The most important people in a child’s life is their family. We know that families come in different forms and sometimes parents and caregivers need a little help. Here are some people who can help you learn how to be a more confident parent, how to build a better community, and how you can keep your family safe and healthy.
Best Start – South Los Angeles/ West Athens
First 5 LA Best Start works in 14 areas to help build supportive communities where children and families can thrive. First 5 LA partners with local leaders and non-profit organizations to address issues like: poverty, high unemployment rates, and teen birth rates. Everyone plays a role in making sure kids have a best start. We encourage you to attend a Best Start Community Partnership meeting. To learn more visit their website or call 213-482-7800.

Helen Keller Playground
Nurse-Family Partnership
Nurse-Family Partnership is a free, voluntary program that partners first-time moms with nurses. When you enroll in this program, a Public Health Nurse will visit you in your home until your baby turns two years old. You nurse will be there for you to answer questions, teach you how to have a healthy pregnancy, and teach you about how your baby’s development.
Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD)
Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) is a 501c3 public charity that collaborates with the City of Los Angeles and other community partners to reduce gang violence and to promote positive youth development. Their mission is to create safer, healthier and stronger communities in Los Angeles…one individual and one family at a time.
SHIELDS for Families
SHIELDS for Families Mission is to develop, deliver and evaluate culturally sensitive, comprehensive service models that empower and advocate for high-risk families in South Los Angeles.
- Promote family reunification and support families remaining intact in the community
- Strengthen families through the provision of comprehensive and collaborative services
- Improve the general well-being of families through comprehensive health programs and preventative social services
- Encourage self-sufficiency and economic independence by assisting individuals with obtaining employment and advancing education

Helen Keller Pool Tile
Advocates for Peace and Urban Unity (A.P.U.U.)
Advocates for Peace and Urban Unity (A.P.U.U.) is a community-based organization focused on gang prevention and intervention, aimed at the peaceful and cooperative eradication of gang violence in the 8th district (South Los Angeles). Current efforts focus on:
- Safe passage programs for children
- Before, during and after school programs for families and children
- Enrichment classes in local elementary schools
Reclaiming America’s Communities through Empowerment (R.A.C.E.)
R.A.C.E. offers services for both adults and youth, including the following:
- Gang Intervention & Prevention
- After-School Programs
- Safe Passage to and from Schools
- Safe Passage in and around Parks
- Boys & Young Men’s Mentoring
- Women and Young Girl’s Mentoring
- Sports Programs
- Job Training & Employment Opportunities
- Alternative Sentencing Programs
Women of Morals Empowering the Neighborhood (W.O.M.E.N.)
Women of Morals Empowering the Neighborhood is an organization which provides a variety of services. Currently they are working on developing a curriculum to support parents.
Keeping Your Teens Drug- Free
Why do you need to know the facts? Research shows that teens who learn about the risks of drug use from their parents or caregivers are less likely to use drugs than those who do not. Learn the steps to keeping your teen healthy, safe and drug-free. click here
Suicide is Preventable
Pain is not always obvious. Knowing the signs that something is wrong, finding the right words, and speaking up by reaching out to local resources, can be difficult but it makes a difference. Learn more about it here.
If you think a person is suicidal, don’t leave them alone. Call the:
- Los Angeles County Mental Health Access and Crisis Line 1-800-854-7771
- Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-877-727-4747

“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence.” – Helen Keller
For More Resources visit 211
211 LA County has access to information about parenting classes, parent support groups, counseling, pregnancy support and much more. Call 2-1-1 or visit their website for resources.
