Core Programs
Adolescent Support Group
Adolescent Support Group The Adolescent support group continues to grow and thrive. This important transition program supports our adolescent patients as they move from an inpatient stay to the outpatient setting. We have [...]
Don Knabe Pediatric Art
Don Knabe Pediatric Art One of our newest areas of support is the Don Knabe Pediatric Art Program. Funding expired in June 2017 and we have committed to continue this important Art program [...]
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry We recently added Pediatric Dentistry to our list of Core Programs. Dr. Konita Wilks, DDS, Medical Director, Chief of Dental Services, and her staff, treat over 100 children a month. The [...]
Recreation Therapy
Recreation Therapy The Las Floristas Recreational Therapy program is designed to enhance children’s lives during their inpatient stay. Children often get their first glance of their future outside the hospital environment and the [...]
Robotics Research and Therapy
Robotics Research and Therapy Rancho established the first robotic program for children with Cerebral Palsy on the West Coast. The hospital is also part of a national study on the impact of robotic [...]
Scholarships
Scholarships Las Floristas has been funding scholarships since 2000 by providing financial assistance for scholars at community colleges, universities and master’s level programs as well as trade schools. Many of these young adults would [...]
Wheelchair Sports
Wheelchair Sports We started the wheelchair sports program more than 30 years ago. The program aims to encourage each participant to develop a lifetime of physical fitness behaviors and assists with social and [...]
Past Projects
In 1980 Las Floristas dedicated the Bob Hope Audiology Suite at Rancho in honor of our Master of Ceremonies that year Bob Hope.
On May 14th, 1994 the a sports court was dedicated for the Las Floristas Las Floristas Pediatric Wheelchair Sports Program. This was donated by Marlene and George Chumo in memory of their fathers Michael Chumo and Luka Pecel.
In 1989 the Kenneth and Harlyne Norris Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology (CART) opened its doors which culminated a 50th Anniversary Project for Las Floristas. This center was designed to help children and adults with physical disabilities lead more independent lives through the use of assistive technology.
Assistive technology is often the tool that enables individuals with disabilities to participate more fully in everyday activities at home, school and work. An interdisciplinary team consisting of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech pathology and a technology specialist are available to address one or more of the following technology areas: seating and mobility, augmentative and alternative communication, electronic aids to daily living, computer access and worksite evaluations.
Joan Wismer and her mother Hilda Davis
In 2005 Joan Wismer created the Las Floristas Endowment (with funds from both the Joan Wismer Foundation and the Hilda & Preston Davis Foundation) which would ensure that, Las Floristas would continue to fulfill its mission. The endowment was set up not only as a Las Floristas investment with the intent of keeping the principle intact, but to allow Las Floristas to use a percentage every year for our charitable causes.
Then, in 2016, Jack Dilday, Trustee of the Wismer Foundation directed additional funds to create the Joan M. Wismer Scholarship Endowment. This endowment allows for one student to be selected on an annual basis to receive a full college scholarship.
Las Floristas is very excited to announce its newest projects at Rancho Los Amigos ~ the Marilyn Hilton Resource Center and the Gregory Dillon Garden.
The Resource Center is an integral part of the Day Rehabilitation Center. It is a multi-purpose space, staffed by “patient counselors,” which will help patients and their families access resources outside of Rancho to support them as outpatients, living at home. There will be computer terminals and audio-visual presentations. The room can also be used for patient counseling and education for both groups and individuals.
The center opens into a spacious garden, which will be a tranquil place for patients, families and staff to enjoy outdoor relaxation, barbecues and patient meetings.
The establishment of these long-desired and important projects at Rancho resulted from the generosity of the late Marilyn Hilton’s estate and many generous donations made in memory of Marilyn Hilton and Gregory Dillon.
The Resource Center and Garden were completed in 2013 and continue to be an integral part of the Day Rehabilitation Center at Rancho. The center is a multi-purpose space, staffed by patient counsellors, who help patients and their families access resources outside of Rancho to support them as outpatients. The center opens into a spacious garden, which is a tranquil place for patients, families and staff to enjoy outdoor relaxation, barbecues and patient support groups.
Maggie Simms, Lori Dillon, Supervisor Don Knabe, Ron Hilton, Jorge Orozo and Lilli Thompson
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