United Way Grants to Aid Family Services

United Way of Greater Los Angeles has awarded grants totaling $555,700 to 13 nonprofit organizations in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding area, officials of the agency said. The grant amounts range from $21,500 to $50,000.

Recipients include the International Institute of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley Child Guidance Clinic, both of which will use the funds to expand counseling and other services provided to troubled families, United Way officials said.

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles will use its grant to expand counseling to battered women and their families, according to United Way. Bridge/Focus in Burbank will also expand its counseling services for at-risk youth and their families.

The Los Angeles Center for Therapy and Education and Friends of the Family in Van Nuys were awarded grants to help fight child abuse. The San Fernando Valley HIV/AIDS Center in Van Nuys will use the money to provide affordable child care for its clients. A grant will go to AIDS Project Los Angeles for AIDS-prevention for Latino youth, United Way said.