Helping LA Families Heal—One Bed at a Time

Celebrating Our Volunteers in April

This year marks El Nido Family Centers’ Centennial—100 years of walking alongside Angelenos through both moments of crisis and moments of joy. That legacy continued last month when we partnered with Ashley, the largest furniture store brand in North America, to deliver 200 brand-new twin beds to families in need. 

The donation, part of Ashley’s Hope to Dream initiative, was about more than furniture—it was about restoring a sense of stability for families facing major disruptions to their lives. Thanks to dedicated Ashley volunteers and El Nido staff, the beds reached homes where they were needed most, from South LA to the San Fernando Valley. 

One of those families was that of Esther V.—a resilient woman working hard to stay strong for her loved ones during a difficult chapter of her life. 

Esther’s Story: Leaning on Her Community 

For over a decade, Esther has been a member of the Best Start San Fernando Valley Regional Network, a program of El Nido, helping to shape community-centered solutions in her neighborhood. But when January wildfires destroyed the Malibu home where she worked, Esther’s family found themselves facing a lot of uncertainty. 

With her husband recovering from an injury and out of work, Esther is the primary earner for a household that includes her daughters and two young grandchildren. She’s still searching for new work—and still showing up for her community. 

When Esther came to pick up her beds, the Ashley and El Nido teams surprised her with a $500 Ashley gift card to help cover other essentials. It wasn’t just a donation—it was a show of solidarity. 

“The wildfires hit our family hard,” Esther said. “But I haven’t felt alone. The El Nido and Best Start community I’ve been a part of for years are helping us heal and recover.”

Real Support, Delivered

This effort wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of Ashley and staff from their local stores, who joined El Nido staff to distribute the beds, load mattresses, and meet families face-to-face. Their presence made a difference—not just in logistics, but in making sure our families felt seen and supported. 

We are so grateful for Ashley and their commitment to El Nido and the city of Los Angeles. Their generous donation of beds and time has made a lasting impact on so many of the families we serve.  

Looking Ahead

Volunteer Appreciation Month is a time to recognize the people who step up—and keep showing up. Whether it’s helping a family pick out bedding, helping a youth with math homework, or simply being there to listen, every gesture and smile matters. This work is done one family at a time. 

As we mark 100 years of service in Los Angeles, we’re not just reflecting on our past—we’re building our future. And we’re doing it with partners like Ashley, and with all our incredible volunteers who believe in this work. Thank you to everyone who is standing with us and more importantly standing with so many Angelenos who have lost so much.

To learn more about our volunteer program and sign up for volunteer opportunities, please click here or reach out to Sophie Stoller, Volunteer Coordinator, at sstoller@elnidofamilycenters.org.