
The Los Altos Auxiliary, a volunteer organization supporting Sycamores, a residential treatment facility for boys in Altadena, has elected new officers for the 2024-2025 program year.
The group’s primary focus is enhancing the lives of youth at Sycamores’ El Nido campus community in Altadena, a short-term residential therapeutic program for boys aged 11 to 18.
“We are immensely grateful for the dedication of our Los Altos volunteers, who serve as ‘natural supports’ for the youth at El Nido,” said Joe Ford, Sycamores’ Chief Program Officer. “These incredible women bring love and warmth, organizing events and interactive activities that enrich the lives of our kids.”
For 65 years, Los Altos Auxiliary members have been providing care, compassion, and hope for youth at the El Nido campus and young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. Their financial donations have funded large-scale campus additions, including a library, computer lab, silk-screening business, and an art center.
The El Nido campus, also referred to as a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP), provides care and supervision for dependent and neglected young men, many of whom are part of the foster care or probation systems in Los Angeles and other California counties. The program aims to stabilize mental health symptoms and equip youth and their families with tools to enable successful reintegration into their communities.
Services offered at El Nido focus on helping youth process trauma and improve various aspects of their lives, including education, health, behavior, and social-emotional well-being.
The newly elected officers for the 2024-2025 year include Co-Presidents Cynthia Bengtson, Julie McCarty, Laurie Rodli, and Laura Campobasso. Other key positions filled include Recording Secretaries Meg Campbell and Rosalyn Jones, Treasurer Gayle Penrod, and Assistant Treasurer Diane Moldafsky.
The Los Altos Auxiliary also appointed chairs for various committees, including Membership, Holiday of Wishes, Direct Services, and Cupcake committees.
Additional roles include Sycamores Liaison Andi Sica, Webmaster and Information Manager Hilary Gregg, Social Programs Chair Julie McCarty, Hospitality Chair Cayce Sheppard, PR Chair Cindy Bengtson, and Parliamentarian Laura Campobasso.
For more information about the Los Altos Auxiliary and Sycamores, visit www.losaltosauxiliary.org and https://www.sycamores.org/.