OUR HISTORY
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
OUR FOUNDER
BERNICE W. CLAY
In September of 1993, founder Bernice W. Clay incorporated LA, Inc. as a non-profit organization. Bernice had a vision to help underprivileged youth in areas of special education, severe emotional/behavioral problems, and speech impediments. During her 20 years as a speech pathologist for the LA Unified School District in Aphasia and Special Education, her passion for helping high-risk youth developed. Finally, in 1996, her dream was realized when the first six-bed group home opened. Bernice passed away just 3 years later, but her daughter Pamela R. Clay and LA, Inc., Board of Directors have continued her mission to help at-risk youth.
OUR LEGACY CONTINUES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PAMELA R. CLAY
Pamela R. Clay is the Executive Director inspired by the legacy of her mother. Pamela's philanthropic focus has helped LA, Inc., hone-in and grow its mission. She chose to concentrate resources on education to prevent the cycle of homelessness and unemployment that plague at-risk youth as adults. She developed programs that highlight the importance of reaching appropriate grade level competency, as well as life-shaping introduction to technology and higher education. This exposure impresses upon children the educational roads that can bring employment opportunities and a stable foundation. In her 24-year tenure, Pamela discovered that 78% of youth don't have the necessary personal vital life documents that are essential for everyday life. This includes milestones such as securing a job, a driver's license, bank accounts, or simply enrolling in school. In response, she developed the patent pending, electronic data storage program called, Electronic Lockbox or eLockbox. Pamela looks forward to having a national impact on foster children by rolling out this technology across the country. That way, no child will have to suffer the impediment of lacking vital records.