Foster youth from ages 16-20 from DCFS and Probation work on their independent and social life skills to get them ready to transition out of the foster care system and into their young adult lives. They work on all things employment, education, daily life skills, housing, self-advocacy, permanent relationships, health information and prevention, etc.
Weekly, Monthly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Indoor
On-site, Formal
Weekdays
Early Childhood Services (ECS): Head Start:
Children ages 0 – 3 receive full-day, full-year child care services. (Watts Campus)
Weekly, Monthly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Indoor
On-site, Formal
Weekdays
Watts Soccer Academy
Children ages 5 – 12 years old practice and play soccer by learning the importance of healthy eating habits and exercise. Children will simply have fun playing the great game of soccer. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-6pm.
Weekly, Monthly
Teens, Adults
Individuals
Outdoor
On-site, Formal
Weekdays
Early Head Start Program
Children ages 0 – 5 receive full-day, full-year child care services. (Wilshire Campus)
Weekly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Indoor
On-site, Formal
Weekdays
Office Volunteer
Assist with day to day office administrative tasks.
Weekly, Monthly
Teens, 55+, Adults
Individuals
Office work, Indoor
On-site
Weekdays
Day Treatment Intensive (DTI)
Seriously emotionally disturbed children ages 3 – 5 who have had multiple foster care placements, have experienced or witnessed violence in the home or community, or have been traumatized by some events receive mental health services. They are in the program because they cannot cope in a traditional preschool setting. The goal of this program is to help prepare them to go to kindergarten.
*6 month commitment
Weekly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Indoor
Skilled
Weekdays
Clinical Services HUB/MAT
Children ages 0 – 18 receive court ordered and/or DCFS ordered psycho-developmental screenings. Their 4 psychologists work in collaboration with CSW’s, medical staff , schools, foster parents and biological families to ensure access to assessment services (lasting no more than 60 days) that will determine areas of need and ultimately put in place services needed.
*3-hour minimum
Weekly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Indoor
Skilled
Weekdays
How you help
This past year nearly 7,000 volunteers contributed more than 41,000 hours of in-kind services to the betterment of our children and clients.
About us
Far too many children are impacted by persistent poverty and toxic stress. Untreated trauma from neglect, abuse and violence can have lasting consequences on young bodies, brains and futures. Children’s Institute provides early education, behavioral health and family strengthening services to 26,000 children and families each year.
