Groups Ally to Fortify Services to the Needy

Representatives of nonprofit organizations gathered Wednesday searching for ways to strengthen the delivery of social services to needy people in the Valley.

Participants at the first Valley Non-Profit Alliance meeting stressed the importance of collaboration, especially in light of the welfare reform law and shrinking federal assistance.

“With everything that’s happening on the federal level, I’ve heard everything from ‘watch out’ to ‘disaster,’ ” said Richard Hill of Bridge Focus.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick, who spoke at the meeting, said a joint effort would benefit all concerned. “Instead of competing for resources, [it’s] better to become a heavy hitter that can access even greater resources,” Chick said.

Founding members of the alliance represent organizations such as the HELP Group--a family of nonprofit agencies assisting troubled young people that hosted Wednesday’s breakfast--Valley Community Clinic, Women’s Care Cottage, the Boys & Girls Club and several others.

Monthly meetings of alliance members will provide a forum through which representatives can exchange information, share fund-raising strategies and lobby the government.

City Councilman Michael Feuer said the alliance will demonstrate the value of cooperation. Feuer mentioned a Thanksgiving he spent helping to feed hungry people in the Valley. His then-4-year-old son went along, with a handful of pennies.

“I asked him why he had brought the pennies, and he said, ‘Well, Daddy, we can give them a meal for Thanksgiving, but what are they going to do tomorrow?’ ”

“That’s the challenge we all face. . . And by sharing ideas and energy, you make your jobs better.”