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.

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

02/19/2026

How to celebrate Black History Month:
Explore
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Educate


02/19/2026

How to celebrate Black History Month:
Explore
Read
Support
Learn
Commit
Educate


ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

02/14/2026

Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or self-care, here’s to good energy, rest, connection, and doing whatever fills your heart with joy.

02/09/2026

🖤✨ Celebrate Black History Month 2026
Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
100 years honoring Black history nationwide, inspired by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and pioneering scholars.
🌟 Reflect. Celebrate. Recommit.

🔗 Learn more: asalh.org

🚨 Now Open: Emergency Rent Relief Program – Phase II 🚨The Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program, administered...
02/09/2026

🚨 Now Open: Emergency Rent Relief Program – Phase II 🚨

The Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program, administered by DCBA, is officially reopening today, Monday, February 9.

✅ Tenants can now apply directly
💰 Up to $15,000 per unit
🏠 Assistance for past-due rent, utilities, and housing-related expenses
❌ Not a loan | Immigration status not considered

📅 Applications close March 11, 2026
🔗 Apply or learn more: lacountyrentrelief.com

Please share to help families stay housed.

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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