WHERE HEALING BEGINS
With a Paw, a Whisper, and a Little Light from Ember
Ember is LACASA’s Canine Advocate, trained to comfort children who have experienced child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence.
During forensic interviews and court proceedings, Ember sits beside children when they need reassurance most, helping them feel calmer, safer, and less alone.
In just one year at LACASA, Ember has helped countless children find their voices and begin healing. Her gentle presence is often the first spark of hope.
At LACASA, healing takes many forms.
From Ember’s work with our Child Abuse Response Effort (CARE) project, to our
pet-friendly Crisis Shelter and Safe Pet Place program, we keep families and their pets safe together.
But Ember can’t do it alone.
Your gift makes healing possible.
You help provide 24/7 crisis response, emergency shelter, counseling, forensic interviews, and advocacy for survivors when they need it most.
When government funding changes, survivors still need help.
Because of you, they find safety, compassion, and hope.
This is where healing begins.
It begins with you.
At LACASA, Ember’s story is just one example of how healing begins.
Every day, our team of advocates, counselors, educators, and volunteers walk beside survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual violence, offering more than 35 programs under one roof.
Beyond crisis care, we work to stop abuse before it starts: teaching healthy relationships, boundaries, empathy, and respect through our prevention and education programs in schools and the community.
Johnny's Story
Johnny came to LACASA scared and silent. He had told his mom that his uncle hurt him, but now he just wanted to go home.
Ember, our Canine Advocate, quietly sat beside him while our forensic interviewer and law enforcement spoke with his mother. Johnny began to pet Ember’s soft fur. By the time his mom returned, he was smiling and ready to talk.
With Ember by his side, Johnny found the calm and courage to tell his story — and begin to heal.
