The Children’s Institute, Inc.

History

The Children’s Institute, Inc. (CII) is a safe space for children and their families to take steps towards bettering themselves. The Institute acknowledges that every child is unique, and that there is no singular way to provide support to a child in need. They aim to provide families in the most challenged communities of Los Angeles with a wide range of programs and services such as individual or group treatment, enrichment programs for children on subjects such as performing & visual arts, digital skills, health & wellness, cooking, and child care assistance. The organization (as the Big Sisters League) first opened the doors of its Koreatown location in 1952 and also operates two other locations, including one in Historic Filipinotown, another LA Promise Zone community. CII now serves more than 28,000 children and their families who reside in high-need, low-resource communities in Los Angeles through prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

Community

CII stands as one the oldest, and widest reaching social service organizations headquartered in Los Angeles’ Promise Zone. Originally named The Big Sister League, CII was founded in 1906 by Minnie Hafley McCoach Barton, the first female probation officer and second female officer in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department. While the original mission of the organization focused on serving women in need, the organization expanded its role to include different child-care and family services throughout its long history, changing its name to Children’s Institute International in 1980, to reflect this shift.

Social Service
Education
Recreation

Media

CII now serves more than 28,000 children and their families who reside in high-need, low-resource communities in Los Angeles through prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

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