Founded in 1908 as The Jewish Orphan’s Home of Southern California, Vista Del Mar began serving children living on the streets of Los Angeles whose parents could not care for them because of illness, poverty, or death. By placing orphaned children in an innovative cottage setting with house parents rather than the institutional environment typical of the time, Vista became known as one of the finest residential programs in the country.
Over the course of time, as societal needs changed, Vista kept pace with the changing needs of children. Branching out into areas of foster care, adoption, and the treatment of children with mental health problems, emotional problems, behavior problems, social problems, or developmental difficulties, in 2010 Vista remains one of the preeminent social service agencies serving children and their families in Southern California.
The agency maintains its fine residential program for troubled children and teens, as well as one of only three special care facilities in the State. With the addition of its divisions: Reiss Davis Child Study Center, Julia Ann Singer Center, HomeSAFE and Family Service of Santa Monica, Vista is truly one of the most comprehensive care facilities for children experiencing mental health problems, behavioral problems, emotional problems, or social problems.
