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Empower academic and emotional development for at-risk youth in San Mateo County, CA

    Intensive Reading Program

    Socioemotional Learning

    Cultural Enrichment and Field Trips

    Guided Community Service

    And Other FREE Services!

VIEW PROGRAMSVIEW 2023 IMPACT
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2023 Results

We just celebrated our 15th anniversary, but we are always seeking to expand. These results come from having raised $12,260 in 2023.
All of our services are free, and our team is entirely volunteer-based.

39

Students Served

80

Field Trips & Classroom Visits

100

Hours Serving Seniors & Homeless

350

Hours of Family Support

LOCATION

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We serve East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park of San Mateo County, CA. We currently host programming at Belle Haven Branch Library in East Menlo Park.

TARGET POPULATION

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We serve students aged five to 18 who are low-income or qualify for free-and-reduced lunch. Most of our youth are Hispanic and come from single-parent households. We work most closely with the Ravenswood City School District in East Palo Alto.

MISSION

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We aim to increase students' English Language Arts grades to meet California state standards, strengthen their communication skills and emotional intelligence, and widen their worldview through cultural enrichment activities.

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OUR STORY

Lauren's House was founded in 2009 by an East Palo Alto native to serve her daughter's classmates and, ultimately, her hometown. As a school-based mental health therapist, our executive director was determined to incorporate socioemotional learning into after-school programs.
We have since grown to impact at least 20 students annually with a dedicated staff of 15-20 volunteers. We were able to operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

LEARN MORE

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."

Maya Angelou

DONATE NOW

Help us reach our goal of raising $20,000 in 2024!

$12,260

Raised in 2023 from Grants and Donations

TESTIMONIALS

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Volunteer

"Lauren's House has always been a home away from home, and it is where the children of the community can come and be uplifted and celebrated in their everyday lives. It’s more than a safe haven, it is a home for whoever needs a home and a family for those who are in need of love and support. Whether it be a child, a parent, or a volunteer, [the Executive Director] Monique ALWAYS shows up. It’s been 14 years since I first joined the program, and I'm proud to say I still call it home. This is the kind of program every community needs."

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Youth Participant

"Lauren’s House is a really great program! I’ve gone [to] them since I was a child. The founder [Monique Graves] has helped me in many ways such as homework and even getting me a job. The program helps a lot when you need help with many things [and] even little things. She helps you learn and understand things."

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Parent

"This program does a lot of good for the community. The program has a summer program, and the kids had a great time. They rode bikes. They did some educational stuff and then they also went on field trips to Stanford's campus, the movie theater, the water park, [and] Great America. The kids had a great time - highly recommend!"

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Community Member

"When I first encountered Lauren's House, I was so amazed at the work they do - not only for the youth but the community. [There is] tutoring, life skills education, college tours, feeding the homeless, and their work with [Prison Fellowship] Angel Tree. Lauren's House exposes youth to all aspects of life while creating a safe space [for them to] become well-rounded individuals. Truly a pioneer for our community."

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Youth Participant

"My [most fun] memory is when we rode bikes to the Friendship Bridge and then rode to the library. I also liked when we rode our bikes in circles."

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Community Member

"I have had the honor of watching [the Executive Director] Ms. Graves and her nonprofit support disadvantaged children and their parents with her after-school program. Ms. Graves dedicates her time and passion in watching these children thrive. This is a much needed resource in the community."

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Parent

"So thankful for this program. It has helped my daughter improve in her math and reading skills. Monique is such a blessing! She doesn’t give up on my daughter even on rough days. Honestly, it’s the best program that I have put my daughter in! Thanks Monique for showing up on a Saturday to support Jaylah on her performance!"

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Volunteer

"I manage Lauren's House social media [accounts] and volunteer with the students. It is such a welcoming and supportive environment. The director deeply cares about all the students, and we go on so many fun adventures."

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Parent

"Aleah loves going to Lauren's House. She has experienced the snow and learned how to ride a bike with Lauren's House! The kids love Monique."

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Parent

"If it wasn’t for Lauren’s House, I would’ve been completely lost, trying to find a better support system for my child as I am a single parent and always at work. It becomes very complicated to assess my child fully. I am very thankful for having Monique by us to help - she is a huge blessing, more like family. Where I don’t show up, she shows out! We love Lauren’s House!"

AWARDS

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    Top-Rated by Community

    Lauren's House was awarded the Top-Rated Badge in 2023 by GreatNonprofits, the leading platform of community reviews of nonprofits that is recognized by philanthropist Bill Gates. This badge is earned by receiving at least 10 positive community reviews and maintaining an average GreatNonprofits rating of 3.5 stars or higher out of 5.0 from January 1 to December 31, 2023.

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    Transparent Goals

    Lauren's House was awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency in 2023 by Candid GuideStar, the world's largest database on nonprofits. The Platinum Seal is the highest level of recognition granted by Candid to nonprofits that have clear metrics, strategies, and goals.

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CONTACT US

Thank you for reaching out to Lauren's House! We appreciate your interest and will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

Address

MailingP.O. Box 51853 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Program LocationBelle Haven Branch Library413 Ivy DriveMenlo Park, CA 94025

Hours of Operation

Monday: 3:00 - 6:00 PM PTTuesday: 3:00 - 6:00 PMWednesday: 1:15 - 6:00 PMThursday: 3:00 - 6:00 PMFriday: 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Phone

650.630.0222

E-mail

gro.esuohsnerual%40oecFor email addresses of the leadership team, view Our Team page.

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© Created by Lauren's House 2024All rights reserved

Lauren's House is an IRS 501(c)(3) public charityFederal Tax ID: 26-3809833

© Created by Lauren's House 2024All rights reserved

Lauren's House is an IRS 501(c)(3) public charityFederal Tax ID: 26-3809833