Assistance League Antelope Valley History


	Making A Positive Difference in the Lives of Children

The Antelope Valley is located 65 miles north of Los Angeles and includes the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale. Our Valley encompasses 40% of the land in LA County. Today the Antelope Valley is home to more than 360,000 residents, however our community looked quite different when several civic-minded women met to form a new chapter of Assistance League.
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During more than 40 years of operation, Assistance League of Antelope Valley has returned more than $4 million to the Antelope Valley in services to local children. Each year, members donate more than 15,000 volunteer hours.

The vision of our charter members is still being realized. We continue making a positive difference in the lives of children of our community through our service projects.

Assistance League Antelope Valley - History

Assistance League originated as an extension of the Red Cross Shops established during World War I. Founder, Mrs. Hancock Banning, felt a duty, in her own words, “To act as a friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care, guidance and assistance.”

Since 1919, National Assistance League^® has grown to
more than 110 chapters across the country.

www.assistanceleague.org

Assistance League of Antelope Valley was chartered as the 25^th chapter

of National Assistance League on January 29, 1959. The charter members, with Mrs. Florence Aven as president, identified a need for childcare in this growing valley.

The original Day Nursery opened with 6 children and members volunteered 2500 hours to fund and operate the project. Total cost that first year was $9455. In January 1961 enrollment was 14 with a waiting list. By February of 1966, the organization moved to a house on Fern Avenue.

Soon there were 24 children. In the early 1970’s, the State of California granted licensing for enrollment of 36 children. The members hired early education teachers and developed the preschool curriculum. The community need for expansion was evident. In September 1997, construction of a new facility was completed at 808 West Newgrove.

The Preschool Day Care Center now serves 72 children and their working or student parents.

Models Auxiliary, Kids on the Block^TM, Heartline Auxiliary

In March of 1968, the Models Auxiliary was certified. The Models Auxiliary produces fashion shows as a means of raising funds to assist in financial support of the philanthropic projects and/or fundraising activities of Assistance League Antelope Valley.

In May 1987, the chapter adopted The Kids on the Block^TM as the second philanthropic service project in order to provide an appreciation of the differences and similarities of others and social issues.

In September 1995, the Heartline Auxiliary was formed. Its members voted to be a service oriented auxiliary to help staff the Twice is Nice Thrift Shop.