I, Priscilla, while attending UCLA to complete a master’s degree of social work, interned my second year at the VA-Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA.  It was my privilege to work with homeless mentally ill veterans, offering diverse services specific to their needs consistent with standards of social work practice. It was during this experience that my passion for serving the homeless was conceived.

My first job after graduating from UCLA was working in a homeless access center in Pasadena, CA.  In this center, there was a collaborative effort between the local homeless shelter and the mental health agency that employed me as the Clinical Coordinator to oversee clinic operations.  It was during this time that the passion for serving the homeless, which was conceived at the VA, was further developed and thrust forward.

Despite other employment opportunities that afforded me avenues for working with the homeless, the level of involvement was restricted.  My heart has always been with the disenfranchised to offer support with love, dignity and respect.  About a year ago, an interaction with a mentally ill individual at church prompted me to explore the possibility of starting an organization to serve the disenfranchised focusing on biblical principles.   It is my desire, and that of my husband, to serve the homeless, those at-risk of homelessness, those with low income or no income in the Santa Clarita Valley as well as migrant farm workers in the eastern-most corridor of Ventura County.

Out of this passionate vision, COMPASSIONATE HEARTS OUTREACH was birthed.  It has taken time to move this project forward, but my husband and I are excited about what we will be able to provide for the community especially during these economically challenged times.