Big Sisters in Need of a Helping Hand

For much of its 12-year history, Big Sisters of Los Angeles had been able to expand steadily as it filled a crucial void in the lives of girls aged 6 to 18. Three years ago, for example, it opened an office in Van Nuys to better serve a burgeoning caseload in the San Fernando Valley. That office became the hub of activities for the volunteers and social workers for “little sisters” who lived in areas as far-flung as Calabasas, Glendale and Santa Clarita.

Roughly one-third of the girls served by Big Sisters are Anglo, another third are Latino and another third are black.

But the flagging Southern California economy could not sustain the growth of an organization that has depended on private donations for as much as 90% to 95% of its operating budget.

The foundations and large corporations that had been so attentive to the funding needs of Big Sisters were forced to rein in their generosity. That compelled the program to begin to draw down a reserve fund that had been equal to six months of operating expenses.

By the time the reserve fund had been cut nearly in half, the San Gabriel office of Big Sisters of L.A. was forced to reduce its hours by 80%. About two weeks ago, the Van Nuys office was closed. Because of an offer of office space from the west San Fernando Valley branch of the United Way Campaign, Big Sisters plans to resume operations in Canoga Park, but just one day a week instead of the usual five.

That is unfortunate because Big Sisters is more than the simple pairing off of female adults and young girls for a weekly outing or visit. It is a program of social workers with an average of 50 cases apiece who perform intake, screening interviews and crisis counseling for individuals and sometimes entire families. Now that Big Sisters of L.A. has been largely reduced to its main office on Wilshire Boulevard, just east of Beverly Hills, additional hardships have been placed on the social workers who no longer have a Valley headquarters from which they can coordinate their efforts.

Big Sisters who once had a Van Nuys office to which they could turn for advice and support will have to travel much farther for all but one day of the week. So, too, will the young girls and families that depend on the counseling the program provides. The Van Nuys office had accounted for about 22% of the activities of Big Sisters of Los Angeles.

There is apparently no dearth of volunteers needed to expand pairings with needy young girls. What Big Sisters does need, however, is an office in the San Fernando Valley where it can operate throughout the week, and it needs donations to hire more of the social workers who organize and oversee those pairings.

It is deserving of what ever financial help San Fernando Valley residents can offer. Those so inclined should call 213-933-5749.