The Ebell Rest Cottage Association (RCA) is the oldest philanthropic organization operating within The Ebell of Los Angeles. Its responsibilities are to identify and fund organizations that share its mission to assist women in need in Los Angeles County and their children, and to safeguard the endowment that allows it do so. It provides Relief, Compassion, and Action—RCA—to thousands of Angelenos every year.
RCA grant applicants submit detailed information each year about their organizations, along with explanations of how the grant funds would be used. The RCA Gifts & Investment Committee reviews the applications and makes decisions based on each program’s compatibility with the RCA mission, its importance to the community, the applicant’s track record, and other factors. This year, 15 grants have been awarded totaling $160,000.
The 2021 RCA grant recipients include the following organizations:
Alexandria House is a transitional residence for women and their children, helping them to achieve economic stability and permanent housing;
Critical Mass Dance Company teaches heart-centered movement practice, supporting the health and healing of women who have experienced domestic violence;
Families and Criminal Justice provides support for women who have been involved in the criminal justice system, focusing on development of healthy family relationships and preventing intergenerational incarceration;
Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children offers shelter, food, case management, and employment assistance to guide homeless women to self-sufficiency;
Jenesse Center restores stability to families impacted by domestic and sexual violence through housing, hotline, legal services, therapy, job training, and childcare programs;
Jewish Family Services Hope Transitional provides educational, occupational, social, and therapeutic support services to women who have experienced domestic violence and their children;
Journey Out helps victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking to leave the life of abuse and empowers them to reach their full potential;
LA Family Housing Corporation helps women transition out of homelessness through their supportive services, housing placement, and outreach;
New Directions For Veterans Oasis Program provides housing, case management, substance abuse and mental health support, legal assistance, and employment assistance for female veterans suffering from military sexual trauma;
Safe Passage/Women Crowned in Glory offers shelter, counseling, job placement, and health services to women and their children who have escaped domestic violence;
St. Barnabas Senior Services Women’s Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to vulnerable older women who are at risk of homelessness and need help with basic necessities;
The Teen Project provides hope to young women “aging out” of the foster care system through programs focused on drug treatment, psychotherapy, life skills, education, and mentoring;
Treasures Ministries empowers women in the sex industry, and survivors of sex trafficking, to live healthy, productive lives and train others to do the same;
Union Rescue Mission Hope Gardens Family Center offers sanctuary to women and children who are homeless, and helps them to transition to independence through support services including job readiness and financial skills; and
WeSPARK Cancer Support Center provides no-cost therapeutic services to help with the physical and emotional effects of cancer, including support groups, meditation and movement classes, and community resources.
The Social Service Committee is made up of Ebell members who volunteer to be Ambassadors working with the RCA grant recipients. The Social Service Ambassador Program maintains contact with each RCA charity throughout the year. Each Ambassador connects with their grantee organization on a regular basis and together they initiate a volunteer project in which Ebell members can engage. Examples of past projects include collecting toiletries for teen mothers, knitting squares for blankets for cancer patients, contributing food and serving dinner at a residential shelter, and providing necessities to at-risk seniors for the holidays.
Ambassadors not only feel inspired by their service to the community, but they become vital members of the Ebell, making new friends and having rewarding experiences. They meet quarterly, and we invite you to become an Ambassador, as several grantees, both new and returning, are in need of Ebell members to serve as liaisons to our Club. If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Arden Teplow, Social Service Committee Chair, at ardenteplow@gmail.com or 818-522-7157.
RCA members meet the second Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Membership costs $12 a year (in addition to regular Ebell dues), and it’s the easiest and most effective way there is to become a big-time philanthropist! Email Randi Jones, RCA Director, at restcottage@ebelloflosangeles.com to join us or for more information.
