ORANGE, Calif., May 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 50 guests gathered for a special reception at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach on May 3 to celebrate the joining of Kinship Center and Canyon Acres with Seneca Family of Agencies, a leading statewide child and family agency. Current and former board members and local dignitaries celebrated a partnership that promises to strengthen regional programs that cater to the needs of children with backgrounds of abuse, neglect and complex emotional and psychological challenges. Canyon Acres programs will join with Kinship Center services offered through Kinship Center's Southern California headquarters in Orange County. The Canyon Acres Ranch will be revitalized for a variety of therapeutic programs for children and families.
"It is so impressive and gratifying to see this group of people come together with a shared mission, ready to meet the needs of the children and families in our community," said Allison Maxon, Kinship Center Division Director for Southern California.
Speaking on behalf of Seneca Family of Agencies was CEO Ken Berrick, who shared his vision for expanded "unconditional care" services in Orange County, which will benefit from the resources and expertise of the statewide organization. The event was hosted by Geoff LePlastrier, President and Founder of LDC Advisors and a member of the Seneca Board of Directors. Special guests included former Senator Marian Bergeson, former Newport Beach Mayor Evelyn Hart, Dan McQuaid, President/CEO of OneOC, Erin Lastinger of the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation, former Canyon Acres Board Chair Gordon MacLean, Partner at RJI International, Sharyn Buffa, Chair of Kinship Center's Leadership Board of Orange County and her husband Peter Buffa, former Costa Mesa Mayor, and other prominent Orange County philanthropists.
"Having Canyon Acres' history of strong services in Orange County now part of Kinship Center's local therapeutic and family-based programs strengthens our Family of Agencies and allows us to have a greater impact on the most vulnerable children in Orange County," said Maxon. "We are especially grateful for the support from Orange County's caring community that is helping make it all possible."
For more information, please visit www.kinshipcenter.org.