Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos recently hired Robin Sinclair as their new Executive Director after the retirement of Luciann Maulhardt who served the agency for the last 25 years and will remain on the board as Director Emeritus. Sinclair has more than 15 years experience working in human services, specifically with youth education and leadership development.
“She brings compassion and a deep understanding of the importance of providing a safe, nurturing environment for children,” said Michael McCrary, president of Casa Youth Shelter’s Board of Directors and former Los Alamitos Police Chief.
The nationally recognized non-profit organization was founded in 1978 by the late Myldred E. Jones, retired Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy and Los Alamitos resident. At age 69, she sold her home and spent the proceeds to fulfill a lifelong dream to create a safe haven for troubled youth.
Annually, Casa Youth Shelter provides approximately 200 youth, ages 12 to 17, in Southern California with emergency shelter and crisis counseling. They are one of only 2 agencies in Orange County, and the only one in the greater Long Beach area to provide such temporary shelter services. More than 10,800 youths have been served since the organization was founded, and are referred to them by local police and sheriff’s departments, social services agencies, other shelters, as well as through Casa’s middle school and high school community outreach programs.
“I look forward to the community’s sustained support in providing a safe haven for homeless, abused and abandoned youth,” said Sinclair. “No one will ever be turned away – residents can come anytime of the day or night to receive a hot shower, a safe bed and hot meal.”
Casa Youth Shelter is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and can be reached by calling 800-914-CASA. They provide safe shelter for up to 2 weeks, individual and group counseling, and free weekly parenting classes with the goal of healthy reunification for residents with their families, taking place 80 percent of the time. “If their homes aren’t safe, Casa Youth Shelter will see them through the crisis, and find them a safe home to live in,” said Sinclair.
The shelter is funded 80 percent by the private sector with donations and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations. They will be hosting their 34th Anniversary Commander’s Ball, a black-tie affair, taking place on Sept. 29 at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. About 20 percent of their support comes from this annual fundraising event, according to Sinclair.
“Over 200 volunteers help us achieve our mission, and we are always looking for more,” said Sinclair. “Casa has such a tremendous support system of staff, board members and volunteers that I’m humbled and privileged to work alongside such a committed group.”
Volunteer opportunities are available by reaching Casa Youth Shelter at 562-594-6825 or by e-mail at agency@casayouthshelter.org. Tax-deductible donations can be made by check, over the phone or online at www.casayouthshelter.org.