Looking ahead, The Community Wellnest Center is scheduled to break ground in early 2026. This innovative wellness hub will serve as a comprehensive center for emotional health, early childhood development, and family wellness where preventive care and community connection come together under one roof to create lasting impact.
Throughout this Annual Report, you will read stories directly from our families about how our work has made a meaningful difference in their lives. Their voices remind us that behind every number, every milestone, and every new building, there are real people whose lives have changed because of your belief in our mission.
Through every era, Wellnest remains rooted in the belief that healing happens in relationship with empathy, safety, and understanding. Our legacy is one of resilience and renewal. And our future is defined by the same values that carried us through the last century: compassion, collaboration, and commitment to the greater good.
None of this would be possible without you–our donors, partners, and friends–whose generosity fuels our mission every day. You are the heart of Wellnest. Because of you, thousands of children and families continue to find strength, stability, and hope for a better tomorrow.
With deepest gratitude and renewed resolve,
Charlene Dimas-Peinado President & CEO, Wellnest
Carrie Tsang-Hidding Chairperson, Board of Directors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Carrie Tsang-Hidding, CPA, MBA Chairperson
Alicia Jacobs, MBA Chairperson-Elect
Margo Kaatz, RN, MA, Esq. Treasurer
James Gallagher, Esq. Secretary
Charlene Dimas-Peinado, LCSW, EML
President & CEO
DIRECTORS
Monica Alfaro Welling
DaJuan Bennett, MBA
Jarrett Dube
David L. Hirsch, Esq.
David L. Hirsch, IV
Gail Kennard
Dae Levine
Jennifer Louchheim
Michael Okada
Levente Orosz
Ronit Stone, Esq.
BOARD EMERITUS
Melvin Jackson, Jr.
Quinton C. James, M.D.
Wayne Moore
Carlos Perez
Thomas F. Trott, M.D., Ph.D.†
Dan Carrillo†
VISION
To ensure that everyone has access to the support services needed to achieve the emotional well-being critical to reaching their full potential.
MISSION
Through a holistic approach to emotional well-being, Wellnest offers hope, healing, and opportunity to the children, young adults, and the families we serve. Our commitment remains steadfast as we enter our 101st year of service.
CORE VALUES
EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY
We uphold a well-established standard of excellence and accountability by using best practices and engaging in continuous quality improvement. Our staff acts with personal and professional integrity so that every client is provided the highest level of care available.
INTEGRATED AND ACCESSIBLE
We strive to offer a comprehensive and growing array of services readily accessible to children, young adults, and their families whenever and wherever they are needed. We believe that an integrated approach to care is critical to creating positive outcomes that support longterm growth.
LIFE-LONG WELLNESS
We focus on a 360-degree view of wellness, offering life-long skills for improving and maintaining emotional and physical health. We offer tools for children, young adults, and their families to help improve the quality of all aspects of their lives from social, educational, and financial to intellectual, physical, and spiritual.
EMPOWERMENT AND RESPECT
We respect the culture and individuality of those we serve. We encourage the expression of their preferences, goals, and aspirations and value their input regarding decisions about the services and support they receive.
FAMILY-FOCUSED APPROACH
We offer a family-centered approach to care that addresses the unique circumstances of those we serve. We provide services and support that focus on each person’s needs in the context of family, community, and other key influences.
PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIPS
We responsibly steward donor support and facilitate partnerships with agencies, community resources, schools, and families to deliver the highest quality services. By linking constituents with the appropriate forms of assistance, we expand and amplify our impact on those in need.
Ways to GIVE BACK
MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION:
• Online at wellnestla.org/donate
• By Mail
Mail Checks to:
Angele Price, Vice President of Philanthropy
Wellnest
3031 South Vermont Ave Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Electronic Funds Transfer
DONATE THE GIFT OF STOCK
Wellnest accepts gifts of stock and appreciated securities.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers offer matching gift programs that match your charitable contribution!
MAKE A GIFT IN TRIBUTE OR MEMORIAL
Pay tribute to a loved one by making a gift in their name. A card will be sent to the person or family notifying them of your thoughtful donation.
BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
Make a lasting impact all year round as a monthly donor by selecting the recurring gift option. Your credit card will be automatically charged once a month.
Join our mailing list! Sign up by sending an email to contact@wellnestla.org.
If you have any questions about supporting Wellnest, please contact Angele Price, Vice President of Philanthropy / AngeleP@wellnestla.org / 323-545-4705
Scan the QR code and make your donation today!
“ With the right support, the world can get better. I’m proof of that. ”
– Stacy
EARLY INTERVENTION AND DAY TREATMENT INTENSIVE PROGRAM
This program strengthens the child-caregiver bond while helping manage challenging behaviors. Families often face issues like separation, loss, school difficulties, relationship challenges, or trauma. Children may struggle with hyperactivity, inattention, temper tantrums, depression, or anxiety. Sessions use play and art to match the child’s developmental stage and encourage emotional expression. Case management connects families to resources like childcare and recreational activities.
Stories OF HOPE
Stacey and Noah: A Supportive Healing Journey
Stacey is mother to Noah, who will be five in November. Their journey with Wellnest began when Noah was two and a half years old. At the time, Stacey was feeling overwhelmed and trying to navigate trauma from her relationship with Noah’s father. She didn’t fully trust the system and opening up to a therapist felt scary and unfamiliar.
But as she started weekly sessions through Wellnest’s Early Intervention program, things began to shift. A major turning point came when she was connected to Ciara, a therapist who made Stacey feel seen. “She didn’t just show up, she saw me,” Stacey says. “She listened without judgment and I started to trust her.”
Through those weekly sessions, they practiced calming breathing techniques together like, “Smell the flower” or, “Blow out the candle” and gentle leg tapping. And sometimes Noah is the one who reminds her to take a breath and says, “Mama, breathe.”
Today, Stacey is almost a year into her recovery. She has stable housing and income, is certified through LAUSD for janitorial work, and is enrolled in the HSS program. Life looks very different and more hopeful.
“My advice to anyone going through something similar is this is, don’t be afraid. Be honest,” she says. “There are tools that can help you become a better parent and a better person. Not everyone is out to get you. Some people really do care.”
For Stacey and Noah, Wellnest is one of those places.
“ Trust the process and don’t get discouraged during difficult moments.”
Ashley: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
Life was overwhelming for 18 year old Ashley before she found Wellnest. She struggled with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional dysregulation, anxious attachment, and a strong tendency to people-please. “I didn’t really know how to handle my emotions,” Ashley shares. “I kept everything in and tried to be okay for everyone else.” Her family, especially her mom Martha, grandma Juana, brother Angel, and her aunts Julany and Jacqueline were always there for her, but even with their support, Ashley knew she needed something else to truly heal.
That’s when she was connected to Wellnest and met her therapist, Eryn. “I got a great therapist who was real with me and was very supportive. She gave me great advice on how to work through my emotions, like doing video logs so I can hear myself work through my emotions.” With Wellnest’s Outpatient Services, Ashley was encouraged to heal and grow.
Ashley has always had a deep love for animals, and caring for hem has become an important part of her healing journey. Ashley recently graduated from high school and has been accepted to UC Davis. She plans to study animal science and her goal is to become a veterinarian.
Her advice for others going through similar challenges? “Always believe in yourself and your growth. (You have to) trust the process and don’t get discouraged during difficult moments. Be willing to try new things (because) you never know how helpful they might be!”
Keep going, Ashley!
OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Wellnest provides outpatient services onsite, in schools, homes, or wherever clients need support, including Telehealth. Offered in English and Spanish, services include individual, group, and family therapy, case management, and psychiatric care. Group sessions incorporate art, music, and other modalities to foster healing and growth.
Stories OF HOPE
INTENSIVE SERVICES/ WRAPAROUND
A nationally recognized model of service delivery that focuses on children and youth experiencing, or at risk for an out-of-home placement. An individual plan of care is driven by family-designated teams that include the Wellnest treatment team, child welfare, and or juvenile justice workers, educators, natural supporters, and other community members.
“ I used to get angry a lot…now I take deep breaths to calm down.”
Dezmarie and her foster parent Amanda: From Tantrums to Confidence
When Dezmarie Lopez Muñoz was referred to Wellnest by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) she was struggling with following rules and boundaries, she had frequent tantrums and showed signs of physical aggression. School was also difficult, and she often missed class, sometimes complaining of stomach pain. At that time, she was placed iin the care of foster parent Amanda who recalls feeling overwhelmed. “Era frustrante que no sabía yo qué hacer / It was frustrating because I didn’t know what to do,” Amanda shared.
With the support of her Wraparound team, Dezmarie began learning strategies to manage her emotions. “I used to get angry a lot… now I take deep breaths to calm down,” Dezmarie said. She has since grown more comfortable in school and has made new friends. Amanda has also gained skills and confidence as a caregiver for Dezmarie and her own children. “Aprendí muchas tácticas con los niños. Me ayudaron mucho y me trajeron cosas para mis niños / I learned many strategies to use with the children. They (Wellnest) helped me a lot and even bought things for my kids.”
Wellnest’s support extended beyond therapy sessions. The Wraparound team partnered with Amanda and the family’s DCFS social worker, as well as Dezmarie’s school staff to advocate for additional resources, including IEP evaluations, Regional Center services, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and pediatric support.
Today, Dezmarie has graduated from the Wraparound program and continues to receive long-term services through her IEP, Regional Center, and ABA therapy. She has her own advice for others: “I would tell other girls to work with Wrap because I am not mad anymore.”
INTEGRATED SERVICE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Wellnest allows participants to access comprehensive healthcare services in one location through our partnership with Adventist Health White Memorial.
Participants can also take advantage of non-traditional wellness offerings, like yoga, mindfulness, stress relief, art classes and healthy cooking sessions.
Stories OF HOPE
“ My therapist taught me mindfulness and breathing exercises. I use art to cope with my feelings, and I make self-care a priority.”
Maria: Finding Healing and Sharing Hope
When Maria’s mother entered hospice care, she didn’t fully understand what that meant—or how profoundly it would affect her. “When I realized I was going to lose my mother, I became very depressed,” she recalled. “After she passed, I isolated myself. I couldn’t practice self-care, and I couldn’t talk about my mother without crying.”
In the midst of her grief, Maria met Dr. Hazly at a community event, who introduced her to Wellnest. That connection became a turning point. Through therapy, Maria learned about the stages of grief and developed healthy coping skills to manage her depression.
“My therapist taught me mindfulness and breathing exercises. I use art to cope with my feelings, and I make self-care a priority,” Maria said. “Most importantly, I’m happy and at peace now. I can talk about my mother without crying.”
Maria’s healing journey didn’t stop with her own progress. She remains active in community programs such as Café Con Pan, where she continues to learn and share what she gains with others. “I’m a believer that a human being never stops learning,” she said. “What I learn at Wellnest, I share with my daughter, my siblings, and my friends. It’s so special when I hear my daughter pass that knowledge on to her own friends.”
Maria’s advice to others facing similar struggles is simple: “Go to therapy. Seek the opportunity to get help.”
Looking back, Maria is filled with gratitude. “I am very grateful for the services I received at Wellnest,” she reflected. “They helped me find peace, and now I can share that peace with others.”
Making an IMPACT
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
(Total number of clients served)
272,844
Wellnest has nearly 273,000 client engagements annually in Los Angeles County.
*Percentages are rounded to the whole number
32 schools linked
638 students served
43,082 Telehealth sessions
94,000 Dedicated hours of service
90,000 Miles driven by providers
Graciela Flores: From Internship to Advocate
“ I love my community and, for as long as I can remember, have wanted to give back.”
When Graciela Flores began her internship at Wellnest in September 2024, she thought she was simply completing a requirement for her Master of Social Work program at Cal State Long Beach. What she found instead was a mission-driven community she now hopes will be part of her career for years to come.
Her internship concluded in May 2025, but the relationship didn’t end there. This past summer, Graciela joined the team as a part-time case manager, with the goal of returning as a therapist in the Early Intervention department after completing her degree.
Assigned to Wellnest through her graduate program, it was the agency’s mission and values that brought her back. She was especially impacted by a Cultural Humility workshop, which shaped her approach to clients. While working with one of her clients with an open DCFS case due to domestic violence, she realized she made an unconscious assumption. “After reflecting on the training, I paused, reconsidered my approach, and stayed open to what the family chose to share based on their experience,” she said. Meeting the father in their final session—and seeing his deep involvement in his child’s life—was a powerful reminder.
For Graciela, the mission is deeply personal. She was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and attended Animo Jackie Robinson Charter High School, one of the schools Wellnest now serves. “I love my community and, for as long as I can remember, have wanted to give back,” she shared. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to invest in the children and families of South LA and to contribute to the kind of positive change I’ve always envisioned for my own neighborhood.”
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF THERAPISTS
Wellnest’s Clinical Training & Intern Development Program trains well-rounded, culturally responsive therapists ready to serve diverse communities. Interns receive best-practice training focused on client engagement, including assessment, diagnosis , and treatment skills. They gain experience in individual, family and group psychotherapy, with supervision provided in both individual and group formats. We currently have partnerships with University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California (USC), California State University Dominguez Hills, Azusa Pacific University, Cambridge College and Columbia University.
The Nest on Exposition HOUSING FOR PROMISE
“At Wellnest, we’re not just building housing—we’re building possibility.”
“Housing for Promise means creating places where young people don’t just survive— they belong, they heal, and they dream forward.”
— Board Member Gail Kennard
Renderings provided by
Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA
At Wellnest, we believe housing is more than shelter, it is the foundation for emotional stability, healing, and a brighter future. For young adults aging out of foster care, having a safe and supportive home can mean the difference between stability and struggle. That belief inspired The Nest on Exposition, a groundbreaking supportive housing community that reflects Wellnest’s belief that we are truly Housing for Promise.
Scheduled for completion in February 2026, The Nest on Exposition will provide 24 fully furnished units for young adults at risk of homelessness, along with a resident manager’s unit and a shared community space. Designed under the State of California’s Project Homekey initiative, the project transforms an underutilized portion of the Wellnest Center’s parking lot into a vibrant community setting directly connected to our continuum of care.
Recognizing the urgency of Los Angeles’ housing crisis, Wellnest approached the project with innovation, agility, and compassion. To bring young people home faster, we turned to modular construction–an advanced, sustainable method that reimagines traditional building timelines. Each unit was meticulously built off-site in a controlled environment with finished interiors, then transported and assembled on-site. This approach streamlined both permitting and construction, reduced waste, ensured higher quality, and expedited move-in readiness.
Yet innovation at Wellnest extends beyond building techniques as it’s woven into how we design spaces that support emotional well-being. We challenged the limitations of modular design, working closely with architects and engineers to create a structure that feels uplifting and human
centered. Instead of long, box-like corridors, each residential module was rotated 45 degrees and arranged in a staggered plan that enhances light, air, and connection. Every apartment is now a corner unit, bathed in natural light with open views that promote a sense of freedom and calm.
Outside each door, small porches wit built-in seating create welcoming thresholds where residents can connect or reflect. Open-air corridors encourage interaction while allowing natural ventilation, and a sky-lit rooftop terrace offers a place to gather, relax, and enjoy the Los Angeles sunshine.
From the street, The Nest on Exposition stands as both elegant and bold. Four slender towers, crowned with distinctive pitched roofs and clad in reflective aluminum panels, shift and shimmer with the changing light–a symbol of possibility and renewal in one of the city’s busiest intersections.
The Nest on Exposition embodies Wellnest’s vision for the next century, an organization rooted in care, yet boldly shaping the future of integrated mental health and housing. Here, young adults will find not only a place to live, but a place to grow, heal, and thrive.
100th Anniversary CENTENNIAL GALA
SEPTEMBER 2024
Wellnest Centennial Celebration Raises a staggering $1 Million
It was a night of inspiration, hope, and celebration as more than 600 guests gathered at the Skirball Cultural Center to honor a century of hope and healing at Wellnest’s Centennial Celebration Gala. Emceed by Chris Schauble of KTLA 5 Morning News, the evening commemorated 100 years of service to Los Angeles children, youth, and families, culminating in a milestone $1 million raised to support the Community Wellnest Center, an innovative behavioral health hub dedicated to addressing health disparities in an underserved area.
The ballroom shimmered with energy and purpose as former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra received the Visionary Award for his leadership in advancing mental health equity. Other honorees included the Louchheim Family (Legacy Award), Jacqueline Jacobs Caster (Impact Award), David Ambroz (Champion Award), and GRAMMY Award-winner Pablo Stennett (Ambassador Award). Each shared stories highlighting the power of compassion, advocacy, and collective action.
Sofia, a Wellnest client, moved the audience with her story of transformation through the organization’s care and support, earning a standing ovation and reminding guests why Wellnest’s mission matters so deeply.
Gala Chair Jennifer Louchheim praised Wellnest’s unwavering dedication: “Their passion for providing hope, healing, and opportunity for families is infinite.”
The funds raised will help bring to life the Community Wellnest Center, offering vital behavioral health in the community. The project reflects Wellnest’s legacy and bold vision for the future, a future defined by compassion, inclusion, and opportunity for every young person in Los Angeles.
Elizabeth W. Pfromm
Ed Phillips
Repko Grants
Rutan & Tucker LLP
Raul F. Salinas
South Coast Facility Services
Maria Benel Se
Tracy Slade
Gregory Spahr
Tapia Brothers Co.
Carmen Torres
Tzuna Strategies
Valero
Voya Financial
Rhonda Washington
Brenda Wiewel
Jonathan Wirthlin
PATRONS $500-$999
Athens Services
Believe & Achieve Book Club
Scholarship Foundation
Dorothy Anne Bailie
Cora Brooks
Leon Brooks
Ellis M. Chernoff
Carrie Dimas-Espinoza
Anthony Durham
Eva Dworsky
Loreeta Earl
Veronica Franco
Jenna Haeflinger-Kurtz
Holos Communities
Rebecca Haussling
Margaret Howe
Juliet Johnson
Corrine Kane
Andrew M. Lustgarten
Manatt, Phelps, Phillips, LLP
Mission Driven PR, Inc.
My Work Force Solutions LLC
Randall Martinez
Wayne Moore
Douglas Morseburg
Christina Moses
Paco and Ruthie Retana
Sk Global Management Inc
Rick Saneda
RC Schrader
Arnette Travis
Etelvina De La Toree Trustee
United Parents and Students
Melissa Vassel
Michael Wise
Theresa Zapata
Roger Zickfeld
FRIENDS $250-$499
Matt Anderson
Susan Ayala
Barbara Bacon
Janice Chernoff
Mr. and Mrs. Maxim Fields
Desi Gamez
Duke Hagenburger
Dan Hirsch
James Householder
Lois Johnson
Jewells Manzano
Ross Maza
Crystal McNeal
Deborah Oppenheimer
Jillian Phan
Jade Ramos
Lisa Cleri Reale
Olivia E. Rios
Laurence Roberts
Savills Inc.
Eric Sarkisyan
Adam W. Sternberg
Naomi Strogin
Ana M. Suarez
Robert Trebor
Yan Ling Weng
Charles Wilhelm
2024-2025 SUPPORTERS
ASSOCIATES $100- $249
Celina Alonso
Laura Alvarez
Lori Andrews
Eric Busby
Christine Carrillo
Tonetta Conner
Vicki Curry
Pam and Randi Remis and Cutler
Reina Diaz
Lila DiBella
Priscilla Douglas
David Fractor
Roxanne Linon Garcia
Socorro D. Gertmenian
Lourdes Gomez
Catalina Gonzalez
Alyson Goodall
Cristian Herrera
Nina Hu
Lorrie Irving
Eliana Rocio Juarez
Lydia Kennard
Pamela J. Kennedy
Maria Knox
Woods Kristy
Jack E-Jei Liang
Cecilia Magana
Donna Mastalski
Betty Mendoza
Ruthie Gramajo Molina
Dawn Fanning Moore
Andy Park
Angela Perez
Mario Perez
Anders Rahm
Tanya Ramos
Katherine Ross
Michael Roth
Eric Spiegelman
Jan Taguiam
Steven M. Talavea
Sheryl Stein-Tidus
Lyle Zimskind
SUPPORTERS $1- $99
Kathleen Adamovic
Phil Albanese
Alan Bernstein
David Botello
Bichngoc Cao
Brenda Dillon
Esperanza Guevara
Yesenia Felipa Hernandez
Andrew Himot
Zenia Lasola
Marcy Lebovitz
Michelle Salazar
Harish Sarin
Nancy Signer
Robert Sutherland
Alexander Tomaszczuk
United Way California Capital Region
Octavio Valladares
IN-KIND
Bravo Salon
East West Bank
Erikk Aldridge
Chris Arranaga
Bre Baker-Cohen
Vernadine De Jesus
Grant Associates
Carrie Tsang-Hidding and Harry Hidding
ISAIA
Jay Leno
Julie Lytle Nesbit
Jovanna Marsh
Marlys and Thomas Murray
Kya Nichols
Griselda Perez
Sari Peralta
Sandy Pressman
Christina Ramos Mora
Josh Rebholz
Victoria Rogers
Sally Shaw
John H. Semcken
Carrolle Simien
Vanessa Torres
Michelle Waring
Joshua Washington
Connie Yepez
XIV Carats
We apologize for any omissions inadvertently made and kindly request that you please reach out to the Philanthropy team so we can make the correction, at Philanthropy@WellnestLA.org 323-545-4705 x3308.
“ I am grateful to help the Board of Directors guide the team at Wellnest in their mission to deliver compassionate and caring services to children and families . ”
Donor Highlight CARRIE TSANG-HIDDING
Carrie Tsang-Hidding is the 2024–2025 Chair of the Wellnest Board of Directors and a long-standing supporter of our mission. Before this role, she served as a dedicated board member and has been a generous advocate for many years. Last year, Carrie and her husband Harry Hidding (pictured) proudly sponsored our Centennial Celebration Gala, helping raise more than $1 million in support of our upcoming Community Wellnest Center.
Beyond her service to Wellnest, Carrie co-founded teamCFO, where she brings more than 30 years of expertise in financial and risk management, operations, and auditing. Many of her clients are nonprofit organizations, giving her unique insight into the challenge and opportunities facing mission-driven institutions. As Board Chair, she applies this experience to strengthening governance and advancing a strategic vision for the future.
We are honored and grateful for Carrie’s leadership, generosity, and commitment to Wellnest!
ORGANIZATION
Wellnest was recognIzed as an Outstanding Nonprofit Organization by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Los Angeles (AFPGLA) at their annual awards celebration held on December 5, 2024, at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.
WILDFIRE RECOVERY CONFERENCE
JANUARY 2025
Wellnest Intensive Services team members participated in the Wildfire Recovery Conference in Pasadena, hosted by the Los Angeles Sentinel. Our team provided important tips, insights and strategies into supporting children through crisis.
Community Resource Event BACK TO SCHOOL
JULY 2024
More than 280 individuals attended Wellnest’s Back-to-School Community Resource Event on July 27, 2024 to help children and families prepare for the school year with free backpacks and school supplies, dental screenings and haircuts.
Families also received a $50 gift card and food bags donated from Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs Grocery Company while Lil’ Libros gave each child a free book to add to their collection and encourage literacy.
With support from exhibitors and in-kind donations from businesses and community-based organizations, the event created a sense of community, support, and hope that contributes to the overall well-being and success of the children and families Wellnest serves.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
MAY 2025
Wellnest, in partnership with Ora Urban Café, hosted a vibrant community gathering in the heart of Leimert Park, Los Angeles, bringing together Wellnest clients, local residents, and community partners for an afternoon of connection, healing, and meaningful dialogue around emotional well-being. Attendees engaged in interactive wellness activities, including therapeutic art and plant therapy, and learned about healthy nutrition from Feast for All.
HOW PROGRAMS USE RESOURCE
*As of fiscal year end, a portion of Public Funds for Construction are being held for The Nest on Exposition and The Community Wellnest Center. 2024-2025
