The Optimist Youth Home is optimism in action

Optimist Clubs frequently take over projects that would otherwise be ignored or even abandoned by other groups in the community such as Easter egg hunts, sports leagues, distressed parks and buildings, and schools. But none are more ambitious or more fitting with the Optimist Club mission than the Optimist Youth Home and Family Services in Los Angeles, California.

The cover from the summer newsletter of the
Optimist Youth Home and Family Services.

The Optimist Youth Home and Family Services lies in the boundaries of the Los Angeles Juveninile Court. It began quite innocently 105 years ago when Mr. and Mrs. John Strickland brought an orphaned nephew to live with them on their farm. Soon 12 other troubled boys were learning to live together and contribute to each other through their work on the farm. In 1914, the Strickland Home for Boys was officially established and the courts began sending boys to them for training and youth development.

The local Optimist and Opti-Mrs. Clubs entered the picture in the late 1920s, and the name was changed to the Optimist Youth Home with the promise of ongoing financial support that continues to this day.

The Optimist Clubs have now grown to include two supporting districts (groups of clubs) in the Pacific Southeast and Southwest California. Through the years they have added the kitchen, dorms, chapel, administration building and gymnasium. They have acquired land and added vocational programs, outreach programs and an alternative school - the Optimist High School.

In addition to the school and residential program, now co-ed, the Optimist Youth Home and Family Services offers an aftercare program to follow up with students who have graduated from the school, foster care, adoptions, mental health services, and family counseling.

It is managed by professional staff, overseen by a board of directors made up of Optimist Club and community members. Optimist Club members volunteer as mentors and tutors and other community members are encouraged to participate as well.

Find out about more opportunities or make a donation to  the Optimist Youth Home and Family Services.

Read an article from the Los Angeles Times about the Optimist Youth Home and Family Services.