According to ChildHelp.org, more than 3.6 million referrals are made to child protection agencies involving more than 6.6 million children every year. Olive Crest is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family. The organization has a branch in Palm Desert to serve families in the Coachella Valley.
Most children arrive via County Departments of Children and Family Services. As a result of family issues, some children also come to Olive Crest through probation and mental health referrals, but they account for only about 10% of the organization’s population.
“‘Child Abuse Stops Here’ is not just a tag line for us. It is our vision and the goal we all work toward every day. We work with the children in our community through referrals that come from Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Child Welfare Agency. Much of our preventive work is done through private donations and a faith-based volunteer program called Safe Families for Children,” said Angela Allen, the Olive Crest Development Manager of the Palm Desert branch.
Olive Crest’s mission is to reunite every child with his or her family. The goal for those in the Foster to Adoption program is that they will be successfully matched with a forever family and adopted. Teens in these programs are emancipated as independent adults, or move to a Transitional Housing program whereas youth participating in the Family Preservation programs are not removed from their homes and remain with their biological families.
“Without a doubt, the transformation of children’s lives and the healing of families I get to see [is the most rewarding part of my job]. Our staff is so selflessly committed to the well-being of the children we serve, they inspire me every day,” stated Allen.
Several events take place throughout the year to raise awareness for Olive Crest’s cause, including an annual fundraiser during the first week of December. The Power of One Luncheon is scheduled to be held on March 5, 2020, featuring guest speaker Kris “Tanto” Peranto, one of the heroes of Benghazi and featured in the film 13 Hours.
“We like to say we are raising children, not just providing services. In order to continue the extraordinary level of care we provide, it requires private funding, and volunteers. We need more people to be aware of the work Olive Crest is doing in our community, so that they can be a part of stopping child abuse,” explained Allen.
Volunteers are always welcomed at Olive Crest, whether it involves being a mentor to a child or family, organizing a fundraiser, or speaking to churches or schools about Olive Crest. The organization also provides internship opportunities to allow others to gain valuable career experience while serving children and families.
“Our entire organization is focused on stopping child abuse. That may seem an impossible goal, but we actually have a bold plan of action in place that when fully implemented will have a tremendous impact in reducing the number of children entering the child welfare system annually nationwide. Everyone can do something to help,”said Allen.
Visit olivecrest.org to learn more about the organization or to sign up as a volunteer.
