Planting Seeds of Love and Nurturing Growth at Hillsides

On Saturday, March 12th, 2016, the Trojan Affiliates dedicated their efforts to, “Planting Seeds of Love and Nurturing Growth,” with the resident children at Hillsides Education Center in Pasadena. This was done in conjunction with USC’s 5th International “Day of SCervice,” a worldwide effort on behalf of Trojan Alumni to assist and, “give back,” to their respective communities by implementing and participating in select service projects.

Trojan Affiliates Day of SCervice Chairperson, Rosanne Berlen, orchestrated a customized art project wherein the children at Hillsides decorated pots in which to plant beautiful flowers and herbs to grow and nurture. This combined art and creativity with compassion for the environment. Rosanne is an active philanthropist and Los Angeles Realtor with the John Aaroe Group. Her enthusiasm and organizational skills truly made the event successful and enjoyable for the children and participants, alike.

“For the past 3-years, Rosanne, has worked to support the resident children by sponsoring creative and therapeutic projects for the kids to enjoy and we greatly appreciate her efforts,” stated Laura Kelso, Community Outreach Director at Hillsides. “The execution of these events has brought much fulfillment to the children as they engage themselves in these enlightening projects,” Laura added.

“This year’s event was so well-received by the children and it was truly rewarding to witness the joy and pride they experienced as they created their own unique pots and planted their hand-selected flowers and herbs to care for and to nurture,” Rosanne commented.

Rosanne’s Co-Chair was Brianna Berlen. Participants included Wendy Pylko of San Marino, Carol Wright of Pasadena, Kandi Wopschall of La Canada, Jack and Janet Orswell of Arcadia, and Alexis Salazar of South Pasadena.

Hillsides is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and  functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families. Their vision is to create lasting change in the lives of all at-risk children and youth that they serve. The team at Hillsides provides high quality care, advocacy, and innovative services that promote safe, permanent environments where young people can thrive. Their highly-skilled staff takes a child’s traumatic upbringing or a family’s challenging situation and turns it into an occasion to restore hope. Since its inception 103 years ago in 1913, children have always come first at Hillsides. Comprehensive community-based and residential treatment programs are provided to more than 7,000 at-risk children and families throughout Los Angeles County, including the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank. Their expert and experienced practitioners partner with other organizations, community agencies, and healthcare professionals to make Hillsides one of the region’s most respected and trusted organizations.

For information on USC’s Trojan Affiliates, you may email Rosanne Berlen at Rosanne@aaroe.com or call her at (626) 893-6021.