The 2023 Rest Cottage Association grants support women in many ways. (photo courtesy of The Ebell of Los Angeles)

The Ebell of Los Angeles celebrated its 2023 Rest Cottage Association grant recipients at an April 12 luncheon.  The 12 recipients – charities that provide critical support to women in Los Angeles County – received grants totaling $161,000.

“The 2023 grant recipients are a deserving and inspiring group of organizations that share in The Ebell’s mission to inspire and support women,” said Julie Barkan, director of the Rest Cottage Association. “We are thrilled to see their work in action, making an impact through their innovative projects in the community.”

The recipients include Critical Mass Dance Company, Families and Criminal Justice, Journey House, Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice, Journey Out, New Directions for Veterans, Mental Health Advocacy Series, The FID Group (Friends in deed), Treasures Ministries, Union Rescue Mission, Upward Bound House/Bright Futures’ Maternity Group Home and WeSPARK Cancer Support Center.

Representatives from the winning charities joined more than 90 members of The Ebell to celebrate organizations working for women’s advancement. Sophia Kozak, co-creator of Critical Mass Dance Company, shared the company’s mission and took the attendees through some of the “dance from the heart” exercises. Nayeli May, executive director of Journey Out, presented the organization’s efforts to support survivors of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation

The 2023 applications were reviewed by a panel of 20 volunteers from the RCA committee. L.A. County-based nonprofits focused on supporting women are encouraged to apply for the 2024 RCA Grants when the next application period opens in May 2024.