this project. The results were amazing. Students’ lives were impacted immensely by the experience and a new direction had been established. Since that first project, I now involve my students in many Para Los Niños projects

What effect has your experiences with Para Los Niños had on you?
My involvement with Para Los Niños over the years has been so fulfilling and gratifying. First of all, I have witnessed many, many fine people working very hard to help others, to make their lives have meaning and direction, and to give them hope. I have been deeply touched, moved and forever affected by Para Los Niños. The children are beautiful, and to capture their smiles for others to see is to bear witness to the success of this program.

How aware is your family about your work with our agency?
My daughter has also been impacted by Para Los Niños. She had joined me on one of my photo shoots and was so touched by the kids that she made them the recipients of a fund raising effort she undertook for her Bat Mitzvah community service project. Her goal was to raise enough money to take 50 children from Para Los Niños to Disneyland. It was a wonderful day when the kids all wearing Para Los Niños shirts arrived at Disneyland, many for their first visit.

Juan Martinez is an unassuming gentleman. Modest and laid back, Juan is someone you’d never guess day in and day out braves L.A.’s worst neighborhoods to reach our city’s youngest residents.

With his credentials, Juan could easily be sitting in a Beverly Hills office listening to the woes of the rich and famous, yet 14 years ago he chose to lend his considerable talents to Para Los Niños. Juan wanted to contribute to the community…he wanted to make a difference. And he has.

As the director of clinical services for Para Los Niños, Juan oversees a staff of therapists, case managers, a psychiatrist and a psychologist whose responsibility is addressing the mental health needs of children and families of Para Los Niños.

What makes Juan uniquely qualified for challenging position is that he is one of the few experts in the country on hotel families and the families of Skid Row. Juan and his team each day work on the most heart-wrenching cases – children scarred by emotional and physical abuse; impoverished families struggling to make it through another day; teens battling the threats of the inner-city.

Thanks to the efforts of Juan and his team, the children and families we serve have access to the best mental health resources. In short, Juan is someone who gives those in need hope for a brighter future.

We salute Juan Martinez for being a hero to the children and families we serve.

What makes Juan so dedicated to helping others? We asked Juan that and other questions during a rare break in his day.

What brought you to Para Los Niños?

I had a teaching position at USC and I would drive through Skid Row on my way to class. I felt that I needed to contribute something to children and families. This desire and commitment to work with people in economic hardship evolved from the experience of seeing my mother and aunt help others in the community. My mother would tell me that “We need to help those who need help.” My mother and my aunt did this – I learned and kept that value. So I went from an informal helper of the community to a full-time contributor when I chose to enter and practice in the field of social work.

What qualities did you bring to helping disadvantaged children and families?

Most of my experience was working with low-income Latino and African-American families. I brought a family-focused, cross-cultural clinical approach to Para Los Niños. I have also learned about the need to modify some standard clinical approaches to meet the unique needs of our families who live in hotels and around the area of Skid Row.

What inspires you about Para Los Niños?

It’s the direction of our work in helping children and families who experience difficulties due to socioeconomic conditions and the challenges that they present for the families. One of my biggest moments was when I made a decision to devote more of my time to Para Los Niños. I worked some hours for the agency while I was teaching at USC. During a faculty meeting I looked out a window and I saw a mother with her two children picking-up discarded cans from the street. I recognized her as a mother from Para Los Niños. This moment made me feel that I needed to direct more of my time to work with families directly. I remember whispering to a fellow faculty member that I was not going to return to the university.

What do you feel has been your greatest contribution?
I believe that my biggest contribution was to bring professional social work values and practice to the agency. Prior to working with Para Los Niños I was trained in the usage of Structural Family Therapy for three years. I obtained BA and MA degrees in both the fields of Social Work and Mexican American Studies. I then went on to receive a PhD with a focus on families and issues of child abuse. From there I worked in East Los Angeles for nine years with primarily low income Spanish-speaking families. By the time I came to Para Los Niños, I was able to bring the experience and knowledge that I had gained through education and practice.

Have you notice any changes within the community you serve?

The ethnic demographic of the downtown area seems to have changed. Twelve years ago, and maybe even further back, there was a higher population of African American children in our downtown programs. Now, the majority of the children are from different Spanish-speaking cultural groups. This is reflected in the demographic changes of children enrolled in Los Angeles’ schools. Approximately, 78% of the children enrolled in LA’s school are from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. Another change has been a greater mixture of families from different Spanish-speaking backgrounds. More than 10 years ago, it seems that most of the families were of Mexican cultural backgrounds. Now we have a large number of families from different Central American cultural groups.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

I have been here long enough to see the positive affects of clinical intervention with preschool children who are now adolescents. It is rare for a therapist to have the opportunity to follow their clients’ progress from a longitudinal perspective. An example is a case where a teen boy who was on the verge of being removed from the school district because of his problematic behavior. His mother and he worked together and were able to change his behavior around to the point where he excelled at school. He told me that I changed his whole life. I also have contact with another young adult that I had worked with when she was a teenager. She just completed her BA and talks about wanting to obtain a doctorate. When she first entered college, her family did not support her belief in her or her ability to obtain a college education. She only received that support from us. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with her and encourage her continued growth.

Assistant Director for Professional Development, National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing at UCLA
Chair, Para Los Niños Charter School Advisory Board

A self-proclaimed busybody, Margaret Heritage has the presence of royalty, the wit of Dorothy Parker, the heart of a saint, and the drive of Mario Andretti. This matchless combination has led her from the worst neighborhoods in England to the inner city of Los Angeles — all with the determination to achieve social justice and education for even the most impoverished children.

Born and raised in Northern England, Margaret had a remarkable career in education and research before joining the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing (CRESST) at UCLA.

How did this education maven join forces with Para Los Niños? When Norma Silva, now principal of our Charter School, spotted the job posting for principal, she showed it to Margaret. “This job has your name on it,” Margaret told Norma. And Margaret herself felt immediately drawn, too. “I wanted to jump in with this phenomenal organization,” remembers Margaret.

Fast forward to today… Margaret is the chair of the Charter School Advisory Board, an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, and a familiar face at the school and our offices. With encouragement from her husband, John, she has given up other volunteer commitments to focus on Para Los Niños.

Now Margaret is hooked. Hooked on the spirit of Para Los Niños, the laughter of the children, and the knowledge that, thanks to her, our students do have the promise of a brighter future.

Para Los Niños salutes Margaret Heritage for being a hero to the children and families we serve. We sat down with Margaret to talk about her love for Para Los Niños.

What brought you to Para Los Niños?
I knew about Para Los Niños for a long time through my work at Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School and I very much admired the work of the organization. When I saw the Charter School principal position posted, I told Norma, “This job has your name on it.” I was immediately drawn to the Charter School. I am such a busybody, no one had to ask me to help out. I wanted to jump in with this phenomenal organization and do what I could to help Norma and the school. Then I was asked – no told – to be the chair of the advisory board. Before I became involved with Para Los Niños, I was involved with a number of boards. I have now given all of them up for Para Los Niños.

How has Para Los Niños changed you?
I have become much more aware of the challenges faced by low-income families in Los Angeles, and, as a result, I am more sensitive these challenges. It drives me to be supportive. The Charter School Advisory Board has helped me develop a set of leadership skills. As an advisory board, we need to ensure that we offer advice, not interference. What inspires you about Para Los Niños? Two things. The first are the people who work there. They are fantastic. Everyone who works there is just great. Secondly, are the children served by Para Los Niños. It is inspiring to go to the school and see these kids. They are doing things that only privileged kids get to do. Private schools are charging large amounts of money for the opportunities available at the Para Los Niños Charter School. Our children are getting such a quality experience. This is social justice at work and proof that it is possible to be poor and still get the very best.

Why dedicate so much of your time?
I believe in social justice and feel that I have something to give to the organization. I am privileged in my background and professional experience and want to give back. I enjoy being part of an organization that is working on these issues. It is a school I believe in and value. The Charter School is an environment where these children can thrive and be successful – they can make it.

Any favorite memories or stories from your work at Para Los Niños?
I remember going into the classrooms for the first time, and seeing how teachers had set up a warm, promising environment for students. The feel of the place, the engagement of kids, the commitment of teachers -- it is inspiring. Another favorite memory is when Malcolm Wray, an old friend of mine from England, came to work with the students at the Charter School. It was fabulous for me, to be at this incredible school with these children and Malcolm.

How aware is your family about your work with our agency?
My husband, John, is very aware. He, too, is committed to Para Los Niños. In fact, it was John who said, “If you get off these other boards, we could be doing more for Para Los Niños.” We are convinced that this is what we should be doing. Which historical figure do you most admire? Elizabeth I of England. I am drawn to courageous women. She had so much to deal with, not to mention her mother being beheaded. She was a brilliant woman, founder of modern England. It sounds grandiose, but she had to be so courageous from such a young age and make decisions as a monarch. I admire strong women who have overcome more than their fair share.

What is the greatest challenge faced by children and families in LA County?
One of the biggest challenges is having a childhood. For families, where parents are both working or working more than one job, having a childhood in this city is very difficult. A lot of schools don’t let children have a childhood. Most kids don’t always get new experiences at school – they get “drill and kill.” They need richness and the opportunity to be contributing members of society. We need to remember that they are children. As Mia Kellmer Pringle says, every child “needs love, security and new experiences.”

How do you see Para Los Niños addressing that challenge?
The children of Para Los Niños have love, security, new experiences, and are meeting rigorous challenges – all while being children.

Which living person do you most admire?
I know this may be off the wall, but I admire Clint Eastwood. He has had a marvelous career at every age, and he continues to produce thoughtful and substantive work. He is emblematic of the potential for continued growth throughout life.

What achievement are you proudest of?
I am most proud of helping a young child from UES who had a brain tumor. The little girl was getting treatment, but I knew I could help. A good friend who is a top neurosurgeon looked at tumor, and knew it was very serious. He offered to help pro bono, but there were still $100,000 in bills from Cedar Sinai. I helped raise every dollar she needed, thanks to other families of UES who felt grateful to contribute. That was four years ago and she is now fine. Sometimes you wonder why you were put here, and when you have this kind of experiences you think, “Could that be it?”

Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres. This powerful Spanish proverb translates to “Tell me with whom you walk and I will tell you who you are.” The company kept by Maria Aguilar speaks volumes about her soul.

Since joining Para Los Niños in 1996, Maria has been surrounded by adoring children and youth. And these children are not always the “easy” ones. For the first few years, she led a program for first offenders looking to put a life of crime and gang violence behind them. As supervisor of our Youth Center, she worked with teenagers who were facing the daunting challenges of life in the inner city. Today, Maria is the program manager of our After-school Program.

Maria has touched the lives of thousands of children in her 10 years with Para Los Niños. Youth she worked with drop by her office to tell her what a big difference she made by motivating them and exposing them to so many opportunities. The children know her as someone who always has time to talk, a great person to go to for advice, and, as one 11-year-old said, “really cool.”

Her mother’s name is Esperanza, which means hope. And hope is what Maria brings as she walks with the children of Para Los Niños. Para Los Niños salutes Maria Aguilar for being a hero to the children and families we serve. We sat down with Maria to talk about her love for Para Los Niños.

What brought you to Para Los Niños?
I first learned about Para Los Niños through a former director of the juvenile prevention program. I had a high interest in working with first offender youth who were on probation or at risk for gang involvement and found myself in alignment with the agency’s mission. I was amazed with the comprehensive services the agency offered to the local community.

How has Para Los Niños changed you?
Para Los Niños has provided me with vast opportunities for professional growth in the areas of social work, youth programs, and after school programs. I have been able to make a bigger impact on the children and youth thanks to this growth.

What inspires you about Para Los Niños?
Para Los Niños’ mission and core values inspire me because they extend beyond the children and families we serve. Para Los Niños not only strives to help children succeed, but also to help its employees succeed. It is their success that drives the success of the children. When we give site supervisors our time, energy, and dedication, they give it to their teachers and they in turn give to our children.

Why dedicate so much of your time? My passion is to help children and youth to be the best people they can be, so I enjoy surrounding myself by what I love to do. It is especially humbling to have youth come back after they graduate the program and tell me about the impact it had on their lives. To know that we made a difference in their lives is the most amazing feeling.

Any favorite memories or stories from your work at Para Los Niños?
I have many wonderful memories, but the one that stands out the most is my first trip with the youth to Yosemite National Park. It brought me to tears to see the reactions on their faces when they first saw real wilderness, waterfalls, deep valleys and ancient sequoias—especially when they talked about only seeing nature like this in the movies and magazines.

Which historical figure do you most admire?
I admire Martin Luther King Jr. for his tenacity to make a difference in the lives of so many people, despite the adversities he faced.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge faced by children and families in LA County?
Children need to be surrounded by people who believe that their voices should be heard. They need to be guided toward opportunities and exposed to the positive elements in society that will teach them how to be active participants in their communities—and in their own lives.

How do you see Para Los Niños addressing that challenge?
Para Los Niños provides children and youth with the tools they need to be true to themselves and respect themselves, so that others will respect them too.

Which living person do you most admire?
My mother, Esperanza, who instilled me with the values of respect, hard work, honesty, and perseverance.

What achievement are you proudest of?
I am proud to be the first female in my entire family on both my mother’s and father’s side of the family, to earn a degree in higher education.

What is your motto?
Respect yourself, those around you, and your surroundings.

Miki Jordan, one of nonprofit’s most outstanding professionals, joined Para Los Niños in 1992, eager to lead the organization into its next stage of growth and development. In fact, with Jordan at the helm, Para Los Niños grew from a small agency with a budget of $1 million to a thriving, fiscally sound organization with a $14 million budget, which – now in its 25th year – serves more than 2,000 impoverished children each day, and 4,000 families each year in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.

Jordan has a legacy of service to the community: it was her father, Fred Jordan, who founded the Fred Jordan Mission in 1944. The Jordan family still leads the Mission’s efforts today. Miki has more than twenty years of experience with child welfare agencies.

Under Jordan’s direction, Para Los Niños gained a reputation for excellence throughout Los Angeles and the nation. The organization has received numerous honors and awards, including full accreditation from the prestigious Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children.

Rock Lane knows what sells. As the creative director for Revenue Frontier, he has launched product lines and new companies, and has produced hundreds of infomercials.

From his experience, he knows a good product when he sees it. That’s why he was sold on Para Los Niños after his first visit. Introduced to the organization by his good friend and Para Los Niños board member Laura Fox in 2002, Rock knew he should trust her good taste. After all, it was Laura who introduced him to his wife, Margot.

Since the matchmaking occurred, Rock and his camera have viewed all of Para Los Niños’ programs up close. He and his production team have dedicated hundreds of volunteers hours to capture compelling footage and produce more than 10 videos and shorts for the organization.

“Knowing that I can add value means so much,” says Rock. “It feels right to help get the message out about this incredible organization.”

With a talent for promotion, Rock knew he could turn up the volume on the Para Los Niños message. And he has. Short and compelling, the videos highlight the power of Para Los Niños — often in just three minutes. His videos can be seen on our website and at special events. They are an invaluable inspirational tool for Para Los Niños.

Para Los Niños salutes Rock Lane for being a hero to the children and families we serve. We sat down with Rock to talk about his love for Para Los Niños.

What brought you to Para Los Niños?
Laura Fox, a member of the Board of Directors, introduced me to Para Los Niños. It was really Laura’s enthusiasm that peaked my interest. Once you visit you realize that Para Los Niños is such a phenomenal place – the environment is so inspirational – that it is impossible to not want to contribute. It truly is an oasis.

How has Para Los Niños changed you?
Para Los Niños really gives you a sense of perspective. As a parent, you kiss your children goodnight and know that you are giving them a sense of safety. After working with Para Los Niños for a while, I realized that not all children have a sense of safety in their lives. Para Los Niños is an amazing resource for people who otherwise might not have any hope.

What inspires you about Para Los Niños?
The power and opportunity to change the destiny of these children is inspiring.

Why dedicate so much of your time?
Just knowing that I can add value means so much. It feels right to give back, to help get the message out about this incredible organization. It’s a really good thing.

Any favorite memories or stories from your work at Para Los Niños?
There are so many. I remember my first visit when I walked through the doors during naptime. It was so nice to see the children so well taken care of and peaceful. The children are just so happy. I sat with the children during meal time and one of the children offered to share his chicken with me. It was so touching.

How aware is your family about your work with our agency?
My wife and daughters are very aware of my work and so supportive. The girls watched one of the first videos I put together for Para Los Niños and asked a lot of questions.

Which living person do you most admire?
President Bill Clinton for his efforts in social programming and social leadership.

What is your motto?
I have two. Enjoy the moment and always leave the campsite better than when you found it. I like to apply that theory to people – always leave people better than when you found them.

Born in North Carolina and a graduate of Harvard, Roger Carrick possesses a unique blend of disarming Southern charm with an intellectual’s razor sharp wit. An environmental lawyer in practice for more than 20 years, Roger has successfully prosecuted hundreds of high-profile cases — many representing the public interest.

A successful attorney might be the last person you would expect to see in front of a nonprofit on Skid Row. It all started by holding some children’s hands. Some 20 years ago, Roger was the California director of Hands Across America. On the organization’s “Hands Day” event, Roger was drawn to the children of Para Los Niños and decided to stand with them. Completely enchanted by the children as well as the spirit of the organization, Roger knew immediately that he wanted to be a part of the magic of Para Los Niños.

Fast forward to today…Roger is the chair of the Para Los Niños Board of Directors and served on the board for more than 18 years. He has made the success and development of Para Los Niños one of his life’s priorities. Needless to say, Roger is an integral part of our success. His southern sensibilities are still on display as Roger is also known around the agency as the “thank you guy,” as he is always quick to offer kind and generous words for the employees and all those who work on the agency’s front lines.

We would like to thank you, Roger, for being a hero to the children and families we serve. We sat down with Roger to talk about his love for Para Los Niños.

What brought you to Para Los Niños?
I first became aware through Hands Across America in 1986, when I was their California director. Para Los Niños stood out among the many poverty agencies in California as doing special things for kids. On May 25 –Hands Day – I stood in the line with Para Los Niños children and staff to show my support for them.

What did you think of the agency when you first joined?
It was a special place from the first time I visited. Para Los Niños had a culture that never accepted defeat. When Miki became our CEO, that culture deepened with ever more talented staff creating an agency that combined professional talent and experience with a street-informed culture to create a truly unique entity. The original Para Los Niños “can-do” culture based on “hope budgeting” (as in, “we hope we can actually raise the budget we just passed”) became a “will-do” culture that knows where every penny goes and can justify to any professional review why we make a difference in our children and families’ daily lives.

Being this involved must’ve taught you some things as well?
I understand now, in a way I never appreciated before, how important it is to just keep at your goals, to keep believing that no matter what the obstacles, you can and will succeed. In my almost 18 years with Para Los Niños, we succeeded beyond my early dreams. I am a better person for being part of that collective effort because so many children and adults succeeded in finding their dreams by being part of Para Los Niños. And I certainly have more faith in the worth of the human experience in light of Para Los Niños.

What have been the biggest challenges?
I think the biggest challenge is to keep thinking creatively in bigger and bolder ways so that we never lose sight of our fundamental goal – helping more children succeed.

What’s in store for Para Los Niños’s future?
My goal is to see Para Los Niños become the largest provider of direct childcare services in California – we can be both the biggest and the best.

Any favorite memories or stories?
On one of my earliest days in the child care center on 6th Street in Skid Row, I was reading to a group of young kids. I was delighted when one of the kids corrected my pronunciation of a word in Spanish. He explained to me in English how I got it wrong.

What inspires you about Para Los Niños?
The staff is my constant heroes, since they could work at other places and make a lot more money. Para Los Niños is simply the best organization I have had the privilege to work with.

President and Chief Operating Officer, Dearden's
Treasurer, Para Los Niños Board of Directors

Everyone likes Ronny Bensimon. He is generous in word, thought and deed. As the president and COO of Dearden’s Department Store, Ronny has seven stores, 650 employees who are also his adoring fans, and thousands of happy customers. But his fan base is even larger. If there were an official fan club, Para Los Niños’ Board of Directors, staff, children and families would man the phones.

After learning about Para Los Niños at a fundraising dinner more than 16 years ago, he has become one of our most generous supporters and a passionate member of the Board of Directors. Para Los Niños benefits from the annual Douglas E. Dearden Memorial Golf Tournament — which has generated close to $1 million for our programs and services. Also, Dearden’s gives in-kind contributions and two college scholarships annually.

Ronny’s passion is contagious. He has enlisted the support of his friends, business associates and his wife, Bonnie, who serves on our Charter School Advisory Board.

As an immigrant from Morocco, Ronny is particularly sensitive to the needs of immigrant families in Los Angeles, like those served by Para Los Niños. After 16 years of involvement, he admits to still getting a lump in his throat when he sees preschoolers asleep on their little mats during nap time.

He is moved by the impact Para Los Niños has. “Walk in. Spend 10 minutes,” he says. “If that doesn’t convince you, nothing will.”

Para Los Niños salutes Ronny Bensimon for being a hero to the children and families we serve. We sat down with Ronny to talk about his love for Para Los Niños.

What brought you to Para Los Niños?
Our first golf tournament raised $5,000 (far more than we expected) and we were not sure to which charity to donate it. I remembered a Para Los Niños dinner that I attended as a guest and was impressed with what the organization was trying to accomplish. Plus, they were local and close to our main offices.

How has Para Los Niños changed you?
Para Los Niños has given me an appreciation of how much good can be accomplished and so many lives changed when people are committed and driven by a great cause.

What inspires you about Para Los Niños?
The children, each time I see them or hear their success stories it inspires me. I also wonder what their lives would be like if Para Los Niños were not there for them. They inspire me to do more.

Why dedicate so much of your time?
It is an obligation. What do you believe is the greatest challenge faced by children and families in LA County? Obtaining opportunities to break away from poverty and high-risk conditions.

How do you see Para Los Niños addressing that challenge?
Para Los Niños provides those opportunities through safe learning environments for kids and support for their families.

The Capital Group Companies is one of the world’s oldest and largest investment management organizations. They manage money for institutions and individuals throughout the world. Capital is probably best known as the investment advisor to the American Funds® — which ranks among the largest mutual fund families in the U.S.

In addition to being a leading global investment manager, The Capital Group Companies is also committed to helping those in need. For more than 15 years, The Capital Group Companies and its employees have quietly helped the children of Para Los Niños in a variety of significant ways.

Each year, associates of the company generously support the Youth Center program. In fact, the American Funds associates raise funds through in-house events that send Para Los Niños teens to the Yosemite Institute each year. The organization has also hosted career days so that the students of Para Los Niños can see corporate life as well and has encouraged employees to tutor the students we serve.

Several Capital associates have gone beyond their company’s efforts and contributed more of their time to helping Para Los Niños. Zac Guevara, executive vice president at Capital International Research, is a member of the Board of Directors, as is John Sussman, who retired from The Capital Group Companies in 1999. Karen Krygowski, production specialist, Stacey Clerx, portfolio control specialist, and Melanie Zachar, participant in The Associates Program, serve on Para Los Niños’ Los Amigos Council.

In addition to serving on the Los Amigos Council, Melanie Zachar recently spent a rotation at Para Los Niños as a part of The Associates Program (TAP). During her rotation, Melanie laid the groundwork for “Project U,” a new program at Para Los Niños. “Project U,” is a core initiative to educate youth and their families about the importance of attending higher education.

In this day and age when many companies donate money as a matter of public relations, The Capital Group Companies is not focused on making headlines, but making a difference and helping children build a brighter future. The company is a model for corporate responsibility and supports a number of other philanthropic organizations.

Para Los Niños salutes The Capital Group Companies and its employees for being heroes to the children and families we serve.

We sat down with Karen Krygowski, production specialist at American Funds Distributors (a division of The Capital Group Companies), to talk about her love for Para Los Niños.

How did Capital get involved with Para Los Niños?
My first involvement was in 2003 on the Yosemite camping trip fundraiser, which The Capital Group Companies has been sponsoring since 2000. We raise the funds at our annual Fiesta Fundraiser with a live and silent auction event. The proceeds from the auction provide Para Los Niños’ youth center participants a weeklong summer camping trip to Yosemite. The enthusiasm for this event has grown each year. Over the past eight years, the live and silent auctions have grown significantly.

Is that what makes the fundraiser worthwhile?
I think hearing the students discuss their camping trip experiences at the thank-you events is so inspiring. It makes everyone want to get more involved with this great organization that has such a dramatic and comprehensive impact on the lives of these children and their families.

So the trips to Yosemite have an effect on inner-city children?
The trip offers the youth a rare opportunity to step outside the inner city and see one of the most beautiful places in the world. I used to wonder why we didn’t use the fundraiser to send food or clothing to the families, but now I see the irreplaceable value in offering the children an opportunity to see such serene beauty and learn about the plants, animals and geology of the area. It is a life-changing experience and our company is so proud to be able to help make that happen.

Has Capital’s view of Para Los Niños changed through the years?
We initially saw Para Los Niños as an organization that supported the underprivileged youth of Los Angeles. Since our involvement, we’ve realized it is that and so much more. The level of guidance the agency provides extends beyond that of any organization I’m familiar with. They help the children and their families in so many ways, it’s really remarkable. The comprehensive support encompasses daycare, after-school programs, sports activities, family counseling, assistance finding jobs, a charter school and so much more. They tend to the physical, mental and emotional well being of their clients. It’s truly an inspiring organization and the Capital Group is honored to be a part of it.

How has Para Los Niños changed you?
Working with Para Los Niños has opened my eyes to the importance of comprehensive care for families in need. I have come to realize that while basic food, shelter and clothing are essential, it's also important to provide education and child care opportunities, resources for psychological well-being, employment guidance and so much more to create a truly comprehensive impact on the lives of the families Para Los Niños supports. I have am impressed by the kindness, dedication and hard work of the staff members at Para Los Ninos and am honored to work alongside them to improve the lives of many children in the Los Angeles community. Through my exposure to Para Los Ninos projects, I have also seen the power that people have to leave an indelible impact on the lives of those most in need. I've been able to witness what it means to "build a brighter future" for the children of Para Los Niños.

For half a century, Willie Jordan has helped impoverished children, women and men all over the world. Jordan is recognized as an expert in the fields of poverty, hunger, homelessness and children’s problems. Since 1951, she has hosted the Fred Jordan Missions’ weekly television program and is the speaker on its daily radio show, where she encourages people to reach out to the less fortunate.

As the only female president of a Skid Row-based mission, Jordan directs one of the most active inner-city ministries in the nation. The Mission, founded in 1944 by her late husband Fred Jordan, provides daily help to nearly 1,000 poor and homeless men, women, and children.

As parents of seven, Fred and Willie Jordan instilled the desire to help others in their children; truly making charitable work a family affair. “We tried to teach them that no matter what they did in life, they had a responsibility to others,” Willie says. Today, several of their children work with her.