WHITTIER, Calif. — The Whole Child, a leading Los Angeles County nonprofit dedicated to family stability, has been named a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco of California’s 64th Assembly District and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits).

The recognition was presented Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during California Nonprofits Day at the State Capitol in Sacramento — an annual celebration honoring organizations across the state making significant impact through service, advocacy, and innovation. The Whole Child was among a select group of nonprofits recognized statewide for their contributions to community well-being.

Founded in 1957, The Whole Child has spent nearly seven decades centering the needs of children and families through an integrated model that brings together homelessness prevention, mental health care, parent support, nutrition, and food access — helping low-income families across Los Angeles County achieve lasting health, well-being, and housing stability.

That impact is reflected in the organization’s reach. Last year alone, The Whole Child served more than 23,200 people — including 9,600+ families and 12,800+ children and youth across Los Angeles County. The organization helped divert or prevent 2,445 families from homelessness, achieved a 100% permanency rate for families housed through its Family Housing program, and saw 63% of mental health clients meet treatment goals related to trauma, stress, behavioral challenges, and emotional well-being.

Chief Executive Officer Constanza Pachon credited the organization’s success to the families and staff at the center of its work.

“This recognition belongs to every family who trusted us with their hardest moments, and to the staff and volunteers who show up for them with skill and heart. At The Whole Child, we believe that when families are stable, children can grow, heal, and reach their full potential. We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Pacheco and CalNonprofits for this honor, and we remain as committed as ever to the communities we serve,” said Constanza Pachon, Chief Executive Officer of The Whole Child.

The recognition also resonated close to home. Whittier Mayor James Becerra, whose wife has served on The Whole Child’s Board of Directors for many years, reflected on what the organization means to the city it has called home for generations.

“The Whole Child has been woven into the fabric of Whittier for generations, and for our family, that connection is personal, as my wife has been proud to serve on their Board for many years. Families throughout our community have relied on their programs during some of life’s most difficult moments, and time and again, this organization has delivered. This recognition is well deserved, and the City of Whittier is proud to have them as a neighbor, a partner, and a friend,” said Mayor James Becerra, City of Whittier.

Board Chair Fabio Soto pointed to the organization’s continued growth as both a reflection of its mission and a commitment to the future.

“This recognition exemplifies what becomes possible when an organization stays rooted in its mission decade after decade and keeps growing to meet the community where it is. We have never stood still. As the needs of families in Los Angeles County have evolved, so have we, expanding our services to ensure that more children and families can access the care and support they deserve. On behalf of our Board, I am incredibly proud of this team and the communities we serve. We will not stop until every family has the stability and resources they need to thrive,” said Fabio Soto, Board Chair of The Whole Child.