Center Planned for Teens in Transition

Penny Lane, a group home for emotionally disturbed children, will expand treatment services with the addition of a living center for 17- to 19-year-olds who have been physically and sexually abused.

Penny Lane, also known as the National Foundation for the Treatment of the Emotionally Handicapped, already houses more than 100 children in nine centers throughout the Valley. Founder and Executive Director Ivelise Markowitz said the new facility, a former apartment house in North Hills, will focus on developing skills in older teens to make the transition into the real world a little easier.

“We have found that after children leave [our] homes, they aren’t ready to accept responsibilities of independent living, like looking for a job or an apartment,” Markowitz said. “This center will work on that transition.”

The building, which was purchased for $160,000 and will be rehabilitated with $90,000 from the Los Angeles Housing Department, will house 12 teens. Markowitz said the transitional programs at the facility will include job development and educational counseling.

Penny Lane, founded in 1970, was named after the well-known Beatles song because of its uplifting feeling.

There will be a ground-breaking ceremony for the center at 15256 Acre St. at 3:30 p.m. Thursday with City Councilman Richard Alarcon present. Penny Lane hopes to open the center by the end of the year. For information, call (818) 892-3423.