Learn about the history, mission,
and values of Vista Del Mar.
The history of Vista Del Mar is a story of evolution: from the first cottage-style orphanage in Southern California to an innovative leader in educational, mental health, autism, adoptions and early intervention services. As the needs of our community have changed, Vista Del Mar has always met those challenges with compassion and cutting edge treatment programs.
Since 1908 we’ve watched Los Angeles grow up around us and the needs of the children and families we serve grow more complex. But one thing hasn’t changed: we’re still here to help. To read more of our story, please click here.
Mission
Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives. Vista Del Mar is steadfast in its commitment to be a guiding light in trauma-informed care, illuminating a path of healing and empowerment for every child and family. We pledge to break barriers to access, ensuring that our comprehensive services reach those in need with equality and compassion. Our North Star is a world where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, nurturing environment.”
Vision
VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives.
Values
Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.
- We consider the youth and families we work with to be equal partners in pursuing improved wellbeing and individual, family, and community equity and empowerment.
- We provide services and facilitate opportunities without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender expression, sexual orientation, religious preferences, or physical ability. Vista Del Mar actively advances equal opportunity, equitable access, mutual respect, collaboration, and teamwork.
- We are committed to excellence in all aspects of our work. Our goal is to deliver innovative, best-in-class services and build a sustainable organization that consistently improves wellbeing among our clients, their families, and their respective communities.
Commitment to Equity
At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.
-
Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.
Credentials
Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. Our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and our graduate degree program is recognized around the world for the high quality of its instruction.
