LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell joined Nicole Avant, daughter of the late and prolific philanthropist, Jacqueline Avant, the MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation and over 100 special guests to commemorate the name unveiling for the Jacqueline Avant Children & Family Center (The Center) located in the Watts-Willowbrook community.
The three-story and 50,000 sq. ft. Center will serve as a national model for programs that address the complex needs of at-risk children struggling with trauma, health, and mental health problems. The first floor is now open, and the second floor will open to the community this summer. The third floor will be finished by the end of this year.
“It was an honor to join the Avant family for this special day. I cannot think of a better way to uplift Jacqueline Avant’s legacy. She dedicated her life to supporting and investing in a brighter future for the children of South LA,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District. “The Jacqueline Avant Children & Family Center is a welcomed community asset to the Second District that furthers our commitment to support children and families in accessing a multitude of health and mental health resources.”
“My family and I are thrilled and honored to celebrate the unveiling of the Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center,” said Nicole Avant. “For over 50 years, my mom was dedicated to the mental, physical, and spiritual health of the children and families in South Los Angeles and was on a mission to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate. This new state of the art facility is evidence that my mother’s vision and her commitment to serving others has come to fruition and nothing makes me prouder.”
The County of Los Angeles invested $55 million to build the new Center that will serve thousands of children and teens, including many who are entering or involved with the County’s foster care system.
Thanks to the generosity of friends and supporters of Jacqueline Avant, and in partnership with the MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation, furniture, electronics, artwork, books, and equipment were purchased to support the operations of the first floor Pediatric Clinic, and additional funds have been dedicated to support programming, a playground and wrap-around services for the youth served at The Center.
“We have been awed by the outpouring of generosity among Jacqueline Avant’s closest friends and supporters,” said Linda Griego, Founder of the MLK Health and Wellness Community Development Corporation. “The MLK CDC Board of Directors are honored to partner with Supervisor Mitchell and the County of Los Angeles to ensure that Jacqueline Avant’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in South Los Angeles can continue within the building that now celebrates her contributions and will forever uphold her legacy.”
The Center will also house an Autism Wellness Center run by the Special Needs Network and a federally qualified health clinic operated by St. John Well Child Center on the second floor. On the third floor, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health will operate a crisis stabilization unit for children ages 3-12 that will be the first in the County to serve this population.
To view photos from the event, click here.
###