Business Details
50+ Years
experience
CARES: Enhancing Patient Care in Los Angeles
Since 1969, CARES has dedicated itself to enhancing patient care at Los Angeles General Medical Center through compassionate support and community-driven initiatives. As a California nonprofit organization, we provide critical resources including childcare services, food distributions, and patient comfort programs to underserved communities. Our mission focuses on improving hospital experiences by addressing socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access through volunteer services and strategic partnerships.With a proven track record of operational excellence, we maintain transparent practices while reinvesting 100% of shop proceeds directly into patient support programs. Our team combines decades of healthcare service experience with structured training programs to ensure reliable, culturally sensitive care delivery across multiple community touchpoints.
Services
Childcare Services
Pediatric Reading Program
Food Distributions
Hospital Gift Shops
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer tax-deductible donations that directly fund patient care programs
- Our childcare centers provide free services with literature-based educational curricula
- We operate monthly food distributions serving 15,000+ lbs of groceries
- 100% of shop profits directly support hospital patient programs
- Our volunteer programs combine community service with medical career exposure
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) organization
Services
Childcare Services
Our Child and Family Program operates two licensed childcare centers supporting working families. Services include educational curricula, nutritional meals, parent education, and psychological support in a culturally sensitive environment. The program specifically assists families seeking medical care at Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Food Distributions
Monthly mobile and walk-up food distributions provide fresh produce, proteins, and staples through partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. These events address food insecurity among patients and local residents through no-cost access to essential groceries.
Pediatric Reading Program
Bilingual English/Spanish book lending library serves pediatric inpatients and outpatients. Curated collections in hospital waiting areas and pediatric floors offer therapeutic reading experiences to support child development during medical visits.
Hospital Gift Shops
Two hospital-based gift shops offer medical merchandise, greeting cards, snacks, and seasonal items. All profits directly fund patient support programs while providing convenient retail access for visitors and staff.
Volunteer Programs
Structured volunteer opportunities include childcare assistance, patient visitation, and youth career development programs. Participants gain healthcare exposure while supporting critical hospital operations through supervised service learning.
People
Maritza Morales
Executive Director
Overseeing CARES operations with focus on community engagement and program development. Leads strategic initiatives connecting medical center resources with patient socioeconomic needs through volunteer networks.
Kathy Lohr
Board Member
Coordinates youth volunteer programs and community outreach initiatives. Develops partnerships with schools and service organizations to expand CARES' impact through structured student engagement opportunities.
Questions
What does CARES stand for?
Center Auxiliary for Recruitment, Education, and Services.
Is CARES a nonprofit organization?
Yes, we are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity since 1969.
How are donations used?
100% of shop profits and donations fund patient comfort programs and community services.
What volunteer opportunities exist?
We offer childcare assistance, patient visitation, youth career programs, and retail support roles.
Where are your locations?
Main office at 1200 N. State Street with shops in Los Angeles General Medical Center buildings.
How can I donate items?
Accepting clean, gently used children's books, toys, and clothing at our Thrift Shop location.
