Establishing Community-Based Initiatives

Two of the many community-based initiatives founded by ABSWGLA are establishing permanent residence and the Institute of Black Parenting. 

Establishing Permanent Residence

In 1978 ABSWGLA purchased a permanent building located at 7100 S Western Ave in Los Angeles. The building served as their headquarters. It was essential in continuing to fulfill their commitment o community engagement and activism.

The building provides a space to hold meetings, community events, services, professional education, and cultural events some of which include: 

• Kwanza Celebrations

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker Training (Continued Education)

• Adoption and Foster Care Services

• Hosted Reception for Black Olympians

• Community Outreach/Open House with the local fire department 

Institute for the Study of Black Parenting

The Association of Black Social Workers Institute for the Study of Black Parenting was established in the early 1970s when ABSW was studying the psycho-social nuances of the Black family. 

At the time ABSW was already providing parenting classes in their headquarters located at 7100 S. Western Ave in Los Angeles. Ultimately the Children's Court system was referring Black families to ABSW for parenting training due to the charges of child abuse and neglect. Charlene Williams served as the director of the Parenting Program.

The Institute for the Study of Black Parenting provided services to families for at least 3-4 years and into the early 80s, ABSW/institute received a grant from the State to provide recruitment to Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans with the intent of them becoming foster parents in LA and Ventura counties. Charlene Williams also directed the Recruitment Program by the end of the program funding, the State requested that ABSW consider recruitment on a permanent basis with the long-term goal of becoming an adoption agency, thus, the program was re-named the Institute of Black Parenting (IBP). The IPB established its own 401C3 and became a nonprofit organization separate from the ABSW of Greater Los Angeles. 

Several collaborations were developed as a result of providing these services. Horace Mann Middle School was a successful collaboration, where ABSW worked closely with then principal, Marguerite LaMott. The school would frequently refer to the ABSW president to speak with families to ensure that their child would not be removed from the home or school. ABSW collaborated with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Service, which back then was the Department of Child Services, and worked with social work interns from California State University, Dominguez Hills.