We empower hopes and dreams. Our values are commitment, community and collaboration. We welcome all clients regardless of gender, race, age, religion, disability, marital status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
We’re Penny Lane Centers, a leading nonprofit in Los Angeles County. Our dedicated staff works with clients, professionals, community partners and government agencies to transform the lives of thousands of children, youth and families each year. We offer a continuum of programs in a variety of locations throughout L.A. County. We choose to lead with a heart centered culture, to be innovative and to be open as this is at the core of who we are. We understand that kids, families, staff and community all basically want the same thing. Everyone desires the feeling of belonging and connection—a sense of purpose that is recognized and valued by others. We humbly welcome everyone to our circle and embrace, empower, and protect those in need.
Struggling individuals, youth and families striving for healthier, more productive, and happier lives in the communities we serve
To transform the lives of those who come to us desiring a better life.
Our work is guided by a heart-centered, strengths-based, and blame-free culture. We believe that every ONE matters.
This principle shapes every interaction, ensuring we approach each person as an individual who is unique and special. We meet and work with each person where they are most comfortable, focusing on their unique needs to determine which of our array of services can best impact their lives in a positive way.
This approach is the foundation of our multi-service organization, which now employs over 500 full-time social service providers and support staff, serving 3,500 children, youth, and families monthly. We apply this philosophy across all our programs, including:
It began with a dream.
Ivelise Markovits (Ive; “E-vay”) founded Penny Lane in 1969. Upon graduating from high school in her native Puerto Rico, Ive (pictured, 1979) and her family moved to Southern California. In college, Ive was a feminist, socio-political activist and a peace marcher. Her sense of justice was already very strong. After graduating from college, Ive began her career as a placement officer for the Los Angeles County Probation Department. She was responsible for finding residential treatment facilities for female wards of the court. In a very short period of time, Ive became frustrated and disillusioned with the near void of adequate treatment facilities available to girls, especially those who were a bit more challenging than others. Ive’s personal values could not let her ignore this gross injustice. Thus began the dream.
Over the next few months, while still working for the Probation Department, Ive began to pull together the pieces that would go into developing a strong residential treatment program for teen aged girls. Despite enough hurdles, obstacles and challenges to discourage all but the most completely dedicated, Ive stood fast and prevailed. On December 15th, 1969, Penny Lane became a functioning reality.
The foundation’s nickname, Penny Lane, was taken from the upbeat, cheerful Beatles tune that celebrates the simple joys of life. What began as a group home for a handful of adolescent girls has grown into a multi-service organization serving thousands of children, families, and youth.
Penny Lane Centers has affiliation or accreditation with the following:
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We believe in accountability to our community. You can review our latest annual report to see the full scope of our work, our impact, and our financial stewardship.
View Our 2024 Annual Report
From expectant mothers to homeless veterans, our programs provide critical services. Your gift will change a life and make a difference by giving hope and helping meet the needs of the underserved.
