Organization Overview

Founded

1940

Organization Type

  • Direct Service
  • Multi-functional Social Service Agency

Issue Areas

  • Counseling
  • Health
  • Literacy
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Parenting
  • Domestic Abuse and Victims of Crime Prevention/Intervention
  • Housing Assistance
  • Senior Services

Executive Team

A full list of HSA’s Leadership Team can be viewed here.

Board of Directors

A full list of HSA’s board members can be viewed here.

Website

www.hsala.org

The Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative is a network of organizations working together to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit sector and increase civic engagement in Southeast LA. Founded in 2011 by eleven core organizations, the Collaborative seeks to revitalize the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, South Gate, Vernon, and Walnut Park.

Our “Collaborative Spotlight” series highlights the work and impact of our individual Collaborative members, each of whom have a long history of providing service to the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) region and advocating for its community members. In today’s post, we highlight the work and impact of Human Services Association.

A Legacy of Service in the SELA Region

When it comes to naming organizations that have deep roots in the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) communities, no name comes to mind quicker than today’s featured Collaborative member: Human Services Association (HSA). Founded in 1940, HSA began as an outreach effort of the Presbyterian Church, when the floods in the southeast area highlighted the pre-existing problems of poverty in Bell Gardens and surrounding cities. Since then, HSA’s programming has evolved to meet the changing needs of the SELA community. Evolving from an organization focused on recreation programs and group work to a multi-functional social service agency, HSA has emerged as the largest community-based nonprofit organization in Southeast Los Angeles. Through their programs, HSA delivers a diverse range of services supporting community members throughout their lifespan and serves residents throughout Los Angeles County. While HSA remains affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, all services have been administered on a non-sectarian basis since 1975.

Building Partnerships in the SELA Community

Collaboration has been at the heart of HSA’s approach since its inception. For example, in its early years, when it operated under the name Bell Gardens Community Center, HSA collaborated with peer agencies to ensure it could provide the full range of services needed by Bell Gardens community members. This willingness to partner with other organizations and agencies for the benefit of the SELA communities has remained a hallmark of HSA’s approach, along with two other key aspects of its successful formula: empathy and inclusiveness. Through its suite of services, which encompasses everything from counseling, health, literacy, early childhood education, parenting, senior meal programs, and more, HSA supports and empowers all members of the SELA community, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. HSA’s integrity and compassion haven’t gone unnoticed, as their work has attracted diverse organizations and agencies who partner with HSA to provide key services to the SELA region and other cities in Los Angeles County. HSA receives program contracts from Los Angeles County, State of California, Federal government, other agencies, private foundations and donors. These partnerships help them reach over 20,000 clients annually with their range of comprehensive services. These remarkable achievements have made HSA one of the most trusted and admired organizations in the SELA region.

Collaborating to Spark Change

HSA’s core values of compassion and comprehensiveness have made them a perfect fit for the SELA Collaborative. In fact, for HSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Leticia D. Chacon, the Collaborative’s work is reminiscent of the community gatherings she witnessed in her teen years. Growing up, she has fond memories of community and family members coming together to share news, resources, and a sense of camaraderie accompanied by a helping of local food. “What I enjoy most about the Collaborative is the sense of partnership – ‘el compadrazco’” she says. “To me, the only way we can help folks in the region thrive is to come together and tackle these difficult issues as a community.” And as CEO of one of the foremost nonprofits in the SELA region, Ms. Chacon serves as an invaluable voice in SELA Collaborative’s committees, contributing extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to increasing the level of nonprofits’ capacities. Additionally, as one of the founding members of the SELA Collaborative, HSA has played a key role in ensuring the values of compassion and integrity remain central to our programs. By contributing both strategic acumen and heart to the SELA Collaborative, HSA has proven itself an invaluable voice in shaping our current and future work.

As one of the foremost nonprofits in Southeast LA, HSA serves as a guiding light and shining example of how to channel compassion and empathy into programs that empower communities and provide critical assistance to those in need. By prioritizing empathy, inclusiveness, and community, HSA has been able to build a legacy of service in the Southeast Los Angeles region spanning nearly 80 years – an incredible feat by any nonprofit’s standards. We as the SELA Collaborative look forward to working alongside HSA to continue supporting nonprofits and community members on our path towards an informed, engaged, and empowered SELA region. ~

HSA Delegates in the SELA Collaborative

Leticia Chacon

Leticia Chacon

Chief Executive Officer

Ricardo Mota

Ricardo Mota

Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer

Learn More About HSA’s Programs

Human Services Association provides an array of comprehensive services that support Los Angeles County community members throughout their lifespan. To learn more about all their great programs, you can visit their website at www.hsala.org or check out the direct links below.