Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals
Many professionals in La Cañada Flintridge and the surrounding foothill communities want to be involved in philanthropic activities but are constrained by the demands of their careers. In 1990, members of Assistance League of Flintridge started Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals (CAP) to accommodate volunteers who were not available to donate their time during the regular workday. The Auxiliary was certified in 1991 and since that time, CAP has contributed to the success of a number of philanthropic programs.
CAP members hold their monthly meetings on a Wednesday evening and schedule volunteer activities outside of their regular work hours. They work at the Bargain Box Thrift Shop one Saturday a month. Funds raised go directly back into the community by supporting CAP’s philanthropic efforts.
CAP members administer and support the following philanthropic programs:
Cappy Bears
This program was created in 1991 to provide immediate and temporary emotional comfort to children and seniors who have suffered trauma. CAP members distribute certified-safe stuffed toy bears to USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale. The “Cappy Bears” are given to children or older adults who have suffered psychological trauma from events such as an accident, home disturbance, or illness.
CAP Care PACs
This CAP program supports patients at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, Glendale as well as the homeless clients of Pasadena’s Union Station Foundation. Sometimes when people enter a hospital or arrive at a shelter, their clothing is damaged or worn beyond use. CAP members assemble and donate CAP Care PACs that contain new clothing and essential toiletries for patients upon leaving the hospital or during their stay at a shelter. Since 2015, CAP has also supported Elizabeth House in Pasadena, a nonprofit organization that serves pregnant women and their children. CAP supplies diapers and wipes as requested.
CAP Scholarships
Initiated in the spring of 2001, CAP sponsors scholarships for high school graduates who reside in the areas of La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, and Montrose. Candidates are considered base on a defined goal to attend a two-year college or an accredited occupational program. The intent of the scholarship is to fill a financial need for the student who does not plan to initially attend a four-year university. The scholarship may be renewed for one additional year.
Operation School Bell®
The National Assistance League program that CAP participates in along with ALF, assists Pasadena Assistance League to provide school uniforms, shoes, and personal grooming products to children in need. Students are identified by the Pasadena Unified School District.
Ready to Volunteer?
CAP welcomes new members all year. New CAP members may choose their level of commitment based on their ability to serve. Once they participate in the orientation process and pay membership dues, new members are able to assist in the Bargain Box Thrift Shop and other philanthropic activities.
If you think that Canada Auxiliary of Professionals might be right for you, please complete and return the CAP Member Application. You will be contacted by a CAP member who can answer your questions and get you started.
Drop at the Office Door
or Mail It to Us
Assistance League of Flintridge
4607 Oakwood Avenue
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Thank you for your interest!
CAP Donates Portable Cellphone Chargers to USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Emergency Department
If you have been to a hospital emergency department, you were probably there for a while. During this time a cell phone is vital to keep loved ones and friends updated. If your phone battery runs out, so does your communication, adding stress to an already stressful situation. The Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals (CAP) is helping. Earlier this year, CAP donated six portable cell phone chargers to the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Emergency Department, as a free service for emergency patients. CAP is proud to partner with USC Verdugo Hills Hospital to meet the needs of the community by providing items such as these, along with CAPPY Bears, clothing, hygiene kits, ear plugs, and sleep masks.
Left to Right: Pierre Bardakjian, Senior Information Technology; Shannon Barrett, Emergency Operations Manager; Gay Yee Hill, CAP Volunteer; Bridget Berg, Patient Experience Program Manager; and Nellie Alvarez, Emergency Nursing Manager
Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals
818-790-1328
info@alflintridge.org
Cañada Auxiliary of Professionals Hosts Girl Scout Mentorship Event
In April of 2024, CAP hosted their first Girl Scout Mentorship Event and dinner for approximately 50 Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador level Girl Scouts, leaders, and parents within the La Cañada Girl Scout Service Unit. The event consisted of a multi-industry keynote panel, along with multiple rounds of industry-specific mentorship, to inspire these young, future leaders. Topics ranged from career prospecting, interest alignment, growth, and educational paths. The featured keynote speakers included Nagin Cox, NASA; Danielle Maurizio, LA County Sanitation Districts (LACSD); and Elizabeth Yang, Kutak Rock LLP.
The Girl Scouts greatly appreciated the opportunity to speak with women representing a variety of industries and career levels, as they begin to consider post-high school plans. Many of the Girl Scouts, leaders, and parents expressed gratitude to the keynote speakers and mentors for taking the time to explain their career journeys, offer advice, and provide the Girl Scouts with answers to their thoughtful questions. The mentors offered a variety of career and education road-mapping perspectives.
The room was filled with enthusiasm as the professional women and Girl Scouts inspired and supported each other to achieve their goals. The event received such positive feedback from all involved, that CAP has decided to host the event for a second time next year for the Girl Scouts of La Cañada, and will expand to include Girl Scout Services Units in some of the surrounding areas.
Left to Right: Nagin Cox, NASA; Elizabeth Yang, Kutak Rock LLP; Danielle Maurizio, LA County Sanitation District
