Gordon Philanthropies and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Receive National Recognition for Children’s Library Initiative

Photo Credit: Gordon Philanthropies, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded Gordon Philanthropies and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) the 2024 Achievement Award in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category. This recognition highlights their collaborative work on the Children’s Library Initiative, which has established children’s libraries in visitor centers across jails in Los Angeles County.

The Children’s Library Initiative, a joint effort between Gordon Philanthropies and LASD, aims to address the educational needs of children with incarcerated parents by providing access to books and promoting literacy. The initiative offers a range of books, including bilingual and diverse literature, tailored to meet the interests and needs of each child.

"We thank NACo for their recognition of the work we have managed to do in collaboration with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. We are proud to be part of the many organizations committed across the nation to helping our communities thrive," said Dan Gordon, Founder of Gordon Philanthropies. "This award attests to the hard work and passion our county officials and their staff invest in designing innovative and forward-thinking government program services."

Sheriff Robert G. Luna of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department emphasized the importance of the initiative: “The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is honored to receive this prestigious award in the criminal justice and public safety category from the National Association of Counties, alongside Gordon Philanthropies. This recognition underscores the importance of our collaborative efforts in the Children's Library Initiative. By installing children's libraries in all visitors' centers inside jails across Los Angeles County, we are fostering a supportive environment for families, promoting literacy, and learning for children.”

According to the organization, positive visitation experiences, facilitated by such initiatives, have been shown to benefit both children and their incarcerated parents. These benefits include improved emotional adjustment and better behavior in school, which are crucial for the well-being of children in these circumstances.

Senator Maria Elena Durazo praised the initiative's impact, stating, “Gordon Philanthropies’ commitment to giving back sets an inspiring example for us all. Their generosity delivers hope and positive change to inmates and their families. May their work inspire us to create a compassionate and equitable world.”

For more information, visit www.gordonphilanthropies.org.

Source: Gordon Philanthropies, Inc. via Newswire