Los Angeles County has the largest population of children in the child welfare system in the United States. Over 30,000 children have experienced abuse and neglect and are without the love of a strong family. Unfortunately, children who experience abuse and neglect are susceptible to trauma, instability, and lack support for years to come. In fact, over 103,000 teens, between the ages of 12 and 24, are homeless or housing insecure in Los Angeles, a majority of them having been part of the child welfare system.
THE IMPACT ON CHILDREN, TEENS, AND FAMILIES IN LOS ANGELES
Together, we are breaking generational cycles of abuse, preventing teen homelessness, and creating futures filled with hope.
PREVENTING TEEN HOMELESSNESS AND STRENGTHENING MORE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
the transforming lives campaign
By intervening prior to abuse and neglect:
- Olive Crest stabilizes and strengthens children and families in crisis, helping keep them safe and from entering the child welfare system
- Olive Crest equips young adults for successful futures, helping them rewrite their story and overcome the trauma they have endured in their early childhood years
Olive Crest is expanding its programs and services in Los Angeles by adding two new facilities:
- Children and Family Resource Center Campus
- Teen/Young Adult Apartment Homes
To watch a short, informative video on how Olive Crest is enhancing programs and services through the CFRC and teen and young adult apartment homes, please click here.
These life-changing facilities will require working collectively with community partners to close gaps in services and provide a more streamlined approach in meeting the escalating needs of children, families, teens, and young adults in Los Angeles.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Yvonne Tejeda, Director of Development at yvonne-tejeda@olivecrest.org.
On November 5th, 2025, we celebrated the first groundbreaking of this project at our office in Los Angeles. Thank you to all the trustees, donors, and guests who made this day special, as well as two Olive Crest young adults who shared their beautiful testimony.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Every child deserves a safe, loving home – and in Los Angeles, you can help make that possible. Whether you give your time, your resources, or open up your home, your involvement brings hope and healing to children and families right here in our community.
Ways to Make an Impact
- Become an Olive Crest Family
Open your home and heart to a child in crisis. With full training and support, you can provide the safety and stability that changes the course of a child’s future. - Volunteer Your Time
From mentoring youth to supporting events and tutoring, volunteers play a vital role in strengthening families. Your time and talents make a life-changing difference. - Join the Kids at Heart Community
Your monthly gift ensures that children and families in Los Angeles have consistent care and resources all year long. Together, we can prevent abuse, restore hope, and equip families for lasting success. - Partner with Olive Crest
Businesses, churches, and community groups are invited to partner with us through sponsorships, donations, drives, or hosting family support events. Together, we can create a safer Los Angeles.
Every step you take strengthens families and protects children. At Olive Crest we say, “Everyone Can Do Something.” So, what’s your something?
OLIVE CREST NEWS & EVENTS IN LOS ANGELES
Join us for our 4th Annual Fashion Show! Enjoy a magical evening, where your cheers will help build the self-confidence and self-esteem of the Olive Crest children as they walk the runway.
April 11, 2026
5:00 p.m.
For tickets, sponsorships, and additional information, click here.
Leadership
Georgia Mattera
Trustee President
Retired Chief Deputy Controller
City of Los Angeles
Sami Salam
Trustee Vice President
Managing Director
KPMG
Shineah Garner
Supervisor
L.A. Care Health Plan
Jeff Heller
Retired Educator
Yolanda Heller
Retired Educator
Perry King
President Emeritus
Actor
Olive Crest National Spokesman
Josie Leinart
Associate Attorney
Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP
Adrian Metter
Executive Vice President, Head of CRE
Columbia Bank
Debbie Presson
Educator
Diane Saunders
Talent Management and Mobility Solutions
Nicole Ungaro
Ungaro Consulting
ANNAMARIE DACHTLER
Executive Director
“It is an absolute privilege to work at Olive Crest, where I get to be a part of healing local communities through our unwavering commitment to serve, treat, educate, and provide stability for children and families in need.”