Client Spotlight - National Assistance League

An organization that believes in integrity, sensitivity and compassion. One that exists for
the sole purpose of evaluating and meeting the needs of communities across the country.
Assessments conducted by huge pools of dedicated and passionate volunteers in chapters that
span the United States. This is National Assistance League.


This month, Harrington Group focuses its Client Spotlight on National Assistance League in
Burbank, California. A nonprofit whose mission is to assess on an individual basis what is
lacking in the communities it serves and look at the individual needs of its people, and then
through volunteerism and fundraising, to provide for and fill the voids in each community.



In 1919, Anne Banning and a group of twelve friends, including Ada Edwards Laughlin, formed
Assistance League of Southern California to provide food and clothing for local families severely
impacted by World War I. The first services were Good Samaritan, Day Nursery, Girls' Club
and Theatre for Children. Originating between 1920 and 1930, these were pioneer services
emulated by both public and private agencies. Donations, Film Location Bureau, Attic Tearoom,
Women's Exchange and Trousseau Shop provided the revenue.

As needs in adjoining communities were recognized, other organizations wished to follow
this philanthropic philosophy. Anne Banning and Ada Laughlin organized National Assistance
League® in 1935. By the time Anne and Ada retired in 1948, there were chapters in San Pedro,
Santa Ana, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, Pomona Valley, San Bernardino
and Santa Barbara.

Anne Banning felt it was fine to serve youth, but important for youth to serve. Informal
girl groups began in the 1930's and in 1961, all teenage auxiliaries were given the name
Assisteens®.



At the heart of many of National Assistance League’s efforts are the children in need throughout
the communities. Anne Banning saw early on that there were children suffering and they could
be helped, and as important as that was to accomplish, it was just as important to Anne that the
youth realize the importance of helping one another and participate in the efforts of the League.
Young people involved with the National Assistance League were thereby named Assisteens.

Anne Banning's philosophy of volunteer service is the core of everything they strive to
accomplish. "To act as a friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care,
guidance and assistance, spiritually, materially and physically." When training new leaders and
volunteers, this message is driven forward by the hearts and souls of each and every volunteer.
Today, Assistance League is a national nonprofit organization that puts caring and commitment
into action through community-based philanthropic programs.

The ability to grow such a far reaching organization from just and idea, a wish to help, is
inspirational to many. This is why National Assistance League continues to grow. Its sole
purpose is to better the lives of those who are suffering and in need. Lives are changed by the
opportunities that National Assistance League provides to youth and families, to individual men
and women and children across the country. National Assistance League is accomplishing what
those kind hearted ladies set out to do almost a hundred years ago, make this world a better
place.

Our Harrington Group team is proud to serve you so you can continue to serve so many others
in need.