SHIELDS for Families

SHIELDS for Families Believing, Building, Becoming At the time, few had hope for these children. Even fewer had hope for their parents and families. in 1991. And they have.

In 1987, physicians at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center delivered 1,200 infants exposed prenatally to drugs—an all-time annual high in Los Angeles and in our nation’s history. There were no programs designed to serve the special needs of this population, and the future looked bleak. Full of hope, three women banded together to put an end to this epidemic and founded SHIELDS for Families,

Inc. Although Kathryn Icenhower, Xylina Bean and Norma Mtume came from different backgrounds, they shared the belief that they could help shape the future. Today, SHIELDS is a nationally and internationally recognized organization that offers award-winning programs in Los Angeles’ most challenged communities. The organization has grown to serve more than 5,000 families each year, employing more than 320 full-time staff, with an annual budget of more than $21 million. SHIELDS operates 30 programs, including four collaborative networks in which SHIELDS serves as the lead agency.

04/28/2026

Wear your jeans! April 29
Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses, students, and all individuals to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that continue to surround sexual violence.
By wearing denim, we stand in solidarity with survivors and help raise awareness about sexual violence prevention.
Thank you for joining us in this important day of action and awareness.

04/28/2026

04/22/2026
04/22/2026

As we celebrate a season of renewal and hope, we’re grateful for the strength of our community and the opportunity to co...
04/03/2026

As we celebrate a season of renewal and hope, we’re grateful for the strength of our community and the opportunity to continue supporting one another.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and peaceful Easter weekend!

03/23/2026

Need help or know someone who does?
Call us at 323 242-5000 and ask about our Jericho Services Center Program.
Are you Interested in working for SHIELDS? Visit:
shieldsforfamilies.org/jobs
We have waiting!!!

03/17/2026

Happy World Social Work Day and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

03/17/2026

Need help or know someone who does?
📲Call us at 323 242-5000 and ask about our Program.
Are you Interested in working for SHIELDS? Visit:
👉shieldsforfamilies.org/jobs
We have waiting!!!

03/12/2026

For 36 years, SHIELDS for Families has strengthened families and communities through dedication, compassion, and partnership. This milestone reflects the incredible impact made possible by our staff, partners, and supporters.

03/06/2026

Need help or know someone who does?

📲Call us at 323 242-5000 and ask about our Program.

Are you Interested in working for SHIELDS? Visit:
👉shieldsforfamilies.org/jobs

We have waiting!!!

02/20/2026

Find your role here at SHIELDS!
👉shieldsforfamilies.org/jobs

Address

11601 S. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90047

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+13232425000

Website

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