We currently participate in hands-on service activities at:

 

Hillsides Education Center

Hillsides Education Center is a therapeutic residential and non-public school in Pasadena that offers individualized education for students experiencing social-emotional, learning, and/or behavior challenges. Las Candelas provides monthly educational assemblies that inspire, motivate and spark the students’ interest in art, music, history, literature and science. We carefully plan field trips to enrich and enhance the curriculum.

We sponsor a monthly store where students use their good behavior points to buy special toys, stuffed animals, electronics, games, gift cards, etc. In the Spring we organize an Academic/Science Fair where students showcase their projects.  One of the favorite events for the students is an end-of-year celebration which includes pizza, a giant slide, and snow cones.


Sycamores

Sycamores Child and Family Service provides a residential treatment center in Altadena (El Nido Campus) where approximately 60 boys between 6-18 years of age live. Las Candelas provides educational and entertaining assemblies and field trips for the students. We also plan special activities such as bingo and movie nights.  In June, Las Candelas hosted a dinner for the students and staff to celebrate the end of the school year.  A highlight in the summer of 2017 was a basketball game sponsored by Las Candelas between law enforcement and the students.


Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services

The Glendale location provides quality mental health treatment for young people experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. They offer a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services in English, Spanish and Armenian. The center emphasizes family involvement for lasting change. Short-term therapy is also available to families in immediate crisis. The members of Las Candelas participate in their annual Alive & Running 5K Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention. This life-affirming event remembers loved ones lost to suicide while raising funds and awareness for the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center. Members also wrap gifts for their holiday party and provide support for their annual Teen Summit held at Glendale Community College.

 

Ascencia 

A comprehensive services, shelter, and housing organization for homeless families in Glendale, Ascencia received a grant from Las Candelas for a children’s art therapy program. The program works to address the social and emotional needs of children who have experienced significant trauma. Our members also volunteer with Ascencia’s Guest Chef program. 


We also financially support the following organizations:

 

YWCA Glendale & Pasadena

As the only comprehensive domestic violence center in the Glendale area, YWCA Glendale & Pasadena provides life-saving services to all those in need. Las Candelas provided scholarships for the children in YWCA Glendale & Pasadena’s program to attend the Camp Y summer day camp where they can just have fun and take a break away from living in a stressful environment. At camp they participate in a roster of activities including arts and crafts, musical theater, science projects, sports and lots of swimming.


Hillsides “Youth Moving On” Program

We recognize the need to support youth after they turn 18, so we provide funding for "Youth Moving On".  This program provides former foster youth numerous support services to help them become responsible, self-sufficient adults.