Founded in 1914, as a branch of the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association), the International Institute of Los Angeles aimed to help immigrant women adapt to life in the United States. The Institute offered a place for immigrants to gather for special events and holidays in the courtyard (pictured here in 1932) to foster greater cross-cultural understanding.
For over a century IILA has offered a wide range of services to assist limited-English proficient and low-income individuals achieve self-sufficiency. In the 1960s, offerings were expanded to include a wide array of legal assistance, resettlement of refugees and asylum applicants, survivors of human trafficking, and free or low-cost child care and transportation.
1900s
- Established by the YWCA to serve women and girls coming from Europe and Asia
1930s
- During the Depression, IILA provided relief to immigrant communities through the Family Welfare Association
1940s
- Opposed forced relocation and helped more than 1,500 Japanese Americans submit applications for certificates of identity and developed programs for education and social services in the Japanese relocation camps
- After World War II helped resettle Soviet refugees under the Displaced Persons Act
1950s
- Resettled refugees who came to Los Angeles fleeing the Cuban Revolution
1970s
- Senior Services program, funded by the California State Office on Aging, provided nutritious meals, social service information, referral and socialization for seniors in East Los Angeles
- Began resettlement of South East Asian refugees in 1975
1990s
- Launched Immediate Needs Transportation program in wake of 1992 civil unrest
- Central Valley offices were opened to provide refugee services to newly arriving Hmong refugees from Laos
2000s
- Opened Adult Respite Care Program
- Purchased commercial kitchen for child nutrition and adjoining two-flat residence for refugees
- Began Refugee Employment services in Glendale office–currently home to six refugee programs
- Built a commercial kitchen at Selig corporate office to provide meals to increased number of children
- Launched Post Placement program to assist undocumented foster children
- Began Victims of Trafficking program through US Committee for Refugees & Immigrants