The Children’s Bureau (www.all4kids.org) celebrated its 114th year of protecting vulnerable children through prevention, treatment and advocacy last month at the agency’s headquarters in Los Angeles. The organization presented its “Changing the World for Children” award to Morrison & Foerster LLP, while long-time Children’s Bureau supporter Margie Baum, and partner organization Baby2Baby, were given the “Spirit of Giving” award.
The Buzz spoke to Windsor Square resident Jordon Kruse, who has served on the board of trustees of the Children’s Bureau for more than ten years, including membership on a variety of committees, including the charity golf tournament that raises significant funds for the organization. A partner at Oaktree Capital Management, Kruse brings his financial services network to help raise money to sustain Children’s Bureau.
“I am interested in organizations that have a local effect,” said Kruse. The Children’s Bureau provides a variety of different services though it started in 1904 with a child abuse prevention focus, there are many amazing programs operating out of the facility in nearby downtown, explained Kruse, who added that he has always been been interested in helping organizations that work to alleviate hunger and youth homelessness. He’s also active in the LA Food Bank and Covenant House. While these organizations have a different focus than Children’s Bureau, they also share a strong local focus that helps keep our neighbors healthier and safer, explained Kruse.
At this year’s luncheon, the Children’s Bureau elected as new directors for the 2018-2019 fiscal year: Lisa Gritzner (CEO, LG Strategies), James St. Aubin (Managing Director and Head of Investment Strategy, MUFG Union Bank), Mike Traylor (Co-President, Traylor Bros.) and Marc Washington (CEO, Irwin Naturals).
Newly elected members of the Los Angeles Board of Trustees were Greg Barnes (Senior Vice President, Lockton Insurance Brokers), Brian Ford (Partner, Kirkland & Ellis), Matt Peterson (Managing Director, AETHOS Consulting Group), Corey Printup (Vice President, The RLJ Companies), Amanda Ruch (Senior Manager, Capital Group, Inc.) and Kunal Soni (Managing Director, The Carlyle Group).
Children’s Bureau’s Young Professionals Los Angeles (YPLA) and Young Professional Orange County (YPOC) groups also introduced their incoming Presidents for 2018/2019. These groups are composed of young executives who give back to improve their respective communities while also expanding their own professional networks. YPLA’s incoming president is Ali Merrell, who is a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist leading University Relations at Capital Group. YPOC’s incoming President is Brett Laddusaw, who is a financial planner with Signature Resources Capital Management, LLC in Irvine.
ABOUT CHILDREN’S BUREAU
Since 1904, Children’s Bureau (www.all4kids.org) has been a nonprofit leader in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. More than 34,000 children and families are helped each year throughout Southern California with services that include school readiness, parenting classes, family resource centers, support groups, mental health counseling, foster care, adoption, trainings and more. Children’s Bureau is one of the largest investors in child abuse prevention in the country and is developing a national model to transform an entire at-risk community through its Magnolia Community Initiative.
