Celebrating National Financial Literacy Month with CLC
April is National Financial Literacy Month—a time to raise awareness about the importance of financial education and empowering individuals to take control of their economic futures.
In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, we are proud to share that 12 incredible youth recently graduated from CLC’s Financial Literacy Program! Over the past six weeks, these young adults committed themselves to learning the essential tools needed to build financial stability and independence.
Through weekly sessions, participants worked on budgeting, understanding banking and credit, exploring strategies to increase income, setting realistic, personalized financial goals and creating plans to build savings and manage expenses. The results? Confidence, empowerment, and a solid foundation for a more secure future.
Thanks to the support of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, We are also thrilled to kick off a new cohort this May, welcoming another group of youth and dedicated volunteer mentors into the program. Together, they will continue this important work—building financial knowledge and accountability through mentorship, support, and hands-on learning.
To all of our past and present financial literacy coaches: THANK YOU. Your time, encouragement, and guidance make a lasting difference in the lives of our clients. And to our mighty youth—your resilience, determination, and growth inspire us every single day.
Welcome: New Board Member Dennis Perluss
| Children’s Law Center of California is thrilled to welcome Dennis Perluss as the newest member of our Board of Directors! Dennis brings a wealth of experience, deep legal expertise, and a lifelong commitment to justice and public service. A respected and thoughtful advocate, Dennis served for two years as a trial judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court, including a one-year assignment at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Courthouse in Monterey Park, and then for 22 years as a justice of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District. While on the Court of Appeal he chaired the Judicial Council’s Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee and co-chaired the Tribal Court-State Court Forum. Dennis received the California Judicial Council’s Distinguished Service Award in 2019. Since leaving the bench in late 2023, Dennis has taught Evidence at the UCLA School of Law and provided pro bono assistance with Public Counsel. As a longtime supporter of CLC’s mission, Dennis shares our deep belief that every child deserves safety, dignity, and a fair chance at a bright future. His leadership and insight will be invaluable as we continue to navigate challenges facing California’s foster care system and work toward meaningful change for the nearly 19,000 children and youth we serve. Please join us in warmly welcoming Dennis to the CLC family! We are honored to have him by our side as we continue the fight for justice, equity, and opportunity for all children. |
Staff Spotlight: Preston Ascherim
| At Children’s Law Center of California, our attorneys go beyond the courtroom to ensure that every young person we serve has the tools and support they need to thrive. This month, we are proud to shine our Staff Spotlight on Preston Ascherin, an attorney in our CLCLA 5 Firm whose unwavering advocacy made all the difference for one determined client. When Preston’s 17-year-old client expressed her desire to graduate high school early and move into independent student housing for college, she faced resistance from the system designed to support her. Despite her clear goals and readiness, she was labeled by others as “vulnerable” and those same individuals deemed the feat impossible. But Preston knew his client was ready—and he got to work. He met with her in person multiple times, collaborated closely with her Wraparound Team and The Office of County Counsel, and conducted thorough research into DCFS policy. Through his tireless research, he became familiar with All County Letter (ACL) that specifically allows 17-year-olds to reside in student housing. In an effort to encourage collaboration, Preston educated the court, opposing counsel, and even the youth’s social worker on the policy, turning barriers into a bridge. Preston then drafted a comprehensive Attorney Order, ensuring every detail—from move-in logistics to educational support—was accounted for. He secured a Progress Hearing to guarantee follow-through and even referred his client to the ENRICH program, helping her obtain kitchenware for her new apartment. Thanks to Preston’s diligence and deep commitment, his client successfully moved into her student housing and is now thriving in her first year of college. Preston, thank you for reminding us what fierce advocacy, compassion, and determination can accomplish. Your work truly transforms lives. |
Congratulations to Ann Quirk, ABA’s Fearless Children’s Lawyer of the Month!
Your unwavering commitment to seeing every child as whole, complex, and worthy of being heard is what fearless advocacy looks like. We’re so proud to have you on the CLC team—thank you for always leading with heart.
Thank you to the American Bar Association for recognizing Ann for her dedication to the children and youth she represents and for seeing her just as we see her – fearless!
Read the ABA piece here: Fearless Children’s Lawyer of the Month
Donor Spotlight: Thank You In-N-Out Burger Foundation
The In-N-Out Burger Foundation has been a longtime supporter of CLC’s work in both Southern and Northern California. We are so grateful for their commitment to our mission and to the well-being of children in foster care. The Foundation’s support has allowed us to provide critical educational assessments for youth not receiving the supports they need at school; and has provided hundreds if not thousands of clients with the guidance of Peer Advocates – lived experts able to uniquely connect with and relate to clients. CLC’s work depends on the generosity of funders like In-N-Out Burger – thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing support!
