On a beautiful warm Fall evening in October, the Skirball Cultural Center was the setting for the 2019 City Lights Fundraising Gala hosted by Claris Health. For 43 years, Claris Health has been equipping and caring for individuals and their families, before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. The Los Angeles based 501(c)3 nonprofit offers free or low cost support through a wide range of medical, educational, mental and health services.
The gala was kicked off by actress/producer and member of the board of trustees Patricia Heaton. Heaton and host actor Sharif Atkins eloquently introduced the speakers who shared their transformative stories of how Claris changed their lives. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as we listened to a woman describe her path from a scared, pregnant teen to proud mom currently enrolled in college. We saw a family that was brought together by adoption, and witnessed a father celebrating as he passed his Claris parenting classes. Each anecdote was honest and raw. They each spoke of the unique care they received, starting with the warm, and nonjudgmental phone call they had on their first encounter with Claris services. This is what distinguishes Claris from other organizations. Claris means clarity and they want to make it clear that their top concern is you and your health.
The thing that resonated the most with me throughout the night was the “Pay it Forward” mentality of the employees, many of whom were once in the same shoes as the people they now help. Claris represents family and community and forges bonds that will forever stand.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the new mobile clinic serving neighborhoods across Los Angeles. The mobile clinic provides life-changing services from medical care to peer-to-peer support. The #ClarisOnWheels will offer services ranging from pregnancy and STD testing, health screenings, OB ultrasound imaging, case management and medical and social service referrals. The mobile clinic’s goal is to bring awareness to Claris by bringing the services directly to areas known for limited health care.
Over the past 10 years Claris has helped over 13,000 women and their families through private donations and community outreach. To donate or volunteer with Claris Health, please click here.
11500 W Olympic Blvd #570, Los Angeles, CA 90064; 310.268.8400
575 E Hardy St #109, Inglewood, CA 90301; 323.299.9977
mobile services here
