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.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

08/27/2026

SHIELDS offices will be closed Friday, August 28, in observance of Chicano Moratorium Day

As we recognize Chicano Moratorium Day, we honor the voices, courage, and collective action that helped bring greater awareness to the struggles, experiences, and contributions of diverse communities throughout Los Angeles and beyond.

08/27/2026

08/25/2026

08/03/2026

POV: Your job gives you an extra holiday because someone legendary spent years creating them.

Today we're celebrating Because Louis Said So Holiday, honoring Louis Jacinto and his 25 years of service to SHIELDS. 
Just another reminder that working at SHIELDS comes with amazing people, fun traditions, meaningful work, staff appreciation, and perks that make us feel valued.

07/30/2026

Smiles, memories, and baseball! Huge thanks to for their generous donation of tickets to our families. An unforgettable night with our families! Los Angeles Angels

Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court is a program designed to connect eligible individuals to vit...
07/23/2026

Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court is a program designed to connect eligible individuals to vital services, including mental health care, housing support, and other community-based resources.
Thursday, July 23
How to Join by phone or online:
323-776-6996
Conference ID: 593 623 338 #
visit: linktr.ee/LACDMH and click Care Court Office Hours
https://teams.microsoft.com/v2/ See less

HACLA Watts Los Angeles WorkSource Center, in partnership with the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Homeless En...
07/09/2026

HACLA Watts Los Angeles WorkSource Center, in partnership with the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Homeless Engagement and Response Team (HEART), is pleased to invite you to a free Ticket Clinic for individuals with eligible Los Angeles County traffic and pedestrian tickets.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, July 9
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location:
Rancho San Pedro
275 West 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90731
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP using the link below:
RSVP Link:
https://form.jotform.com/261815370209051
Please note that street parking is available near the event location.
To receive services, participants should bring the following:
Proof of Tenancy
Proof of Income

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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