Founded in 2007, by Lysa and Grant Heslov, Children Mending Hearts is a non-profit organization that works to combat bullying and intolerance by inspiring empathy in children through art and service-learning programs.
CMH seeks to empower local at-risk children by connecting them with other children both in the United States and around the world. The organization has provided free art education programs to thousands of children throughout Los Angeles county. In 2018, the organization expanded and now has a CMH classroom in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
CMH operates the Outdoor Learning Park in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts, a safe and structured space where local elementary-aged kids can access socially-distant work stations, individual supplies, wifi-enabled technology, a mobile library and a lounge area. For its after-school programs, CMH has partnered with the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, LACER, After-School-All-Stars and Playworks.
The Watts Empowerment Center is “The #1 Most Active Community Center in Los Angeles.” This 12,900 sq ft state-of-the-art facility committed to the children, youth, and families within Watts Housing Projects.
These 3.3 acres are the heartbeat of the community. Locals can discover their purpose and develop their talents with the help of top industry and business professionals that provide mentorship to many within the community.
Resources offered range from Sports Leagues, After School Tutoring, STEM Media Lab, Culinary Arts Kitchen, Performing Arts Studio, Music, Acting, Fashion Design, Etiquette Courses, Resume Building Workshops, Anti-Bullying Classes, Mental Health/Stress Management, and beyond.
