In 1976, concerned members of the Canoga Park Women's Club became aware of the impact of domestic violence on women and children in the San Fernando Valley of California and the lack of services available to help them. With courage and commitment, these women organized a community meeting, bringing together a broad spectrum of public and private service providers, religious leaders, key business and industry leaders, and concerned individuals. With the incorporation of Haven Hills in August 1977, these women became the catalyst for change in our community.

The Crisis line began operating in 1978 followed by the counseling clinic.  In 1980 the 30-day crisis shelter opened with 36 beds and soon thereafter, a school was started on site. The vision had been realized.

But the women leaving the shelter expressed a need for more time in a safe, supportive environment to begin putting their lives back together.  As a result, the board and staff began planning for expansion and in 1997 the dream became reality with the opening of Haven Two, an 18-month transitional housing and employment facility.  This 26-unit apartment complex allows women the opportunity to begin rebuilding their lives and take steps to become self-sufficient. 

Valley D.A.R.T. (Domestic Abuse Response Team) was also launched in 1997 in conjunction with L.A.P.D.  Trained volunteer advocates respond with police to domestic violence calls offering immediate assistance with medical, legal and counseling referrals and shelter options. 

Because victims of domestic abuse have special concerns that affect their ability to secure and hold employment, Haven Hills opened a CalWorks office in collaboration with the GAIN program in 1998.  With a grant from the County of Los Angeles, this program was developed in collaboration with the LA Department of Public Social Services and the San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services. CalWorks provides services to clients who are working toward employment, with a special focus on how welfare reform impacts battered women.

Our mission to break the cycle of violence through prevention and education was strengthened with the start of our teen violence prevention program, Love's Child, in 2000.  This peer-run, art based program addresses healthy relationships and dating violence for at-risk youth.

Since its beginning 30 years ago, Haven Hills has helped over 600,000 women and children and is dedicated to continuing its efforts to break the cycle of violence in our community.

Since then, Haven Hills has evolved into one of the most significant providers of services to women and children caught in the web of domestic violence in California's San Fernando Valley.