Long-Planned For The Child Renovation Set
Downtown Gazette, The (Long Beach, CA) - Monday, February 4, 2008
Author: Kelly Garrison
Many children who have witnessed or become victims of abuse have found refuge in support services that today are known as For the Child.
After about 30 years of growth and an ever-increasing demand for its programs, the nonprofit organization has planned a major renovation on its headquarters. The overhaul, at 4565 California Ave., will add about 500 square feet to the facility and create additional space to serve its clients.
"We're completely renovating our interior, expanding the lobby and have made our courtyard into additional office space," said Executive Director Michele Winterstein. "We've added nine more treatment offices. The expansion will let us almost double the treatment services that we can provide in that building."
That's big news, she said, for the at-risk youth who have been placed on waiting lists for support.
"Every month, just in the greater Long Beach area, we have between 900 and 1,000 children referred here for investigation of child abuse and neglect," Winterstein said. "The need is very great."
Construction so far on the approximately 50-year-old building has enhanced soundproofing within its walls so that family consultations are more secluded. In addition, part of the lobby has been transformed into a play area for children.
"It was never designed for the work we do," she said of the facility. "It's an old AAA building that was built in the 1950s. We worked with the Historic Preservation department to keep the exterior consistent with the historic nature of the architecture."
Since September, For the Child staff temporarily has provided care from a building at 3736 Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls. They also increased the use of their 36-foot-long, counseling services motor home, which brings counseling and psychological therapy to children at their schools.
Winterstein said staff anticipates moving back into the California Avenue structure sometime this week. An open house in April will showcase the newly-renovated center to the community during the organization's observation of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Another expansion will follow, probably within two to three years, and will add another 2,500 square feet onto the building. It will allow For the Child to again increase its treatment space about twofold, Winterstein said. The site houses many of its administration and treatment programs, although other services are organized through its auxiliary locations, at 4001 Long Beach Blvd. and the Kids' Place at the Long Beach Courthouse, where children can stay occupied while waiting for their parents to take care of legal issues.
"Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to provide help when it happens," Winterstein said. "We have special programs for young children that facilitate parent-child interaction."
Programs serve children from infants to 18-year-olds and include crisis intervention, court advocacy, therapy, life skills programs and more. Most clients contact the organization for help on their own or are referred to it by police, teachers, pediatricians, courts and therapists. About $150,000 of the estimated $500,000 in building costs have been raised so far.
For the Child is seeking donations for its second phase of construction. To donate or to find out about volunteer opportunities, call 422-8472
