Who We Are

Discover our mission and values that drive us

Our History

Community Helpers of San Fernando Valley, previously known as Assistance League® of San Fernando Valley, was formed as a Guild in July 1989. In March 1994 we became a chapter of National Assistance League. In June 2025, we became an independent nonprofit with a new name, Community Helpers of San Fernando Valley. Below is a timeline of our growth:

1989-1990s

September 1989, National Assistance League’s (NAL) Extension Committee formed a Guild in the San Fernando Valley. Establish regular monthly meetings on the third Wednesday, along with fundraising activities and a community needs assessment to develop philanthropic programs.
Fundraisers Established – Animal necklaces as an ongoing fundraiser, later event fundraisers such as brunches, theatre and bridge parties and an annual Tea ‘n’ Talk.
Spring 1990 Bear Buddies program for law enforcement agencies to distribute to children in traumatic situations.
Fall, 1990 First agreement with an elementary school to supply backpacks to children. First public fundraiser brunch was held with a LACMA presentation.
Fall, 1991 Dental hygiene kits were added to the backpacks and the First Tea ‘n’ Talk fundraiser served 165 women. Our last Tea ‘n’ Talk served 430 guests.
In March 1994 we became the 88^th chapter of NAL and were officially installed in May of that
We continued to welcome new members and our membership grew.
We supplied jackets, clothing, including school uniforms to students as the number of elementary schools served increased. Thirty-two schools with forty students from each school were fitted with new shoes and socks by member volunteers through a partnership with Payless Shoes.
We had five philanthropic programs: OSB, Bear Buddies, One-on-One tutoring, Assault Survivors Kits and S.M.I.L.E. – Senior Multi-Interest Leisure Entertainment for seniors.

The 2000s

First Fall Reflections Fundraiser luncheon at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City.
Two New Programs - A program for seniors collaborating with ONEGeneration - ALSFV Alzheimer Scholarships and Kids Kits with a new book and quiet activities for young patients waiting for treatment at a Hospital Urgent Care Facility.

March 2006, Authors Luncheon became a yearly second fundraiser at the Odyssey in Granada Hills, later at the Marriott and now at the Hilton, Woodland Hills.
We moved to our first office in 2003; in 2011 we moved to our current location in West Hills.
In December 2013 we opened a Thrift Shop but closed in 2023 when the landlord sold the strip mall.

May - July 2025

Our Values

We are driven by compassion, dignity, and a commitment to equity, ensuring every child and individual we serve feels valued and supported. Our mission is to create a community where everyone has access to the essentials they need to thrive.

Our Community Impact

Over the last 5 years, our efforts brought essential support to thousands. We delivered 8,500 activity kits to children awaiting emergency medical attention, provided new clothing for 12,500 students at 33 elementary schools, distributed 5,000 cuddly teddy bears, and 3,000 hygiene kits to unhoused individuals.