At The Guidance Center, we believe every child deserves access to the care and support they need to feel healthy and happy. For the past 80 years, we have had the opportunity to serve our most vulnerable communities, providing core services that they rely on every day.
This milestone is not just about how long we’ve been here. It is about the impact we have been able to make for families in need. We also know this work is a group effort. It is made possible by a community of partners who share this same commitment to making a difference. That is why we are proud to shine a spotlight on another nonprofit organization doing this work alongside us: Children’s Benefit League.
How It All Started: Forming Children’s Benefit League
“We believe every child deserves the support and opportunity to thrive.” — Children’s Benefit League
It all started with a lunch in 1946. Five women sat down together and left with an idea to help children in need. As previous volunteers during World War II, this group shared a passion for making a difference. This time their focus would be on a shared vision: to ensure children received care that met the needs of the whole child, including physical, psychological, and dental health. Children’s Benefit League (CBL), officially incorporated as a nonprofit two years later, laid the foundation for decades of service to children in Southern California.
Children’s Benefit League Founding Members: Mrs. Irving Koppel, Mrs. Henry McCleur, Mrs. William Mohler, Mrs. Fred Stineman (the first president of the group), and Mrs. T. Harwood Young.
A Legacy of Service
Today, Children’s Benefit League remains a women-led, volunteer-run organization who continue to advocate for children through fundraising and service.
With no salaries for members, every dollar raised goes directly toward local clinics and programs serving underprivileged children. Their work has helped expand access to essential care across our community, benefiting services related to dental health, developmental disabilities, emotional well-being, and hearing needs.
A Shared Commitment to Children
“Long Beach shaped who I am and CBL gives me a chance to give back!”
– Jona Howe, President of Children’s Benefit League
The Children’s Benefit League has been dedicated to improving the lives of children through ongoing fundraising efforts for local nonprofit organizations serving medically vulnerable youth. Through this work, they help ensure that children who might otherwise go without care are able to access the resources they need to thrive. Their impact reaches across a network of child-serving organizations in the Long Beach and Lakewood area, including Ability First, Children’s Dental Clinic, John Tracy Center, TCC Family Health, and of course, The Guidance Center. Together, these programs provide critical services such as medical care, mental health treatment, and developmental resources for children and families.
At The Guidance Center, we have seen this impact firsthand. Their work has helped strengthen the basic needs resources we provide at our Family Resource Center and ensure that all children and families have access to mental health care when they need it most.
Looking Ahead: Sunset Sip 2026
As we reflect on the partnerships that have shaped our work, it is especially meaningful to recognize Children’s Benefit League and the impact they continue to make in our community.
At Sunset Sip 2026, we are proud to present the Tim Sailor Legacy Award to Children’s Benefit League in honor of their eight decades of service and commitment to children and families.
The Tim Sailor Legacy Award recognizes individuals and organizations who embody a deep commitment to community, service, and compassion. Tim Sailor was a dedicated volunteer who gave his time and energy to uplifting others, and his legacy continues through this recognition.
Children’s Benefit League reflects these same values through a longstanding dedication to our community.
Join us at the event to celebrate this incredible milestone, honor their work, and contribute to the future of those we serve.