Miguel Loza, Jr. (President, Board of Directors), Joy Masoff (Honoree), and Elva D. Sandoval (Executive Director) at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Yolanda Martinez (Toddler Teacher), Xiomara Avlos (Infant Teacher), and Talin Misak (Two's Teacher) at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Rene Licon, Zion Dusenbery, and Angela Dusenbery (Education Director) at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Chris Griffin and Tom Holler at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Joy Chew and Jason Brown at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
John Schaffer, Monica Schaffer, Elisa Hernandez, and Miguel Loza, Jr. (President, Board of Directors) at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Andrea Huicochea (Program Director) and David Acero at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Sandy Esserman (Board of Directors) and Stephen McCurry at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Fred Marki, Lindsay Bozzami, and Susan Marki (Board of Directors) at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Dan Garnett, Colleen Novak, and Linda Lopez (VP, Board of Directors) at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Nicole Stone and John Devries at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Jesus Escobar and Eric Escobar at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Jennifer Jones (Board of Directors) and Erin Jones at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Luis Cruz and Carlos Caballero at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Rosalinda Cerda and Marisol Rios at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Meredith Solomon, Zac Solomon, and Judy Brown at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Emily Hopkins, Stephanie Colletta (Board of Directors), Ashley Grace, Amy Edgley, and Nicole Kwon at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Sandi Mejia, Michelle Ferroni (Accountant, Families Forward), and Wendy Anderson at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Carie Wickers (Board of Directors) and Ricky Kong (Board of Directors) at the Families Forward Soiree on May 2 at the Pasadena University Club [Shirley Huang/Pasadena Now].
Families Forward Learning Center honored donor Joy Masoff at its annual Soirée Saturday, May 2, at the University Club of Pasadena, where about 150 people gathered to support the Pasadena nonprofit and recognize Masoff’s role in helping transform the organization’s library into a more welcoming and inspiring space for children and families.
The evening also included congratulations and formal citations for Masoff from U.S. Rep. Judy Chu and state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, adding public recognition to the organization’s tribute.
Families Forward recognized Masoff as an important member of its community, citing her support for a library project intended to give young children a safe, engaging and encouraging place to learn. Elva Sandoval, the center’s executive director, said Masoff’s kindness and vision helped create a space that will benefit Families Forward children and parents for years to come.
Masoff moved from the East Coast to San Marino five years ago with her husband to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons. Her connection to books stretches back to the beginning of her career, when she designed book jacket spines and backs at Random House. She later built an innovative textbook publishing company with her husband nearly 25 years ago.
That background made the Families Forward library a natural fit for her philanthropy. After seeking a nonprofit organization where she could become personally involved, Masoff visited the center’s library, which was then in need of attention, and felt she had found the right place to contribute.
Families Forward Learning Center has served Pasadena since 1961. The organization uses a two-generation learning model designed to support both children and parents, helping children remain safe, healthy and developmentally on track while helping parents strengthen literacy, self-sufficiency and advocacy skills.
The center is located at 980 N. Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena. Community members may learn more about the organization at FamiliesForwardLC.org.
