About Center for Living and Learning
The Center for Living and Learning’s mission is to partner with individuals as they overcome barriers to employment and other challenges that limit self-sufficiency by increasing economic stability and overall well-being with a focus on employment and case management services.
Our goals are to:
- Remove clients’ barriers to self-sufficiency and employment
- Increase job opportunities,
- Contribute to their overall well-being through positive changes in behaviors, opinions, and attitudes
- Improve knowledge, status, and quality of life
We believe in second chances.
Everyone has the power to change and grow.
We believe in human rights.
That includes the right to work, the right to be healthy, and the right to live free from systems of oppression and discrimination.
We support each person’s full journey — not just their job search.
That means helping people prepare for (re)entry into the workforce, while also making sure they can access healthcare, housing, and social services.
We help clients build confidence, set goals, and make healthier life choices.
Being part of a community matters. Our goal is for each person to live a fulfilling life with real opportunities for growth.
And we believe in relationships.
Our services are led by peers — people who’ve been through similar struggles and can offer guidance, hope, and real-life tools for success.
This is what we work for every day.
When people are seen, supported, and given the right tools, they can move forward — and thrive.
20+ YEARS
15+ YEARS
10+ YEARS
5+ YEARS
1+ YEARS
Turning Lived Experience into Lived Expertise
Our history
-The Center for Living and Learning (CLL) was founded in 2001 to provide paid work experience to people facing barriers to employment.
Our first program offered 12 to 18-month apprenticeships in customer service and office support.
That same year, we began supporting individuals coming out of incarceration and drug treatment programs. Many early graduates became peer mentors — something we still encourage today.
As our impact grew, so did our services.
We added job readiness support, case management, and outreach. We also served as a Covered CA enrollment site for over four years.
Over the past 24 years, we’ve worked alongside more than 8,000 justice-impacted individuals, people in recovery, and others navigating difficult transitions. Many now help deliver our programs themselves.
Today, CLL is a recognized leader in employment preparation, peer-led case management, and community outreach in the San Fernando Valley.
We’re a registered nonprofit community-based organization (EIN 95-4406897), federally recognized since 2002 — and proud to support transformation, one life at a time.
Our Team
Board of Members
Josh Smith
President
Sandy Arevalo
Treasurer
Peggy Edwards
Secretary
Stephanie Brynildsen
Board Member
Information
The Center for Living and Learning is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. To request a copy of our Form 990, please contact us.
Contact
Center for Living and Learning
14549 Archwood Street #221
Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 781-1073