Maryvale

In January 1856, five Daughters of Charity at the request of Bishop Amat and local businessmen arrived at the Pueblo of Los Angeles to open an orphanage for abandoned children living in the streets.  The location of the city’s first orphanage was the same site where Los Angeles’ Union Station now stands.  The orphanage was officially named the Los Angeles Orphan Asylum.

By 1891 a new majestic building in Boyle Heights was erected to house the area’s growing orphan population.  Thousands of youngsters were cared for at this location until damage from earthquakes and freeway expansion forced its close 62 years later.

In 1953 a location in Rosemead was dedicated and opened under the name of Maryvale.  Currently Maryvale is a residential facility licensed to serve 65 girls ages 6 through 17 who have been deeply wounded by abuse.  Removed from their homes by the Department of Children and Family Services and the Probation Department they are placed at Maryvale where they are nurtured by a safe, loving and therapeutic staff and the calming sanctuary of the 15 acre park-like campus. The goal is to stabilize their lives so that they can develop a sense of dignity and self-esteem.

Maryvale is the first and oldest agency caring for Los Angeles’ children in need.  It is a commitment the Daughters of Charity have been keeping for over 150 years.

For more information on about Maryvale and how you can make a difference please visit  http://www.maryvale-ca.org/

An open letter from Amie Barsky

The girls of Maryvale need your help…
Several years ago I had the joy of volunteering my time to entertain the girls at the annual Maryvale Christmas party.

What is that you ask?……..The Maryvale Christmas party started in 1994. Unlike the many other Christmas parties the girls are invited to, the Maryvale Christmas party is held on the grounds of Maryvale and, like one large family, all of the children are present to celebrate together.

During the Christmas party in 2005 I learned that the chief organizers of this event for the past 11 years were now retiring and no one had stepped in to fill their shoes. I felt in my heart that I needed to find a way to keep this annual Christmas celebration going. Although this party is put together by many volunteers from entertainment to food and special appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Clause…..it’s the fundraising to purchase all of the girls gifts that becomes the challenging part, and that is where we need your help. Each girl chooses three gifts that they would like and our goal is to provide them what they wished for. They will receive one gift at the Christmas party and two on Christmas morning.

I have been so fortunate to have several other “chief angels” Laurinda Cocchiaro, Paul J. Alessi and Oscar Jimenez to help put together an amazing Christmas for these girls. We know not everyone has the time, but we know you have the heart..so reach out and be an angel! Donate today!