Inspired by Jim and Joan Peter’s example and legacy, the team at Specialty Family Foundation brings a wide range of experiences, passions, and perspectives. We take a collaborative approach to propel our mission and forward our vision for an end to persistent poverty in LA County and beyond.
Chairperson
“Our family is blessed to be able to carry on our parents’ enduring legacy of helping folks learn how to fish, not giving them a fish — providing a hand up rather than a handout through investments in and partnerships with others. Our core values of risk tolerance and being entrepreneurial and innovative are guided by Catholic social teaching and concern for the dignity of each person.”
President
“At Specialty Family Foundation, we’re focused on asking the question: How can we take our existing resources and positively impact the most lives? We share a willingness to take risks together out of a belief in the possible. One of my former Catholic grade school teachers defined Providence as the belief that ‘what your heart tells you about the way things ought to be is your heart telling you the way things can be, if you just make yourself a part of it.’ That has become the inspiration for my life motto.”
Grants Manager
“Blessed and humbled, I love my job which bestows daily feelings of humility and a drive to help others. I believe that in order to reverse conditions that contribute to poverty we must listen to those affected by them. We must too learn from and partner with those who’ve been driving change and who’ve become the experts.”
Grants Manager
“Seeing first-hand what our grantees are doing on a daily basis to help and empower others is truly amazing. They are the ones in the trenches, fighting every day for those less fortunate. I am not only impressed, but humbled by their generosity and love. I am blessed to go to work every day knowing that what we do helps enable those heroes to do their jobs and have an impact on our community. This work has meaning and purpose. I take great pride in that.”
Administrative Associate
“I believe the greatest act we can do as humans is to inspire. Being the daughter of immigrant parents, I know first-hand the struggles they faced due to poverty, lack of education, and healthcare. Here at Specialty Family Foundation, we are committed to helping those in need by providing hope and opportunity to the people of our community.”
Grants Director
“I believe that the best way to address the conditions that contribute to poverty is to ensure that every person has access to basic human needs: housing, healthcare, food security, education, meaningful work. I also believe in the power of community to know how to best address their local needs. I am daily in awe of the organizations we invest in, their dedication and sacrifice. It inspires me every day and I am thankful to be a small part of their work.”