When we think about creating a brighter future, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many challenges, especially when it comes to helping the most vulnerable among us: children. But what if we told you there’s a group dedicated to easing the suffering of children in Los Angeles? That’s exactly what the Everychild Foundation does, and they’ve been doing it with remarkable success for over two decades.
The Heart of the Everychild Foundation
The Everychild Foundation, often simply called Everychild, was founded with one clear goal: to improve the lives of children in the Greater Los Angeles area. This might sound like a tall order, but Everychild has found a way to make a big impact by focusing on targeted grants, policy advocacy, and community engagement. Rather than spreading their efforts thin, they zero in on specific issues affecting children and youth, such as foster care, homelessness, and juvenile justice.
Granting Change, One Project at a Time
One of the most powerful tools in Everychild’s arsenal is their grant program. Each year, Everychild awards a significant grant to a local nonprofit organization that’s doing groundbreaking work for kids. These aren’t just handouts; they’re strategic investments in projects that can create long-lasting change.
For example, the 2023 grant was awarded to Vision to Learn, a program that provides vision care to students in underserved communities. This grant will fund a two-year pilot program in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, aiming to reach 19,000 students in the Compton Unified School District. With the help of mobile vision clinics and telehealth technology, thousands of kids will receive much-needed eyeglasses, and those with more serious eye conditions will get specialized care.
Advocating for Children’s Rights
Everychild isn’t just about providing funds; they’re also deeply involved in policy advocacy. By working with local and state governments, Everychild helps shape laws and policies that benefit children and families.
Take their work on foster care as an example. The foundation has supported several important bills that ensure foster youth receive the documents and support they need to succeed as they transition out of the system. This includes securing essential documents like birth certificates and social security cards, which are crucial for applying for jobs, housing, and education. Through these efforts, Everychild is making sure that foster kids aren’t left behind.
Supporting Our Youngest and Most Vulnerable
Another focus of the Everychild Foundation is on infants and toddlers. The first few years of life are critical for development, but children who grow up in poverty or face neglect are at a huge disadvantage. Everychild understands this and works tirelessly to support these little ones.
For instance, they’ve advocated for the banning of dangerous pesticides that harm children’s development. They also support programs that ensure babies and toddlers receive the developmental screenings and services they’re entitled to, helping to lay a strong foundation for their future.
Helping Homeless Youth Find Stability
Homelessness is a heartbreaking issue, especially when it affects children. Everychild has been working since 2009 to address the needs of homeless youth in Los Angeles. By supporting bills like the Homeless Youth Act and collaborating with other organizations, they’ve helped secure funding for housing and services that provide a lifeline to these young people.
Reforming Juvenile Justice
Children who enter the criminal justice system often face a tough road ahead. They’ve usually experienced trauma, and traditional punitive approaches can do more harm than good. The Everychild Foundation has been a vocal advocate for juvenile justice reform, pushing for systems that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Through their support of the Missouri Model, a restorative justice approach, and programs like arrest diversion, Everychild is helping to create a justice system that recognizes the potential for change and growth in every young person.
Finishing Thoughts
The Everychild Foundation is proof that when we focus our efforts on specific goals, we can create real, lasting change. Whether it’s through grants, advocacy, or community engagement, Everychild is making a difference in the lives of thousands of children in Los Angeles.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, we encourage you to explore other posts on our blog. Together, we can support the incredible work that Everychild is doing and help create a better future for all children.