Women’s Care Cottage Receives $5,000 Grant

In honor of its work with homeless women and children, the Women’s Care Cottage in North Hollywood received a $5,000 Community Catalyst Award from Bank of America on Wednesday.

The cottage will use the money to meet costs of helping the nearly 3,000 women a year who use the organization’s services, said Women’s Care Executive Director Kathie Mathis.

“We’re extremely proud to be the recipient of Bank of America’s award,” Mathis said.

“It’s not every day that something like this happens. For Women’s Care Cottage to be the recipient is just wonderful.”

Since its inception in 1985, the Women’s Care Cottage has helped thousands of women and their children move into stable housing and employment, Mathis said.

Its programs include an educational resource center that offers classes in reading and parenting, and a vocational center where clients have access to job listings, counseling, computer training and job placement.

The cottage also offers a 90-day temporary shelter and a two-year transitional housing program.

Along with the Los Angeles Child Care and Development Council, the cottage operates a free child-care center for 46 low-income or homeless children up to age 5.

The Community Catalyst Award is given weekly to Los Angeles County nonprofit agencies that promote education, job training, child care or affordable housing. The bank, which began the pilot program in February, plans to award $250,000 this year, bank officials said.

Other Valley groups that have received the award include the San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Council, San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, Meet Each Need With Dignity in Pacoima, Dress-4-Success in North Hollywood and the North Los Angeles Small Business Development Center of Van Nuys.