Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services Announces Partnership with Willkie Los Angeles Foundation


Together with the Board of Directors, Lena Wilson, J.D., President & CEO, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services is excited to announce a purpose-driven partnership with the Willkie Los Angeles Foundation, initiated in order to establish a new substance abuse disorder treatment center for children ages 12-17.

Together with the Board of Directors, Lena Wilson, J.D., President & CEO, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services is excited to announce a purpose-driven partnership with the Willkie Los Angeles Foundation, initiated in order to establish a new substance abuse disorder treatment center for children ages 12-17.

The project will begin by converting one of Vista’s existing buildings located on their 18-acre campus in West Los Angeles, into a state-of-the-art facility that will address the devastating impacts of the drug abuse crisis plaguing our country.

This project is made possible through a donation from the Willkie Los Angeles Foundation, which was established in 2023 by the Los Angeles office of law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The Foundation has a 100 percent participation rate from Willkie’s Los Angeles-based partners, each providing a personal contribution, matched by the firm. Willkie’s Foundation Advisory Committee, consisting of partners, counsel, associates, and staff professionals, reviewed a substantial number of applicants and chose to partner with Vista Del Mar after an extensive review and assessment.

This project is made possible through a donation from the Willkie Los Angeles Foundation, which was established in 2023 by the Los Angeles office of law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The Foundation has a 100 percent participation rate from Willkie’s Los Angeles-based partners, each providing a personal contribution, matched by the firm. Willkie’s Foundation Advisory Committee, consisting of partners, counsel, associates, and staff professionals, reviewed a substantial number of applicants and chose to partner with Vista Del Mar after an extensive review and assessment.

Together, both organizations share the hallmarks of core values and culture rooted in dedication to serving the underprivileged, promotion of social justice, and support of the local community.
Each is devoted to cultivating inclusive and diverse workplaces and inspiring staff and leadership to be stewards for each other and the communities in which they live and work. In addition to the monetary donation, Willkie is engaging its lawyers and professional staff in volunteer activities supporting Vista Del Mar’s important and unwavering mission.

Lena Wilson states: “This partnership marks an exceptional opportunity to further our mission of uplifting the lives of children and families. With Willkie’s generous support, we will continue to expand and enhance our services, including by launching this Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program, while also deepening our impact across the entire organization. Together, we will make a lasting difference within the community.”

Lena Wilson states: “This partnership marks an exceptional opportunity to further our mission of uplifting the lives of children and families. With Willkie’s generous support, we will continue to expand and enhance our services, including by launching this Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program, while also deepening our impact across the entire organization. Together, we will make a lasting difference within the community.”

Misty Sanford, Willkie partner and Real Estate Chair – West Coast, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with an organization that has had so much positive impact over the last century. The Willkie Los Angeles Foundation was established to make a real difference in the Los Angeles community, and our values align with Vista’s mission. We look forward to all that we will be able to accomplish together.”

The Willkie Los Angeles Foundation is modeled from the Willkie San Francisco Foundation and the Willkie Greater DC Community Foundation. 2024 marks the 20th year that the Willkie Greater DC Community Foundation has been supporting non-profit youth programs and educational initiatives serving underprivileged youth in the Greater Washington Area. Willkie has a long-standing commitment to serving the underprivileged, promoting social justice, and supporting the communities in which we live and work.

The Willkie Los Angeles Foundation is modeled from the Willkie San Francisco Foundation and the Willkie Greater DC Community Foundation. 2024 marks the 20th year that the Willkie Greater DC Community Foundation has been supporting non-profit youth programs and educational initiatives serving underprivileged youth in the Greater Washington Area. Willkie has a long-standing commitment to serving the underprivileged, promoting social justice, and supporting the communities in which we live and work.