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Strength

We invest in

the strength of families

Boldness

We invest in

the boldness of innovation

We invest in

the strength of families

We invest in

the strength of families

Boldness

We invest in

visionary leadership

We invest in

the strength of families

We invest in

the strength of families

Partnership

We invest in

the power of partnership

We invest in

the strength of families

We invest in

the strength of families

Photo: Ron Eshel

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Specialty Family Foundation seeks to alleviate the conditions that lead to persistent poverty

Our Impact

Our strategic portfolio includes philanthropic investments in high-risk, high-impact, and large-scale multi-year initiatives; organizational capacity building; and programs that transform individual lives across LA County.

Igniting Change

We seek lasting systematic change through bold investments that make the biggest difference for the most vulnerable.

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Accelerating Progress

We seek to maximize institutional impact by helping visionary leaders expand their organization’s capacity.

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Empowering Individuals

We invest in programs that empower individuals to reach their potential and realize their dreams.

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Our Legacy

Faith, Family, and Giving Back

Part of the Greatest Generation and deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, Jim and Joan Peter dedicated their lives to empowering families as they overcome the barriers of poverty. Their entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy lives on in Specialty Family Foundation

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Our Focus

We focus our philanthropic engagements on the core areas of Catholic education, housing, and substance use treatment and intervention. 

Catholic Education

Catholic schools transform lives. Without access to a quality education, children who grow up in poverty are more like to become adults living in poverty.

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Housing

We believe that housing is a human right. A stable, safe home is essential to supporting the family structure, meeting the needs of the whole child, and breaking free of poverty.

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Substance Use Treatment & Intervention

We identify and fund evidence-based programs working to prevent and treat substance use that contributes to intergenerational poverty.

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Our Collaborations

Strengthening Catholic Schools

Our $9.2 million Catholic Education initiative launched with the goal of increasing business capacity, quality, and viability of 27 Catholic schools serving under-resourced populations.

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Filling the Freezer

Through a $50,000 investment, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels acquired a freezer storage truck, frozen meal trays, and racks to expand delivery services during COVID-19.

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From Detention to Empowerment

Our $50,000 investment in the Challenger Memorial Youth Center helps fund the Project Manager position responsible for working to transform this former youth detention center.

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Safe Housing Leads to More Stability

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) was awarded $25,000 to help fund the newly hired Housing Program Manager. SPY has since connected 129 young people to interim housing.

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“As the founders of Specialty Family Foundation, I believe my parents would want to be most remembered for their faith and passion for giving back.”

—Deb Estes,
Board Chairperson