Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic Honors L.A. Times' Sandy Banks & USC's Family of Schools Program

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Times Columnist Sandy Banks was honored yesterday at the Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic's Fifth Annual Awards Luncheon for her insightful and compelling focus on local children in foster care. USC's Family of Schools program received accolades at the same event for its financial and volunteer investments in unique programs for children at local schools surrounding its campuses in South and East Los Angeles.

"With tens of thousands of local youth in out-of-home placement, Sandy Banks regularly shines a desperately needed light on their trauma and extraordinary challenges, as well as on their dreams and hopes," said Clinic President and CEO Elizabeth W. Pfromm, M.S., MPA. "Her compassionate advocate's voice helps the Times' 900,000 readers understand foster children's lives beyond superficial sound bites, and in doing so helps all of us build public support for their frayed safety net." Ms. Banks received the Clinic's Evis Coda Award for Building Hope for Families.

Kim Thomas Barrios, USC's Executive Director of Neighborhood Academic Initiatives, accepted the Clinic's Quinton James Award for Making A Difference for the USC Family of Schools' student enrichment program for local schools surrounding its campuses. Programs include SAT preparation, direct access to USC students for tutoring and mentoring, as well as laboratory research opportunities, literacy tutoring, access to residential writing courses on campus, and more. Over $11 million in financial support has been raised through USC Neighborhood Outreach for partner schools and organizations.

"The USC Family of Schools creates synergy and leadership in our neighborhoods, with tangible results for 15 local schools and over 7,000 students annually," said Ms. Pfromm. "With over 200 local students having earned full scholarships to USC through the program, USC's Family of Schools is indeed 'making a difference' and much more for our local youth."

The Awards Luncheon was graciously hosted by Telemundo TV52 Los Angeles Special Assignment Reporter, Azalea Iniguez.

Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic empowers South and Central L.A.'s children and young adults to get on track to success – to reach goals in school, build healthy relationships, and enjoy emotional well-being. Our team of compassionate professionals offers behavioral counseling and support to individuals and families.

SOURCE Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic