Kirk and Anne Douglas have continued their support by pledging $ 5 million to the Anne Douglas Center located at the Los Angeles Mission.
The women’s program of the Mission is referred to as the “jewel of my heart” by Anne Douglas. The Center provides a rehabilitation program together with emergency services for homeless women on Skid Row who choose to turn their life around. The Anne Douglas Center program has seen over 250 graduates and has served thousands of women and children in the last twenty years.
The Douglas family originally funded the development of the Anne Douglas Center, named after the wife of Kirk Douglas, in 1992 and the Douglas family continues to offer their time and resources to the Mission. Besides volunteering at various events such as the annual Thanksgiving event, Anne Douglas regularly celebrates her birthday lunch with women at the Anne Douglas Center.
“If I had but one wish, I think becoming a recognized patron of homeless men and women would be it. I hope together we will be able to alleviate their plight entirely,” said Anne Douglas during the planning stages of the Anne Douglas Center.
The Anne Douglas Center provides a safe environment for women to escape the streets of Skid Row. Women in the program participate in education and spiritual courses, participate in a work program, and develop friendships that continue past graduation. After the completion of the program and regular visits by Anne Douglas, students at the Anne Douglas Center receive a special “gift from grandma.”
“Through the initial vision and passion for women in need, the Anne Douglas Center was created by Kirk and Anne Douglas along with their friends. Now, that vision has transitioned to a legacy of core support to carry on the gift of changed lives and new beginnings,” said Herb Smith, President of the Los Angeles Mission. “We are eternally grateful to the Douglas Foundation for this outstanding pledge to the future of the Anne Douglas Center and the lives of women and families that will be restored to health, unity and community.”
Women may continue their education, start their own businesses, continue in their profession or reunite with their families following the completion of the12-month program. The love, support, and direction that the program offers is an example of Anne Douglas’ heart for the women and after twenty years, continues to help women move forward with their life.
Anne Douglas Award
The Los Angeles Mission hosts an annual gala where community service is recognized by the Anne Douglas Award. This year, the gala will be on September 12 at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. Sponsorships and tables are still available. For information contact Jennifer Yarbrough at JYarbrough@lamission.net.
