In late 1953 or early 1954, a young woman was sent to Los Angeles from Arizona. She was 24, Catholic, Hispanic, had a certificate in teaching, was an accomplished pianist – and was single. She was sent to Los Angeles either to stay with family in Los Angeles or go to a home for unwed mothers and on April 22, 1954, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl at St. Anne’s Hospital. That child was me, signed over for adoption and sent to a foster home until I could be adopted.
In the heart of HFS, transitions are not just moments of change but opportunities for growth and renewal. This season, we mark the retirement of our esteemed Clinical Social Worker, Leticia Lopez, LCSW, as well as the arrival of a new face in our team, Clinical Social Worker Xenia Valle, MSW. Additionally, we joyously welcome back Lisa Espericueta, MSW, from her maternity leave. These milestones are not just events; they embody the evolving spirit of compassion and dedication that defines our agency’s mission.
There are approximately 60,000 children in California who are in foster care. Los Angeles County has the majority at 33,000, but Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside are also seeing increases in their numbers now that children are back at school and interacting with mandated reporters daily.
HFS was honored at a regular Tuesday meeting of the Los Angeles City Council on May 28th, in honor of HFS’s 75th Anniversary, which also coincided with National Foster Care Month. Kevin De Leon, Council Member, 14th District, introduced HFS and gave a moving history of the agency, while a slide show of current and historical photos of the agency rotated on the Council screens.
HFS board president Marianne Wright and HFS board member Elaine Tumonis attended the finals of the Roy Emerson Adoption Guild Tennis Classic at the Palisades Tennis Club in Newport Beach on Monday, May 27th.
Talking about myself isn’t my strong suit, but the past 5-6 years have been a journey of self-discovery that culminates tonight. My wife and daughter are probably holding their breath, hoping I stay on script. My sister-in-law might be hoping for a little embarrassment to justify the drive here. My wife questioned whether I would read, memorize, or speak from the heart. Well, we’re all about to find out.
We would like to thank our honorees, Bishop Bruno, Dr. Robert Ross, and the Mozillo Foundation, to everyone who attended the Circle of Hope event at the San Gabriel Club in Pasadena on April 28, 2024, as well as everyone who supported HFS by donating.
Thank you to those who helped make the Circle of Hope event possible through their generous help and support: Marianne Wright, Mary Hatton, Lydia Johnston (pictured with evening volunteers Viki and daughter Phyllis Battaglia), Mary B. Bruno, Joseph Zanetta, Elaine Tumonis, and David Mascarina. Volunteering for the evening were Viki Battaglia, Phyllis Battaglia, Emily Wright…