"First the heart, then the work." These are the words of St. Vincent de Paul that serves as the heart of Maryvale's mission. During these challenging times, we are honored our services are deemed “essential” during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Relying on our Vincentian Core Values of Respect, Compassionate Service, Simplicity, Advocacy for the Poor and Inventiveness to Infinity, we remain committed to instilling hope to those we serve by adapting to unforeseen situations with creativity and compassion.

Here are a few of the many things we’ve added to our programs to meet the needs of our youth and families during this time.

In our Community-Based Services program, our most vulnerable families have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. About 75% have either lost their job or have experienced significantly decreased income.

In addition to providing critical behavioral health services via electronic means or by telephone, our team of social workers, mental health therapists and family advocates have dedicated themselves to meeting the increasing need for food, household supplies, and other basic needs among these families.

They have been providing them with grocery vouchers/gift cards, paper products, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and food. Many of the adults do not have access to transportation, so staff have been delivering the products to our family’s homes. To ensure they receive them, staff leave the bags on the doorstep and wait in their cars until seeing someone in the household physically pick up the bags.

Approximately 15 of our at-risk families ranging from four to six members or more in a family, need assistance. We have been able to provide $50 to $75 a week for food and other necessities.

Strength from their Journey

Change is not easy for the youth and young women in our Residential program, but our behavioral health, Girls Recovery and Sober Support (G.R.A.S.S.), and Wellness staff remain committed to providing activities that keep our residents engaged and hopeful.

Wellness activities are critical to the well-being of our residents, so all activities continue strictly following social distancing and “safer at home” guidelines. All non-essential face-to-face campus visits have been canceled and are being conducted over the phone or via video conference. We are also working directly with schools and education providers to keep residents in learning and class-related activities.

In the event of a positive COVID-19 test on campus, we have designated one of our buildings a quarantine facility – with all residents and staff from that building, relocated. We are thankful no one has tested positive for COVID-19 on campus.

Every day, through activities and interactions, our staff strive to provide a sense of normalcy. So far it has been successful. We are happy to share residents have been responding well.

When There is Nowhere to Turn, We are Here

When families have no other childcare options, they turn to Maryvale’s Early Education program. We are honored that essential workers like social workers and the researchers, nurses, and doctors from the City of Hope, have entrusted our program to provide a healthy and safe learning environment for their child.

Both Duarte and Rosemead facilities are open. And, although we are operating under a reduced a capacity, the health of our staff and children remains a priority and will never be compromised. This testimonial from Emiko, an early education parent says it all:

"Thank you to everyone for their hard work in helping us under this difficult situation.

Honestly, I was thinking Maryvale was going to limit their services – like shorten operational hours or not provide meals, snacks etc. However, everyone, not only the teachers, but also the admin staff, continues to provide the same quality of care, following protocols. This makes it comfortable for our kids and ourselves as essential workers.

My son is happy and excited to go Maryvale every day. He's involved in so many activities he couldn’t have done at home.

I wish I could directly thank each staff member one by one, but due to the situation, it would be helpful if you can share this with everyone. Again, thank you for all of support!!"

Essential workers are eligible for free childcare at Maryvale! For more information, please contact Cristina Rodriguez at 626.357.1514 ext.489 or by email at crodriguez@maryvale.org.

Life beyond this pandemic is still unknown. However, what we do know is that we will come away stronger and more united.

We are the Maryvale Family, and we will navigate these challenging times together. That is why your generosity is vital to our ability to provide “essential services.”

Help us continue offering our Community-Based, Residential, and Early Education programs during these challenging times. Make a monetary donation today. Financial donations help us provide essential items like food, gift cards or hygiene products. If you would like to make a donation to help purchase items like these, please select “Wish List” in the drop down menu.

Product donations are also much-needed. Visit our "Wish List" page for a complete list of items, or to learn more about how your in-kind donations impact our families during this time.