SHIELDS for Families

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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.

10/09/2026

FROM FIELDS TO STARS: José Hernández
From migrant farmworker to engineer to NASA astronaut.

Co-inventor of the first digital mammography system, saving lives through early breast cancer detection.

flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2009.
¡Sí se puede!

DEL CAMPO A LAS ESTRELLAS: José Hernández
De campesino migrante a ingeniero a astronauta de la NASA.

Coinventor del primer mamógrafo digital, salvando vidas con la detección temprana del cáncer de mama.

Voló en el Discovery en 2009.
¡Sí se puede!

10/03/2026

Did you know? Dr. Ellen Ochoa became the first Latina woman to travel into space, serving as mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Her journey is proof our dreams have no limits. ¡Sí se puede!

¿Sabías que? Dra. Ellen Ochoa se convirtió en la primera mujer latina en viajar al espacio a bordo del transbordador espacial Discovery.

Su historia demuestra que nuestros sueños no tienen límites. ¡Sí se puede!

09/30/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Latino community — the heart of South Los Angeles.

At SHIELDS for Families, culturally sensitive care isn’t just part of what we do, it’s the foundation of everything we do. Every day, we walk alongside Latino families on their journey to healing, stability, and self-sufficiency.

Gracias por ser parte de nuestra comunidad
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, celebramos las ricas culturas, tradiciones y contribuciones de la comunidad latina — el corazón del sur de Los Ángeles.

En SHIELDS for Families, el cuidado culturalmente sensible no es solo parte de lo que hacemos, es la base de todo lo que hacemos. Cada día caminamos junto a las familias latinas en su camino hacia la sanación, la estabilidad y la autosuficiencia.

¡Gracias por ser parte de nuestra comunidad!

09/14/2026

A night at the Angels game brought families together for exciting plays, and memorable moments!
Huge thanks to for their generous donation of tickets to our families. An unforgettable night with our families!

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

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

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